Don’t Push Pause

Alexander Payne’s ELECTION (1999) breaks down politics in the most basic of ways. Through sharp critique, biting satire & layered performances, the fresh relevance of this film rings true in its relatability. ELECTION’s brutal honesty & exposure of human imperfections makes it one of the most provocative comedies fo the ‘90s.

▶️Synopsis: Feeling that an over-achieving high school student needs to be sidelined, a well-liked teacher convinces a popular jock to join the race for student body president. In doing do, multiple feuds come to the forefront as everyone’s morals and ethics are tested.

⏩⏩Discussions include: The real-life inspirations for ELECTION, adapting the novel for film & pre-production journey; layered writing style & visual translation; themes & filming techniques; main character breakdowns & relatability; Payne’s dedication to detail with casting choices, rewrites, filming locations, set design & costuming; visual cues, metaphors, use of edgy, dark humor; critical reception & marketing.

**Starring Reese Witherspoon, Matthew Broderick, Jessica Campbell, Chris Klein. Directed by Alexander Payne.**

▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**

—Lindsay’s Pick, BILOXI BLUES (1988): An autobiographical tale of a young man’s observations & experiences while in boot camp during WWII.

**Starring Matthew Broderick, Christopher Walken, Corey Parker. Directed by Mike Nichols.**

—Justin’s Pick, YOU CAN COUNT ON ME (2000): In a story about reevaluating one’s life, an independent single mother becomes the beacon of strength & growth for her brother who drifts back into her life.

**Starring Laura Linney, Mark Ruffalo, Matthew Broderick, Rory Culkin. Directed by Kenneth Lonergan.**

▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Billy’s turn as Franklin D. Roosevelt in HYDE PARK ON HUDSON, how he came to be involved, prep work for the role & anecdotes from the film’s cast.

▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: The decision to reshoot ELECTION’s climax.

▶️Next Up: WAYNE’S WORLD!

Considered one of the all-time best horror movies, George A. Romero’s DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978) is a landmark achievement in moviemaking. Artistically combining social commentary, storytelling & game-changing visuals, the essence of DAWN is still emulated to this day. It is the zombie movie to which all others are compared. When there is no more room in hell, the dead will walk the Earth... and Romero is the only one who can properly guide us.

 

▶️Synopsis: Society is in the midst of chaos as an ever-growing epidemic of the dead rising & attacking the living is taking over. Brought together by circumstances, a foursome seek refuge in a mall, but find the outside world is impossible to avoid.

⏩⏩Discussions include: A brief history on zombie films & beginnings of Romero’s career; origin, script, pre-production & community vibe of DAWN; unique story structure, filming techniques, realism, intended tones, themes & spirit of the film; strength of characters/cast; original ending, Tom Savini’s inspiration for makeup/effects, reception, advertising, impact & the film’s unsettling score; Romero’s subsequent “Of The Dead” films & DAWN’s 2004 remake.

**Starring Ken Foree, Gaylen Ross, David Emge, Scott Reiniger. Directed by George A. Romero.**

 

▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**

 

—Lindsay’s Pick, CHILDREN SHOULDN’T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS (1972): Six theatre actors head out to a deserted island cemetery wherein they enact a ritual to raise the dead.

**Starring Alan Ormsby, Anya Ormsby, Valerie Mamches. Directed by Bob Clark.**

 

—Justin’s Pick, THE DARK HALF (1993): A high-brow author is exposed for writing bestselling, gumshoe thrillers under an alias. While attempting to squash his secret career, the murderous character in his book comes to life.

**Starring Timothy Hutton, Michael Rooker, Amy Madigan. Directed by George A. Romero.**

 

▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Anecdotes from the production of THE DEAD DON’T DIE,  plus an unforgettably classic Billy story.

 

▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Some more love given to DAWN’s Gaylen Ross & the film’s director, along with Romero’s lost film, THE AMUSEMENT PARK (1973).

▶️Next Up: ELECTION (1999)!

Not only did GINGER SNAPS (2000) challenge typical horror movie tropes, but it was also a vibrant kick to the werewolf genre. This Canadian film is a true testament to satire & sharp creativity being able to depict the horrific transformations of youth through the modern metamorphosis of the werewolf. Though only celebrating its 20th anniversary, GINGER SNAPS has “cult classic” written all over it.

▶️Synopsis: United in their morbid discontentment with life, Brigitte and Ginger are two sisters with an intensely close bond. When the onset of puberty strikes the same night as Ginger being attacked by a werewolf, their connection is tested as Brigitte tries to save her sister before the transformation becomes final.

⏩⏩Discussions include: Origin, script development, blending of horror, the macabre, dark humor, relatable metaphor & emotions; brief history of the werewolf genre, how GINGER SNAPS fits in, stands apart & intentionally challenges multiple tropes; visual intensity, special effects & animal deaths in the film; production challenges & morality controversy; the positively charged vibe between the lead actors, plus supporting cast; release, reception, resurgence and rabid fan base; sequels & some of our favorite scenes.

**Starring Emily Perkins, Katharine Isabelle, Mimi Rogers. Directed by John Fawcett.**

▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**

—Lindsay’s Pick, IT (1990): Taking place in the ‘60s & ‘90s, seven adolescent outsiders are bonded through mutual torment by their worst fears manifested in a child-killing clown. When the murders start happening again, they return to their hometown to confront childhood traumas & end the reign of terror.

**Starring Tim Curry, Jonathan Brandis, Emily Perkins, John Ritter. Directed by Tommy Lee Wallace.**

—Justin’s Pick, WOLFEN (1981): After a string of grisly murders go unsolved, a NYC police detective’s path leads him to thinking a mythical, wolf-like creature may be responsible.

**Starring Albert Finney, Diane Venora, Edward James Olmos, Gregory Hines. Directed by Michael Wadleigh.**

▶️MURRAYMOMENT: A look back at The Toronto International Film Festival declaring Sept. 5th the Official Bill Murray Day.

▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Perkins and Isabelle starring in X-FILES episodes, Vancouver love & giving some recognition to a recent werewolf film, LATE PHASES.

▶️Next Up: DAWN OF THE DEAD (‘78)!