Scene by Scene

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 scenes like jokes. See where Sonatine is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • Takeshi Kitano on Sonatine •Akira Kurosawa & Takeshi Kitano Discussion • BFI's Takeshi Kitano Collection • Film Movement Classics' Takeshi Kitano Double Play: Violent Cop & Boiling Point Blu-ray Additional Audio Sources: • Sonatine Original Trailer • Sonatine II (In the Beginning) - Joe Hisaishi (Sonatine Soundtrack) If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow the Scene by Scene Instagram account for announcements and updates. Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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-defining visuals. See where Close Encounters of the Third Kind is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • Close Encounters of the Third Kind Blu-ray • The Making of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Documentary) • Close Encounters of the Third Kind: The Ultimate Visual History by Michael Klastorin (Book) • Behind the Camera - Close Encounters of the Third Kind by Rob Nixon • Steven Spielberg Discusses His Iconic Sci-Fi Film Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Turner Classic Movies) • Steven Spielberg on Close Encounters, AI: Artificial Intelligence, Minority Report, and More (Turner Classic Movies) • Spielberg on Spielberg (Documentary) Additional Audio Sources: • Close Encounters of the Third Kind Blu-ray If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow the Scene by Scene Instagram account for announcements and updates. Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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 narrative element we found least effective. See where Wanda is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Criterion Collection's Wanda Blu-ray • Barbara Loden at the AFI (The Criterion Channel) • I Am Wanda (The Criterion Channel) • The Frontier Experience (1975) | Dir. Barbara Loden (The Criterion Channel) • The Boy Who Liked Deer (1975) | Dir. Barbara Loden • Wanda: A Miracle by Amy Taubin • Defogging Wanda by Ross Lipman Additional Audio Sources: • Wanda (Criterion Channel Transfer) • Barbara Loden at the AFI (The Criterion Channel) If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow the Scene by Scene Instagram account for announcements and updates. Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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 Almodóvar avoids villainizing his characters. See where Talk to Her is available to watch. Additional Audio Sources: • Talk to Her (Digital Transfer) If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow the Scene by Scene Instagram account for announcements and updates. Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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-Hollywood aesthetic. See where Last Night at the Alamo is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • Last Night at the Alamo (Remaster) • The King of Texas: The Life and Death of Independent Filmmaker Eagle Pennell • Inside/Outside • Last Night at the Alamo Q&A • How Austin Movies Shaped the City's Culture and Identity by Michael Barnes • How A Little-Known Film From The 1970s Kickstarted The Austin Film Scene by Terri Langford & Laura Rice • In Memoriam by Chronicle Staff • Eagle Pennell, the Last Cowboy by Nadine Smith • Remembering a Different 'Alamo,' 40 years Later by Nathan Cone • The Most Authentically Texan Movie You’ve Never Heard Of by Sean O'Neal • King for a Day by Steve McVicker • Indie Legend Who Inspired Sundance, ‘Reservoir Dogs’ And More Will Have Classic Films Restored by Louis Black • The Defiant Defeatist: Eagle Pennell by Daniel Stuyck • Fade to Black by Steve McVicker Additional Audio Sources: • Last Night at the Alamo Remaster Teaser • Last Night at the Alamo (Remaster) If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow the Scene by Scene Instagram account for announcements and updates. Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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 Instagram account for future updates. Additional Audio Sources: • Last Night at the Alamo • Last Night at the Alamo Restoration Teaser If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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 character. See where Damnation is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • Arbelos' Damnation Blu-ray • Tarr Béla, I Used to Be a Filmmaker (2013) • Béla Tarr: “The Camera Was a Tool To Change the World” • Béla Tarr Interview with Gary Pollard • Béla Tarr Regis Dialogue with Howard Feinstein Additional Audio Sources: • Arbelos' Damnation Blu-ray If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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 film makes the viewer an active participant. See where Beware of a Holy Whore is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • "Eclipse Series 39: Early Fassbinder" by Michael Koresky • "Hanna Schygulla: How Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s Favourite Actor “Survived” His Abuse" by Thomas Coll • End of the Commune? (1970) • Fassbinder in 5: Michael Koresky on an Aesthetic Revolution (The Criterion Channel) • Life Stories: A Conversation with R.W. Fassbinder (The Criterion Channel) Additional Audio Sources: • Santa Lucia by Elvis Presley • Let's Go Get Stoned by Ray Charles If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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 closing thoughts on 2025. We also included a few small segments rescued from 2025’s cutting room floor. Additional Audio Sources: • Avatar Trailer • Sneak Previews -"Best of 1980" (12-30-80) • Entertainment Tonight – “Leonard Maltin on the 10 Worst Movies of 1985” • CNBC Television - “How Netflix is Disrupting the Film Industry” • Return to Silent Hill Teaser Trailer If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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. See where A Karate Christmas Miracle is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • Justice For All Productions & Ken Del Vecchio YouTube Channel • Justice For All Productions Website • Hoboken International Film Festival Website • Local Filmmaker Judge Quits So He Can Promote Flick Ridiculing Obama • Acting in Film: An Actor's Take on Movie Making by Michael Caine (Book) • Judge Kenny D - Personality Sizzle Reel • Kenneth Del Vecchio - Bio Video Additional Audio Sources: • A Karate Christmas Miracle Trailer • A Karate Christmas Miracle (Tubi Transfer) If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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. See where My Winnipeg is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Criterion Collection's My Winnipeg Blu-ray • My Winnipeg (The Criterion Channel) • Guy Maddin and Robert Enright on My Winnipeg (The Criterion Channel) • Spanky: To the Pier and Back (The Criterion Channel) • Guy Maddin: His Winnipeg (Chicago Humanities) • Visiting Filmmaker Series: Q&A with Guy Maddin (Rutgers Filmmaking Center) • Guy Maddin on My Winnipeg | Higher Learning (TIFF) • My Guy’s Winnipeg by Wayne Koestenbaum Additional Audio Sources: • My Winnipeg Trailer (from The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray) • The Criterion Collection's My Winnipeg Blu-ray • FilmCatcher: My Winnipeg Interview with Director Guy Madden (FilmCatcher) • Guy Maddin Talks About His Editing Style (and YouTube!) (Media Funhouse) • Why Auteur Director Guy Maddin Bought a Screenwriting Book & Only Read the Back Cover (No Film School) If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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's mastery of tone. See where Mahjong is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Criterion Collection's A Confucian Confusion / Mahjong: Two Films by Edward Yang Blu-ray • Mahjong (The Criterion Channel) • Spotlight on Edward Yang with Dennis Lim (The Criterion Channel) Additional Audio Sources: • The Criterion Collection's A Confucian Confusion / Mahjong: Two Films by Edward Yang Blu-ray If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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 activity. See where The Haunting is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Haunting Blu-ray • "The Haunting" Q&A with Robert Wise, Russ Tamblyn, & Nelson Gidding (1993) • Robert Wise on Making Classic Horror Films • Interview with Claire Bloom on "The Haunting" Additional Audio Sources: • The Haunting Trailer (from The Haunting Blu-ray) • The Haunting Blu-ray If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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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 cinematic techniques. See where Perfect Blue is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • Shout Factory's Perfect Blue Blu-ray • Otaku (1994) • Otaku (1994) (Internet Archive) • Lecture Series with Satoshi Kon | Perfect Blue (on YouTube) Additional Audio Sources: • Perfect Blue Trailer • Shout Factory's Perfect Blue Blu-ray If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

• Transcript

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 Willie and Eva. See where Stranger Than Paradise is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Criterion Collection's Stranger Than Paradise Blu-ray • Stranger Than Paradise (The Criterion Channel) • Stranger Than Paradise: Enter Jarmusch by Geoff Andrew • Paradise Regained by J. Hoberman Additional Audio Sources: • Stranger Than Paradise Trailer (from The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray) • The Criterion Collection's Stranger Than Paradise Blu-ray If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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's self-reflexive ending. See where Taste of Cherry is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Criterion Collection's Taste of Cherry Blu-ray • Taste of Cherry (The Criterion Channel) • Taste of Cherry: Stay Near the Tree by A. S. Hamrah • Taste of Cherry by Godfrey Cheshire • Abbas Kiarostami | In Conversation With... (TIFF Originals) • Martin Scorsese on Abbas Kiarostami Additional Audio Sources: • The Criterion Collection's Taste of Cherry Blu-ray If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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 the episode. Thank you for your understanding. Additional Audio Sources: • Taste of Cherry Trailer (The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray) • Taste of Cherry | Modern Trailer by CP Trailers If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

• Transcript

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 "perform" for the camera. See where A Married Couple is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Criterion Collection's Eclipse Series 24: The Actuality Dramas of Allan King • In Camera: Allan King • Allan King Interview • Antoinette on A Married Couple • Eclipse Series 24: The Actuality Dramas of Allan King by Michael Koresky • Michael Cera on A Married Couple (The Criterion Channel) Additional Audio Sources: • A Married Couple Trailer • A Married Couple (The Criterion Channel Transfer) • In Camera: Allan King If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

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 elements, and the theme of impossible love. See where A Night of Knowing Nothing is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • A Night of Knowing Nothing (The Criterion Channel Transfer) • Meet the Filmmakers | Payal Kapadia • Payal Kapadia on A Night of Knowing Nothing | NYFF59 • A Night of Knowing Nothing Q&A | DocPoint 2022 • Discussing A Night of Knowing Nothing | Payal Kapadia & Ranabir Das • A Night of Knowing Nothing with Payal Kapadia | ICA • A Night of Knowing Nothing Q&A | Quinzaine des Cinéastes • Payal Kapadia on Documentary Trends & Filmmaking Tips | Film Critics Guild • Watermelon, Fish and Half Ghost (2014) (Dir. Payal Kapadia) • The Last Mango Before the Monsoon (2015) (Dir. Payal Kapadia) • Afternoon Clouds (2017) (Dir. Payal Kapadia) • And What Is the Summer Saying (2018) (Dir. Payal Kapadia) • Between Day and Night (2021) (Dir. Payal Kapadia) • What is India's caste system? • What is India’s caste system? Is it contentious in U.S.? • Cast System in India Today Additional Audio Sources: • A Night of Knowing Nothing (The Criterion Channel Transfer) If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin

Old Joy (2006) | Dir. Kelly Reichardt

In this episode, we discuss Kelly Reichardt’s Old Joy, including the differences between the film and the short story, how the film effectively establishes character, and how Reichardt and Sillen create disconnect through film grammar. See where Old Joy is available to watch. Supplemental Material: • The Criterion Collection's Old Joy Blu-ray • Old Joy - Photographs by Justine Kurland & Fiction by Jonathan Raymond (Book) • Old Joy: Northwest Passages by Ed Halter • Kelly Reichardt: ‘My films are about people who don’t have a safety net’ (BFI Interview) • Yorgos Lanthimos & Kelly Reichardt (Film Independent Interview) • Kelly Reichardt: A Major Voice of Indie Cinema | The VICE Guide to Film • Old Joy - Daniel London and Kelly Reichardt Interview • Patton Oswalt Introduces OLD JOY (The Criterion Channel) • Ode (1999) (Dir. Kelly Reichardt) (PASSWORD: benjamin) • Travis (2004) (Dir. Kelly Reichardt) • It Came from the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror (Book) Additional Audio Sources: • Old Joy Trailer • The Criterion Collection's Old Joy Blu-ray • Daniel London and Will Oldham Conversation on The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray • Kelly Reichardt Interview on The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray If you'd like to support the show, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share the podcast with someone who might enjoy it. If you have any thoughts, comments, or questions about the show, you can email us at scenebyscenepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Letterboxd: Joe | Justin