The movies of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Latin and South America (and an occasional North American movie we like) discussed by a panel of (mostly) American wankers. Season One focuses on cinema of The UK. Help us stay Advertising Free by giving a one-time tip or by joining the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club. Benefits include: * Bonus Episodes * Attending Live Recordings of the Show * Our Love and Appreciation * Whatever Else We Think of in The Future To join just go to https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory and make a recurring monthly payment for any amount.
Writer-Director-Editor-Actor Jethro Waters sat down with us to discuss his film Gunfighter Paradise and the many hats he wore while making it. Eric Trommater leads a panel with Sila Blume, Erin Brown and Jennifer Trujillo to quiz Jethro on the movie's many mysteries. What's in the Suitcase? Who is Braz Cubas? Why is Braz Cubas? Music: Sci-Fi Music for YouTube Videos (No Copyright) https://youtu.be/2a-VL1VoHJ0?si=WXXv-vK9NlH0Czrr Sid Hemphil Complete Library of Congress Recordings 1941-1942 https://youtu.be/cTjA1a1CjQs?si=pVZ-EVN3pv9dXXpN Muddy Waters Field Recordings 1941-1942 https://youtu.be/co52GGV1SYc?si=-8EDa8W6CeD8Zv4V Nouth Jazz B. White (1920) https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQ?si=DXoxw4XMpnVwDVz8 Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
"The Leopard" (1963) (Il Gattopardo) | with Special Guest Mike Corradi. THE NOVEL: "The Leopard" (1958) (Il Gattopardo) by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. THE FILM: "The Leopard" (1963) (Il Gattopardo) Directed by: Luchino Visconti Screenplay by: Suso Cecchi d'Amico Pasquale Festa Campanile Enrico Medioli Massimo Franciosa Luchino Visconti Produced by: Goffredo Lombardo Starring: Burt Lancaster Claudia Cardinale Alain Delon Paolo Stoppa Rina Morelli Romolo Valli Serge Reggiani Cinematography: Giuseppe Rotunno Music by: Nino Rota THE HOST: Eric Trommater https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory SPECIAL GUEST: Mike Corradi, host of A History of Italy. https://ahistoryofitaly.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-history-of-italy/id1318925583 https://youtube.com/@ahistoryofitalypodcast9762?si=xLN2KYFtDmvrsoHB THE PANEL: Erin Brown https://youtube.com/@pizzahorseproductions?si=xktDoZK2qveXxOXl Sila Blume https://silablume.life/ Jennifer Trujillo https://gilbertbakerfilmfestival.lgbt/ Koom Kankesan https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4953181.Koom_Kankesan THE CHAPTERS: Introducing Special Guest Mike Corradi (NOT Mike Duncan) 0:00 Unpacking the Historical Visconti Family 2:09 Luchino Visconti's Career and Film Choices 9:28 Initial Reactions to The Leopard Film 11:08 Comparing The Leopard Novel and Film 18:23 Brigantaggio and Southern Italy's Invasion 23:59 Analyzing The Leopard's Iconic Dance Sequence 28:57 Critiquing The Leopard's Character Portrayals 35:05 Portrayal of Organized Crime in Italy 40:13 The Leopard's Journey to American Audiences 43:23 Marxist Critique and Christian Democrats 50:59 Unpublished Chapters and The Dog's Significance 58:10 Enduring Political and Regional Challenges 1:03:30 Revisiting Unification, Mafia, and Reforms 1:05:19 Guest Mike Corradi's Last Words and Contact Info 1:08:16 CONNECT WITH US: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
THE MOVIE: Shoot the Piano Player (French: Tirez sur le pianiste; UK title: Shoot the Pianist) (1960) THE NOVEL: Down There by David Goodis (1957) CAST: Charles Aznavour Marie Dubois Nicole Berger Michèle Mercier Albert Rémy DIRECTED BY: François Truffaut SCREENPLAY: François Truffaut Marcel Moussy THE HOST: Eric Trommater THE PANEL: Sila Blume Erin Brown CLIPS USED: https://youtu.be/_pJoOvhitCU?is=Akh1L-hodPkScsF3 https://youtu.be/FVP4ObMlYG4?is=nZAZGOuwzYC8Ab8q COLD OPEN POEM: Evidently Chickentown" John Cooper Clarke. CHAPTERS John Cooper Clarke's Poem "Evidently Chicken Town" and Host Introductions 0:00 Oscar Wilde, Truffaut, and American Trash Culture 1:18 Aaron's Preference for Truffaut Over Godard 2:35 Sila's View: Truffaut's Intellectual Storytelling 3:27 Adapting 'Down There' and Existential Heroes 5:14 Charles Aznavour's Look and Film's Execution 6:32 Aaron on Tonal Shifts and Slapstick Humor 8:25 French Rediscovery of American 'Trash' Art 10:37 From Virtuoso to Master of His Own Decline 13:16 Goodis's Wife and Film's Initial French Bomb 14:11 Critics Misunderstanding Truffaut's Jazz-Fueled Film 16:22 From Virtuoso to Master of His Own Decline 13:16 Film's Initial French Bomb, Critics Misunderstanding and Truffaut's Jazz-Fueled Film 16:22 The Essential Role of Humor in the Film 19:49 Heidegger, Wittgenstein, and Charlie's Existence 22:13 Sila on Camera Work and Charlie's Expressions 26:46 Charlie's Connections and Movie References 28:51 Subtitle Discrepancies and Novel's Language 29:38 Truffaut's Warmth vs. Godard's Cold Detachment 32:59 Jazz, Godard, and the Soul of the Film 38:10 The Importance of Widescreen Cinematography 38:40 The Unnecessary Violinist Sequence 42:22 Goodis' Life, Relationships, and Posthumous Reputation 45:04 Charlie's Mature Bonds with Women 50:28 Truffaut's Punkish, Rule-Breaking Early Work 52:47 Lightning Round: Goodis Quotes vs. Criticisms 56:19 Where to Find Hosts and The Leopard Preview 59:12 Translations from clip: Clarisse: "I did go to the movies this afternoon. I saw 'Torpedoes in Alaska'." Charlie Kohler: "How was it?" Clarisse: "It's a picture with John Wayne, to show that the Americans want peace." Charlie Kohler: "No kidding? Then they're just like me, the Yankees." CONNECT WITH US: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
THE NOVEL : The Godfather (1969 nice 😉 ) By Mario Puzo THE FILM : The Godfather (1972) Directed by Francis Ford Coppola Screenplay by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola Produced by Albert S. Ruddy Starring Marlon Brando Al Pacino James Caan Richard Castellano Robert Duvall Sterling Hayden John Marley Richard Conte Diane Keaton Cinematography Gordon Willis THE HOST : Erin Brown YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pizzahorseproductions Bluesky: @toadpuppy.bsky.social THE PANEL : Eric Trommater https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory Edie Eberhard https://www.highgrasshideoutstudios.com/ Jennifer Trujillo https://gilbertbakerfilmfestival.lgbt/ Sila Blume https://silablume.life/ Koom Kankesan https://www.mawenzihouse.com/product/killing-shakespeare/ THE CHAPTERS: 0:00 Playful Power Struggle and Panel Introductions 1:50 New Perspectives on The Godfather's Classic Status 4:03 Unpacking The Godfather's Portrayal of Family Dynamics 7:54 Discovering The Godfather's Charm and Memorable Lines 10:06 Mario Puzo's Literary Ambitions and The Godfather Novel 12:41 Deeper Characterizations of Women in Puzo's Novel 17:06 Exploring the Novel's Subtleties and Cultural Context 20:13 Why The Godfather's Style Feels Hollow to Eric 24:45 Eric's Take on Performances and Commercial Cynicism 29:18 The Godfather's 'Hollow Prestige' and Cut Content 31:40 Debating Marlon Brando's Iconic Godfather Performance 36:40 The Godfather's Unprecedented Success Against Odds 38:30 The Godfather's Role in American Cinema and Identity 42:58 Al Pacino's Internalized Portrayal of Michael Corleone 47:43 Michael's Ascent and the Passing of the Torch 53:42 Unforgettable Moments in Vito Corleone's Performance 58:58 The Godfather's Legacy and Gangster Film Mythology 1:05:09 Diverse Interpretations and The Godfather Fan Theories 1:10:13 From Pulp to Prestige: Puzo's Influence and Coppola's Art 1:15:04 The Godfather's Influence Across Cinema and Culture 1:19:56 Unpopular Opinions and Teasing Next Week's Film CLIPS and MUSIC USED: https://youtu.be/nDqi7a21Oeg?is=S4RzVsghwnjPhTfN https://youtu.be/ndEKkGoeh5Q?is=7xKquvjaRqU3pYEo CONNECT WITH US : YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5R1qE8J1N9gB7o0wJ9m3W0 (Note: please use your actual Spotify link) X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
Part 1: The Memory of Time In the first of our two-part look at Marcel Proust on film, we explore Raúl Ruiz’s 1999 adaptation of the final volume of In Search of Lost Time. Our panel discusses the act of remembering, the difference between theatrical and home viewing, and why our experience of time—and cinema—feels so fragmented in the modern age. Part 2: The Pinter Machine We conclude our Proust series with a deep dive into Harold Pinter’s legendary unproduced screenplay for In Search of Lost Time. We break down the structural mechanics of his adaptation, the history of the Visconti production, and our take on the "Summarize Proust" contest. The Novel: In Search of Lost Time (À la recherche du temps perdu) by Marcel Proust: A seven-volume work written between 1909 and 1922, published in 1927. The Film (Part 1): Time Regained (Le Temps retrouvé) (1999). Directed by Raúl Ruiz. Starring Catherine Deneuve, Emmanuelle Béart, Marcello Mazzarella, John Malkovich, Marie-France Pisier, and Vincent Perez. CHAPTERS 0:00 A Pair of Homages: Joyce Carol Oates' X thread and Ryan George's "Pitch Meeting." Wow, wow, wow...wow! 4:16 Harold Pinter's Unproduced Proust: A Cinematic History from Visconti to Ruiz. 8:17 Monty Python's Sumerize Proust Competition: From Madeleine to Dreyfus: Understanding Proust's Masterpiece 12:05 Pinter's Precision vs. Ruiz's Dreamscape: Adapting Proust 19:37 The Nuance of Pinter's Dialogue: Script vs. Screen 22:39 Pinter's 'Meaning' and the Critics' Reaction 27:51 The Genius of Pinter's Silence: Future Adaptations 30:29 Art's Personal Impact and Evolving Interpretations 35:03 Fluid Identity, Art's Impact, and Next Week's Preview...The Godfather. Meet the Panel Erin Brown YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pizzahorseproductions Bluesky: @toadpuppy.bsky.social Jen Trujillo Web: www.GilbertBakerFilmFestival.LGBT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilbertbakerfilmfest/ Sila Blume Web: https://silablume.life/ Koom Kankesan Web: https://www.mawenzihouse.com/product/killing-shakespeare/ Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
A Note on this Series: I owe my panel a disclaimer. While I spent nine months prepping—rereading Proust, the screenplay, and researching historical context—the panel had only 10 days and the film, Time Regained, as a guide. I set them a steep climb without the necessary time, operating under the mistaken assumption that Proust was a universal cultural touchstone. Any lack of sharpness in these discussions is a result of that structural mismatch in preparation. My thanks to the panel for their patience in an uncomfortable space. This series is our honest attempt to engage with the mountain; thanks for joining the climb. Part 1: The Memory of Time In the first of our two-part look at Marcel Proust on film, we explore Raúl Ruiz’s 1999 adaptation of the final volume of In Search of Lost Time. Our panel discusses the act of remembering, the difference between theatrical and home viewing, and why our experience of time—and cinema—feels so fragmented in the modern age. Part 2: The Pinter Machine We conclude our Proust series with a deep dive into Harold Pinter’s legendary unproduced screenplay for In Search of Lost Time. We break down the structural mechanics of his adaptation, the history of the Visconti production, and our take on the "Summarize Proust" contest. The Novel: In Search of Lost Time (À la recherche du temps perdu) by Marcel Proust: A seven-volume work written between 1909 and 1922, published in 1927. The Film (Part 1): Time Regained (Le Temps retrouvé) (1999). Directed by Raúl Ruiz. Starring Catherine Deneuve, Emmanuelle Béart, Marcello Mazzarella, John Malkovich, Marie-France Pisier, and Vincent Perez. Meet the Panel Erin Brown YouTube: https://youtube.com/@pizzahorseproductions Bluesky: @toadpuppy.bsky.social Jen Trujillo Web: www.GilbertBakerFilmFestival.LGBT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilbertbakerfilmfest/ Sila Blume Web: https://silablume.life/ Koom Kankesan Web: https://www.mawenzihouse.com/product/killing-shakespeare/ Chapters: [ 00:00 ] Bubble Gum memories and involuntary triggers [ 01:22 ] Remembrance of Things Past vs. In Search of Lost Time...the Same Damn Book! [ 01:52 ] Raul Ruiz’s approach to adaptation [ 02:43 ] Character cheat sheet: Marcel, Charlus, Saint-Loup, and others and how they fit in Time Regained [ 04:19 ] Thematic trends: Aristocratic decline and queer relationships through new scholarship [ 05:43 ] Personal reflections on adapting literature, is it a good idea? [ 13:23 ] Adaptation as interpretation in music and film. Sila Blume's soliloquy. [ 19:40 ] Struggles with narrative and context without the previous volumes of Proust. [ 23:06 ] The impact of theater viewing vs. home viewing on our attention to the movie. [ 33:49 ] The role of queer women in the narrative [ 41:42 ] Philosophies on time, memory, and perception. A FFA. [ 54:34 ] Final thoughts and the Harold Pinter screenplay NEXT WEEK! Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
The Novel: The Trial ( Der Prozess ) (1925) by Franz Kafka The Films: The Trial ( Le Procès ) (1962) Directed by: Orson Welles Screenplay by: Orson Welles Produced by: Alexander Salkind Starring: Anthony Perkins, Orson Welles, Jeanne Moreau, Romy Schneider, Akim Tamiroff, Elsa Martinelli The Trial (1993) British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Directed by: David Jones Screenplay by: Harold Pinter Produced by: Louis Marks, Jan Balzer Starring: Kyle MacLachlan, Anthony Hopkins, Jason Robards The Panel: Host: Eric Trommater Guests: Erin Brown and Sila Blume Music Credits: Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004: V. Chaconne by Johann Sebastian Bach. Performed live by Ben Goldstein. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Game Show Theme https://youtu.be/UaRrDZWhtWA?si=v_no8Gd_OZ3x5R0s The Chapters: (TBA) 00:00:00 - Introduction & The Philosophy of Solipsism 00:02:07 - Opening Thoughts on Welles vs. Jones-Pinter 00:06:50 - The Meaning of Der Prozess : Language and Detail 00:12:05 - The Rhythmic Deception of Harold Pinter's Dialogue 00:22:37 - Structural Traps and Camera Violations 00:25:55 - Post-War Systems vs. Internalized Guilt 00:30:48 - Game Segment: Mapping the Family Tree of the Void 00:36:41 - The Mechanical Breakdown of Linguistic Erosion 00:43:19 - Technical Hurdles, Low Budgets, and Lenses 00:46:34 - The Quarry: Comparing the Explosive vs. Sterile Endings 00:56:33 - Philosophical Lineage: Existentialism and Absurdism 00:59:39 - Sign-Off and Where to Find Us Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
*WARNING! The FDA highly recommends making peace with the absurdity of the universe before consuming this product. THE HOST Eric Trommater * Support Eric on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/I2I81KK10U Follow on X: @etrommater THE PANEL Erin Brown * Pizza Horse Productions: https://youtube.com/@pizzahorseproductions?si=V91512KJ9HpYNH0b Bluesky: @toadpuppy.bsky.soci Jen Trujillo Gilbert Baker Film Festival: https://gilbertbakerfilmfestival.lgbt/ Instagram: @GilbertBakerFilmFest Sila Blume Website: https://silablume.life/ Nicole de Meneses Instagram: @darkrainbowfilms | @bloodpopcornfilmfest GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dark-rainbows-sapphic-stories-shine THE NOVEL "The Stranger" by Albert Camus (1943) THE MOVIES Lo straniero (1967) Directed by: Luchino Visconti Screenplay by: Luchino Visconti, Suso Cecchi d'Amico Produced by: Dino De Laurentiis Starring: Marcello Mastroianni, Anna Karina, Bernard Blier, Jacques Herlin, Georges Géret, Georges Wilson Cinematography: Giuseppe Rotunno L'Étranger (2025) Directed by: François Ozon Produced by: François Ozon Starring: Benjamin Voisin, Rebecca Marder, Pierre Lottin, Denis Lavant, Swann Arlaud Cinematography : Manu Dacosse *WARNING! The Universe is Cold and Indifferent to your suffering. If you've been a victim of Absurdism you may be eligible for compensation from The Universe. Side Effects Include: • Ennui • Turtle Neck and Beret Wearing • Chain Smoking • Liking "That Band" Before it Was Cool • Ironically Liking Robert Smith • Unironically Liking Robert Smith • Hair Loss "The Stranger" (1942, 1967, 2026). Camus vs Visconti vs Ozon. THE CHAPTERS 0:00 Comparing Two Adaptations of Albert Camus's 'The Stranger' 2:15 Panelists Share Initial Reactions to Both Film Versions 7:28 Exploring Homoeroticism and Cinematic Choices in Ozon's Film 15:39 Eric's Evolution of Understanding Camus's 'The Stranger' 25:17 From Real-Life Inspiration to Ozon's Controversial Ending 37:13 How Camus's Absurdism Became a Political Weapon Today 55:25 Society's Absurd Reaction to Meursault's Sincere Normality 1:03:16 Meursault's Lack of Empathy and Life's Absurd Choices 1:18:45 Examining Female Roles and the Controversial Priest Scene 1:33:05 Final Thoughts on Camus, Indifference, and Societal Lies Connect With Us YouTube : https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
The Host: Eric Trommater https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory The Panel: Susan Gorrell Executive Director of the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF). https://julienfilmfest.com/ Jim Farmer Festival Director of Out On Film https://outonfilm.org Jennifer Trujillo Senior Managing Director and Executive Director at the Gilbert Baker Film Festival and Panelist on The World Cinema History Podcast. https://gilbertbakerfilmfestival.lgbt/ Joshua R. Pangborn Writer/Actor/Filmmaker of Queer Fat-Positive Horror/Comedy. Founder/SideKick Productions. https://www.sidekickproductionsny.com Luke Higginson Writer/Director/Co-Editor of RELAX, I'M FROM THE FUTURE (2023) and friend of The World Cinema History Podcast. https://www.instagram.com/borrowedtimemedia Erin Brown Independent Filmmaker and Co-Host of The World Cinema History Podcast. https://youtube.com/@pizzahorseproductions Laura Petrie Founder and Executive Director Cinema Systers Film Festival. https://cinemasysters.com/ krissy mahan working class filmmaker and founder of dykeumentary films. https://www.dykeumentary.com/ The Issues: 0:00 Shenanigans, Tomfoolery, and the Podcast's Opening Banter 0:55 Introducing Our Distinguished Panel of Film Festival Experts 3:11 Volume, AI, and Human Standards in Film Submissions 5:18 Balancing Quality, Inclusivity, and Niche Film Curation 7:33 Expression, Online Reach, and In-Person Connection 13:34 Expanding Reach Through Online Film Festivals 17:33 The Struggle for Indies: Big Names Don't Guarantee Entry 21:20 Uplifting Voices: Why Queer Film Festivals Are Essential 23:29 How Festivals Screen Thousands of Films 25:53 Making Festivals Inclusive: Venues, Captions, and Beyond 31:33 Getting Artists Paid in the Streaming Era 38:16 Prestige, Strategy, and Audience Impact 42:30 Celebrating Unique Voices and Community 46:47 What is Art's Role in Global Crises?
"I'm not suggesting Bound ...is a remake of Pandora’s Box ... but as a cinephile, you can’t ignore the visual tether." This week on World Cinema History , host Eric Trommater finds himself in a tight spot—literally. After a "method-acting" introduction that leaves him duct-taped in a storage closet, Jennifer Trujillo takes the lead to dive into the high-contrast, tactile neo-noir world of the Wachowskis’ 1996 debut, Bound . While the world knows the Wachowskis for the sprawling digital philosophy of The Matrix , we look back at their most disciplined work—a film that trades "The Chosen One" for the sharp geometry of a shared wall and the visceral texture of fresh white paint. We explore how Jennifer Tilly’s Violet weaponizes the "Lulu" mask of 1920s icon Louise Brooks, and how the film acts as a bridge between the visual economy of German Expressionism and the modern graphic novel. To wrap things up, Eric steps into his "asshole film snob" persona to issue a challenge: How did the Wachowskis manage to make a couple committing heinous crimes likable, when masters like Godard, Fellini, and Bergman left Jennifer cold? Plot Summary provided by: Nicole de Meneses Hosts Jen Trujillo www.GilbertBakerFilmFestival.LGBT @GilbertBakerFilmFest on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gilbertbakerfilmfest/ Eric Trommater https://ko-fi.com/I2I81KK10U @etrommater on X (aka Twitter) Guests Laura Petrie www.cinemasysters.com Krissy Mahan https://www.dykeumentary.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dykeumentary/ Sila Blume https://silablume.life/ Koom Kankesan https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Shakespeare-Koom-Kankesan/dp/1774151626 Kacy Boccumini @kacyBoccumini on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kacyboccumini/ or Substack @ https://kacyboccumini.substack.com/ Nicole de Meneses https://www.instagram.com/darkrainbowfilms/ https://www.instagram.com/bloodpopcornfilmfest/ https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dark-rainbows-sapphic-stories-shine Rose ‘Maria’ Mitchell Instagram: @rose_maria_mitchell https://www.instagram.com/rose_maria_mitchell/ Soundscape and Clip: https://youtu.be/t2fOvGDnin0?si=TKZcLUn7PD7TrHqb https://youtu.be/WjI8chb3FZo?si=vqJkaCGlwFRVLcBo https://youtu.be/AJre5Fv4498?si=VIwKSmNEgeHqp1C_ Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
"As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a cinephile." This week, the World Cinema History panel breathes in the salt air of 1953 Rimini to tackle Federico Fellini’s early masterwork, I Vitelloni. Following our "Road to Godard" series, we’re pivoting from Maoist groupthink to the "Economic Miracle" of Italy, where the problem isn't a lack of resources—it's a vacuum of purpose. Join Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, Sila Blume, Koom Kankesan, and a very skeptical Jennifer Trujillo as we break down the blueprint for the "hangout movie." From the "Overgrown Calves" terrified of an alarm clock to the cinematic DNA that directly informed Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets and Goodfellas, we explore how Fellini used the camera to judge, mock, and ultimately find mercy for his lovable losers. In This Episode: The "Goodfellas" Connection: We analyze how Scorsese lifted Fellini’s "roll call" and tracking shot techniques to introduce his own crew of nobodies on the street corner. Technical Breakdown: We dive into the physics of the 25–28mm lens. Why do these men look "top-heavy" and grotesque? We discuss the "big head" effect and how Fellini used wide-angle distortion as a tool for satire. The Ghost Train: A deep dive into the technical miracle of the final sequence, where Fellini breaks the physical "contract" of the world to film a journey through memory. Nino Rota’s Sound: How the predecessor to The Godfather score turns a pathetic provincial life into a grand, tragic parade. The Cinematic Timeline: We place I Vitelloni in context between the domestic shadows of C’è ancora domani and the cynical "Years of Lead" seen in Seven Beauties. Next Week’s Pick: Jennifer brings us back to the 90s with Bound. "One dog goes one way, the other dog goes the other way, and Moraldo is standing in the middle like, 'Whaddaya want from me?'" Chapters 0:00 From Goodfellas to Fellini: A Cinematic Opening 2:24 Jennifer's Unpopular Opinion: Machismo in 1953 Italy 9:20 Unlikable Characters & Sympathetic Satire in Fellini's Film 15:07 Placing 'I Vitelloni' in Italy's Post-War Cinematic Evolution 21:09 Moraldo's Journey: Narrator, Protagonist, or Moral Compass? 26:42 Fellini's Casting Choices: Leopoldo's Intellectual Pretensions 30:16 The Blueprint for Hangout Movies: Fellini's Influence on Scorsese 33:52 Wide-Angle Lenses: Crafting Grotesque Imagery in Fellini's Style 40:23 The DNA of 'The Godfather' Score: Nino Rota's 'I Vitelloni' Music 45:17 Moraldo & Fausto: Symbolism in Character Names and Relationships 50:11 Breaking the Contract: Moraldo's Escape and Fellini's Artistic Evolution 1:02:20 Behind the Scenes: Costumes, Sets, and Fellini's Production Control 1:07:25 Final Thoughts on Fellini and Announcing Next Week's Film: 'Bound' Clips Used: Clips from Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas Clips from Federico Fellini's I Vitteloni https://youtu.be/6SPLEPdEBuo?si=rxrnuAMMCgMwSGd9 https://youtu.be/pct1uEhAqBQ?si=_oGY9oS4RcJKtTcc Nouth Jazz B. White (1920) https://youtu.be/aM5z0XLRdXc?si=MVf9MNChUIZ1h6E0 Christopher Romero Wilson as Charley from Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman https://youtu.be/mRe8J4scGtU?si=aOggHR4uOhDWMZlD https://youtu.be/zxtz-L6YLpk?si=XnPtrQG8d-7vSuc8 Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
Ingmar Bergman’s "The Passion of Anna" In this episode, we dive into the stark, psychological landscape of Ingmar Bergman’s 1969 masterpiece, The Passion of Anna. As we transition from our Road to Godard series into the new Adaptation era, we explore a film that marks a pivotal moment in Bergman's career—an island of isolation, truth, and structural experimentation. In this roundtable discussion: The Liv Ullmann signed poster: Panelist Koom Kankesan shares the incredible story of how he secured an autograph from Ullmann herself on the vintage poster featured in today’s episode art. Technical Artistry: We break down the experimental use of color and Sven Nykvist’s cinematography, examining how the film's palette mirrors the internal rot of its characters. The Final Scene: A deep dive into the meaning, technical processing, and the haunting, handheld execution of the film's final moments. Atmospheric Recording: Recorded in the "Pirate Podcast" tradition, featuring Sila Blume contributing via a train journey through the Southeast United States, adding a unique, transient texture to the conversation. The Panel: Hosted by Eric Trommater, featuring Erin Brown, Jennifer Trujillo, Sila Blume, and first-time guest Koom Kankesan. Chapters 0:00 Celebrating 100 Episodes: Unpacking Bergman's Personal Demons 5:37 The Incredible Story Behind Koom's Liv Ullmann Autograph 15:56 Unraveling The Passion of Anna's Animal Cruelty Mystery 21:39 How Bergman Mastered New Wave Cinema and Challenged Audiences 34:12 Is The Passion of Anna Misogynistic? Exploring Trauma and Guilt 53:32 Bergman's Control: The Truth Behind The Film's Interview Segments 1:01:06 Sven Nykvist's Experimental Color: The Film's Visual Disintegration 1:12:23 Analyzing The Passion of Anna's Powerful Ending and Bergman's Legacy 1:25:07 Where to Find Our Panelists and What's Next Week Clips used: https://youtu.be/9fQ7wmlxDno?si=Kgn1bF_eZZy3PHpI https://youtube.com/shorts/OHrSRXPtNZs?si=tCfEE3s-tqKM-CUS https://youtu.be/Oa16grXuK1g?si=rG_qhbG6pZAPLyYu https://youtu.be/UlEQzzIRlmU?si=XGl4NirbXyitoVhd https://youtu.be/_J8t6q2EL7k?si=ZAVAxfFiklF5yD_L https://youtu.be/73vw4xVCPEM?si=gOMJaGllPJtNcFsz https://youtu.be/r7zDsVZcHg0?si=SlIoBmXr9ei4OaeN https://youtu.be/Z4VSvlLsOP4?si=mSKdHmakwvRNcI12 https://youtu.be/6YzbFVnY9Nk?si=hexEDm9yS8hazvvR Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
"A Podcast Found in a Garbage Dump." The journey is complete. In the final installment of our Road to Godard series, we tackle Jean-Luc Godard’s 1967 scorched-earth satire, Weekend. We have traveled from the poetic realism of Grand Illusion to the revolutionary "End of Cinema," navigating a landscape of endless traffic jams and the collapse of the social contract. In this episode, we discuss: The High Concept: Why Weekend might actually be Godard’s most "High Concept" film, surprisingly borrowing the narrative DNA of Road to Zanzibar. The Death of Narrative: How Godard tears up the traditional rules of filmmaking to create something confrontational, sarcastic, and new. The Great Traffic Jam: Breaking down one of the most famous tracking shots in history and its scathing critique of bourgeois consumerism. The Series Wrap-Up: Reflecting on the evolution of film language across our four-film journey—from Grand Illusion, Children of Paradise, and Orpheus to this final destination. Host: Eric Trommater Panel: Erin Brown, Jennifer Trujillo, and Sila Blume Chapters: 0:00 Podcast Opening and Panel's Initial Reactions to Weekend 5:20 Analyzing Godard's Iconic Traffic Jam and French Cultural Critique 12:24 Is Godard's Weekend Funny, Satirical, or Simply Mean-Spirited? 25:01 From Nihilism to Maoism: Understanding Godard's Political Evolution 31:48 Weekend's Unexpected Link to Road to Zanzibar and Cannibalism 43:30 Panelists' Personal Struggles and Weekend's Enduring Cinematic Impact 54:10 Reflecting on the Road to Godard: Connecting Influential Films 1:00:42 Where to Find Us and What's Coming Next on the Podcast Clips used: https://youtu.be/aM5z0XLRdXc?si=utq9OwLLKLqMRWoZ Nouth Jazz B. White (1920) https://youtu.be/w7e-TTRQHMs?si=VAtn3RgwWZC9QUUy Road to Zanzibar Trailer https://youtu.be/4F7sdy2rZws?si=4sRiepWig58Okj6z https://youtu.be/OFXmVSEVa7Y?si=dHF1ONW8sONF5Gk2 https://youtu.be/CwbYnGhZ2pU?si=2cM3pll3_VoQNxTZ https://youtu.be/2xaQu3uP6VA?si=zhJkza01jYBlPd_n Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
In the penultimate installment of our Road to Godard series, we dive into the 1945 epic that the Cahiers du Cinéma crowd famously dubbed a "beautiful corpse." Filmed under the extreme constraints and constant surveillance of the Nazi occupation of France, Marcel Carné and Jacques Prévert managed to construct a work of staggering scale—complete with massive sets and a cast of thousands. Host Eric Trommater and panelists Erin Brown , Sila Blume , and Jennifer Trujillo examine how this pillar of poetic realism functions as both a defiant act of French culture and a meditation on the elusive nature of love and the stage. We discuss why this film remains a vital touchstone for understanding the cinematic world that Godard would eventually inherit and challenge. Episode Chapters 0:00 Welcome to Children of Paradise: Initial Reactions 8:46 Unpacking Love, Sincerity, and Character Complexity 14:27 Jacques Prévert's Poetic Vision on Screen 16:50 Cinematic Resistance During Nazi-Occupied France 20:37 The Rich Literary Dialogue and Love's Complexities 24:16 Exploring Character Borders and the Nature of Love 30:13 Garance's True Love and the Nuances of Romance 38:57 Wartime Choices and Troubling Character Stereotypes 45:22 Lacenaire's Identity and Prévert's Artistic Rebellion 49:59 Godard's "Beautiful Corpse" and Political Backlash 53:13 The People's Theater and the Film's Title 58:27 The Controversial 4K Restoration: A Visual Debate 1:09:00 Final Thoughts on Garance and Film Appreciation 1:11:03 Join the Discussion and Next Week's Episode Godard's "Weekend." Clips Used. https://youtu.be/81J56YChYo4?si=pU8ccBbm_Bz-uwt0 https://youtu.be/jKorhmX5IDo?si=rWoKjCU9pvCuMosc https://youtu.be/wNl9ksUI-bU?si=nCQ6VMQwcVv3DSwo https://youtu.be/co52GGV1SYc?si=-8EDa8W6CeD8Zv4V https://youtu.be/2a-VL1VoHJ0?si=_pfOoPiDjTJo6CCd https://youtu.be/rpMvf4Gdn-4?si=8jPi_lxKBa5wp03V https://youtu.be/KZBdgRR85sw?si=y8aCRsDm1RlhGyKC https://youtu.be/0RRWCxfkmtA?si=qAK4_OENas2QpIQ3 Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
Cocteau’s Orpheus Trilogy | WTF is This? Host: Eric Trommater Panel: Erin Brown, Sila Blume, and Jennifer Trujillo In this episode, we step through the mirror into the cinematic life of Jean Cocteau. We examine the foundational trilogy—The Blood of a Poet (1930), Orphée (1950), and The Testament of Orpheus (1960)—not as technical exercises, but as a shared space where the image carries a specific, undeniable weight. We’re moving past the usual "film school" vocabulary to discuss how Cocteau demands a unique kind of recognition from his audience. From the post-war static of the car radio to the literal thresholds of death, we explore how these films function when we stop treating them as "social commentary" and start treating them as a lived, theological reality. We also place Orpheus ('50) in its proper sequence on our "Road to Godard," between the elegance of Grand Illusion ('37) and the eventual collapse of Weekend ('67). YouTube Chapters: Cocteau’s Orpheus Trilogy 00:00 John Simon's Challenge: Try Harder for Cocteau 04:00 Jean Cocteau: Poet, Painter, Filmmaker, Surrealist 10:00 The Poet's Struggle: Art, Self-Portrait, and Discomfort 14:00 Through the Mirror: Cocteau's Evolving Symbolism of Mortality 22:00 Cocteau's Practical Effects and Filmmaking Legacy 28:00 Eric's Journey: Cocteau's Films and Digital Restoration 34:00 The Uncomfortable Truth: Punishment and Fetish in Art 41:00 From Myth to Modernity: Orpheus and the Burden of Celebrity 44:00 Orpheus's Obsession: Radio Signals and the Nature of Addiction 56:00 Jean Cocteau's Controversial Wartime Conduct and Queer Aesthetic 1:03:00 Unpacking Power Dynamics: From Nazis to Modern Political Parallels 1:16:00 The Final Film: Cocteau's Confession and Technical Decline 1:20:00 Recurring Motif: Eyes, Perception, and Artistic Cameos 1:27:00 Unstuck in Time: Immortality, Death, and Evolving Perceptions 1:34:00 Cocteau's Complex Legacy: Confession, Narcissism, and Horses 1:42:00 Children of Paradise: Next Week's Film and Podcast Wrap-up Clips and Music Featured: Archival Resonance: German troops marching (1939) and the BBC’s 1945 broadcast of the crossing of the Rhine, grounding the Orphic myth in the shadow of history. Sonic Texture: The surrealist "horse-sense" of the Mr. Ed theme, the precision of Saint-Saëns' Violin Sonata No. 1, the ethereal "Space Ambience" by Alexander Nakarada, and Philomena Cunk’s vital inquiry: "What the f*** is this?" Links: German Troops Marching: https://youtu.be/cQXS6yWuyWw 1945 BBC Broadcast: https://youtu.be/67m3jOU94Pw Mr. Ed Theme: https://youtu.be/6GAbc5uQXJo Saint-Saëns Violin Sonata: https://youtu.be/qdmz1PjC1oM Space Ambience: https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQ Cunk (What is this?): https://youtu.be/2ek8WvBI48w Orpheus Clip 1: https://youtu.be/c4CeP3tuHVU Orpheus Clip 2: https://youtu.be/2a-VL1VoHJ0 Orpheus Clip 3: https://youtu.be/m5NHeauBtTM Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: http://spotify.com X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include bonus episodes, attending live recordings, and having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance). Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory
A Conversation with Jethro Waters. In this episode, our panel—Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, Jennifer Trujillo, and Sila Blume—sits down with a true polymath of modern film: Jethro Waters. Jethro serves as the writer, director, editor, and cinematographer for his debut feature, Gunfighter Paradise . He even steps in front of the lens as the film’s lead actor under the nom-de-plume Braz Cubas. Together, we explore the grueling yet rewarding journey of bringing a first feature to life, the intentionality behind the film's striking visual language, and the technical artistry of the lenses and camera techniques used to capture it. We also engage in a broader dialogue on the future of independent cinema as it navigates the shifting tides of a streaming-dominated world. Music Featured in This Episode: Sci-Fi Music for YouTube Videos (No Copyright) – https://youtu.be/2a-VL1VoHJ0 Sid Hemphill: Complete Library of Congress Recordings 1941-1942 – https://youtu.be/cTjA1a1CjQs Muddy Waters: Field Recordings 1941-1942 – https://youtu.be/co52GGV1SYc Nouth Jazz - B. White (1920) – https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQ Chapters: 0:00 Eric's Provocative Godard Comparison and Erin's AI Test 2:36 The Story Behind Jethro's Alias and Nancy Buirski 's Influence 8:58 Exploring Gunfighter Paradise's Religious Themes and Dark Humor 16:40 Geeking Out and Unpacking Gunfighter Paradise's Layered Visuals and Narrative Structure 27:52 Jethro Waters on Gun Culture and Southern American Identity 41:25 A Technical Dive into Gunfighter Paradise's Cinematography 59:35 Navigating the Independent Film Landscape and Building Community 1:10:58 The Film's Emotional Impact and the Mummified Cat Story 1:20:50 Jethro Waters' Future Projects and Podcast Preview for The Road to Godard Connect With Us: YouTube: World Cinema History Apple Podcasts: World Cinema History on Apple Spotify: Listen on Spotify X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Your contributions through Ko-fi help us keep the film history conversation alive. Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a massive difference. Member Benefits Include: Exclusive Bonus Episodes Access to attend Live Recordings Future exclusive perks The high honor of having your name mispronounced on air (our sincerest apologies in advance!) Join the club here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory
We are joined by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott (Best Adapted Screenplay for Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman) to discuss his 2004 mockumentary, C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America. Alongside our panel—Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, Sila Blume, and Jennifer Trujillo—we explore Willmott’s searing speculative history that imagines a world where the North lost the Civil War. We dive into the film’s use of satire to expose the enduring reality of white supremacy., We examine how the film’s fictional advertisements and the underlying structures of American identity remain uncomfortably close to the present day. Content Warning: This episode contains a candid discussion of systemic racism and features the use of racial slurs in the context of analyzing the film’s satirical and historical themes. Chapters 0:00 Chasing the EGOT: Oscar Winner Kevin Willmott . 7:16 Kevin's Filmography: Unearthing the Houston Riot of 1917 13:14 Hollywood's Slavery Problem and Confederate Flags 17:24 Uncomfortable Truths in CSA's Satirical Ads 24:52 Blending Formats for Historical Mockumentary Realism 35:30 Why America Struggles with Slavery's Emotional History 45:02 USA vs. CSA: Expanding or Limiting Freedom 54:54 How Society Changes and Racism is Taught 1:07:06 Voting Against Self-Interest and Racial Prejudice 1:16:53 The Lost Cause Narrative and Modern America 1:20:27 Why Modern Society is More Stupid and Divided 1:34:13 Out-Satirizing Reality and Closing Discourse 1:39:30 Social Media and Next Episode Preview Music in this Episode Space Ambience by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com She Has Freckles on Her But, She is Nice | https://youtu.be/pNcjs30BZTs Lead Belly - Midnight Special | https://youtu.be/zIC2hVvKzVQ Elmer Bernstein - Appointment with Destiny Theme | https://youtu.be/Qt6eKU3v1XE Nouth by Jazz B White https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQ?si=5N4jm7bNgvfV-8-8 Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include bonus episodes, attending live recordings, and our sincere apologies in advance for mispronouncing your name on air. Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory
Is Ralph Bakshi's Coonskin (1975) Racist? Spoiler: Yes. In 1975, Ralph Bakshi’s Coonskin—a jagged, mixed-media parody of Song of the South—sparked massive protests for its depictions of Harlem, the Mob, and the LGBTQ community. Decades before Roger Rabbit, Bakshi was already blending live-action and animation to create a disturbing, distorted lens of Black America. Host Eric Trommater, joined by Erin Brown, Sila Blume, and Jennifer Trujillo, examines a film that has been a personal touchstone for Eric since childhood. We move past the simple binary of "is it racist?" to ask: Why did Bakshi make this, and what can we learn about race today? In this Episode: The Cast: Dual roles from Scatman Crothers, Charles Gordone, and Philip Michael Thomas. The Controversy: Why CORE protested the film and its near-erasure from history. The Satire: Evaluating Bakshi’s "hidden message" against the weight of his stereotypes. Episode Timestamps 0:00 — The Panel's Unanimous Verdict on Bakshi's Controversial Film 2:37 — Ralph Bakshi's Intentions and the 'White Tourist' Aesthetic 5:32 — Erin's Dislike vs. Sila's 'Bleak Beauty' in Coonskin's Art 7:36 — Jennifer's Take on Coonskin's Blended Reality and Shocking Elements 9:38 — Sila's Deep Dive into Coonskin's Intellectual Depth and Poetic Scenes 16:37 — Bakshi's Tape Recorder Tour and the Miss America Metaphor 19:22 — Panel Debates Ralph Bakshi's Authority to Create Coonskin 23:11 — Suppressed by CORE, Defended by NAACP, and Erik's Unironic Love 26:05 — Coonskin's Portrayal of Italian Mafia and Homosexual Stereotypes 29:03 — Jennifer's Critique of Coonskin's Queer Characters and Lack of Depth 37:30 — Sila Questions the Depth of Coonskin's Satire and Its Intent 42:44 — How Bakshi Amplifies the Voices of His Characters in Coonskin 46:47 — The Symbolism of Miss America and Its Disturbing Parallels to Racism 53:12 — The Role of Black Collaborators and the 'Deliberately Ugly' Art Style 57:27 — Defending Coonskin's Visuals as Intentional and 'Punk Rock Beauty' 1:05:30 — Questioning Bakshi's Intelligence and the Validity of His Satire 1:13:58 — Sila's Argument for Experiencing Art Beyond Pure Intellectual Analysis 1:17:17 — Malcolm the Cockroach, Awkward Interactions, and the Satisfaction of Otherness 1:26:05 — Unexpected Penises, Film's Message, and Next Week's Episode Connect & Support: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the DVD Extras Club on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory
For Black History Month, we are exploring the roots of independent African filmmaking. Black Girl serves as a powerful starting point for this journey, tracing the movement of a young Senegalese woman from Dakar to the French Riviera. We discuss Sembène's transition from literature to film as a means of communicating with a non-literate audience, effectively creating a new visual language for a post-colonial era. Next Week: Oscar Winning Screenwriter Kevin Willmott joins us to discuss his 2004 Mockumentary "CSA: Confederate States of America." Music https://youtu.be/NpTyPVbs-64?si=ZMXUHYLQ4Q0ejUI4 https://youtu.be/guexLrL44t0?si=UmYYD5vTdrXkGwz4 Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
The Road to Godard hits the streets of Dakar. In this episode of the World Cinema History Podcast, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant, avant-garde energy of Djibril Diop Mambéty’s 1973 landmark, Touki Bouki. Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, Jennifer Trujillo and Sila Blume break it all down. Erin and Eric were rather cold on Godard's Breathless. Will the warmer climate of Senegal warm up them to the same techniques? As part of our Black History Month celebration, we examine how Mambéty’s radical style and jagged editing bridge the physical and psychic gap between Senegal and the elusive dream of the West. Clips Used: Alexander Nakarada Space Ambience https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQ?si=LKAgAfA8tooq41bI Hello Goodbye. Touki Bouki opening song. Josephine Baker sings "Paris, Paris, Paris." https://youtu.be/guexLrL44t0?si=rvCVfQhD8bbFPsTd Martin Scorsese on Touki Bouki https://youtu.be/o555EiqRC10?si=5U41jyqcen-YOd4j Veggie Tales The Song of the Cebu. https://youtu.be/_uv8Ej4CEoQ?si=Dus5IoYU-J8JVCmL African Drums. No Copyright https://youtu.be/LmtCfMncFSk?si=hB-bJzGzzo5ynl_d Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)
