Don’t Push Pause

Episode 108 : American Psycho

This slyly executed, savage satire of a serial killer losing touch with reality was plagued with controversy from its original conception. Even now, the pathology of AMERICAN PSYCHO continues to spark dialogue with its entertaining critique of society & obsession, comic irony & why it remains relevant over 20 years later. Let’s peel back the mask & unveil truth behind this multifaceted, yet often misunderstood film.



//***Discussions include***\\
Background on Bret Easton Ellis’ contentious novel; early script variations, selling the story & searching for a director; Mary Harron & Guinevere Turner adapting the novel into a sharp & clear-headed, contemplative screenplay; tonal shifts, interpreting dark comedy & satire, recurring themes & the film’s climax; reflecting 80s culture & music choices; main cast discussion & intense struggle over casting the lead, plus release & reception.

Christian Bale, Willem Defoe, Cara Seymour & Chloë Sevigny star in AMERICAN PSYCHO (2000) /// Directed by Mary Harron.

//***Picks of the Week***\\
• Lindsay’s Pick:

DERANGED (1974). Roberts Blossom, Leslie Carlson, Marian Waldman, Micki Moore /// Directed by Alan Ormsby & Jeff Gillen.

• Justin’s Pick:

RAMPAGE (1987). Michael Biehn, Alex McArthur, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, Grace Zabriskie/ / Directed by William Friedkin.


//***MurrayMoment***\\
Comparing the stark differences on conformity between Bill & Patrick Bateman. 

//***Final Thoughts on the Music of AMERICAN PSYCHO ***\\

Next Episode:
TEEN WOLF (1985)
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• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com

Be Kind and Rewatch // August 15th, 2023. 

Episode 107 : Se7en

David Fincher’s SE7EN (1995) creates an unforgettable story & blends it into an entertaining, visionary procedural thriller with brutal realities & tonal complexities. Decades later, this bleak world of SE7EN continues to invade psyches with its cleverness & cynical mentality. Serial Killer Summer begins now!

//***Discussions include***\\

Backstory on David Fincher’s career pre-1995; inspirations behind SE7EN’s story & structure, evolving conventions, style, pacing, themes, setting; selling the film & studio interference; cast, character & story breakdowns; music, score, lighting, coloration & controversial ending; test screening, release & reception.

 

Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt & Gwyneth Paltrow star in SE7EN (1995) /// Directed by David Fincher.

 

//***Picks of the Week***\\

• Lindsay’s Pick: KISS THE GIRLS (1997). Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, Tony Goldwyn /// Directed by Gary Fleder.
• Justin’s Pick: SUMMER OF SAM (1999). John Leguizamo, Adrien Brody, Mira Sorvino, Jennifer Esposito // Directed by Spike Lee.
•  

 

//***MurrayMoment***\\

Billy learns sometimes going uncredited is what’s best for a film’s publicity.

 

//***Final Thoughts on SE7EN***\\

Next Episode: AMERICAN PSYCHO (2000)

• 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 and Rewatch // July 18th, 2023.

 

Episode 106 : National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

For our Fifth Anniversary, returning to a nostalgic, lifelong favorite was a no-brainer. Forty years ago, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION set a standard for not only comedy & road trip films, but also introduced the edgy family film. Through humor, familiar experiences & relatable characters, the Griswold family spawned an unexpected franchise which continues to be passed down throughout the years. Hop in the ‘ol family truckster because we’re hitting the road!

//***Discussions include***\\
John Hughes’ original story & major script changes, plus National Lampoon, Harold Ramis & Chevy Chase connections; selling the film, creating a uniquely mobile production & challenges therein; type of comedy wrapped in a daring family film; cast, improv moments, stunts & theme song; omitted scenes & original ending; release, sequels, behind-the-scenes stories & favorite moments.

Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Dana Barron & Anthony Michael Hall star in NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION (1983) /// Directed by Harold Ramis.

//***Picks of the Week***\\
    •    Lindsay’s Pick: SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES (1980). Goldie Hawn, Chevy Chase, Charles Grodin, T.K. Carter /// Directed by Jay Sandrich.
    •    Justin’s Pick: FLETCH (1985). Chevy Chase, Richard Libertini, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Tim Matheson // Directed by Michael Ritchie.
    

//***MurrayMoment***\\
The infamous Billy & Chevy fight — It’s time to set the record straight on what really happened & the motivations behind it. No rumor mill gossip here — only facts & quotes to bring you the full truth, finally!

//***Final Thoughts on VACATION***\\

Thanks for listening, sharing & keeping us going for 5 years!

 

Next Episode: SE7EN (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 and Rewatch // June 20th, 2023.