Author Archives: Zachary Betonte

Originally published in June of 2016, Zach Betonte, Andrew Swope and Simone Barros discuss Joseph Losey’s psychodrama, “Accident” originally released in 1967. The trio inquire about the role of subjective memory in relation to the narrative trajectory, the presence of animals throughout and its implications, and question whether the camera objectifies or empowers its female protagonists. Watch below:

Originally published in April of 2016, Zach Betonte and Gary Sargenson discuss D.W. Griffith’s iconic melodrama, “Way Down East” originally released in 1920. The two debate the merits of Griffith’s cinematic legacy, how class relations are explored within melodrama and whether the film exists within a temporal or secular imaginary.

Originally published September of 2015, Zach Betonte and Gary Sargenson discuss one of the definitive independent films of the 1990’s, “Buffalo ‘66” directed by Vincent Gallo and originally released in 1998. The conversation elaborates on the intense portrayal of a man-child, Gallo’s command of varying cinematic styles, and the film’s more impressionistic approach to storytelling. To send feedback,Continue reading “Episode #90 – Buffalo ’66”

Originally published November of 2015, Zach Betonte and Gary Sargenson discuss Pascal Laugier’s sociological horror thriller, “The Tall Man” originally released in 2012. The conversation inquires about the nature of the film’s unexpected social commentary, its anachronistic use of filmic space, and how it attempts to subvert conventional horror genre tropes.

Originally published in March of 2016, Zach Betonte, Andrew Swope and Simone Barros discuss Stanley Donen’s Lerner and Loewe musical “The Little Prince” adapted from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novella of the same name and originally released in 1974. The discussion addresses how the film addresses the text’s existential themes, excavates its influence on future American musical forms, andContinue reading “Episode #92 – The Little Prince”

Originally published in May of 2015, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Lucio Fulci’s spandex slasher film, “Murder Rock” originally released in 1984. The discussion elaborates on Fulci’s relationship to 1980’s American popular culture, the irrational character motivations, and how Fulci’s production restrictions enhance the formal atmosphere of his films.

Originally published in February of 2015, Zach Betonte and Gary Sargenson discuss François Truffaut’s coming of age drama, “Two English Girls”. The discussion details the film’s portrayal of unrequited love, it’s continuity with Truffaut’s earlier film, “Jules and Jim” and how Truffaut may be the most conservative conspirator of the French Nouvelle Vague.

Originally published in January of 2015, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope share their personal “Best of 2014” lists and comment on the year ahead in cinema.