Scene by Scene

The Devil's Backbone (2001) | Dir. Guillermo del Toro

In this episode, we discuss Guillermo del Toro’s The Devil's Backbone, including del Toro’s audience manipulation, the use of horror iconography, and the film’s depiction

Sonatine (1993) | Dir. Takeshi Kitano

In this episode, we discuss Takeshi Kitano's Sonatine, including the film's balance of comedy and violence, how the film subverts expectations, and how Kitano structures

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) | Dir. Steven Spielberg

In this episode, we discuss Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind, including the film's personal elements, the theme of communication, and the genre-defin

Wanda (1970) | Dir. Barbara Loden

In this episode, we discuss Barbara Loden’s Wanda, including the connections to Loden's own life, the film’s compassionate portrayal of working-class Americans, and the n

Talk to Her (2002) | Dir. Pedro Almodóvar

In this episode, we discuss Pedro Almodóvar’s Talk to Her, including the themes of loneliness and connection, how the film conceals and reveals information, and how Almod

Last Night at the Alamo (1983) | Dir. Eagle Pennell

In this episode, we discuss Eagle Pennell's Last Night at the Alamo, including character introductions, the parallels between Cowboy and Pennell, and the film's anti-Holl

Announcement | Last Night at the Alamo Delayed

This brief episode is to announce that our discussion of Eagle Pennell's Last Night at the Alamo is delayed. Thank you for your understanding. Follow the Scene by Scene

Damnation (1988) | Dir. Béla Tarr

In this episode, we discuss Béla Tarr's Damnation, including Tarr's use of camera movement, the depiction of sex, and how the opening shot establishes pace, tone, and cha

Beware of a Holy Whore (1971) | Dir. Rainer Werner Fassbinder

In this episode, we discuss Rainer Werner Fassbinder's Beware of a Holy Whore, including the autobiographical elements, Fassbinder's painterly compositions, and how the f

End of Year Review | 2025

In this episode, we each reveal our top three films discussed on the podcast in 2025, reflect on the best and worst movies we watched throughout the year, and share our c

A Karate Christmas Miracle (2019) | Dir. Julie Kimmel

In this episode, we discuss Julie Kimmel's A Karate Christmas Miracle, including Eric Roberts, the film's treatment of Abby, and the Ken Del Vecchio cinematic universe.

My Winnipeg (2007) | Dir. Guy Maddin

In this episode, we discuss Guy Maddin's My Winnipeg, including Maddin's use of repetition, the representation of memory, and the film's blending of fact and fiction. Se

Mahjong (1996) | Dir. Edward Yang

In this episode, we discuss Edward Yang's Mahjong, including the ways in which the film is challenging for viewers, the film's exploration of an evolving Taiwan, and Yang

The Haunting (1963) | Dir. Robert Wise

In this episode, we discuss Robert Wise's The Haunting, including the film's many interpretations, Eleanor's self-discovery, and the film's depiction of paranormal activi

Perfect Blue (1997) | Dir. Satoshi Kon

In this episode, we discuss Satoshi Kon's Perfect Blue, including the film's connection to Japan's otaku culture, the film's depiction of celebrity, and Kon's use of cine

Stranger Than Paradise (1984) | Dir. Jim Jarmusch

In this episode, we discuss Jim Jarmusch’s Stranger Than Paradise, including the film's visual style, how the film grammar supports the themes, and what differentiates Wi

Taste of Cherry (1997) | Dir. Abbas Kiarostami

In this episode, we discuss Abbas Kiarostami’s Taste of Cherry, including Mr. Badii's treatment of the three supporting characters, the visual motif of dirt, and the film

Announcement | Taste of Cherry Delayed

We wanted to let everyone know our discussion of Abbas Kiarostami's Taste of Cherry is delayed. In this brief episode, Joe gives some insight into why and when to expect

A Married Couple (1969) | Dir. Allan King

In this episode, we discuss Allan King’s A Married Couple, including King's approach to documentary, the film's use of crane shots, and whether Billy and Antoinette "perf

A Night of Knowing Nothing (2021) | Dir. Payal Kapadia

In this episode, we discuss Payal Kapadia’s A Night of Knowing Nothing, including the film’s unconventional approach to documentary, the value of the film’s fictional ele