“To My Love, From My Love”: Discussing Andrzej Żuławski’s “Possession”
“I wrote the film not out of self-indulgence, but I thought – it’s like when you build a house, you have the ground floor – here, the reality of a marriage breaking up – and then you need a second floor, you need something to transpose the story, something that gives it meaning. It’s like…
Episode #102 – A Sonospheric Corpse, Part II
“A Sonospheric Corpse, Part I” is available here. The autumn and its contemplative condition of death and decay induce flirtations with the illusory, the uncanny, the weird and the eerie, and of course, the horrific. “A Sonospheric Corpse” derives inspiration from the surrealist technique, “exquisite corpse” in which each participant adds a contribution in a…
Episode #101 – A Sonospheric Corpse, Part I
The autumn and its contemplative condition of death and decay induce flirtations with the illusory, the uncanny, the weird and the eerie, and of course, the horrific. “A Sonospheric Corpse” derives inspiration from the surrealist technique, “exquisite corpse” in which each participant adds a contribution in a sequence. What follows is a phantasmagorical soundscape composed…
Call for Entries: “The Resonances of Horror”
The Film Jive podcast is currently seeking audio submissions to be included in its upcoming “The Resonances of Horror” episode which explores the concepts (or genres) of the weird and horror in cinema, music, literature, philosophy and contemporary everyday life (capitalism, healthcare, advertising, state violence, etc.) in anticipation of Halloween. The intention is to realize…
Episode #100 – Ennio Morricone, In Memoriam
“I’ve always felt that music is more expressive than dialogue. I’ve always said that my best dialogue and screenwriter is Ennio Morricone.” – Sergio Leone, Once Upon A Time In America In a career spanning more than sixty years, Italian musician and composer, Ennio Morricone became one of the most prominent and influential film artists…
Episode #99 – Tutorials in Self Isolation
As a result of the enduring Covid-19 pandemic, the ticking of the clock no longer seems actual in any remote sense. We have collectively entered recursive time loops, fractals and spirals where the measurements of time; seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, etc. are little more than an afterthought. An intersection of present and future…
Notes on “Blues in Lewis’ Flat (Remixed)”
“Music is liquid architecture; architecture is frozen music.” Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe Jerry Lewis makes his own sense, and by proxy, as do his films. His early, self-directed films (“The Bellboy”, “The Ladies Man”, “The Errand Boy”) are merely variations on recurring physical arrangements. These are comedies which excavate the divisions between socio-economic space and…
Episode #98 – Let’s Scare Jessica to Death
Originally published in November of 2016, Zach Betonte and Simone Barros are joined by Supporting Characters host, Bill Ackerman to discuss John Lee Hancock’s psychological horror film, “Let’s Scare Jessica to Death” originally released in 1971. The trio consider the film’s distinctive rhythms, ambiguous structure and its possible interpretations and the performative range of Zohra Lampert as the…
Film Jive Special – Soundtrack of Terror Vol. II
Originally published in October of 2016, this Hallow’s Eve, the Film Jive tomb is re-opened with another creaking cacophony of murderous disharmony and echoes of the fantastique with the “Soundtrack of Terror Vol. II”. Film Jive contributors Simone Barros, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope welcome fellow trick or treaters; Bill Ackerman, Regina Barry, Philip Brubaker, Rooney Elmi, Veronica…
Episode #97 – Synecdoche, New York
Originally published in August of 2016, Zach Betonte and Simone Barros are joined by Jim Laczkowski, host of the Director’s Club and Voices and Visions podcasts to discuss Charlie Kaufman’s “Synecdoche, New York” originally released in 2008. The discussion considers Kaufman’s use of filmic space and architecture, the emotional effect of viewing a character’s ongoing crisis of…
Episode #96 – La Belle et la Bête
Originally published in June of 2016, Zach Betonte, Andrew Swope and Simone Barros discuss Jean Cocteau’s dreamscape, “La Belle et la Bête” originally released in 1946. The discussion elaborates on how Cocteau’s avant-garde theatre background informs his cinematic practice, how objectification may or may not augment the narrative’s reality and the similarities between the aesthetics of…
Episode #94 – Eugenie de Sade
Originally published in June of 2016, Zach Betonte, Andrew Swope and Simone Barros discuss Jesus Franco’s erotic thriller, “Eugenie de Sade” originally released in 1973. The discussion contemplates Franco’s nostalgic re-appropriation of popular culture and how this implies meta-textual elements and question the film’s complicated depiction of feminine sexuality… To send feedback, please email contact@filmjivepodcast.com.
Episode #95 – Accident
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:
Episode #93 – Way Down East
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.
Episode #90 – Buffalo ’66
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,…
Episode #91 – The Tall Man
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.
Episode #92 – The Little Prince
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, and…
Episode #89 – Murder Rock
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.
Episode #88 – Two English Girls
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.
Film Jive Special – Golden Jive Turkey Awards of 2014
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.
Film Jive Special – Holiday Gift Exchange
Originally published in December of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope exchange Christmas gifts while indulging in glass of hot Dr. Pepper followed by a discussion of what they each received.
Episode #87 – The Hobbit: the Battle of the Five Armies
Originally published in January of 2015, Zach Betonte is joined by former Film Jive co-host, Nick Wheatley to discuss the third and (hopefully) final film in the trilogy, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”.
Episode #86 – New Year’s Evil
Originally published in December in 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss the 1980 holiday slasher film, “New Year’s Evil” to celebrate the upcoming occasion.
Episode #84 – Dogs in Space
Originally published in November of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss the Australian post-punk drama, “Dogs in Space” originally released in 1986 and directed by Richard Lowenstein.
Episode #85 – Krull
Originally published in November of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Peter Yates’ science-fiction fantasy epic, “Krull” originally released in 1983 by Columbia Pictures.
Episode #83 – Hard Ticket to Hawaii
Originally published in November of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Andy Sedaris’ triple-B (bombs, bullets, babes) film, “Hard Ticket to Hawaii” originally released in 1987 by Malibu Bay films.
Film Jive Special – Chris Vander Kaay Interview
Originally published in November of 2014, Zach Betonte is joined by Chris Vander Kaay, screenwriter and co-author of the horror film interview book, “The Anatomy Of Fear: Conversations With Cult Horror & Science-Fiction Filmmakers”. In this brief conversation, Chris shares insight into the writing process, his collaboration with co-author, Kathleen Fernandez-Vander Kaay, and his upcoming film-related publications.
Film Jive Special – Soundtrack of Terror Vol. 1
Originally published in October of 2014, to celebrate the occasion of Halloween, Zachary Betonte and Andrew Swope welcome twenty film podcast co-hosts, bloggers, and authors to share their favorite horror movie music. The guests include; Amy Andrews, Ashley Avard, Regina Barry, David Cummings, Jay Of The Dead, Jessica Elgenstierna, James Gillham, Marshall Hicks, Andrew James,…
Episode #82 – Nosferatu, the Vampyre
Originally published in October of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Werner Herzog’s foray into poetic horror with “Nosferatu, the Vampyre” originally released in 1979.
Episode #81 – Mr. Sardonicus
Originally published in October of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss William Castle’s horror classic, “Mr. Sardonicus” originally released in 1961. Cast your ballot in the punishment poll…
Episode #80 – Calvary
Originally published in September of 2014, Zach Betonte is joined by former Film Jive co-host, Nick Wheatley to discuss John Michael McDonagh’s black comedy, “Calvary” originally released in 2014.
Episode #79 – The Trip
Originally published in September of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Roger Corman’s psychedelic ethnography, “The Trip” originally released in 1967.
Episode #78 – Head Against the Wall
Originally published in September of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Georges Franju’s psychodrama, “Head Against the Wall” originally released in 1959.
Episode #76 – Do the Right Thing
Originally published in August of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Spike Lee’s modern masterpiece, “Do the Right Thing” originally released in 1989.
Episode #77 – Safe
Originally published in August of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Todd Haynes’ environmental thriller, “Safe” originally released in 1995.
Episode #74 – Snowpiercer
Originally published in July of 2014, Zach Betonte is joined by Thomas Wishloff, host of the Big Kahuna Burger and The Genre Conversation podcasts, to discuss the Bong Joon-Ho science fiction film, “Snowpiercer”.
Episode #75 – Man’s Favorite Sport?
Originally published in August of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Howard Hawks’ late-period comedy, “Man’s Favorite Sport?” originally released in 1964.
Episode #73 – A Countess from Hong Kong
Originally published in July of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Charles Chaplin’s swan song, “A Countess from Hong Kong” originally released in 1967.
Episode #72 – Pretty Maids All in a Row
Originally published in June of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Roger Vadim’s black comedy, “Pretty Maids All in a Row” originally released in 1971 by MGM.
Episode #71 – Punishment Park
Originally published in June of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Peter Watkins’ political drama, “Punishment Park” originally released in 1971.
Episode #70 – Gojira and Godzilla
Originally Published in May of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope are joined by former Film Jive co-host, Nick Wheatley to discuss the 1954 Japanese kaiju film, “Gojira” alongside the latest entry in the franchise, “Godzilla” released in 2014.
Episode #69 – Black Moon
Originally published in May of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Louis Malle’s surreal drama, “Black Moon” originally released in 1974.
Episode #68 – Robinson Crusoe on Mars
Originally published in April of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss the science-fiction survival thriller, “Robinson Crusoe on Mars” directed by Byron Haskins and originally released in 1964.
Episode #67 – Nymphomaniac Vol. 1 and 2
Originally published in April of 2014, Zach Betonte is joined by Gary Sargenson of Cinema Subculture to discuss the 2014 two-part release of Lars Von Trier’s “Nymphomaniac”.
Episode #66 – Goke, Body Snatcher from Hell
Originally published in April of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss the Shochiku studios science-fiction horror film, “Goke, Body Snatcher from Hell” originally released in 1968 and directed by Hajime Sato.
Episode #65 – Surviving Edged Weapons
Originally published in March of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope are joined by Patrick Ripoll of Director’s Club and Tracks of the Damned to discuss the 1988 police training film, “Surviving Edged Weapons: How to Defeat Today’s Fastest Growing Threat (Intended for Law Enforcement Only)”. Beware the blade…
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