Don’t Push Pause

Episode 115 : Donnie Darko

Selling an atmospheric, science-fiction film about an extraordinary teenager discovering time travel & saving the world was a lofty pitch for a feature film debut. But writer/director Richard Kelly crafted a mind-bending, unconventional story, packed with powerful visuals & rich subtext, which has now turned it into a modern cult classic. It’s time to unravel the inner-workings of DONNIE DARKO.

///***Discussions include***\\\
Richard Kelly’s script influences, unwavering ambitiousness & vision for the film; finding a production house, churning up interest & lucky breaks; themes, mythology & interpretations; cast influences & character breakdowns; production, visual effects, cinematography & editing; usage of music & score; challenges with releasing, selling & marketing; memorable scenes, reception, Director’s Cut & legacy.
Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Drew Barrymore & so many more star in DONNIE DARKO (2001) /// Directed by Richard Kelly.

///***Picks of the Week***\\\
    •    Lindsay’s Pick: NOWHERE (1997). James Duval, Rachel True, Nathan Bexton, Christina Applegate /// Directed by Gregg Araki.
    •    Justin’s Pick: PRISONERS (2013). Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, Terrence Howard, Paul Dano, Viola Davis /// Directed by Denis Villeneuve.

///***MurrayMoment***\\\
Billy’s surprising entrance into the Marvel superhero world.

///***Final Thoughts on DONNIE DARKO***\\\

Coming in May: SHOWGIRLS (1995).

    •    Please rate, review & subscribe.
    •    Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.
    •    Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com

Be Kind & Rewatch // April 2024

Episode 114 : Party Girl

Independent cinema & Parker Posey were once synonymous together. PARTY GIRL provides a nuanced & legitimate snapshot of mid-‘90s New York, complete with updated screwball comedy vibes, an inspiring dose of youth-to-adulthood transition & charm from beginning to end. Strap in for this love letter to indie film!

///***Discussions include***\\\
Story conception, inspirations, writer/director collaboration & refining the script; themes, tonality, authenticity & capturing a niche, contemporary reality; type of film & culture-clashing; finding the cast, character discussion & Parker Posey background; heavy music & fashion/costuming influences; difficulties with releasing, premiere & longevity of the film.

Parker Posey, Omar Townsend, Guillermo Diaz & Sasha von Scherler star in PARTY GIRL (1995) /// Directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer.

 

///***Picks of the Week***\\\
• Lindsay’s Pick: THE HOUSE OF YES (1997). Parker Posey, Freddie Prince Jr., Josh Hamilton, Tori Spelling /// Directed by Mark Waters.
• Justin’s Pick: PRICE CHECK (2012). Parker Posey, Eric Mabius, Amy Schumer, Annie Parisse /// Directed by Michael Walker.

///***MurrayMoment***\\\
The same Lower Manhattan filming region for PARTY GIRL once provided a refuge for Billy & his SNL counterparts — time to go inside the legendary Blues Bar.

///***Final Thoughts on PARTY GIRL***\\\

---------------------------------------------

Coming in April: DONNIE DARKO (2001).

• Please rate, review & subscribe.
• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.
• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com

Be Kind & Rewatch // March 2024

Episode 113 : The Before Trilogy

Richard Linklater’s BEFORE SUNRISE, BEFORE SUNSET & BEFORE MIDNIGHT beautifully articulate how finding a rare connection with another person can affect one’s path in life. Without leaning on nostalgia or typical romantic tropes, THE BEFORE TRILOGY became an unintentional series, and spoke volumes about being in the present moment, being affected by the past & moving to the future. 

///***Discussions include***\\\
Brief history of Linklater’s career until BEFORE SUNRISE & between the series’ sequels; real-life inspiration behind the continuing story; Kim Krizan & lead actors’ involvement in methodical scriptwriting; importance in casting, chemistry & comfortability; selling the initial script, finding funding & garnering interest in sequels; overall themes, use of time & relatability; breakdowns of each film, growth of characters & relationship evolution throughout multiple years, plus the reception of each film.

Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawke star in BEFORE SUNRISE (1995), BEFORE SUNSET (2004) & BEFORE MIDNIGHT (2013) /// Directed by Richard Linklater.

///***Picks of the Week***\\\
Returning in Episode 114.

///***MurrayMoment***\\\
Returning in Episode 114.

///***Final Thoughts on THE BEFORE TRILOGY***\\\

Next Up:  PARTY GIRL (1995)

• Please rate, review & subscribe.
• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.
• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com


 Be Kind & Rewatch // February 13, 2024.

 

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