Explore every episode of the podcast Her Head in Films
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Hayao Miyazaki's 'Kiki's Delivery Service' (1989) | 02 Sep 2025 | 01:20:50 | |
In this episode, I talk about Hayao Miyazaki’s 1989 film, 'Kiki’s Delivery Service.' It’s about a 13-year-old witch who must spend a year away from home, learning to live independently and share her gifts. As Kiki opens a delivery service and begins to grow weary and uncertain, she meets women who offer her refuge, wisdom, and friendship. I talk about how this film explores what it means to lose your magic and to slowly find it again. I recorded this at a time when I’m learning to believe in myself again after great loss. All My Sources:
You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com. | |||
| Hayao Miyazaki's 'My Neighbor Totoro' (1988) | 05 Aug 2025 | 01:10:05 | |
In this episode, I talk about Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 film, "My Neighbor Totoro." It’s about two young girls who discover magical forest spirits after moving to a rural home with their father to be closer to their hospitalized mother. I recorded this episode in the wake of my own mother’s death, and I speak about how grief has shaped my experience of the film. I talk about watching the entire Studio Ghibli catalog and reflect on childhood, absence, and how nature and cinema offer solace when nothing else can. All My Sources:
You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com.
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| Mike Newell's 'Enchanted April' (1991) | 31 Aug 2021 | 01:06:52 | |
In this episode, I talk about Mike Newell's 1991 film, "Enchanted April." It's about four women in 1920s Britain who rent a castle in the Italian countryside. Their vacation in Italy will forever transform their lives. The much-needed break from ordinary life leads to spiritual rejuvenation, a deep connection to nature, and a powerful bond with each other. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:
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| Sally Potter's 'The Tango Lesson' (1997) | 20 Aug 2017 | 00:51:54 | |
In this episode, I talk about Sally Potter's 1997 film, "The Tango Lesson." The film stars Potter as herself in a semi-autobiographical story about a film director who becomes interested in learning how to tango. The film explores her complex, fraught, and intense relationship with her dance instructor, Pablo Veron, also playing himself. Films about dance often end up being about human relationships--about touch, intimacy, and the power struggle between men and women. I dig into all this and more. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Agnès Varda's 'Vagabond' (1985) | 30 Jul 2017 | 01:08:52 | |
In this episode, I examine Agnès Varda's 1985 film, "Vagabond". It won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and Sandrine Bonnaire won a César Award for her performance as Mona Bergeron, a drifter in Southern France who ends up dead due to exposure to cold. The film begins with Mona's death and then goes backward, exploring her life through the various people she met while on the road. In the episode, I talk about the making of the film, Varda's own thoughts about the film and the character of Mona, and I dig into various issues that the film explores, like the lives of vagabonds, the dangers that women face on the road, the meaning of freedom, and much more. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Alain Resnais's 'Hiroshima Mon Amour' (1959) | 16 Jul 2017 | 00:51:05 | |
In this episode, I talk about Alain Resnais's 1959 classic "Hiroshima Mon Amour." I combine excerpts from Marguerite Duras's screenplay for the film and portions of John Hersey's "Hiroshima" to explore how the film represents (or resists representing) horror and atrocity. I also look at how it portrays memory and grief. As Duras writes, "Impossible to talk about Hiroshima. All one can do is talk about the impossibility of talking about Hiroshima." Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Abdellatif Kechiche's 'Blue is the Warmest Color' (2013) | 09 Jul 2017 | 01:14:25 | |
In this episode, I explore the controversies and complexities of Abdellatif Kechiche's 2013 film "Blue is the Warmest Color," which also took home the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Ken Loach's 'I, Daniel Blake' (2016) | 09 Jul 2017 | 00:57:56 | |
In this deeply personal episode, I discuss Ken Loach's Palme d'Or winning "I, Daniel Blake," which is a searing indictment of how the poor and disabled are treated in modern-day Britain and a powerful plea for humanity and justice. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Abbas Kiarostami's Koker Trilogy | 02 Jul 2017 | 00:58:48 | |
In this episode, I discuss Abbas Kiarostami's Koker Trilogy, which consists of the films "Where Is My Friend's House?," "Life, and Nothing More," and "Through the Olive Trees." They span the years 1987 to 1994. Film scholars have grouped these films together because they take place in the geographical region of Koker, a village in Northern Iran that was devastated by a 1990 earthquake that killed an estimated 50,000 people. In the trilogy, Kiarostami explores many themes, including friendship and the continuation of life, while also pushing the boundaries of cinema by experimentally blurring the line between fiction and reality, documentary and artifice. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Abbas Kiarostami's 'Where Is My Friend's House' (1987) and Mohammad-Ali Talebi's 'Willow and Wind' (2000) | 02 Jul 2017 | 00:57:26 | |
In this episode, I focus on two films and the ways in which they portray friendship and childhood. The first film I talk about is Abbas Kiarostami's 1987 film "Where Is My Friend's House?" The second film I discuss is Mohammad-Ali Talebi's 2000 film "Willow and Wind," which was written by Kiarostami. I discuss the similarities between the movies and how Kiarostami depicts children with great authenticity and warmth. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Abbas Kiarostami's 'Taste of Cherry' (1997) | 02 Jul 2017 | 01:01:42 | |
In this episode, I discuss depression, suicide, and Abbas Kiarostami's 1997 film "Taste of Cherry." Note: In the episode, I misspoke when, at one point, I say "Iranian new cinema." I meant to say "Iranian New Wave" cinema. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Claude Chabrol's 'La Cérémonie' (1995) | 25 Jun 2017 | 01:11:40 | |
In this episode, I talk about class and crime in Claude Chabrol's 1995 masterpiece, "La Cérémonie." Spoilers are discussed in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Christian Petzold's 'Phoenix' (2014) | 18 Jun 2017 | 00:40:26 | |
In this episode, I discuss Christian Petzold's 2014 film, "Phoenix," which is about a woman who survives the Auschwitz death camp, undergoes facial reconstructive surgery, and tries to re-connect with her husband who is the reason she was imprisoned in the first place. This is a masterful film about trauma, survival, and how difficult, even excruciating it is, to rebuild oneself and one's life. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes: | |||
| Audrey Wells's 'Under the Tuscan Sun' (2003) | 19 Aug 2021 | 01:08:36 | |
In this episode, I talk about Audrey Wells's 2003 film, "Under the Tuscan Sun." I've loved this film since I was a teenager. It stars Diane Lane as a woman who goes through a devastating divorce and goes to Italy and renovates a house. In the process of this home renovation, she reconnects with life and experiences emotional renewal. For me, this film is really about a woman who survives heartbreak and creates a new life for herself. This episode contains spoilers. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:
All My Sources:
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| Alan J. Pakula's 'Sophie's Choice' (1982) | 18 Jun 2017 | 00:49:02 | |
In this episode, I discuss trauma, the Holocaust, and Meryl Streep's astonishing performance in "Sophie's Choice." Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes: | |||
| Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy | 15 May 2017 | 01:12:53 | |
In this episode, I share my thoughts, feelings, and emotions about Satyajit Ray's monumental Apu Trilogy, which consists of Pather Panchali (1955), Aparajito (1956), and Apur Sansar (1959). Note: This episode contains SPOILERS and goes into specific plot details in the trilogy . Correction: I mention the Partition of India that happened in 1947. The Apu Trilogy is set well before that time. Apologies for the error. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes: | |||
| Satyajit Ray's 'Pather Panchali' (1955) | 11 May 2017 | 00:46:22 | |
In this episode, I talk about Satyajit Ray's 1955 masterpiece "Pather Panchali." Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Jean-Jacques Beineix's 'Locked-In Syndrome' (1997) and Julian Schnabel's 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly' (2007) | 03 May 2017 | 01:05:21 | |
In this episode, I discuss two films about Jean-Dominique Bauby, who was an editor at Elle Magazine in France and suffered a stroke in 1995 at the age of 43. The stroke plunged him into a rare condition known as locked-in syndrome. He wrote his memoir, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, by blinking his left eyelid. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes: | |||
| David Lean's 'Summertime' (1955) | 01 May 2017 | 00:52:02 | |
In this episode, I talk about David Lean's dreamy 1955 film "Summertime." Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Krzysztof Kieślowski's 'The Double Life of Veronique' (1991) | 28 Apr 2017 | 01:09:40 | |
In this episode, I talk about Krzysztof Kieślowski's "The Double Life of Veronique," which is my favorite film. I discuss why I love the film so much and why Krzysztof Kieślowski is my favorite director. I do apologize if the volume is low. You might have to increase the volume on your speaker or headphones. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes: | |||
| Satyajit Ray's 'The Big City' (1963) | 27 Apr 2017 | 01:05:22 | |
In this episode, I talk about Satyajit Ray's 1963 film "The Big City." Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes: | |||
| João Dumans and Affonso Uchoa's 'Arábia' (2017) | 06 Apr 2017 | 00:47:16 | |
In this episode, I talk about João Dumans and Affonso Uchoa's 'Arábia,' a powerful and haunting film about a Brazilian laborer. Note: At the 41 minute mark, the audio does go silent. It comes back again around the 45 minute mark. It's a technical glitch that I have no control over. I'm not sure what happened. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes: | |||
| Barry Jenkins's 'Moonlight' (2016) | 01 Mar 2017 | 00:43:25 | |
In this episode, I discuss the magnificent film "Moonlight." Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes: | |||
| Jennie Livingston's 'Paris is Burning' (1990) | 03 Feb 2017 | 00:57:00 | |
In this episode, I discuss the 1990 classic documentary 'Paris is Burning,' which documented the drag balls in New York City during the 1980s. I talk about critiques of the film and why the film matters. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes:
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| Michael Haneke's 'Funny Games' (1997) | 30 Jul 2021 | 01:32:09 | |
In this episode, I talk about Michael Haneke's controversial and thought-provoking 1997 film, "Funny Games." It's a thriller that breaks all the rules and raises questions about the representation of violence in mass media. A family is terrorized in their vacation home by two young men who take enjoyment in brutality and degradation. Haneke uses surprising and unexpected techniques to confront the audience of his film and to make us think deeper and more critically about the violence and suffering we see in movies and television. This episode contains spoilers. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:
All My Sources | |||
| Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott's 'Big Night' (1996) | 15 Jan 2017 | 00:50:47 | |
The latest episode of the Her Head in Films podcast is about the 1996 cult classic, Big Night, which focuses on food and the bond between two brothers. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| How I Discovered Cinema and Why It's So Important to Me | 20 Dec 2016 | 00:54:18 | |
In this podcast, I discuss the high school class that sparked my love for cinema. I also talk about losing my father and how film has been a source of comfort and solace in my life. The grief blog I mention in the episode is no longer active and has been set to private. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Krzysztof Kieślowski's 'Dekalog' | 09 Dec 2016 | 00:35:14 | |
In this episode, I talk about Krzysztof Kieślowski's 'Dekalog,' a masterpiece of Polish cinema. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| An Introduction | 09 Dec 2016 | 00:06:14 | |
An introduction to the Her Head in Films podcast. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr. Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan | |||
| Michael Haneke's 'Amour' (2012) | 13 Jul 2021 | 01:27:54 | |
In this episode, I talk about Michael Haneke's 2012 film, "Amour." It's about Georges and Anne, an elderly Parisian couple who have their lives turned upside down after Anne suffers a stroke. This is a deeply devastating film that resonated with me. For over a year now, my mom has been struggling with her health and I've become a caregiver for her. I talk about the difficult experience of caring for someone and watching them suffer. I hope that, by sharing my experience, I can help others or just make them feel less alone. This episode contains major spoilers. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:
All My Sources
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| Jane Campion's 'Bright Star' (2009) | 29 Jun 2021 | 01:12:12 | |
In this episode, I'm talking about Jane Campion's 2009 film, "Bright Star." It's about the brief but beautiful love story between the poet John Keats and a young woman named Fanny Brawne. John Keats is considered one of the greatest poets who ever lived but he died young, before he and Fanny could create a life together. Their romance was marked by distance and the ever-present shadow of death but his passionate letters to her--which are featured throughout the film--reveal how deeply he was in love with Fanny and how much she meant to him. I talk about the relationship between Keats and Fanny, how the film shows the precarious life of a writer and explores the importance of poetry in our lives, and much more. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan
Full Show Notes:
All My Sources
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| Jane Campion's 'In the Cut' (2003) | 15 Jun 2021 | 01:29:06 | |
In this episode, I talk about Jane Campion's 2003 film, "In the Cut." Meg Ryan plays, Frannie, an English teacher who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation after parts of a woman's body are found in her garden. She may have even seen the murder victim shortly before the crime. After the lead detective on the case interviews her, the two of them become involved in a dark, torturous relationship. "In the Cut" is a deeply erotic and feminist film that centers female sexuality and female pleasure. It also explores the dark side of desire and the complicated relationships between men and women. There are spoilers in this episode. I also talk explicitly and openly about sex.
Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan
Full Show Notes:
My Sources:
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| Wim Wenders's 'Wings of Desire' (1988) | 25 May 2021 | 01:20:25 | |
In this episode, I talk about Wim Wenders's 1988 film, "Wings of Desire." It's about an angel who falls in love with a trapeze artist and is willing to give up eternity and become human in order to be with her. I think this is such a powerful and poetic film about love, connection, and what it means to be human. It's a life-affirming film that always reminds me of the beauty of being alive. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan
Full Show Notes:
All My Sources: | |||
| Joachim Trier's 'Oslo August 31st' (2011) | 11 May 2021 | 01:23:09 | |
In this episode, I talk about Joachim Trier's 2011 film "Oslo August 31st." It follows Anders, a young man just out of rehab for heroin addiction, as he walks around the city of Oslo, meeting old friends and trying to decide if life is worth living. I think this is a powerful and unforgettable film that reminds us of the beauty of being alive. It's one of my favorite films from the 2010s, and I urge you to watch it if you haven't seen it yet. There are major spoilers in this episode. I also talk about suicide and mental illness. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan
Full Show Notes:
All My Sources | |||
| RaMell Ross's 'Hale County This Morning, This Evening' (2018) | 20 Nov 2020 | 01:44:03 | |
(Note: This episode was originally released in 2020. I unpublished it and then republished it in 2024.) In this episode, I talk about RaMell Ross's 2018 documentary, "Hale County This Morning, This Evening." In 2009, RaMell Ross moved to Hale County in Alabama to teach photography and coach basketball. While living there, he started to film the people around him. He recorded over 1300 hours of footage. From that material, he culled and mined images that are startling, poetic, and beautiful--images that bear witness to the complexities and struggles of black life in the rural South. Through the documentary, we are introduced to two men: Quincy Bryant and Daniel Collins. As the film unfolds, we come to know their dreams, their hardships, and the world they live in--a world of basketball, catfish plants, friends, sunsets, storm clouds, rain, and all the details that make up their ordinary lives. This is a contemplative, lyrical, and unforgettable documentary. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:
All My Sources:
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| Julie Dash's 'Daughters of the Dust' (1991) | 17 Nov 2020 | 02:02:36 | |
In this episode, I'm talking about Julie Dash's 1991 film Daughters of the Dust. This is a dreamlike film that focuses on the Peazant family who live on the sea islands off the coast of the Carolinas. They gather together for one last time on the eve of their departure from the island. It's a stunning cinematic achievement that looks at the bonds of family, the ghosts of history, and the rich lives of African American women. Dash has the distinction of being the first black woman to direct a feature film that was distributed in movie theaters. I talk all about this gorgeous film, including the grueling process of getting it made and I use an interview between Dash and feminist scholar, bell hooks, as a roadmap through the different themes and subjects that the film explores. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes:
My Sources: | |||
| Ingmar Bergman's 'Cries and Whispers' (1972) | 01 Jul 2025 | 01:29:36 | |
In this episode, I talk about Ingmar Bergman’s 1972 film, "Cries and Whispers," a haunting and intimate portrait of a woman dying and the people around her. I begin by sharing about my own mother’s death, how I was with her to the very end, and how this film has taken on a deeper resonance for me now. Though the episode was recorded before her cancer diagnosis and passing, I was already in the role of caregiver. I reflect on how "Cries and Whispers" captures the loneliness of illness, the coldness we sometimes encounter in the world, and the deep human need for tenderness, love, and presence, especially in the face of pain, death, and the deterioration of the body. Sources: You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com. | |||
| George Sluizer's 'The Vanishing' (aka Spoorloos) (1988) | 27 Oct 2020 | 02:10:05 | |
In this episode, I talk about George Sluizer's 1988 film "The Vanishing." It's about Rex and Saskia, a Dutch couple who go on vacation in France and have their lives turned upside down when Saskia is abducted. To give away more would be to spoil this masterpiece of suspense. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes:
My sources: | |||
| Lynne Littman's 'Testament' (1983) | 13 Oct 2020 | 02:16:13 | |
In this episode, I talk about Lynne Littman's 1983 film, "Testament." It's about how a mother and her children in a California town survive the aftermath of a nuclear bombing. We don't know who dropped the bombs, what has happened in the rest of the country, and we're not provided any political details. The film is solely about this family and how they confront the gradual and horrifying deterioration of their bodies due to radiation poisoning and the breakdown of society. Without a doubt, this is the most terrifying film I have ever seen. I talk about grief and loss, what makes the film so emotionally powerful, and the difference between watching it before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes:
My Sources | |||
| Olivier Assayas's 'Clouds of Sils Maria' (2014) | 29 Sep 2020 | 01:57:51 | |
In this episode, I talk about Olivier Assayas's 2014 film "Clouds of Sils Maria." It's a complex film starring Juliette Binoche as Maria Enders, an actress who shot to stardom in her youth when she acted in a play about an older woman who is seduced by a younger woman. 20 years ago, she played the younger woman but now, in a revival of the play, she is set to play the older woman. This role brings up her fears about aging. Kristen Stewart stars alongside Binoche as an assistant to Maria Enders. To me, the heart of the film is the complicated relationship between these two women and the different ways they see life and the world. I also think this is a fascinating film about the process that an actress goes through to get into character. I talk about all that and much more. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:
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| John Cassavetes's 'Opening Night' (1977) | 15 Sep 2020 | 01:55:35 | |
In this episode, I talk about John Cassavetes's 1977 film, "Opening Night." It's about an actress named Myrtle Gordon (played by the magnificent Gena Rowlands) who witnesses the death of one of her fans and begins to spiral into a breakdown as she struggles to do a play that forces her to confront her feelings about aging. I talk all about why I love this film and Gena's performance but I also talk about some complicated and overwhelming feelings I've had since turning 30 last year and how women can feel anxiety about getting older in a world that worships youth. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:
All My Sources
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| Charles Laughton's 'The Night of the Hunter' (1955) | 25 Aug 2020 | 01:55:08 | |
In this episode, I talk about Charles Laughton's 1955 film "The Night of the Hunter." It's about two young children--John and Pearl--who are pursued by a dangerous man on the hunt for the money their father stole and gave to them. This is a classic film and a masterpiece and one of the most terrifying films I've ever seen. I provide some information about the making of the film and explore how it looks at evil, male violence, religion, and much more. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:
My Sources:
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| Theo Angelopoulos's 'Landscape in the Mist' (1988) | 11 Aug 2020 | 01:48:55 | |
In this episode, I talk about Theo Angelopoulos's 1988 film, "Landscape in the Mist." This film follows a brother and sister--Alexandros and Voula--who leave their home in Greece and go on a journey to find their father in Germany. They've never met him and they long to have a connection with him. Over the course of their journey, they will see both the best and the worst that humanity has to offer. I talk about Angelopoulos and his cinema and provide an in-depth analysis of the film, exploring subjects like loss of innocence and loneliness. For listeners in the United States, this film is probably hard to find. It's not readily available right now but I hope one day that it is. There are spoilers in this episode. In the film, there is also a rape scene and a scene of an animal dying. I know those subjects might be upsetting for some people. Even if you have not seen this film, I urge you to at least listen to my section on Angelopoulos and how I discovered this film. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan
Full Show Notes:
All My Sources: | |||
| Jean-Pierre Melville's 'Le silence de la mer' (1949) | 28 Jul 2020 | 01:36:04 | |
In this episode, I talk about Jean-Pierre Melville's 1949 film "Le silence de la mer." It's set in France in 1941 at the time of the Second World War. The Germans are occupying France, and a German soldier stays with a niece and her uncle who use their silence as a form of resistance against him. Every night, he comes to them and talks about his life, his interests, his love of France, and many other subjects, but they refuse to acknowledge him or speak to him. Over the course of the film, their feelings for him start to get more complicated. He is an occupier in their country and in their house but the intimacy of their meetings also humanizes him. This is not Melville's most famous film but it's one that I think is profoundly important because of the way it asks us to expand our ideas about what constitutes resistance and how we interact with those who we're supposed to see as monstrous or as the enemy. I talk about Melville's life, the making of the film, and much more. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes
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| Jean Vigo's 'L'atalante' (1934) | 14 Jul 2020 | 01:30:09 | |
In this episode, I talk about Jean Vigo's wondrous and magical 1934 film, "L'atalante". On the surface, it's the simple story of Jean and Juliette, newlyweds who begin their life together on the boat where Jean lives and works. When things get boring and monotonous, Juliette begins dreaming of Paris and, when the boat stops near it, she wanders off to explore the city by herself, leaving Jean behind. This separation of the two lovers will test their new and fragile marriage. Jean Vigo is an iconic director who died at the age of 29 and left behind few films but his output continues to influence filmmakers today. L'atalante is his only feature film and it's not to be missed. In this episode, I talk about Vigo, the making of the film, and how the film explores romance, marriage, and much more. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Show Notes
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| Terrence Malick's 'The Tree of Life' (2011) | 30 Jun 2020 | 02:10:08 | |
In this episode, I talk about Terrence Malick's 2011 film "The Tree of Life". This is a monumental and important film in my life. It's hard to describe what it's about because it's really about everything--the cosmos, childhood, death, life, nature, and loss. The film is anchored by its focus on one family in 1950s Texas that is later rocked by unimaginable loss but added to this story is a collage of images that capture something as massive as the birth of the world and something as small as a child taking his first steps. Malick takes us all the way back to the time of the dinosaurs and transports us to what eternity or heaven might look like. I consider this to be the greatest film of the 21st century so far. I make my case, provide information on the making of the film, and go deeply into everything about this film, sharing my own raw emotions and what the film makes me remember and what it makes me think and feel. This film is part of my soul. That's the only way I can put it. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes:
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| Terrence Malick's 'Days of Heaven' (1978) | 16 Jun 2020 | 01:42:02 | |
In this episode, I talk about Terrence Malick's 1978 film "Days of Heaven." Set in 1916, it follows a man named Bill, his sister Linda and his girlfriend Abby. All three are poor and go to the Texas panhandle to harvest wheat on the farm of a rich and mysterious man who, it turns out, is dying. Bill encourages Abby to start a romantic relationship with the man in hopes of getting some of his wealth but the scheme will have disastrous consequences for all of them. I talk in-depth about the making of the film and why it's haunted me for years. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Show Notes:
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| Life Update: My Mom's Cancer Diagnosis | 18 May 2025 | 00:38:15 | |
Note: My mother passed away on June 14th, 2025. Thank you to those who sent her a card or reached out to me. I have removed the Google document that is mentioned in this episode. This isn’t a film episode. It’s a personal update. My mom has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and I’m using this space to speak honestly about what that means for me, and what I’m carrying right now. We've been told that she has six to nine months left. This is a devastating and heartbreaking time for me. Thank you for listening. Future updates will be provided either through upcoming episodes or on my website blog where I am writing an ongoing diary about being by my mother’s side during this time. You can follow me on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Tumblr. My email is herheadinfilms@gmail.com. | |||
| Michael Curtiz's 'Casablanca' (1942) | 26 May 2020 | 02:24:59 | |
In this episode, I talk about the 1942 classic, "Casablanca," directed by Michael Curtiz. Often cited as one of the greatest films ever made, Casablanca is set in 1941 during the Second World War and centers around three people: Rick Blaine, Ilsa Lund, and Victor Laszlo. Ilsa is married to Victor but had an affair with Rick after she believed Victor had been killed in a Nazi concentration camp for his resistance activities. All three are now in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, a temporary place where refugees from Europe go, desperately trying to obtain visas to get to the Americas. Will Ilsa and Victor get out of Casablanca? Will Rick help them? I talk about the making of the film and how it looks at things like nostalgia, personal sacrifice, and the plight of refugees. This episode is not just about the movie. It's also about an important film appreciation class that I took when I was in high school in 2004, a class that changed my life forever. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan
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| Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen's 'Singin' in the Rain' (1952) | 12 May 2020 | 02:00:08 | |
In this episode, I talk about Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen's 1952 musical, "Singin' in the Rain." Often voted the greatest musical ever made, this effervescent and hilarious film looks at Hollywood's difficult transition from silent pictures to the talkies. Central to this episode is my focus on a film appreciation class I took in high school in 2004. It changed my life forever. One of the films I watched in that class was "Singin' in the Rain." I talk about why I fell in love with it and why I think it's such a wonderful film. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes and Sources: | |||