Sign inOpen the app
Artwork for Single Serving Cinema
TV & Film

Single Serving Cinema

Tim & Tay

Single Serving Cinema looks at one critical scene in a movie every other week. We explore how the scene is constructed, what the scene achieves, and what it can tell us about the movie as a whole. Hosted by Tim & Tay.

SubscribeListen in podnodRSS feedShow website
  • 128 episodes
  • Updated July 23

Episodes128

Newest first
  • Oct 31, 2023 · 1 hr 21 min

    SSC 63: The Exorcist (Friedkin, 1973)

    Tim & Tay honour the late, great William Friedkin by talking about one of the most successful films of all time: The Exorcist. Synopsis After exhausting all conventional forms of medicine and care, a distraught mother asks the catholic church to perform an exorcism for her suffering, manic daughter. Starring Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair and Jason Miller, and directed by William Friedkin, The Exorcist was released Dec. 26, 1973. Where to watch The Exorcist. Scene: 39:15 - 44:48 Chris hosts a large gathering at the house only to be disrupted by a harrowing warning from Regan. Recommendations Tim: The Exorcist III (Blatty, 1990)—where to watch Tay: Leap Of Faith (Phillippe, 2023)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Oct 25, 2023 · 1 hr 17 min

    SSC 62: A Quiet Place (Krasinski, 2018)

    Tim & Tay get dig into one of the most accessible horror movies of the modern era, and one that maybe doesn't hold up under close scrutiny. Tune in for a discussion of world-building, high concept strategy, and more. Synopsis A family lives their lives in silence, trying to survive in the presence of alien creatures that hunt by sound. Starring John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, and directed by John Krasinski, A Quiet Place was released April 6, 2018. Where to watch A Quiet Place. Scene: 54:26 - 1:00:43] The Abbott family begins their journey home after a seemingly routine supply run. The youngest, Beau, puts batteries into a noisy toy, which tragically sounds off as the family traverses a bridge. Beau is almost immediately destroyed by an unknown creature as the family can do nothing but watch in horror cut to Title Card. Recommendations Tim: Hush (Flanagan, 2016)—where to watch Tay: Don't Breathe (Alvarez, 2016)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Oct 4, 2023 · 1 hr 17 min

    SSC 61: The Descent (Marshall, 2005)

    Tim & Tay get to talk horror once again in this discussion of Neil Marshall's The Descent. We explore this movie's legacy in a genre that has somewhat forgot it, wise filmmaking on a lower budget, and much more. Synopsis A day of spelunking turns into a nightmare after a group of friends gets trapped underground and pursued by terrifying predators. Starring Shauna Macdonald and Natalie Mendoza, and directed by Neil Marshall, The Descent was released July 8, 2005. Where to watch The Descent. Links: Tay's Horror Marathon Oscar horror montage The Descent palette Scene: 54:26 - 1:00:43] Broken and battered, the six women arrive atop a pile of animal bones and are quickly descended upon by cave-dwelling beings and are forced to fight for their lives. Recommendations Tim: Bone Tomahawk (Zahler, 2015)—where to watch Tay: The Dive (Erlenweinn, 2023)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Sep 20, 2023 · 1 hr 29 min

    SSC 60: Fight Club (Fincher, 1999) w/ Bunny Stephenson

    Tim and Tay are joined by Bunny Stephenson (Instagram / Letterboxd) to talk about our second David Fincher pick for our potlucks: Fight Club. We discuss the movie's exquisite portrayal of brutal violence, its not-so-subtle homoeroticism, and the reception of this satirical take on '90s men's existential crisis. Synopsis A depressed man’s life is changed after he meets a charming and inspiring anarchist that shows him a life beyond the materialistic world. Starring Ed Norton & Brad Pitt, and directed by David Fincher, Fight Club was released Oct. 15, 1999. Where to watch Fight Club. Bunny's Scene [33.28-41.00] Meet Tyler Durden. Tay's Scene [01:00:20 - 01:04:30] Let's make soap. Tim's Scene [2:05:43-2:09:36] Tyler & Jack's last fight. Links Every Frame a Painting— "And The Other Way Is Wrong" Recommendations Tim—Woodstock ‘99: Peace, Love & Rage (Price, 2021) [where to watch] Tay—Hobo with a Shotgun (Eisner, 2011) [where to watch] Bunny—The Lighthouse (Eggers, 2019) [where to watch] All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Sep 6, 2023 · 1 hr 17 min

    SSC 59: Nightcrawler (Gilroy, 2014)

    Tim & Tay take on capitalism in this episode on Nightcrawler. This slick and unsettling film stars Jake Gyllenhaal in his best performance, and explores ambition, tenacity, and the other characteristics most valued by the modern western world. Synopsis Lou Bloom, an ambitious and resourceful Los Angeles resident, methodically tests the moral and economic limits of sensational local news production. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler was released Oct. 31, 2014. Where to watch - Paramount+ Links: (with apologies to) Kevin Rahm Scene: 39:24-44:30 Arriving at an accident before the cops and paramedics, Lou manipulates the crime scene and gets his footage, beating out the other Nightcrawlers like Joe. When delivering his footage, he begins to coerce Nina into a date. Recommendations Tim: Broadcast News (Brooks, 1987)—where to watch Tay: City of Tiny Lights (Travis, 2016)—where to watch Next episode: Fight Club (Fincher, 1999) Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Aug 23, 2023 · 1 hr 5 min

    SSC 58: Kill Bill Vols 1&2 (Tarantino, 2003-2004)

    Tim & Tay talk both of Tarantino's revenge epics, Kill Bill Vols 1 &2. Tune in for a discussion of how these films have aged, how they deny audience expectations, and more. Synopsis Kill Bill Vols 1 & 2 tell the story of an assassin’s quest for revenge against her spurned master and ex, Bill. Starring Uma Thurman and directed by Quentin Tarantino, Kill Bill Vols 1 & 2 were released October 10, 2003 and April 16, 2004, respectively. Where to watch Kill Bill Vols 1 & 2 Links: RackaRacka on Corridor Crew Scene: 32:35 - 44:44 The Bride recalls the backstory and ascension to power for her enemy, O-Ren. Scene: 22:53 - 30:56 Budd thwarts the Bride’s attack at night at his California trailer. Recommendations Tim: Wolfguy: Enraged Lycanthrope (Yamaguchi, 1975)—where to watch Tay: The Raid: Redemption (Evans, 2011)—where to watch Next episode: TBD Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Aug 9, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min

    SSC 57: Memento ( Nolan, 2000)

    Tim & Tay explore the movie that launched Christopher Nolan's career in proper: Memento. We talk about its innovative story structure, the way it plays with the nature of film, and how Carrie-Anne Moss can be pretty mean sometimes. Synopsis A man with short-term memory loss tracks his wife’s killer, employing a series of habitual techniques to find his target and, eventually, take his revenge. Starring Guy Pearce and directed by Christopher Nolan, Memento was released September 9, 2000. Where to watch Memento. Scene: 1:13:00- 1:17:17 Natalie returns home with a plan to aggravate and manipulate Leonard into helping her. Recommendations Tim: Lady Vengeance (Park, 2005)—where to watch Tay: Blue Ruin (Saulnier, 2013)—where to watch Next episode: Kill Bill (Tarantino, 2003)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Aug 8, 2023 · 35 min

    SSC Bonus: Oppenheimer (Nolan, 2023)

    You know we couldn't go from our bomb theme in July to our revenge theme in August without talking about one of the summer's two biggest films: Oppenheimer. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Jul 26, 2023 · 1 hr 12 min

    SSC 56: Face/Off (Woo, 1997)

    Tim & Tay dig into John Woo's maximalist style with the ridiculous, fun, and arguarbly flawed Face/Off. Synopsis FBI agent Sean Archer undergoes radical surgery to trade faces with his nemesis, the terrorist Castor Troy, in order to discover the location of a bomb that threatens Los Angeles. Starring Nicholas Cage and John Travolta, and directed by John Woo, Face/Off was released June 27, 1997. Where to watch Face/Off. Scene: 45:30-48:25 In short order, Castor Troy wakes up from his coma, calls in his henchmen and takes Sean Archer’s face. Links The Birth Of Gun-Fu Recommendations Tim: Hard Boiled (Woo, 1992)—where to watch Tay: 2 Guns (Kormakur, 2013)—where to watch Next episode: Memento (Nolan, 2000)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Jul 12, 2023 · 1 hr 19 min

    SSC 55: Sorcerer (Friedkin, 1977)

    Tim & Tay get to talk about one of their all time favourite films: William Friedkin's Sorcerer. In this first installment for our bomb month (in honour of the forthcoming Oppenheimer), we talk explosions, existential dread, and much more. Synopsis Four desperate men, on the run from their past lives and stuck in a quagmire of Colombian poverty, agree to drive unstable nitroglycerin across 200 miles of dangerous jungle road to put out an inflamed oil well. Starring Roy Schieder and directed by William Friedkin, Sorcerer was released June 24, 1977. Where to watch Sorcerer. Scene: 1:26:35 - 1:41:15 Scanlon and Nilo arrive at the site of a gargantuan Kaoba tree that has fallen on the road, blocking their path. Amidst Scanlons rage, Victor and Kassem show up and Kassem immediately conjures up a plan to remove the impossible roadblock. The scene stars Roy Scheider, Fransisco Rabal, Bruno Cremer and Amidou Links The Thirst For Annihilation Recommendations Tim: Cheap Thrills (Katz, 2014)—where to watch Tay: How To Blow Up A Pipeline (Goldhaber, 2023)—where to watch Next episode: Face/Off (Woo, 1997)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Jun 21, 2023 · 1 hr 16 min

    SSC 54: Jaws (Spielberg, 1975)

    Tim & Tay revisit the seminal summer blockbuster: Jaws. We talk about the dawn of the modern movie megahit, the difficulty of shooting a movie on the ocean, and much more. Synopsis When a great white shark terrorizes a tourist trap island off the coast of New York, the local police chief, an oceanographer, and a seasoned fisherman are charged with catching it. Starring Roy Schieder and directed by Stephen Spielberg, Jaws was released June 20, 1975. Where to watch Jaws. Scene: 45:18 - 50:20 Hooper convinces Brody to join him on a night hunt for the killer shark that he believes is still roaming the Amity coastline. They come across a noted fisherman, Ben Gardner's boat that is partially sunk. Hooper dives to investigate the boat and gets more than he bargained for. Links The Playhouse Cinema "10 animals more likely to kill you than sharks" CORRECTION: Gone With The Wind was in theatres for 30 years. "Leitmotif" in Williams' film scores Recommendations Tim: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (Sargent, 1974)—where to watch Tay: Frank Darabont's Indiana Jones' script Next episode: Sorcerer (Friedkin, 1977)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Jun 14, 2023 · 44 min

    SSC 53: Season 2 Taglines

    Another season in the bag means another head-to-head ranking of the latest crop of taglines. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Jun 7, 2023 · 1 hr 18 min

    SSC 52: Raiders of the Lost Ark (Spielberg, 1981)

    Tim & Tay honour the legacy of summer blockbusters by discussing Stephen Spielberg's adventure classic, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. We talk fallible heroes, action along the z-axis, and much more. Synopsis An adventuring archaeologist races to beat the Nazis to a priceless, potentially powerful religious relic in this globe-trotting pulp action classic. Starring Harrison Ford and Karen Allen, and directed by Stephen Spielberg, Raiders of the Lost Ark was released June 12, 1981. Where to watch Raiders of the Lost Ark. Scene: 1:15:50-1:21:15 After miraculously escaping the sealed Well of Souls, our heroes Indy and Marion stumble into another death trap featuring a grounded, out-of-control Nazi plane, a worthy boxing opponent for Indy and a most excellent explosion to cap off a memorable blockbuster set piece. Links Hitting the lamp in Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Indiana Jones story conference transcripts Recommendations Tim: The Lost City Of Z (Gray, 2016)—where to watch Tay: Jungle (McLean, 2017)—where to watch Next episode: Jaws (Spielberg, 1975)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • May 24, 2023 · 1 hr 27 min

    SSC 51: Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood (Tarantino, 2019)

    Tim & Tay dig into the iconic Quentin Tarantino and his oeuvre for the first time with his revisionist fantasy: Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood. Tune in for a discussion of cache-cashing, period-specific production design, and much more. Synopsis Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood tells the story of waning ‘60s TV star Rick Dalton and his stunt double Cliff Booth, who, in the course of their seemingly regular lives, encounter the Manson family gang and change the course of Hollywood history. Starring Leo Dicaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, and written/directed by Quentin Tarantino, Once was released July 26, 2019. Where to watch Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood. Scene: 20:13 - 26:00 After driving Rick home, Cliff commutes along Hollywood Blvd. en route to his trailer home on the lot of the infamous Van Nuys’ drive-in movie theatre. He prepares food for himself and his dog, Brandy, as she eagerly awaits. Links Matt Johnson on The Big Picture "...because we love making movies!" Tarantino's 10th film The Hays Code Flamethrower stunts You Must Remember This podcast: Charles Manson Recommendations Tim: Where Eagles Dare (Hutton, 1968)—where to watch Tay: Under The Silver Lake (Mitchell, 2018)—where to watch Next episode: Raiders Of The Lost Ark (Spielberg, 1981)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • May 10, 2023 · 1 hr 53 min

    SSC 50: Potluck—Se7en (Fincher, 1995) w/James Stacey

    Tim and Tay are once again joined by James Stacey (The Grey Nato) to talk about our first David Fincher pick for our potlucks: Se7en. We discuss the movie that launched Fincher's film career in proper, how it stands as a unique work of its time, and who we'd cast as an alternate Mills and Somerset. Synopsis A veteran detective partners with a rookie to take on one last case before he retires, hunting a serial killer of unparalleled commitment and barbarism. Starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, and directed by David Fincher, Se7en was released on Sept. 22, 1995. Where to watch Se7en. Tim's Scene [47:58 - 56:20] Following a lead from fingerprints left at the Greed crime scene, the detectives and a SWAT team enter a potential suspect’s home to find yet another victim in the series of crimes. James' Scene [1:14:56 - 1:23:45] Mills and Somerset investigate John Doe's apartment, gaining their first direct look into his methods, habits, and state of mind. Tay's Scene [1:08:02 - 1:14:45] Mills and Somerset pessimistically arrive at the apartment of John Doe based on a far-reaching lead from an FBI source. The man in question gets the jump on them, arriving as they knock on his door, initiating a dark, tantalizing chase through the dingy apartment complex. Links The Social Network trailer Denzel Washington passed on Se7en Recommendations Tim—I Saw The Devil (Kim Jee-Woon, 2011) [where to watch] Tay—The House That Jack Built (von Trier, 2018) [where to watch] James—"What's In The Box" via The Ringer All links are verified at the time of publication and based on availability in Canada. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Apr 26, 2023 · 1 hr 18 min

    SSC 49: Spirited Away (Miyazaki, 2001)

    Tim & Tay talk about one of the most iconic animated movies of all time, Spirited Away. They discuss this timeless film's attention to the child's perspective, its careful development of her developing sense of agency, and director/writer Hayao Miyazaki's singular approach to his animation. Synopsis Spirited Away tells the story of 10-year-old Chihiro, who enters the spirit world after her parents are transformed into pigs. Chihiro takes a job at the spirits’ bathhouse in order to save her parents and find a way home. Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and starring Rumi Hiiragi, Spirited Away was released July 20, 2021. Where to watch Spirited Away. Scene: 52:00-1:06:35 On Chihiro’s first day of work, she is tasked with washing the bathhouse's stinkiest guest, who turns out to be much more than meets the eye (or nose, for that matter). Links "No cuts" How Spirited Away Changed Animation Forever Miyazaki and the concept of "ma" Ghibli Fest Recommendations Tim: Only Yesterday (Takahata, 1991)—where to watch Tay: The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya (Takahata, 2013)—where to watch Next episode: Se7en (Fincher, 1995)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Apr 12, 2023 · 1 hr 27 min

    SSC 48: Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (Ramsey, Persichetti, Rothman, 2019)

    Tim & Tay talk about the new era of animation in this discussion of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. Tune in for a comparison of Peter Parker and Miles Morales, a celebration of innovative animation, and more. Synopsis Unsure of who or what he wants to be, Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales is bitten by a radioactive spider and develops special powers. When he meets the current Spider-Man, and then many other Spider-people from alternate dimensions, Miles must learn to use his powers and become a hero. Starring Shameik Moore and Jake Johnson, and directed by Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti, Rodney Rothman, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse hit theatres on December 14, 2018. Where to watch Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. Scene: 8:46 - 13:58 When given a personal assignment to write about the kind of person he wants to be, Miles decides to instead sneak out to visit his uncle Aaron. Sensing his struggles, Aaron takes him to an abandoned subway tunnel to express himself creatively, through graffiti. Miles completes his piece and is subsequently bitten by an interdimensional, radioactive spider. Links Profit sharing with Air Vox: How "Spider-Verse" forced animation to evolve Animating on "ones/twos" Designing the Prowler sound SSC's previous Miyazaki episode Recommendations Tim: The Spine of Night (Galen King, Gelatt, 2021)—where to watch Tay: 9 (Acker, 2009)—where to watch Next episode: Spirited Away (Miyazaki, 2001)—where to watch Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Mar 29, 2023 · 1 hr 13 min

    SCC 47: Cinema Paradiso (Tornatore, 1988)

    Tim & Tay talk about the cinephile's classic Cinema Paradiso, as selected by our Instagram contest winner. Synopsis A celebrated Sicilian director returns home for the funeral of an old friend, recounting his coming-of-age through flashbacks centered around the village’s cinema. Starring Phiippe Noiret and Jaques Perrin, and directed by Guisepe Tornatore, Cinema Paradiso was released on November 17, 1988, in Italy (and May 2002 in Canada). Where to watch Cinema Paradiso. Scene: 49:52 - 57:52 Links The Big Picture Podcast on Keanu The Holy Mountain (Jodorowsky, 1975) Recommendations Tim: The Majestic (Darabont, 2002)—where to watch Tay: Il Camorrista (Tornatore, 1986) Next episode: Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (Ramsay, Rothman, Persichetti, 2018) Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Mar 15, 2023 · 1 hr 22 min

    SSC 46: When Harry Met Sally (Reiner, 1989)

    Tim & Tay talk about the Oscars, rom-coms, and a lot more in this discussion of When Harry Met Sally. Synopsis Maybe more-than-friends Harry and Sally navigate the dating world through their thirties, learning whether there really are any true rules defining the relationships between men and women. Starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, written by Norah Ephron, and directed by Rob Reiner, When Harry Met Sally hit theatres July 21, 1989. Where to watch When Harry Met Sally. Scene: 59:55-1:04:06 After running into his ex-wife Helen, Harry and Sally visit Marie and Jess who ask them to settle a domestic debate regarding a living room table. Boiling over, Harry snaps, and selfishly chastises them by relating the issue to his past issues with Helen. Cooling down outside, Sally confronts him on his rudeness. Links Chest Fever Recommendations Tim: In The Cut (Campion, 2003)—where to watch Tay: A Lot Like Love (Cole, 2005)—where to watch Next episode: Stay tuned! Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd

  • Mar 1, 2023 · 1 hr 24 min

    SSC 45: Spider-Man (Raimi, 2002)

    Tim & Tay talk Spider-Man and the beginning of a new cinematic era. This episode covers the idea of post-9/11 New York as a character, Willem Dafoe's arch take on the comic book villain, and much more. Synopsis When unpopular and unassuming high schooler Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider, he gains miraculous powers that soon throw his life into disarray. Starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst and directed by Sam Raimi, Spider-Man hit theatres May 3, 2002. Where to watch Spider-Man. Scene [1:25:02 - 1:29:50] MJ, Aunt May, and Norman join Peter and Harry for Thanksgiving in the city. Peter narrowly avoids revealing to the group that he is Spider-Man, but during the dinner, Norman notices a conspicuous cut on his arm, giving away his secret. Norman rudely excuses himself, insulting MJ as he leaves. Links Spider-Man Twin Towers Teaser Fincher's preference for CGI blood Recommendations Tim: A Simple Plan (Raimi, 1999)—where to watch Tay: Super (Gunn, 2011)—where to watch Next episode: When Harry Met Sally (Reiner, 1989) Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd Tay on Letterboxd