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Don’t Push Pause is a monthly podcast bringing you discussions on movies from the 70s, 80s and 90s. DPP consists of a main discussion on a featured film, followed up by our Picks of the Week, and closing with our signature (Bill) Murray Moment.
Episodes
Monday Jun 15, 2020
Monday Jun 15, 2020
No other film captures the truthful pain of adolescence as well as Todd Solondz’s WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE (1995). By showing us harsh realities through heartbreaking humor, writer/director Solondz gives us a darkly comedic, layered look into the provocative world of Dawn “Wienerdog.” The universal appeal of this film is undeniable and gives a voice to the kids who go unseen.
▶️Synopsis: Plagued by bullying at school and being the forgotten middle child at home, an awkward pre-teen, Dawn Wiener, falls for an unattainable hunk while also carrying on a secret relationship with her main tormentor at school.
⏩⏩Discussions include: Solondz’s inspirations for DOLLHOUSE, how it was made and where it fits in with his other films; recurring themes and the impact of jarring slurs; the complexity of the characters and gifted performances by a predominantly young cast; story layering and Solondz’s use of dark humor; critical reception, lasting effects on the film’s main star and Dawn becoming an icon for underdogs. **Starring Heather Matarazzo, Brendan Sexton III, Matthew Faber, Eric Mabius. Directed by Todd Solondz.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, HAPPINESS (1998): This extremely dark and bold, uncomfortable comedy intertwines three sisters’ lives, each diving into subplots involving unfulfillment, boredom and perversion. **Starring Jane Adams, Lara Flynn Boyle, Dylan Baker, Philip Seymour Hoffman. Directed by Todd Solondz.**
—Justin’s Pick, STORYTELLING (2001): Split into disconnected stories, this dysfunctional dark comedy involves a female college student victimized by her professor and a high school boy being followed by a documentary filmmaker. **Starring Selma Blair, Mark Webber, Leo Fitzpatrick, Paul Giamatti. Directed by Todd Solondz.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: How Billy plays the Defender of the Bullied as Tripper in MEATBALLS (1979).
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: How DOLLHOUSE helped Matarazzo realize her real-life gayness, the film being a perfect introduction to Solondz’s other films, some favorite scenes involving Dawn Wiener and the importance of music in the film.
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Monday Jun 01, 2020
Monday Jun 01, 2020
No parents. No rules. No problem, right? Chris Parker and Sue Ellen Crandell are two teens forced into roles they never asked for — saving their own skins and watching after some youngins. The Season 3 Opener takes a closer looks at these beloved teen comedies— ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING and DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD!
▶️ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING, (1987): After her date-night plans fall through, Chris takes a babysitting job looking after a brother/sister duo and their hormone-happy friend. But when her best friend needs to be rescued, Chris has no choice but to take the kids into the big city, with nothing but trouble following close behind. **Starring Elisabeth Shue, Keith Coogan, Anthony Rapp, Maia Brewton. Directed by Chris Columbus.**
▶️DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD, (1991): A crotchety babysitter comes to watch after five kids, then almost immediately drops dead. Refusing to have their summer plans ruined, the oldest sister, Sue Ellen, decides to fake-it-til-you-make-it by getting a job in the fashion world, provide for her the bratty siblings and maybe fall in love along the way. **Starring Christina Applegate, Joanna Cassidy, Keith Coogan, Josh Charles. Directed by Stephen Herek.**
⏩⏩Discussions include:
Origin, development and inspirations for DON’T TELL MOM and ADVENTURES’ storylines; the extremely opposite writing processes, script changes and intelligent plot motivators for both films; refreshing/rethinking formulaic plots; cultural influences and flipping of conventional gender roles; the expansive cast for both films, importance of an engagingly strong female lead and solid supporting cast; brief histories on DON’T TELL MOM and ADVENTURES’ directors; box office release; how these lengthy-titled films are vastly different in their storytelling, types of comedy and soundtracks, plus a ton of memorable moments and behind-the-scenes action thrown in!
**Picks of the Week will be back in Episode 55!**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Billy’s surprising feelings on working with 11-year-old, Jaeden Lieberher Martell, in ST. VINCENT (2014).
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Some of our favorite things that stick out about DON’T TELL MOM and ADVENTURES.
▶️NEXT UP: WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE (1995)!
Monday May 04, 2020
Monday May 04, 2020
The Season Two Finale is here! GOODFELLAS (1990) is one of the most beloved Martin Scorsese films. By using exhilarating visuals and condensed, fast-paced storytelling, this monumental mob chronicle never loses its boldness. Scorsese’s artistic integrity brings to life this terrifyingly honest and engaging portrayal of a blue collar crime world.
▶️Quick ‘lil Season Two Blooper Reel!
▶️Synopsis: This is the true story of Henry Hill being molded by the mob, starting out as a kid and moving up the ranks. With the world working for him and living a life of excess, Hill spirals down into a world of drugs, unraveling his marriage, success and turning on the crime family who created him.
⏩⏩Discussions include: The collaborative adaptation of transforming this novel to film, truth vs. fiction, Scorsese’s connection and ability to capture an intricate reality via stylistic influences, rapid-fire storytelling, voiceovers, tonal changes and trustworthy relationships with his actors and editor; use of purposeful violence; how spot-on casting captured true-to-life performances; memorable scenes and an overview of Scorsese’s gangster-heavy film career. **Starring Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino. Directed by Martin Scorsese.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, CAPE FEAR (1991): A lawyer knowingly withholds evidence, resulting in his dangerous client’s imprisonment. After he’s released, the vendetta-having, convicted sex offender stalks and seeks to ruin his former attorney’s life and family. **Starring Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis. Directed by Martin Scorsese.**
—Justin’s Pick, GRACE OF MY HEART (1996): A newly-discovered singer/songwriter finds her footing in the music industry, encountering professional and personal roadblocks, all resulting in an eventual payoff. **Starring Illeana Douglas, John Turturro, Matt Dillon, Eric Stoltz, Patsy Kensit. Directed by Allison Anders.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Multiple pizza-related stories lead us to the time Scorsese’s mom, Catherine, made her legendary homemade pizza for Billy.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: GOODFELLAS losing to Dances With Wolves at the Oscars and the film’s murderous, yet moving montage to “Layla.”
▶️Thank you to everyone for listening, downloading, following and interacting with us for this podcast! Our gratitude runs deep. We’ll be back on June 2nd, 2020, with our Season Three opener — The Babysitter Double Feature!