Explore every episode of the podcast That's Not How It Went Down
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Anastasia' (1997) | 29 sept. 2026 | 01:01:08 | |
The collection of animated movies that are "based on a true story" is perhaps unsurprisingly thin. Having already tackled several of these on our investigative journey through film so far a common theme has occurred: stories with much darker origins finding themselves rewritten and revised to suit the preferences of modern audiences - as well as their offspring. And so it would appear with 1997's NOT Disney musical animation, "Anastasia" - the magical story of a missing princess who manages to rediscover her regal roots on a journey to the past. But as with those movies alluded to above, a dark secret is lurking behind this family-friendly tale, and the reappearance of a missing princess may not quite be as honest as it first seems. Have you heard?! There's a rumour in St Petersburg... but was it true? Why was the Tsar ousted from his position in Russia? Was Anastasia able to escape the Winter Palace with her grandmother? And did Rasputin really rise from the frozen river to seek revenge on the Romanovs?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Iron Claw' (2023) | 22 sept. 2026 | 00:59:23 | |
Having gotten up off the canvas over the strange motives behind A24's most recent ring-set movie, The Smashing Machine, we've mustered the stamina to dive head first into another world of yellow-tinted bleakness, this time exploring the misfortune of the Von Erich dynasty. WWE has had its fair share of unwanted stories surrounding its lack of support for its athletes during and after their time with the company, but wind the clock back half a century before it became the behemoth that it is, and it could be argued the world of sports entertainment came from a more pure place. But it still wasn't without tragedy, and the Von Erichs suffered more than most. What was Fritz Von Erich's ring persona? How many brothers were there? And could Elliot become NWA Missouri Heavyweight Champion?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Julie & Julia' (2009) | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:59:00 | |
Bonjour et bienvenue dans That's Not How It Went Down. We will be your maître d's and for your aperitif today we will perusing the 2009 comedy biopic "Julie & Julia". Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the film before we get to the meat and bones of the episode. You can choose between the menus of renowned television cook - the French Chef herself - Julia Child, or the up and coming young talent from New York City, blogger and avid recipe-follower, Julie Powell. In the meantime, relax and unwind as we dissect your meal being careful to remove any faux pas the director may have left behind. Bon appétit! Why did Julie choose to cook all 524 of Julia Child's recipes? Did it really take 12 years for Julia to write her first book? And did Eric really eat like such a pig?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Last King of Scotland' (2006) | 08 sept. 2026 | 01:01:39 | |
Some actors were born to play certain roles, but perhaps it's a bit of a shame if that role happens to be one of the worst dictators in human history. At least in Forest Whitaker's case, the performance bagged him some serious accolades. Standing opposite Whitaker was the fresh faced James McAvoy, playing a man increasingly out of his depth in Idi Amin's turbulent, bloody reign of Uganda. Based on a 'semi-fictionalised' book, it would be easy to assume many sequences from this film are the conjurings of a well-researched writer, but even the characters and moments that are confirmed somewhat as fiction, have an unfortunate link to fact. How did Idi Amin get into power? What were his most brutal acts? And how deep does his obsession with Scotland go?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Chariots of Fire' (1981) | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:59:17 | |
On your marks, get set... TRUTH! In this episode we're passing the baton to perhaps the most iconic British sports film of all. Turning the lives and times of two of Britain's most fabled Olympians into an award-winning movie was always going to be a high bar to clear with plenty of hurdles along the way, but with Chariots of Fire taking the USA by storm it found its way to the top of the podium to achieve Oscars immortality in 1982. Nevertheless, one has to wonder whether the filmmakers, in relaying the facts, made it to the finishing tape in one piece or if they just got off to a false start. Did Harold Abrahams complete the Great Court Run? Did Eric Liddell really refuse to run on a Sunday? And is that man at the back Stephen Fry?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Yes Man' (2008) | 25 août 2026 | 01:00:22 | |
"YES! Say it a million times. Then say it a million more. And the word you will have said two million times is...?" Saying 'yes' isn't always as easy as it might seem. But for a man who has previously played someone unable to tell a lie you might feel as though answering solely in the affirmative would be bit of a step down. Although the obligation of Fletcher Reede is entirely fictitious, the predicament of "Yes Man"'s Carl Allen actually finds its roots in historical fact. What began as an experiment in personal growth by a down-and-out radio producer very quickly evolved into a life-changing experience for not just one person but a whole host of yes-people across the world. But did the filmmakers of the 2008 movie adaptation really say "yes" when it came to historical accuracy? Was Carl really such a terrible friend? Was he indoctrinated into the cult of "Yes"? And what is so great about Lincoln, Nebraska?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Bronson' (2008) | 18 août 2026 | 00:58:06 | |
After minor roles in Black Hawk Down, Layer Cake and RocknRolla, Tom Hardy made his biggest entrance to audiences when he beefed up for the role of Britain's most violent inmate. It's now hard to imagine anyone else in the role, but even though it launched his now stellar career, it arguably remains his most outlandish performance. But there is surely no other way to play a man who has lived almost his entire adult life in conditions and circumstances most of us would not want to spend a second in. And since so many of the stories from inside the prison system are under lock and key, it's the inmate we have to rely on when sifting through the facts. What made Michael Peterson so violent? How was he ever released? And how many times can one prisoner climb onto the prisom roof without being stopped?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Scream' (1996) | 11 août 2026 | 01:00:20 | |
What's your favourite scary movie? If it happens to be 1996's revival slasher horror, "Scream", then stick around because you just might be scared witless. Small-town America is something many of us film buffs would have grown up imagining and idolising. A paradise of charming neighbourhoods and family-filled streets. But what if the place you perceived to be the safest in the world was suddenly plunged into darkness in the midst of some of the worst crimes imaginable? That was the reality for the residents of Gainesville, Florida in 1990 just as students were preparing to return to college after summer break. What followed were 4 days of terror that led to the birth of an anonymous madman on the loose and students barricading themselves in their dorms for fear of becoming the next victim. Ready to hide behind that sofa? Was there really a masked killer targeting students? Did Sidney manage to escape? And were the authorities really this inept at catching the killer?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade' (1989) | 04 août 2026 | 01:00:51 | |
Archaeology is the search for fact, as is the goal of this podcast. But facts can be hard to come by when dealing with something as genuinely legendary as the Holy Grail. The true magic of the best Indiana Jones moments, lies in the historical half-truths that resonate with us, whether we are believers or not in the faith they are attributed to. After unearthing some fascinating parallels in stories that may have inspired the film that kicked off this franchise, surely we would find similar origins here. After all, we do find ourselves in very similar circumstances against the backdrop of the Nazi's rise to power. Who was the real grail hunter of the time? Where was the grail located? And does anyone here speak English?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Coach Carter' (2005) | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:58:34 | |
This week we're dribbling at the prospect of another sports movie slam dunk. Basketball may be a relatively unknown sport where we come from, but across the pond its presence is undeniable with 170 million fans tuning in to follow their team. And that journey to the NBA begins at high school with around 50,000 students offered scholarships to attend university for their excellence on court. But in 1999 an unusual story emerged of a coach's refusal to let his students play unless their grades improved ensuring that, even without a scholarship, they could still move on to higher education. His name was Coach Ken Carter. But with the film adaptation of this story released 6 years later were moviegoers treated sharpshooting display or did the studio fumble the ball? Was Coach Carter a former student at Richmond High? Did his son really switch schools to play for his dad? And did he really lock the gym to prevent his players from training?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Hidden Figures' (2016) | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:59:37 | |
The history of space exploration is often dominated by men. Movies like "Apollo 13" and "First Man" - while captivating - seem to only show the perseverance of the male members of NASA, crucially omitting the thousands of hours of dedication from female mathematicians and engineers. But in 2015, a relatively unknown woman was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, highlighting an extraordinary career that began at the height of the Space Race in the 1950s and revealed to audiences a year later in the Oscar-nominated, "Hidden Figures". But this time it's our turn to check the numbers and see just how accurate the filmmakers' calculations were. Did the ladies of NASA really carpool together? Did Katherine Johnson have to cross the entire campus to go to the bathroom? And did John Glenn really request that Katherine "check the numbers"?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Pride' (2014) | 14 juil. 2026 | 01:00:01 | |
When it comes to the miners' strike of 1984/85, there isn't much positivity to be found. Families in communities solely reliant upon the income generated from the coal-mining industry were effectively starved into desperation as Margaret Thatcher's brutal tactics attempted to break the Unions. But as those standing up to the crisis had to find new ways to generate funds for their union members, a relationship based on mutual understanding and marginalisation formed between a group of gays and lesbians in London and a small town in South Wales. The fruits of the fruits of these labours were immortalised in a touching 2014 film with a stellar cast mainly from England, Ireland and Scotland - but what else wasn't quite right? What were Mark Ashton's political involvments before this venture? And how many guests is too many for a sleepover..? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Great Escape' (1963) | 07 juil. 2026 | 01:02:27 | |
This week we're embodying the inimitable sense of British wartime spirit with a look at many people's all-time favourite war movie. Despite experiencing the harrowing conditions of near starvation inside POW camp Stalag Luft III, the unbreakable resilience of 600 men led to perhaps the most infamous prison escape in cinematic history. But with the events depicted undeniably embellished by Hollywood and featuring a whole host of dashing young American actors in leading roles did the filmmakers tip the scales too much in their quest for action and adventure? And, like the heroes of The Great Escape, what truth can we unearth which lies hidden beneath the surface? How were the inmates able to plan such a daring escape? Was there really a 'cooler king' like Hilts? And just how far did some of the escapees make it?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Saving Mr. Banks' (2013) | 30 juin 2026 | 00:59:48 | |
We've said before that the story of how a legacy was created doesn't necessarily guarantee compelling viewing. But in this dramatised making of, we are partially spared the knowing winks and nods to the audience when dealing with the most famous elements. Partially... Where this movie soars is when it's telling the story of conflict between the stubborn, grouchy author who wants to keep her vision pure, and the equally stubborn visionary who wants to create pure magic. Did Walt Disney take P.L. Travers on a tour of Disneyland? Did she really not want red in the film? And do the Sherman brothers have anything good to say about the author?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Dallas Buyers Club' (2013) | 23 juin 2026 | 01:00:29 | |
Not many movies can claim to have restarted an actor's career with more success than 2013's biographical drama, "Dallas Buyers Club". With Matthew McConaughey formerly known as a romantic comedy lead it was something of a punt casting a heartthrob in the role of Ron Woodroof, a terminally ill electrician who begins his own quest to provide life-extending drugs to those who share his fate. Having discovered clear differences in the perception of Woodroof between the people that knew him versus the filmmakers themselves however, we decided to do some clandestine research of our own to uncover the truth. Was Ron really given just 30 days to live? Did he dress up as a priest in order to smuggle across borders? And what exactly happened in Japan?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Revenant' (2015) | 16 juin 2026 | 01:00:36 | |
There are many films known for a single scene, but as the limits of what can be achieved on camera continue to be pushed into new territories, it's surely becoming harder and harder to use this as a marketing tool. But the "new DiCaprio film where he gets mauled by a bear" generated serious buzz before its release, and its reputation - much like Hugh Glass himself - has endured. But many may not know this gruesome event actually happened - and those that did, may have contributed to its retelling over the years and bear responsibility for its embellishment. Was Hugh Glass' son murdered? How did he survive? And is 'bear responsibility' the last unintentional pun we'll make?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Quiz Show' (1994) | 09 juin 2026 | 01:00:50 | |
This time out we're inviting contestants into the hot seat and switching off the air conditioning as we attempt to uncover the mysteries behind the infamous 1950s quiz show scandal. With a brand new genre of TV entertainment came a shocking lack of regulation, allowing viewers to be swept up in the rags to riches stories of their favourite contestants, all the while unaware that what they were watching wasn't just being manipulated… it was downright scripted. Were the players on Twenty-One really given the answers? What made Herb Stempel go public with his accusations? And did he really forget his favourite movie, Marty? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BONUS: 'Gladiator' (2000) | 02 juin 2026 | 00:41:37 | |
The temptation to parody the speech we all know from this film as a blurb was tempting but would have been too obvious. What perhaps isn't as obvious, is quite how may historical figures made it into this absolute classic. Ancient Rome is an arena that rarely needs augmenting or embellishing, but it was done for this story by taking some archetypal characters and weaving them into a timeless revenge storyline. Did Commodus kill Marcus Aurelius? Did Lucilla conspire against her brother? And who was Maximus? Join us to find out on this bonus episode of That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Memories of Murder' (2003) | 26 mai 2026 | 01:00:47 | |
After being recommended this film from many quarters, the time felt right to tackle one of the darkest subject matters when it comes to true stories - serial killings. But this being one of the first films of the visionary behind Parasite, it was always bound to have a certain amount of black comedy, though not as much as one would come to expect from more recent Bong Joon Ho films. As we approach the 25 year anniversary of the film's release, inevitably there will be gaps to fill in on the case explored in its story. Was anyone charged with these murders? How competent were the police force? And is fifteen years too short for a statute of limitations?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Battle of the Sexes' (2017) | 19 mai 2026 | 00:59:44 | |
Thank you ladies and gentlemen, players are ready... to analyse 2017's sport/comedy/drama/docu movie of the now infamous "Battle of the Sexes". Although today finds tennis as one of the world's only major sports offering equal prize money between its male and female competitors, that doesn't mean that the journey to reaching parity was an easy one. And netting two of Hollywood's biggest stars to serve up spot on portrayals of Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs is certainly to this film's advantage. But how true is the depiction of this landmark moment in women's sporting history? Did Billie Jean threaten to boycott tournaments? Was Bobby Riggs truly such a chauvinist? And did Billie Jean really present Bobby with a pig?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Deepwater Horizon' (2016) | 12 mai 2026 | 00:59:58 | |
We return to the ocean this week and tackle our first true disaster movie. The oil spill from this tragedy still causes damage to this day, and even though we can probably all draw a basic picture of what an oil rig looks like, how much do we really know about how they work and what they do? Fortunately, that's not officially our job - but it was the job of many aboard this rig in the Gulf of Mexico and the failings that occurred were not solely down to bad luck. Why was this disaster not failsafe prevented? Who was really to blame? And does anyone care what BP think of the film?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Heat' (1995) | 05 mai 2026 | 00:58:30 | |
The heat is on this week as we go undercover in LA. If you combine the talents of two of Hollywood's most legendary actors with an up and coming director then… WHADDYA GOT?! Potentially one of the greatest crime movies ever made. But is that where the story ends or is there more truth to discover about a band of renegade crooks and the stop-at-nothing cops on their tail? Perhaps the DVD extras on "Heat" will have the answers. Who is Vincent Hanna based on? Was there a real Neil McCauley? And did the bank job really go south so quickly?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Philomena' (2013) | 28 avr. 2026 | 01:00:27 | |
It's borderline offensive that it's taken eighty episodes until we explore a film starring the legend that is Dame Judi, but not nearly as offensive as some of the wrongs suffered by the character she portrays. We don't have to work too hard to find a film exploring controversy involving the Catholic church, but this story only really came to light within the last quarter century and even now, people continue to struggle for answers and reparations. How did this corridor to bring Irish children to the US get established? When did her son first start looking for her? And what was the defining moment in making this connection?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Warriors' (1979) | 21 avr. 2026 | 01:01:16 | |
Today we're on home turf as we take to the streets in gangland New York. For a movie as colourful, comic book-esque and downright bizarre as 1979's "The Warriors" the idea that this could be based on true events feels like a step too far. But with the release of the director's cut in 2005 came a new opening scene revealing that this story isn't just inspired by the warring factions of NYC's various boroughs, but takes its story from a classic tale of endurance from ancient history. Was there really a conference of gangs in New York City? Was one group forced to fight their way back through enemy lines? And did someone really ask "can you dig it"?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Devil Wears Prada' (2006) | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:54:02 | |
Is that all? Maybe not... Miranda Priestley's presence on various lists of the best movie villains may seem unconventional but it's safe to assume it wouldn't be the case were it not for the clout of Meryl Streep. And to a lesser extent, the rest of the cast have allowed this film to endure longer than many may have expected. But the fact the original story here was penned by someone who experienced a similar workplace culture in the world of fashion means much more of this villainy may have existed prior to Streep's ingenious touch. How demanding was this woman? Was Nigel her loyal companion? And are high heels compulsory in high fashion magazine offices? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Seabiscuit' (2003) | 07 avr. 2026 | 01:01:23 | |
Could the world's greatest underdog story really be about… a horse? With the United States reeling from the hammer blow of the Great Depression, millions found themselves out of work and out of luck. But with the appearance in the mid-30s of an unusual steed with crooked legs and "baseball glove knees" the American public found the unlikeliest of heroes. Whilst Seabiscuit may not be considered the most natural racehorse of all time, his ability to dig in and come through in times of struggle catapulted him and his team to stardom at a time when people needed him most. And what of the Oscar-nominated movie that told the story of the three most influential men in Seabiscuit's life? Can it really be said that this underdog story is true? Where did Tom Smith discover Seabiscuit? Was Red Pollard truly so accident-prone? And can a horse really have an autograph?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'American Gangster' (2007) | 31 mars 2026 | 00:58:25 | |
After cementing his place in the action/thriller genre with an Oscar for his performance as the corrupt Alonzo Harris, Denzel Washington began a period of starring in an action film almost every year for the next decade and a half. Whilst always brilliant in whatever he does, there is one film from this collection that is held in a similar regard to 2001's Training Day, and it's probably unsurprising that it shares similar themes. As we found with Catch Me If You Can, stories that end with cooperation between a criminal and their pursuer can sometimes be exaggerated but so long as you stick to the theatrical cut of this film, we can keep our focus on the journey that leads to this conclusion. Did Frank Lucas really establish the 'Cadaver Connection'? How much of Ritchie Roberts' actions actually occurred? And was there money under the doghouse..? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Marley & Me' (2008) | 24 mars 2026 | 00:58:41 | |
They say that a man's best friend is his dog. But surely a filmmaker's best bet is to avoid our four-legged pals. The danger of unpredictability, lack of potty training and a tendency to lean into the sentimentality of pet owning are surely all reasons to steer clear of a canine-centric picture. The challenge of movies like Turner & Hooch, Air Bud and Beethoven all providing evidence that you can't teach an old dog new tricks... but what about a new one? John Grogan's smash-hit memoir "Marley & Me", which spent an incredible 76 weeks on the bestseller chart telling the story of "the worst dog in the world", was hounded down by movie execs and turned into a surprise Christmas hit in 2008. But how accurate to history can a comedy starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston really be? Was Marley actually known as "Clearance Dog"? Were they kicked out of puppy training sessions? And what's the best way to clean a gold necklace?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It' (2021) | 17 mars 2026 | 00:59:48 | |
Here we are again. The Warrens - this time back on US soil after virtually zero involvement in Enfield - become major instigators, rather than investigators, in the explanation for the brutal murder of Alan Bono in 1981. Again, this film retelling is determined to showcase the brilliant work the Warrens did and the help they offered to poor suffering souls in need of demonic liberation, but again again, when we remove the testimony of these two (insert synonym of choice for 'charlatans'), what are we left with? Even after a Netflix documentary containing interviews from the people affected was released in 2023, there is still more to uncover in what is undoubtedly the least scary film of the franchise so far. Did Ed Warren have a heart attack? What actually happened in court? And who on earth wants a second hand waterbed?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Hamnet' (2025) | 10 mars 2026 | 00:59:33 | |
To fact check, or not to fact check, that is the question. Whether it is nobler in the cinema to suffer the inaccuracies and anachronisms of outrageous filmmaking, or to take umbrage against a sea of errors and by a podcast correct them. For although Shakespeare may perhaps be the most famous name in western civilisation we know dramatically little about the Bard of Avon and even less so... about his family. But what did Chloe Zhao's award-winning film get right? Did Agnes really have a premonition about her children? Did Will really leave the family home in his wife's time of need? And what is so special about the second best bed?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Hunt for Red October' (1990) | 03 mars 2026 | 00:59:47 | |
Sometimes there's no watch more comforting than an unapologetically outrageous spy thriller - but unfortunately for us, so few of them seem to be submerged in reality. Surprisingly however, that can't be said for this 1990 classic adaptation of Tom Clancy's debut novel. Jack Ryan's search for the truth in the ocean depths inspired me to do something similar, and even though a Scottish sounding Russian submarine commander might be the least likely indicator of hidden truths, there is plenty going on beneath the surface. How did Tom Clancy know so much about submarines? Was the mutiny a success? And what's the best way to deter Russian submarines from a nation's shores?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'American Sniper' (2014) | 24 févr. 2026 | 01:02:17 | |
It's never easy to tell a sympathetic story when war is the main focus. But following the invasion of Iraq in 2001, the opportunity to reinvent the war movie genre on a different battlefield seemed like too goood a chance to ignore. Jarhead, The Hurt Locker and Green Zone all take place amidst conflict in the Gulf Wars, but few movies are as deeply "patriotic" and culturally divisive as Clint Eastwood's 'American Sniper'. Despite becoming the highest-grossing war movie of all time upon its release, questions soon began to be asked about the message the film was making as well as the veracity of some of its claims - not just about Middle Eastern warfare, but about the movie's protagonist himself. Was Chris Kyle the deadliest sniper in US history? Was he really up against an ex-Olympian Iraqi sniper? And what the hell happened during Hurricane Katrina?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Big Short' (2015) | 17 févr. 2026 | 00:59:10 | |
It took Adam McKay over ten years to prove that he could write and direct a film that didn't star his legendary comedic collaborator Will Ferrell. And he did so with aplomb - cementing his reputation as a creative who knows exactly how to handle whatever story he decides. And I know what you're thinking - what else can be learned from a film that literally goes out of its way to make sure we know exactly what went down in the build up to the global recession in 2008? Well, here's award-winning podcaster Lewis Howard, and award-winning podcaster Elliot Fitzpatrick, sitting in a recording studio to explain. Was Mark quite as tempestuous? Did people really get mortgages under their dog's name? And why can't people just admit when an acronym doesn't work?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' (1984) | 10 févr. 2026 | 01:02:04 | |
The challenge of following up a smash-hit that happens to be the first of a series is commonly referred to in the world of music as the difficult second album. And with writer/director team George Lucas and Steven Spielberg wishing to make each of their sequels canonically disparate from their forebear, what better way to achieve this than by not making a sequel at all. Enter the (seldom-used) prequel then to establish a new timeline for Indy and introduce a darker storyline featuring Hindu goddesses, ancient Indian relics and mysterious cults to create the most heart-stopping adventure yet. But how much of this slice of Indian folklore and legend happens to be true? Are the Sankara Stones real? Did Shanghai have great nightlife in 1935? And was there really a demonic Thuggee cult?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Marty Supreme' (2025) | 03 févr. 2026 | 00:59:43 | |
"The average table tennis player is different from most other sports buffs. He is unable to comprehend the enormous gulf in ability that separates him from the professional." So says the enigmatic prodigy that inspired the Chalamet-driven, white-knuckle, globetrotting romp through the lesser known theatre of post-war table tennis competition - and it's easy to see why this world appealed to Josh Safdie when we see the theatre it serves up. But how supreme was he? Was he robbed of his greatest opportunity by a layer of sponge? And what's with all the Penn's?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (1962) | 27 janv. 2026 | 00:57:28 | |
With Harper Lee's upbringing in Monroeville, Alabama, seemingly having so many similarities to that of her narrator, Scout, many have alluded to her Pulitzer Prize-winning work as being inspired by her own childhood. But can we dig a little deeper? What about some of the other characters on display in the sleepy neighbourhood of Maycomb and its environs, and how did the racially motivated convictions seen in numerous court cases of depression-era America influence Lee further to tell a story of injustice and hope? Was Atticus Finch a real person? Did Boo Radley really exist? And was Tom Robinson actually convicted of a crime he did not commit? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Favourite' (2018) | 20 janv. 2026 | 00:52:56 | |
Compared by Rachel Weisz to the classic 'All About Eve', this also is a film involving scheming, influence and no small amount of dark humour. Peppered with awards and lauded as a triumphant vehicle for its three leading female actors, the tale of Queen Anne's personal relationships with those in her close circle has often been the subject of debate and speculation. But there's no doubt here in the vision of Yorgos Lanthimos and the Shakespearean level of characterisation of these women is one of the many reasons for its success. But how overt were these relationships? Were there other reasons for such a rift? And is gout actually good for you?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Frankenstein' (2025) | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:59:50 | |
Although markedly different from previous film iterations of Mary Shelley's groundbreaking gothic sci-fi novel, Guillermo Del Toro still holds on to many of the key aspects of what truly makes a great Frankenstein adaptation. But whilst Oscar Isaac's morally dubious creator might not scream "IT'S ALIVE!" as in previous versions, what true to life aspects of the Age of Enlightenment may have inspired the writing of this all-time classic? Did scientists really believe they could reincarnate the dead? Is there a real Castle Frankenstein? And what sort of gruesome experiments inspired those of Victor Frankenstein?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'American Made' (2017) | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:57:12 | |
Tom Cruise plays someone that can competently fly a plane. But that doesn't really narrow it down. How about, 'Tom Cruise plays a man on the wrong side of the law'. That whittles it down a fair bit. Tom Cruise is in a 21st century 'comedy'. We're into single figures, which is the last thing that can be said about the box office for this film. But something isn't sitting quite right despite a robust set of filmic ingredients in this story of one of the most infamous American drug smugglers to ever work for the CIA/Colombian cartel. Was cigar smuggling his first crime? How well did he know Pablo Escobar? And is Seal the perfect surname?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Imitation Game' (2015) | 30 déc. 2025 | 01:00:54 | |
"Are you paying attention? Good". Whilst our computational skills might not quite be up to the standard of, say, Alan Turing our ability to weed out the fiction from the facts is no secret. But given the undeniable critical praise for 2014's Turing biopic, "The Imitation Game", arguably Benedict Cumberbatch's breakthrough cinematic role, can it really be said that the story of the men and women behind Britain's codebreaking triumphs in WW2 has been told accurately - or in this case is imitation the sincerest form of flattery? Were Turing and his colleagues the first to crack Enigma? Was Alan fired from Bletchley Park? And was his first computer really called Christopher?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BONUS: 'Home Alone' (1&2) | 23 déc. 2025 | 00:51:22 | |
Much like a year ago, the temptation to bend a holiday classic towards our rules forces us to meet it halfway. Whilst exploring the initial nucleus for these festive mainstays gives us something to talk about, it's when we explore stories that may have even been inspired by the exploits of Harry and Marv, or anecdotes that bear an uncanny similarity to Kevin's situation that we can really indulge. Join us in this bonus episode of That's Not How It Went Down as we expand the brief to speculate on where the truths might lie... Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Man Who Invented Christmas' (2017) | 15 déc. 2025 | 00:55:14 | |
With the festive season upon us once again it seemed fitting to not just look into the veracity of a classic Yuletide movie, but perhaps even the very origins of our modern Christmas itself. There are very few amongst us who won't be aware of the source material for lines such as "Bah! Humbug!" and "God bless us, every one!" but when a movie was produced in 2017 exploring the genesis of Dickens' enduring festive fairytale it seemed ripe material to discuss just how much truth there was on this Victorian journey of self-discovery. Was Marley a venerable waiter at Dickens' club? Was Dickens' father really sent to debtors prison? And was there a real Ebenezer Scrooge?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'In the Heart of the Sea' (2015) | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:52:45 | |
He may admit to having a slight fear of the ocean, but that didn't stop Ron Howard tackling the huge budget and epic story that is said to have inspired Herman Melville's Moby Dick. For the 'thalassaphobic' (sic) among us, this film is a challenging watch - and for those that struggle hearing inconsistent accents, this film is a challenging watch. But putting aside petty grievances, pursuing the truth in the vast ocean of Hollywood surrounding such a classic novel is too good to miss. Was there a white whale? Should Chase have been captain? And seriously, some of these accents... Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Saturday Night Fever' (1977) | 02 déc. 2025 | 00:51:29 | |
"Listen to the ground. There is movement all around. There is something goin' down and I can feel it". The iconic opening lyrics to The Bee Gees smash hit, "Night Fever", hint at something of a cultural revolution. With vast swathes of America's youth feeling increasingly hopeless by the end of the 1970s, disco dancing on a Saturday night became a surefire outlet where under the thumb young people could shine. With producers on the hunt for a vehicle for their up-and-coming new star, John Travolta, an article in New York magazine about Brooklyn down and outs cutting loose at the weekend seemed like the perfect jumping off point. But just how truthful was this so-called "honest" account? Did Tony really work in a paint store? Were The Faces at war with a Puerto Rican gang? And was 2001 Odyssey a real club?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Roofman' (2025) | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:56:29 | |
As we've explored before, there's a small part of the human psyche that wants the fugitive to escape when we watch crime capers. Maybe not those films where the crimes committed are particularly evil, but how can you not feel for the cheeky and charming Channing Tatum attempting to start a brand new life, whilst hiding in the now nostalgia-inducing Toys "Я" Us? But then again, he did threaten innocent McDonald's employees at gunpoint... Was his escape so seamless? Was his recapture so seamless? And does it all seem less serious, because we're in a toy store?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Cheaper By The Dozen' (2003) | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:58:05 | |
Family movies featuring innumerable children are a dime a dozen. But whilst The Sound of Music, The Swiss Family Robinson and Home Alone might boast extraordinarily large family units, nothing compares to Cheaper by the Dozen. And upon learning that this unfeasibly large clan was based on a real household I felt it was my domestic duty to investigate this unusual brood. Were there really twelve children living under one roof? How did the parents support their litter financially? And what exactly is a "Therblig"? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Hunchback Of Notre Dame' (1996) | 11 nov. 2025 | 00:54:39 | |
It's a common understanding that Disney only look inwardly for their animation film storylines, and most of them are born from a very small nucleus of an idea before taking our imaginations on a journey beyond reality. Occasionally they can be traced to a period in history but few are based on something quite as dark as this 19th century gothic novel, containing quotes such as: "I bear the dungeon within me; within me is winter, ice, and despair; I have darkness in my soul." But why was Victor Hugo so obsessed with the famous cathedral? What happened to the Romani people in France at this time? And who knew there was so much to learn about bells?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Smashing Machine' (2025) | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:59:51 | |
Whilst Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson might be the highest earning actor on the planet, there was one genre it seemed he was never destined to grace: drama. Until now, that is. Having recently acquired shares in UFC's parent company, it makes sense that an MMA-themed movie with DJ at the helm would follow. The surprise came on the revelation that he would be telling the true story of a UFC pioneer, dogged by a life of substance abuse and battles with anxiety. But just how accurate was the Smashing Machine in portraying the life and times of Mark Kerr? Did he really put himself in hospital after an overdose? Was his relationship with Dawn so fractious? And why exactly was he called The Smashing Machine?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'The Conjuring 2' (2016) | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:59:50 | |
After probing the 'true' events of the first film in this franchise, I joked we could simply run the same episode again but add a '2' to the title. But in fairness to James Wan, his follow-up horror attempts to carve new ground instead of copying the same format of the first. But even though we're introduced to new scary characters, they are still somewhat familiar - a crooked man and a demonic female figure taking advantage of a vulnerable family? Ed and Lorraine Warren are here as heroes yet again... But how involved were they? Who is Valak(c)? And how on earth does this story still have believers?! Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| 'Hacksaw Ridge' (2016) | 21 oct. 2025 | 00:59:50 | |
This week we're holding our commandments dear and pledging our allegiance to the truth. The story of a soldier who refuses to bear arms, whilst saving the lives of dozens of his fellow men in one of the bloodiest battles of WWII was seemingly a tale so inspiring that Mel Gibson couldn't pass it by. But in telling the history of a simple carpenter travelling the world treating the injured, was there a chance of straying too far from the truth? Did Desmond give blood just to visit his future wife? Did his father burst in on his court martial? And was there really just... one... more? Join us to find out on That's Not How It Went Down! Subscribe now to hear more: patreon.com/tnhiwdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||