The American Cinematheque Podcast

GRIFFIN DUNNE’S Life at the Movies (AFTER HOURS, PRACTICAL MAGIC)

Actor, director, and author Griffin Dunne (AFTER HOURS, PRACTICAL MAGIC, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON) joins us on the podcast this week! In between discussions about the great Hal Ashby and the impact of THE GRADUATE on a young actor, Dunne shares stories about working with Martin Scorsese and seeing musicals in New York with Carrie Fisher. We’re talking unexpected run-ins with Dustin Hoffman, saturated colors of the 70s, and smoking doobies before going in the editing room. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, and soon the Directors Village in Westwood, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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DOUG JONES’ Life at the Movies (PAN’S LABYRINTH, THE SHAPE OF WATER)

PAN’S LABYRINTH celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and actor Doug Jones is joining us on the podcast this week! The frequent Guillermo Del Toro collaborator shares his life at the movies, from watching THE WIZARD OF OZ on a black and white TV, to seeing SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE in theaters over and over again, to the record breaking standing ovation for PAN’S LABYRINTH at Cannes. We take some detours to talk CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON and WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS - with a sprinkle of GLITTER. We’re talking about everything from classic monsters to romance and pop divas. PAN’S LABYRINTH is back in theaters with a 4K restoration this October. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, and soon the Directors Village in Westwood, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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DAVE GREEN’S Life at the Movies (COYOTE VS ACME)

COYOTE VS ACME is finally hitting theaters this week, and we’ve got director Dave Green joining us on the podcast to talk through his life at the movies! We get looney with some double features of animated classics and legal thrillers, and dive into live action cartoons with TWISTER and JURASSIC PARK. What screening was so wild it made radio contest winners literally climb the walls? What movie would we take Peter Lorre to see? Let’s find out. COYOTE VS ACME is in theaters August 28th. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, and soon the Directors Village in Westwood, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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MACON BLAIR’S Life at the Movies (IDIOTS, TOXIC AVENGER)

Actor, writer, and director Macon Blair’s new film IDIOTS comes out this month, and he joins us on the podcast this week! We talk about REPO MAN’s impact on his work, the magic of slightly janky stop-motion animation, the chaos of seeing SNAKES ON A PLANE opening day in NYC, and so much more. IDIOTS is in theaters August 28th. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, and soon the Directors Village in Westwood, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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SAMY BURCH'S Life at the Movies (COYOTE VS ACME, LATE FAME, MAY DECEMBER)

Academy Award nominated screenwriter Samy Burch has two films coming out this month (LATE FAME, COYOTE VS ACME), and is joining us on the podcast this week! Her life at the movies includes everything from watching A THOUSAND CLOWNS before her wedding to discovering Matt Johnson’s THE DIRTIES. What cheesecake pairs perfectly with a screening of PAPER MOON? Why are movies about competitions so fun? And which Milos Forman film revealed a series of real life lies? Let’s find out. LATE FAME is in select theaters this week. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, and soon the Directors Village in Westwood, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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JANE SCHOENBRUN’S Life at the Movies (TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA, I SAW THE TV GLOW)

Filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun (TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA, I SAW THE TV GLOW, WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR) joins us on the podcast to talk about their life at the movies! We’re talking about everything from accidentally seeing SCREAM as a kid, to pranking the manager at the movie theater where they worked, and finding comfort in David Byrne on the big screen. What makes a perfect double feature and why is FREDDY GOT FINGERED undeniably art? Let’s find out. TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA is in theaters this week. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, and soon the Directors Village in Westwood, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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NATALIE MORALES’ Life at the Movies (PLAN B, PARKS AND REC)

Actor and director Natalie Morales (PARKS AND REC, SANTA CLARITA DIET, THE BEAST IN ME, PLAN B, LANGUAGE LESSONS) joins us on the podcast! She shares her life at the movies, from seeing THE MAMBO KINGS as a child in Miami, to seeing ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND twice in a row, and falling in love with the films of Buster Keaton in Los Angeles. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, and soon the Directors Village in Westwood, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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FRANKLIN LEONARD’s Life at the Movies (Founder and CEO of The Black List)

We’ve got another pilot episode for you this week! In advance of ONE NIGHT ONLY hitting theaters, we’re bringing you our conversation with Franklin Leonard, founder and CEO of The Black List - an annual survey of the best unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. THE IMITATION GAME, JUNO, THE WOLF OF WALL STREET, and PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN? All Black List scripts. Franklin tells us a little about how he started The Black List while working as an assistant in Hollywood, and tells us a lot about his love of film, and his life going to the movies. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, and soon the Directors Village in Westwood, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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LARRY KARASZEWSKI’s Life at the Movies (ED WOOD, DOLEMITE IS MY NAME)

This week, we’re bringing you one of our first pilot episodes! When we started working on the podcast, friend of the AC and screenwriter Larry Karaszewski (ED WOOD, DOLEMITE IS MY NAME, THE PEOPLE VS LARRY FLYNT, AMERICAN CRIME STORY) came by to tell us all about his life at the movies. The set and sound design may be different, but the stories are spectacular. We’re talking seedy drive-ins, age-inappropriate films, and Mel Brooks. From THE EXORCIST to DUCK SOUP and so much more, take a listen through Larry’s movie-going life. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, and soon the Directors Village in Westwood, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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MIKE MITCHELL'S Life at the Movies (The Doughboys podcast, THE NAPA BOYS, TWISTED METAL)

On this episode, we’re joined by actor and podcaster Mike Mitchell (from the Doughboys podcast, THE NAPA BOYS, TWISTED METAL) to create a film festival where you’re gonna have a lot of fun watching anything from SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT to…EYES WIDE SHUT? We’re talking a love of John Candy, secret movie theater hot dogs, real life guys from Boston who sound like the guys in THE DEPARTED, and so much more. NAPA BOYS is streaming now, and you can listen to Doughboys wherever you get your podcasts. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, and soon the Directors Village in Westwood, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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JOHN EARLY’S Life at the Movies (MADDIE’S SECRET, SEARCH PARTY)

John Early (MADDIE’S SECRET, SEARCH PARTY) joins us on this episode of the podcast to talk about his directorial debut and the movies that shaped him! From unexpected tragedy surrounding a Christmas watch of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, seeing TEA WITH MUSSOLINI and realizing Cher was a genius, to life changing viewings of MURIEL’S WEDDING and DEATH OF A CHEERLEADER, we’re talking queer cinema, TV movies, camp (a la Susan Sontag), and so much more. MADDIE’S SECRET is in theaters now. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, and soon the Directors Village in Westwood, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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SEAN FENNESSEY'S Life at the Movies

On this episode, we’re joined by Sean Fennessey: writer, host of The Big Picture, and head of content at The Ringer! We’re talking about growing up in the birthplace of Walt Whitman, and everything from hooting and hollering at the JACKASS movies to falling in love with ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST as a teen. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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PATTON OSWALT’S Life at the Movies

Actor, comedian, and movie lover Patton Oswalt (RATATOUILLE, YOUNG ADULT, I LOVE MY DAD, GOAT) joins us on the podcast! We’re talking about everything from 70s low budget genre films to CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND and PEE-WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE, from multiplexes in Virginia to the pre-Tarantino days at the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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DIEGO CALVA’S Life at the Movies

Actor Diego Calva (BABYLON, CLUB KID, HER PRIVATE HELL, THE NIGHT MANAGER, ON SWIFT HORSES) joins the podcast to tell us about his life at the movies! From growing up seeing movies at the Cineteca in Mexico City to accidentally becoming an actor, he tells us all about the films that shaped and inspired his career. We’re talking about everything from rapturous applause at a screening of AKIRA to the classics of Mexican cinema like Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN, and the films of Leos Carax and John Cassavetes. Season 2 of THE NIGHT MANAGER is streaming now on Prime Video. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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A Very Special BLEAK WEEK Bonus Episode

The American Cinematheque’s annual festival celebrating the cinema of despair is back for its fifth year and GLOBAL for the first time! Chris Lemaire, director of programming at the American Cinematheque, joins the podcast to talk about the festival’s history, formative screenings, and highlights and special events coming to an independent cinema near you. Head to the Bleak Week landing page at the AC’s website to see a full list of venues and get your tickets: https://www.americancinematheque.com/series/bleak-week-cinema-of-despair-global-film-festival/ To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

KARYN KUSAMA’S Life at the Movies

Filmmaker Karyn Kusama (JENNIFER’S BODY, YELLOWJACKETS, DESTROYER, THE INVITATION, GIRLFIGHT) joins the podcast! Her life at the movies includes everything from odd jobs before her first Sundance premiere to interviewing William Friedkin for cinematic car chase secrets. From ERASERHEAD and SATANTANGO to VALLEY GIRL, she shares stories about the films and experiences that shaped her and her work. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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WALTER MURCH'S Life At The Movies

Acclaimed film editor, sound editor and director Walter Murch (RETURN TO OZ, THE GODFATHER, APOCALYPSE NOW, AMERICAN GRAFFITI, THE CONVERSATION, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY) joins us on the podcast to talk about his life at the movies. From DUMBO to LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, he shares stories about the films and movie-going experiences that shaped him, and ultimately shaped cinema as we know it. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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TATIANA MASLANY'S Life at the Movies

Actress of stage and screen Tatiana Maslany (ORPHAN BLACK, DESTROYER, SHE-HULK, THE MONKEY, MAXIMUM PLEASURE GUARANTEED) joins the podcast! We’re talking about going to the drive-in in Saskatchewan, private noir screenings in Toronto, working on horror movies as a kid, and everything in the world of film from the sound design of UNDER THE SKIN to the practical effects in SOCIETY and the Marx Brothers’ faces in A NIGHT AT THE OPERA. Why is TMNT: SECRET OF THE OOZE so important? Let’s find out. MAXIMUM PLEASURE GUARANTEED is streaming on Apple TV starting on 5/20. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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LEE CRONIN'S Life at the Movies

Filmmaker Lee Cronin (THE HOLE IN THE GROUND, EVIL DEAD RISE, LEE CRONIN’S THE MUMMY) joins us on the show to chat comedy, horror, Ireland, historic theaters, and the sound design that haunted him as a child as we talk through his life at the movies. We’re talking everything from PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES to BUG and THE EXORCIST. What do TERMINATOR 2 and THE COMMITMENTS have in common? Let’s find out. LEE CRONIN’S THE MUMMY is in theaters now. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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SOPHY ROMVARI’S Life at the Movies

Filmmaker Sophy Romvari (BLUE HERON) joins us on the podcast to discuss her stunning debut feature, working at movie theaters, and the delight of dogs in movies. She programs the film festival of her life featuring everything from A.I. to THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY. What do JEANNE DIELMAN and BRIGADOON have in common? How many Canadian filmmakers can our host name? Let’s find out. BLUE HERON — the transcendent feature debut from Sophy Romvari — is now playing in in theaters courtesy of Janus Films. To watch this episode, head to our YouTube. The American Cinematheque operates the Aero, Egyptian, and Los Feliz 3 Theatres in Los Angeles, with programming nationwide. The American Cinematheque is a 501c3 non-profit – if you’d like to learn more, donate, or become a member, head to americancinematheque.com. The show is executive produced by Grant Moninger alongside producer Victoria Alejandro and video producer Mike Cuenca. Stephanie Cervantes leads marketing with production design by Seth Meisterman, animation and graphics by Jack Rossi and original music by Gelberg.

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