Don’t Push Pause

Episode 47 : Misery

MISERY (1990) proves subtle terror can be just as effective as straight up horror. Marking the second collaboration between legendary author Stephen King and director Rob Reiner, MISERY grips audiences of every kind, leaving behind hauntingly iconic images. Thirty years later, this critically-acclaimed and disturbingly enjoyable film is still one of the most memorable psychological thrillers around. And also makes us rethink how to use a typewriter and a sledgehammer.

▶️Synopsis: A renowned author has a near-fatal car accident, only to be  rescued by a nurse claiming to be his number one fan... and who holds him captive with no intention of ever letting him leave.

⏩⏩Discussions include: Adapting of King’s novel for the screen and the differences therein; themes behind the story and why Reiner was drawn to MISERY; the cast and working dynamic between Bates and Caan; themes, tone and the film as a character study; the vicious ending, behind the scenes production and special effects. **Starring Kathy Bates, James Caan, Richard Farnsworth. Directed by Rob Reiner.**

▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**

—Lindsay’s Pick, FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (1991): An unfulfilled housewife befriends and becomes inspired by an elderly woman who recounts tall tales from her youth and the story of two best friends. **Starring Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker, Cicely Tyson. Directed by Jon Avnet.**

—Justin’s Pick, DOLORES CLAIBORNE (1995): A housekeeper is accused of murdering her employer, so her daughter begins to investigate the situation, only to uncover shocking revelations about their family’s past. **Starring Kathy Bates, Jennifer Jason Leigh, David Strathairn. Directed by Taylor Hackford.**

▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Billy, James Caan, Benicio del Toro and Robert Duvall take a little trip to Cuba.

▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Addressing any confusion about the Misery books discussed, Lauren Bacall and Barry Sonnenfeld.

▶️NEXT UP: TRUE ROMANCE (1993)!

Episode 46 : I Shot Andy Warhol

Mary Harron’s first feature-length film, I SHOT ANDY WARHOL (1996), made a big splash during the heyday of ‘90s independent films. Seamlessly blending historical figures, events and some fiction, Harron crafted a gritty, true-to-life depiction of an almost forgotten moment in time. This critically acclaimed, indie darling made its mark in queer cinema, even upsetting some who lived through the experience, yet still remains a gripping, non-exploitative remembrance of the beginning of the end for two very real people.

▶️Synopsis: Based on a true story, this narrative follows fringe culture activist Valerie Solanas’ life, radical feminist writings and introduction to Andy Warhol, leading to her attempted murder of the legendary artist.

⏩⏩Discussions include: Background on counter-culture, creative minds, Valerie Solanas and Andy Warhol; how writer/director Mary Harron researched and developed the focus for this true story; deciphering fact from fiction; the film’s style, setting and inspiration; Lili Taylor’s of embodiment of the Solanas role, along with an impressive supporting cast; Solanas’ writings and contemporary relevance; the reaction to making a movie about a real-life attempted murder. **Starring Lili Taylor, Jared Harris, Martha Plimpton, Stephen Dorff. Directed by Mary Harron.**

▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**

—Lindsay’s Pick, DOGFIGHT (1991): After trying to make amends for a mean-spirited game, a Vietnam solider and young woman end up falling in love over the course of one night. **Starring Lili Taylor, River Phoenix. Directed by Nancy Savoca.**

—Justin’s Pick, RUNNING ON EMPTY (1988): After becoming accustomed to being fugitives, a married couple’s son begins to pull away from his family as he comes of age. **Starring Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch, Martha Plimpton, River Phoenix. Directed by Sidney Lumet.**

▶️MURRAYMOMENT: After crashing the biggest private party New York had ever seen, what were the first words Billy ever uttered to Andy Warhol?

▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Shout-out to Donovan Leitch; The Velvet Underground and Yo La Tengo’s connection to I SHOT ANDY WARHOL; personal thoughts on Solanas’ motive for murder and reemergence of her script, Up Your Ass.

▶️NEXT UP: MISERY (1990)!

Episode 45 : The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter’s THE THING got a bad rap when it was released in 1982. Though a special effects marvel and unique to the science-fiction/horror genre, it is now considered a well-respected, beloved cult film. Isolation and paranoia had not reached such monstrous, cinematic proportions until this landmark achievement in Carpenter’s career. And nearly 40 years later, THE THING still holds strong as a brilliant, deliberately atmospheric display of well-rounded artistry.

 

▶️Synopsis: Set in Antarctica, a team of researchers are infiltrated and attacked by a shape-shifting, body assimilating creature that takes over the camp one person at a time.

⏩⏩Discussions include: THE THING’s source material and how Carpenter re-envisioned the story; how tone and pacing create the mood of this ensemble film; Rob Bottin’s visceral special effects, Dean Cundey’s cinematography and the expansive set design; pre-production cast bonding and character interplay; physical challenges faced by cast and crew; Carpenter’s relationship with THE THING star, Kurt Russell; behind-the-scene tidbits, along with Justin and Lindsay’s favorite scenes. **Starring Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley. Directed by John Carpenter.**

 

▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, BREAKDOWN (1997): In this taught, cautionary tale, a woman is kidnapped in the middle of nowhere by a mysterious trucker driver, leaving her husband to stop at nothing to track her down. **Starring Kurt Russell, Kathleen Quinlan, J.T. Walsh. Directed by Jonathan Mostow.**

—Justin’s Pick, ELVIS (1979): This made-for-tv movie condenses the biggest life moments of music legend, Elvis Presley — from high school to his rise to stardom, relationship with his parents, marriage and segueing into acting. **Starring Kurt Russell, Shelley Winters, Bing Russell. Directed by John Carpenter.**

 

▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Revisiting the commercially unsuccessful Billy film, LARGER THAN LIFE (1996), which also featured THE THING’s Keith David, and why this movie deserves another chance.

 

▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Ennio Morricone’s score mixing with Carpenter’s musical contributions for THE THING; critical reception and open-ended climax to the film; THE THING as an AIDS epidemic metaphor; some love for canine actor, Jed the dog.

 

▶️NEXT UP: I SHOT ANDY WARHOL (1996)!