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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 Dec 09, 2019
Monday Dec 09, 2019
The outlaw journey of THELMA AND LOUISE was fresh in 1991, yet is still remarkably relevant almost 30 years later. Both visually stunning and packed with symbolism, this film was unafraid to focus on female friendship with a feminist backbone, along with the female experience in an unsupportive world. Beautifully crafted and atmospheric, THELMA AND LOUISE remains eerily timely and believable, while being empowering and forever iconic.
▶️Synopsis: Two best friends set out for a weekend road trip, which quickly turns into numerous unforeseen events snowballing into an ultimate, life-altering resolution.
⏩⏩Discussions include: First-time screenwriter Callie Khouri’s path to creating THELMA AND LOUISE; director Ridley Scott’s stylized grit and aesthetics; the film’s initial release, surrounding controversy and what it meant for women in film; the cast and evolving character breakdowns; how humor and plots devices interact with the film’s narrative; personal thoughts on the actual vs. alternate endings, along with fun facts sprinkled all throughout. **Starring Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon, Harvey Keitel, Brad Pitt. Directed by Ridley Scott.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Justin’s Pick, KALIFORNIA (1993): While on a road trip researching serial killings, a writer/photographer couple unknowingly pick up a psychopath and his naive girlfriend. **Starring Brad Pitt, Juliette Lewis, David Duchovny, Michelle Forbes. Directed by Dominic Sena.**
—Lindsay’s Pick, THE CLIENT (1994): After witnessing a suicide of a mafia lawyer, an 11-year-old boy hires an attorney to protect him from being used as a pawn to take down a mafia family. **Starring Brad Renfro, Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones, Mary-Louise Parker. Directed by Joel Schumacher.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Geena Davis’ recounting of her unusual and disarming audition for Bill Murray’s film, QUICK CHANGE.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: George Clooney’s bitterness over losing Brad Pitt’s role in THELMA AND LOUISE; the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.
▶️NEXT UP: THE THING (1982)!
Monday Nov 25, 2019
Monday Nov 25, 2019
It’s the 40th Anniversary of THE WARRIORS, yet the film became a phenomenon as soon as it hit theaters in 1979. By not villainizing gang life, THE WARRIORS serves as a voice for 1970s youth culture. Chocked full of visual treats in an unrealistic, yet relatable world, the film easily achieved cult status. Community, comradery and survival mode kick in for this pulse-pounding adventure all the way from New York City to Coney Island.
▶️Synopsis: After being framed for the murder of a major gang leader, The Warriors attempt to clear their name and hustle 30 miles back to their home turf.
⏩⏩Discussions include: The original story behind THE WARRIORS, plus the script adaptation to screen; production, atmosphere and style of the film; costuming and fight choreography; behind-the-scenes tidbits; the exclusively New York cast; the glorified depiction of gang life; usage of violence in the film and how THE WARRIORS fits into director Walter Hill’s action-filled career. **Starring Michael Beck, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, James Remar, David Patrick Kelly. Directed by Walter Hill.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, FOXFIRE (1996): Four high school girls are inspired by a female drifter to stand up against an abusive teacher and other wrongs in their world. **Starring Hedy Burress, Angelina Jolie, Jenny Lewis, Jenny Shimizu, Sarah Rosenberg. Directed by Annette Haywood-Carter.**
—Justin’s Pick, SOUTHERN COMFORT (1981): After an ill-advised decision, a group of National Guardsmen are hunted down in an unfamiliar setting by a mysterious party. **Starring Powers Boothe, Keith Carradine, Fred Ward, Peter Coyote, T.K. Carter. Directed by Walter Hill.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Billy’s involvement with Love Rocks NYC, a yearly benefit for the longstanding charity organization, God’s Love We Deliver.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: The alternate opening and music of THE WARRIORS.
▶️NEXT UP: THELMA AND LOUISE (1991)!
Monday Nov 11, 2019
Monday Nov 11, 2019
John Candy and John Hughes often brought a profound sense of warmth mixed with comedy to the silver screen. Out of the four times they worked together, UNCLE BUCK (1989) still serves as a timeless and sincere comedy, beloved by folks of all ages. A simple story about family, personal growth and a lot of laughs in between, Buck lives forever in our hearts as the endearing family member we long to have.
▶️Synopsis: When a family emergency arises, the bachelor life-having, non-committal Uncle Buck is called in to look after his nephew and two nieces. Buck and the rebellious teen in the family may not get along, but their time together turns into some much needed self-improvement.
⏩⏩Discussions include: The working relationship between Candy and Hughes; why UNCLE BUCK is a beloved, well-written movie, earnestly combining heartfelt comedy with family drama; character dynamics advancing the story; critical perception of the film when it was released; an overview of Candy’s career; the strength of the cast, along with favorite moments of this Candy/Hughes comedy sprinkled all throughout. **Starring John Candy, Jean Louisa Kelly, Macaulay Culkin, Gaby Hoffmann. Directed by John Hughes.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, WHO’S HARRY CRUMB? (1989): A wildly comedic caper about a bumbling, yet well-known private investigator hired to find a kidnapped girl of a wealthy family. **Starring John Candy, Shawnee Smith, Annie Potts, Jeffrey Jones. Directed by Paul Flaherty.**
—Justin’s Pick, NOW AND THEN (1995): In this coming of age tale, the significant summer of 1970 forever cements an everlasting friendship between four pre-teen girls. **Starring Thora Birch, Christina Ricci, Gaby Hoffmann, Ashleigh Ashton Moore, Demi Moore, Melanie Griffith, Rosie O’Donnell, Rita Wilson. Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: How Billy took a fresh-faced John Candy under his wing while at Second City Chicago.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Hughes’ non-traditional music choices for UNCLE BUCK.
▶️NEXT UP: THE WARRIORS (1979)!