We continue Art House August with a look at Mike Leigh’s Naked (1993).  The film features amateur philosopher and full-time gadfly Johnny, played brilliantly by David Thewlis.  We follow Johnny as he flees to London from Manchester after raping a woman and stealing a car.  

We also follow Jeremy (Greg Crutwell), an unrepentant bastard and interesting counterpoint to Johnny.

Elinor Lewy (Somebody's Watching podcast) and Nick Kujawa join Mike to discuss the film and Johnny's "dark night of the soul".

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

We continue Art House August with a look at Christopher Petit’s Radio On. Released in 1979, the film is a road movie about a London man investigating the death of his brother in Bristol. A deliberately paced black and white film, it became famous for the use of modern music on its soundtrack. 

Ben Slater and Mark Begley join Mike to discuss this unusual film.  Writer/director Chris Petit talks about how the film came together.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike Faloon and Lexy Van Dyke join Mike to wrap up Sci-Fi July with one of the classics of the genre, Forbidden Planet (1956). A loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, the film stars Leslie Nielsen as Commander J.J. Adams.  He and his crew land upon a planet in the Altair system where they look for survivors from the spaceship Bellerophon.  There they discover just Professor Morbius (Walter Pidgeon), his daughter Altaria (Anne Francis), and their robot servant (Robby).   There’s a mystery afoot and it’s up to Commander Adams and his gang of goofy astronauts to solve it. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

On this special episode, Mike talks to documentary filmmaker Jeanie Finlay about her latest work, Your Fat Friend (2023) which spotlights Aubrey Gordon, a blogger, author, and podcaster. Find out more at https://www.yrfatfriendfilm.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike talks with helicopter stunt pilot Fred North about his long career performing gravity-defying moves for scores of films from around the world. We discuss his work and his riveting autobiography, Flying Sideways: The Story of the World’s Most Famous Stunt Pilot, which is available via his website https://www.fred-north.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Beth Accomando and Cullen Gallagher join Mike to discuss another Patreon request, Sonatine. Released in 1993, the film stars Takeshi Kitano as Murakawa, an aging gangster with no real sense of purpose. He’s sent to Okinawa on yakuza business where things don’t go as well as they should.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Actor David Keith (An Officer and a Gentleman, White of the Eye) joins Mike to discuss his latest role in the Mick Davis movie Walden (2023).

For more information visit https://waldenmovie.com/





Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Author David Manderson joins Mike to discuss Manderson's book, The Anti-hero's Journey: The Work and Life of Alan Sharp (part of the Studies in the History and Culture of Scotland series). Sharp was a novelist and screenwriter responsible for Night Moves, Rob Roy, Damnation Alley, and more.

Buy David's book at https://amzn.to/47NqQlR




Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Ryan Luis Rodriguez and Chris Stachiw join Mike to look at the Conscience (or Sovist) from 1968. Directed by Vladimir Denisenko, the film is set in a small village during the German occupation of Ukraine. When one of the German officers is slain, his fellow soldiers demand that the partisan responsible be turned over, lest the entire village be wiped off the earth. The film was banned and didn't see the light of day until the post-Perestroika thaw.

Sam Goff of Klassiki discusses Ukranian and Soviet cinema of the time.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Spencer Parsons and Rahne Alexander join Mike to discuss Václav Vorlícek's How to Drown Dr. Mracek, the Lawyer (1975). Co-written by Projection Booth favorite Milos Macourek, the film stars Jaromír Hanzlík as the titular Dr. Mracek, a lawyer who is unwittingly trying to displace a group of water sprites from their homes.




Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Samm Deighan and Spencer Parsons join Mike to look at the 1976 Hungarian film from Zoltan Fabri, The Fifth Seal. Set in WWII, the film is a deceptively simple story of five men who meet and drink in an urban watering hole. One of them proposes a bit of a thought experiment which colors the world of his companions and eventually manifests in real life thanks to the fascists, the Arrow Cross Party, running the place.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Agatha Luz and Andrew Nette join Mike on a special episode to discuss Michael Schultz's Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978), a story of the dangers of fame set to the music of the music of The Beatles. The film stars the Brothers Gibb and Peter Frampton as innocents from Heartland, USA who get wooed by record producer B.D. (Donald Pleasence) and set against villains Mean Mr. Mustard and the FVB (Future Villain Band).

Singer Diane Steinberg who played femme fatale Lucy (of the Sky of Diamonds) discusses the making of the film and her illustrious career.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike talked with Robert Richardson (ASC) about his career including his work with Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese and Ben Affleck.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Axel Kohagen joined Mike to discuss his annual horror movie marathon for charity.

The event takes place September 22-24, 2024.

Follow Axel on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/axelscares for live updates and prizes.

Donate to the cause at: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/fundraiser/5625245




Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Jessica Shires joins Mike White and Heather Drain to discuss her Patreon request: Jess Franco’s 1973 film A Virgin Among the Living Dead. It’s the story of Christina ("Christina von Blanc"), a young woman who is summoned to her family’s mansion after the suicide of her father. There we meet her odd family. The film plays out somewhere between a dream and a nightmare following its own pace and logic.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Jedidiah Ayres and Andrew Nette join Mike to look at Jeremy Kagan's The Big Fix. Released in 1978, the film stars Richard Dreyfuss as Moses Wine, a radical in the '60s who’s now a down-on-his-luck detective who gets put on a case that takes him back to his old stomping grounds.

Author of the Moses Wine books (and so much more), Roger L. Simon joins us to discuss writing the film while Kagan talks about his career.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Jedidiah Ayres and John Walker join Mike to look at Michael Mann's moody supernatural film The Keep. Released in 1983, the film is a real who’s who of actors including Jürgen Prochnow as a German captain, Gabriel Byrne as a Nazi SS Major, Ian McKellan as a disabled scholar, and Scott Glenn as an ancient being on the side of light. All of them eventually make their way to the titular Keep deep in the Romanian Carpathians.

Also joining us are Professor Ivo Ritzer who discusses his essay about The Keep and Manhunter in The Philosophy of Michael Mann, producer Hawk Koch, and the author of The Keep, F. Paul Wilson.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike talks with special effects coordinator Brandon K. McLaughlin about his career from being on set on The Rocketeer to his work on There Will Be Blood to his latest work on Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

On this episode Emily Intravia and Chris Cummins join Mike to discuss the 2001 film from writer / directors Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan, Josie & The Pussycats. It’s the story of the Pussycats -- Josie, Valerie, and Melody -- a rockin’ girl group from Riverdale, and how they become entangled in a dastardly plot cooked up by the record industry to exploit teens for their limited but plentiful income and to turn them into good consumers.

We also talk a bit about Spice World (1997), yet another Alan Cummins film about a girl rock group.




Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike talks with writer/director L.E. Staiman and writer Cheston Mizel about their pandemic comedy Love Virtually. It's a story about how the world, and relationships, were falling apart. The film is now available via your favorite digital rental/purchase platforms.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Philip Marinello and Spencer Parsons join Mike to look at Sam Fuller’s 1964 film The Naked Kiss. The film stars Constance Towers as Kelly, a call girl who turns over a new leaf by becoming the best darned nurse a small town hospital that specializes in the care of special needs kids has ever seen. She’s torn between two men, the sheriff who thinks she’s trash and needs to be run out of town to a nearby brothel and the successful entrepreneur who holds a shocking secret.
Constance Towers and Michael Dante (from a Noircon 2022 event) talk about working with Sam Fuller and the making of The Naked Kiss.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike speaks with author Steve Matteo about his latest book, Act Naturally: The Beatles On Film, which examines the handful of films starring the fab four along with what shaped them.

Buy the book at https://amzn.to/3SaylOE

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Rob St. Mary joins Mike to look at the 1992 Belgian film Man Bites Dog. Directed by Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel, and Benoît Poelvoorde, the film is a mockumentary about a serial killer, Ben, played by co-director Benoit, who’s being followed around by a camera crew who capture some of his more outrageous adventures but also his thoughts about life, beer, and more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Friend of the show AJ Black returns to talk with Mike about his latest book, Lost Federations: The Unofficial Unmade History of Star Trek. Tony goes deep into Trek lore to look at unmade projects, alternate histories, and forgotten stories.

Order your copy today at https://amzn.to/3QuKsVA




Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike spoke with both director Marcus Dunstan and actress Jade Pettyjohn about the new horror/comedy slasher film #AMFAD.

The film is scheduled to be released in select theaters and video on demand on August 2, 2024.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Ian Brownell and Tim Luz join Mike to kick off spooktacular coverage with Erie C. Kenton’s 1932 adaptation of H.G. Wells’s 1896 book, The Island of Doctor Moreau. Here it’s called Island of Lost Souls and stars Charles Laughton as Moreau, a mad scientist who works to bend the will of nature to suit his needs. He works to create a race of human/animal hybrids on his mysterious island which is disturbed by Edward Parker and Ruth Thomas.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike talks with filmmaker Steven Summers about his ambitious five-part docu-series, War Movie: The American Battle in Cinema (2023). It's a fascinating look at how the presentation of war in American movies has changed over the first century of film.

Find out more at http://www.cantileverfilms.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

A request from Patreon donor Vaughn Collmyer, we're discussing Robert Downey’s 1970 film Pound, an ensemble piece wherein a group of 18 actors play different breeds of dog... and one lonely, lost penguin… all awaiting their fate in a dog pound.

Spencer Parsons, Rob St. Mary, and Mike discuss Downey's film as well as Robert Downey Jr.'s documentary Sr. about his relationship with his father and his father's career.

This movie deserves a proper release today!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

On this special Czechtember episode we’re looking at Oldrich Lipsky’s 1981 film The Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians. Based on the novel by Jules Verne from 1892, the film tells the story of Count Teleke of Toloko (Michal Docolomanský), a blowhard opera singer who, along with his manservant, stop by the village of where he learns about the nearby Devil’s Castle which is said to be haunted.
Jonathan Owen and Emily Barney join Mike to discuss this off-beat adaptation (and the other three adaptations of the same story around the same time.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike talks with director Brett Smith about his feature film debut, Freedom's Path (2022). The film tells the tale of an AWOL Union Soldier who meets a man running part of the Underground Railroad.

The film is now available to stream.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Kyler Fey joins Mike to answer most listener questions... other than those submitted by Dallas Norvell who send along his own audio file. Learn why 2024 has been such a bizarre year at The Projection Booth podcast!

Thanks again to everyone who sent in their questions and comments. And if you figure out the little pizza remark, please let me know!




Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike talks with film critic Matt Singer about his latest book, Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever, which tracks the origins and evolution of the landmark film criticism show.

Get your copy at https://amzn.to/49hjPuG






Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

We continue our Czechtember month of murder and mayhem with Oldrich Lipsky's 1971 film Four Murders are Enough, Darling. The film stars Oldrich’s brother, Lubomir, as George Camel, a teacher who is mistaken for a murderer by two rival gangs who are fighting for a million dollar check.

The movie is the second filmed adaptation of the book by Ninad Brixy, Entry Forbidden to the Dead.

Cerise Howard and Rahne Alexander join Mike to discuss this wacky Czech

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Ethan Minsker joins Mike to discuss his latest film, Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art (2023). The film's subject, Scooter LaForge, talks about his experience of having himself and his art in the documentary. The film has its premiere at DocNYC. Find out more at the festival's website.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike talks with Steven Pierce, the co-writer/director of Herd (2023). He's joined by actors Dana Snyder and Corbin Bernsen to discuss the making of this contemporary zombie film.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Sci-Fi July continues with a look at Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element.  Written by Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, the film stars Bruce Willis as Korben Dallas, a cab driver who becomes embroiled in a crisis that threatens to destroy the Earth (if not love itself).

Actor Galen Howard and writer Paul Zimmerman join Mike to discuss this beloved cult classic. Interviews include screenwriter Kamen, Sound Supervisor Mark A. Mangini, and Production Manager John A. Amicarella,

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Author Laurence Leamer discusses his latest book, Hitchcock's Blondes: The Unforgettable Women Behind the Legendary Director's Dark Obsession.

Perfect for the holidays, pick up a copy at your local bookstore or https://amzn.to/3FnsYEa



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

We continue our Czechtember coverage with Ester Krumbachová’s sole credited role as director, Killing Mr. Devil AKA Murder of Mr. Devil AKA Vrazda ing. Certa. Released in 1970, the film stars Jirina Bohdalová as a woman who is plagued by the self-centered Dr. Bohous Devil (Vladimír Mensík). He’s an apparent bachelor who wants nothing more than to eat her out of house and home in a series of vignettes where she feeds his mouth as well as his ego.

Kat Ellinger and Jonathan Owen join Mike to discuss this two-hander about domesticity, witchcraft, and more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Friend of The Projeciton Booth, Linda Hoaglund, is coming to the Detroit Film Theater October 19-21 to present screenings of her feature documentary, Edo Avant Garde (2019) on October 19 and 21 along with a special screening of Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai (1954).

Find out more about Linda at her website, http://lhoaglund.com/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike talks with writer/director Rusty Cundieff about his latest film, the sci-fi thriller 57 Seconds in which Josh Hutcherson finds a ring that allows him to go back in time 57 seconds. Is this a gift from his boss (Morgan Freeman)? Is it a method of revenge against the pharmaceutical company that killed his sister?

57 Seconds is currently in select theaters, on demand and digital.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike talks with writer/director Anna Zlokovic and editor Alex Familian about their new film, Appendage. It's a horror comedy about manifesting negative thoughts.

The film is now available on Hulu.




Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike talks with the three (!) directors of Joan Baez: I am a Noise, Miri Navasky, Maeve O'Boyle, Karen O'Connor. Hear about the how they created a moving look at one of America's most renown folk singers. The film will be releasing through the U.S. in October and come to streaming in November. Find out more at https://www.magpicturesinternational.com/joan-baez

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Writer Lindsey Anderson Beer discusses her latest film, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines. It's her directorial debut and a prequel to the Stephen King novel and subsequent adaptations and sequel. The film will be streaming on Paramount+ starting October 6, 2023.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

We kick off a mayhem-filled Czechtember with a look at Jiri Weiss's 1967 film Murder Czech Style. Think of it as a stepping stone between 90 Degrees in the Shade and The Cremator with Rudolf Hrušínský as our main character, Mr. Meek, a man who marries the girl of his dreams at the encouragement of his boss.

Jonathan Owen and Kat Ellinger join Mike to discuss this delightful film.



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

David Farrier (Tickled) returns to The Projection Booth to discuss his latest documentary about another creepy weirdo,, Mister Organ (2022).

The film plays in theaters this October (2023).

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike spoke with director Andy Palmer about his latest feature film, the comedy The Re-Education of Molly Singer.

The movie opens September 29, 2023. Check local listings!



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Sci-Fi July continues with Ishiro Honda’s Latitude Zero.  Written by Ted Sherdeman and based on his and his wife Anne’s NBC radio serial of the same name, the film stars Joseph Cotten as a Captain Nemo-like commander of a submarine on it's way to... Latitude Zero, an underwater Utopia populated by scientists from the world over.  Their enemy, Malic (Cesar Romero), will stop at nothing to destroy them, even if it means making a manticore with pieces of his crew.

Walter Chaw and Carol Borden join Mike to discuss this under-seen kaiju classic and its fascinating origin. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike spoke with Cru Ennis, and Lee Roy Kunz about their feature horror film Deliver Us which opens September 29, 2023.

Check local listings or visit https://www.magnetreleasing.com/deliverus/



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

On this special episode Mike talks with writer / director / producer / editor Nicholas Tomnay about his new film What You Wish For.

The film is playing at this year's Fantastic Fest. Find out more at the website http://www.wywfmovie.com.



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Our month of requests wraps up with one from our mutual pal Andy Hendrickson, it’s Julien Temple’s Bullet from 1996. The film stars Mickey Rourke as the titular Bullet, an ex-con back on the streets and reunited with his dysfunctional family. Or is the movie really about Bullet’s brother, Ruby, played by Adrien Brody?

Chris Stachiw and Father Malone join Mike to discuss the film while co-screenwriter Bruce Rubenstein (the inspiration for Ruby) spills the beans about the making of Bullet.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.