Explore every episode of the podcast What Are You Watching?
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 137: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (1988/2024) | 08 Sep 2024 | 00:41:52 | |
Alex reviews Tim Burton’s classic film, “Beetlejuice,” and its 36-years-later sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.” Later, he lists his favorite Tim Burton films and highlights some new Oscar movies to look out for this fall. | |||
| 136: Waves (2019) | 29 Aug 2024 | 02:25:15 | |
Alex and Nick discuss their love for Trey Edward Shults’ modern masterpiece, “Waves.” The guys break down the film’s use of music, aspect ratios, and colors, the power of Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Sterling K. Brown, the grace of Taylor Russell and Renée Elise Goldsberry, the force of Alexa Demie, text fights, losing parents, finding love, and so much more. | |||
| 127: The Thin Red Line (1998) Commentary | 10 May 2024 | 02:52:55 | |
“What is this war in the heart of nature?” Watch Terrence Malick’s “The Thin Red Line” with Alex and Nick as they discuss the film’s huge cast, all-timer cinematography, ceaseless voiceover, James Jones’ book, the Japanese perspective, Nick Nolte vs. Elias Koteas, how Adrien Brody got screwed over, war as hell, Catalina Island, and so much more. | |||
| 46: Paul Thomas Anderson | 06 Jan 2022 | 02:05:18 | |
Nick and Alex make their way through the great films of Paul Thomas Anderson. Stray topics include the editing in “Hard Eight,” the parents in “Boogie Nights,” making “Magnolia,” the sounds of violence, Thomas Jane, favorite Philip Seymour Hoffman characters, Haim, not putting expectations on a movie, and so much more. | |||
| Don’t Look Up (2021) | 31 Dec 2021 | 00:42:51 | |
Alex and Nick review Adam McKay’s “Don’t Look Up.” The guys launch into satires, politics in art, film in 2021, political correctness, deleted scenes, erotic thrillers, and more. This one gets weird. Follow us on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 45: Shame (2011) | 23 Dec 2021 | 01:16:19 | |
What Are You Watching wishes you happy holidays by spending 75 minutes discussing the sex addiction drama, “Shame.” The guys navigate through Alex’s obsession with the film by diving deep into Steve McQueen, addiction movies, shared trauma, “New York, New York,” Michael Fassbender & Carey Mulligan, and much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter. | |||
| 44: Favorite Films of 2011 | 09 Dec 2021 | 01:20:44 | |
Has there been a better movie year since 2011? Alex and Nick dive into the many great films of 2011 and discuss movies that changed their lives, movie theater experiences, the bygone comedy, and much more. What’s your favorite movie from 2011? Let us know on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| Spencer (2021) | 03 Dec 2021 | 00:17:54 | |
Alex reviews the new film “Spencer” and discusses Kristen Stewart’s perfect performance as Princess Diana, British character actors, knowing embarrassingly little about the Royal Family, Jonny Greenwood, and more. Let us know what you thought of “Spencer” on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast! | |||
| House of Gucci (2021) | 24 Nov 2021 | 00:20:06 | |
Ridley Scott’s “House of Gucci” is finally here! Alex talks about Ridley’s insane work ethic, avoiding your family during the holidays, Lady Gaga’s Oscar prospects, movie accents, Jared Leto, and more. | |||
| Dune (2021) | 16 Nov 2021 | 00:14:16 | |
Alex flies solo to give an outsider’s take on Denis Villeneuve’s "Dune." Alex discusses "Dune" lore, technical mastery, Oscar prospects, Charlotte Rampling and Stellan Skarsgard as all-timers, and Villeneuve’s early film work. Let us know what you think of "Dune" on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 43: Jessica Chastain | 11 Nov 2021 | 01:20:06 | |
With Jessica Chastain poised to earn Oscar and Emmy nominations for her 2021 work, Alex and Nick take a look at one of their favorite working actors. The guys discuss acting choices, strong character introductions, breaking down barriers, grace, and much more. What's your favorite Jessica Chastain performance? Let us know on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 42: The Scariest Movies We've Ever Seen | 28 Oct 2021 | 01:11:18 | |
What better way to celebrate Halloween than talking about the movies that absolutely terrify us? Nick barely keeps it together as he and Alex discuss the movies that scare them the most. Is there any movie so scary you can’t watch it again? Tell us on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast! | |||
| The Last Duel (2021) | 23 Oct 2021 | 00:28:52 | |
Alex flies solo to deliver a spoiler-free review of Ridley Scott’s new film, “The Last Duel." Alex discusses “Rashomon” narrative styles, a never-better Adam Driver, confident direction, and much more. Then Nick stops by and the guys share their Top 5 Ridley Scott films. What’s your favorite Ridley Scott movie? Let us know on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| Challengers (2024) | 28 Apr 2024 | 00:18:56 | |
Alex tells Nick why Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” is a much better movie than its marketing suggests. The guys briefly discuss Zendaya’s Oscar prospects, Guadagnino’s filmography, Mike Faist & Josh O’Connor, an amazing score by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, and how the movie connects to “Past Lives.” | |||
| 41: Wes Anderson | 14 Oct 2021 | 01:17:51 | |
With “The French Dispatch” out next week, Alex and Nick break down Wes Anderson’s stylish and iconic career. The guys talk style vs. substance, Wes’s complex relationship with animals, European film influences, music in movies, and much more! Let us know your favorite Wes Anderson film on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 40: John Cazale | 30 Sep 2021 | 01:06:13 | |
What do "The Godfather," "The Conversation," "The Godfather: Part II," "Dog Day Afternoon," and "The Deer Hunter" all have in common? The legendary John Cazale. Alex and Nick discuss arguably the best supporting actor who ever lived. What’s your favorite John Cazale performance? Let us know on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast! | |||
| The Card Counter (2021) | 25 Sep 2021 | 00:16:26 | |
Alex goes solo to deliver a quick, spoiler-free review on Paul Schrader’s new film, “The Card Counter.” Alex discusses the themes in Paul Schrader’s work, Oscar Isaac’s 2021 moment, stunt casting, movies about loners, and more. Let us know what you think of “The Card Counter” on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast! | |||
| 39: Magic Mike (2012) | 16 Sep 2021 | 00:51:01 | |
Nick and Alex dive into the misunderstood marvel that is “Magic Mike.” The guys discuss Steven Soderbergh’s short retirement, Films vs. Movies, a never-better Matthew McConaughey, a graceful Riley Keough, and much more! What do you think of Mike and the gang? Let us know on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 38: Pig (2021) | Favorite Nicolas Cage | 02 Sep 2021 | 00:35:03 | |
To celebrate Nicolas Cage's great performance in the new film, "Pig," Nick and Alex pick their five favorite Cage roles. Crazy Cage, Action Cage, Oscar Cage - with only five slots to fill, the guys have a blast diving into one of the craziest careers in Hollywood history. What are your favorite Cage roles? Let us know on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 37: Favorite A24 Films | 19 Aug 2021 | 01:11:32 | |
A24 is one of the best, most exciting film studios making and releasing movies today. Nick and Alex go through A24’s movie catalogue and highlight some of the best films from the past decade. Tell us your favorite A24 films on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 36: The Exorcist (1973) | 05 Aug 2021 | 00:31:50 | |
After four devious years of lying to Alex’s face, the power of Christ compelled Nick to finally watch William Friedkin’s masterpiece, “The Exorcist.” The guys catch listeners up with a few archive clips that explain their “Exorcist” drama, then Alex interviews Nick about his first time watching the film. This episode happened because of our fans – we appreciate you! Find us on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 35: Stanley Kubrick | 22 Jul 2021 | 01:33:12 | |
Alex and Nick dive into the work of cinema’s most discussed filmmaker, the legendary Stanley Kubrick. During their full career breakdown, the guys discuss Kubrick as a visual rule breaker, deliberate acting performances, playful narration, how each Kubrick film gets better with every rewatch, and much, much more. Tell us your favorite Kubrick film on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast! | |||
| Minisode: Celebrating One Year of Podcasting! | 10 Jul 2021 | 00:31:04 | |
Alex and Nick celebrate their first full year of podcasting. The guys talk about the amazing podcast community they've met, the fear of making personal stories public, topics they'd like to cover, movies they've reappraised, and they both update their Top 10 Films of All Time lists. Let us know what you think of the show on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast! | |||
| 34: Top 10 Films of 1973 | 01 Jul 2021 | 00:56:04 | |
This episode contains the most outrageous moment of "What Are You Watching?" yet. In addition to that verbal frenzy (which comes toward the end of the episode), Alex and Nick talk about the best decade in film history, hysterical foreign films, Hal Ashby's genius, and how to lie to your best friend's face for four years straight. Tell us your favorite film of 1973 on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast! | |||
| 126: Terrence Malick | 25 Apr 2024 | 03:19:40 | |
Terrence Malick has never talked about his films, but Alex and Nick are delighted to gush about them for over three hours. As the guys break down each Malick movie, topics include a career of all-timer voiceover, editing that moves like water, intentional music, the pissed-off crew of “Days of Heaven,” the perfect ending to “The New World,” how they made “The Tree of Life,” high praise for “Knight of Cups” and “Song to Song,” hearing Malick speak in Washington D.C., and so much more. | |||
| 33: Zodiac (2007) | 24 Jun 2021 | 00:56:10 | |
By popular demand, Nick and Alex dive into David Fincher’s modern classic, "Zodiac." The guys talk about Fincher’s process, the film’s attention to detail, the dying art of the director’s commentary, Dermot Mulroney as an all-timer, and much more. Big thanks to our friends on Twitter who voted for us to cover this movie! Follow us there @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 32: Five Films that Inspired Alex to Direct | 10 Jun 2021 | 00:45:23 | |
Nick interviews Alex about the movies that inspired Alex to become a filmmaker. Alex discusses his lifetime obsession with film, using trauma as a creative launching point, learning how to direct from movies, and why “Antwone Fisher” may be the most important movie of his life. Let us know what films inspire you on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 31: Five Films that Inspired Nick to Direct | 27 May 2021 | 00:40:11 | |
Alex interviews Nick about the five films that inspired Nick to become a filmmaker. Nick discusses the importance of breaking film rules, confident direction, stealing from the best, and why a brief scene in “Rachel Getting Married” made him view film in a new light. Let us know what films inspire you on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 30: Top 10 Hangout Movies | 13 May 2021 | 00:44:05 | |
Nick and Alex detox from an insane Oscar season with some of their favorite movies to hang out with. A fun episode of fun movies. What are some of your favorite movies to hang out with? Let us know on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| Minisode: Goodbye ArcLight Cinemas | 06 May 2021 | 00:15:03 | |
Alex and Nick pay a quick tribute to their favorite movie theater chain, ArcLight Cinemas, which recently announced it was closing its doors. The guys discuss the magic of the Cinerama Dome, their first ArcLight experiences, celebrity sightings, and the joy of seeing a movie in a place built for movie lovers. Have a memorable ArcLight experience? Let us know on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 29: 2021 Oscar Reactions | 28 Apr 2021 | 00:25:11 | |
Alex and Nick hit record directly after the 93rd Academy Awards concluded to dish out their raw takes on one of Oscar’s oddest nights. What did you think of the 2021 Oscars? Let us know on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 28: Heath Ledger | 15 Apr 2021 | 01:19:39 | |
Heath Ledger had that raw, natural talent that immediately likened him to Brando, Clift, and Dean. Alex and Nick break down each of Ledger’s roles and talk about his all-timer performances, infamous characters, distinct acting choices, and much more. What’s your favorite Heath Ledger performance? Let us know on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 27: Top 10 Films of 1982 | 01 Apr 2021 | 00:51:24 | |
1982 in film had a lot: The death of ‘70s cinema, the birth of the modern high school comedy, genre-defining sci-fi masterpieces, movie stars trying to murder their directors. Nick and Alex dive into 1982, a sneakily influential year for modern cinema. Also, Alex goes on a rant about one of the worst movie fights in film history. What are you favorite films of 1982? Tell us on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 26: Malcolm & Marie (2021) | 25 Mar 2021 | 00:47:14 | |
Nick and Alex do a deep dive on the exciting and controversial new Netflix film, “Malcolm & Marie.” The guys discuss Zendaya’s deserved praise, Hollywood nepotism, criticism vs. art, intentional cinematography, and the emergence of macaroni and cheese on film. Let us know if you dug “Malcolm and Marie” on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 25: 2021 Oscar Nominations | 16 Mar 2021 | 00:45:25 | |
The 2020/2021 Oscar nominations are in! Alex and Nick talk snubs, surprises, what it will take for David Fincher to win an Oscar, idiotic Academy politics, and “The Father” potentially being the best film ever made (even though Nick and Alex haven’t seen it). Tell us what you thought about the nominations on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 125: Oppenheimer (2023) Commentary | 11 Apr 2024 | 03:01:39 | |
Theory will get you only so far, so today, Alex is turning theory into a practical podcast commentary. Alex flies solo to fulfill his obsession with Christopher Nolan’s Best Picture-winning masterpiece, “Oppenheimer.” The detonators are charged, the martinis are made, and it is time to hear the music. | |||
| 24: Favorite Movie Every Year | 04 Mar 2021 | 01:19:14 | |
What’s your favorite movie for every year you’ve been alive? Nick and Alex list their picks and discuss best films vs. favorite films, prestige vs. personal, ambitious filmmakers, and time as a representation of greatness. Tell us your favorite movie every year on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast! | |||
| 23: Nocturnal Animals (2016) | 25 Feb 2021 | 00:40:54 | |
What better way to continue the Amy Adams conversation than by diving into Tom Ford’s supremely twisted “Nocturnal Animals?” Alex and Nick discuss multi-hyphened artists, the most disturbing movie scenes of all time, fragile masculinity, Laura Linney as THE scene stealer, and more. Tell us what you think of "Nocturnal Animals" on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast! | |||
| 22: Amy Adams | 11 Feb 2021 | 00:39:35 | |
How can you not love Amy Adams? Alex and Nick break down the full career of this living legend. Topics include: Bringing faith into performance, cursing in "Junebug," the hidden weight of her work in "Doubt," why she's never won an Oscar, and much more. | |||
| 21: Favorite Film Discoveries of 2020 | 28 Jan 2021 | 00:59:44 | |
Nick and Alex fully reveal their obsession with movies in discussing the best movies they discovered in 2020. This is a wide-ranging, hardcore movie geek episode that covers all types of films from all different eras. What were some of the best new-to-you movies you saw in 2020? Let us know on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast! | |||
| 20: Top 10 Films of 2020 | 14 Jan 2021 | 01:05:42 | |
Alex and Nick list their favorite films from the weirdest movie year of their lives. What were your favorite movies of 2020? Let us know on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast. | |||
| 19: Mikey and Nicky (1976) | 07 Jan 2021 | 00:40:30 | |
Rounding out their Cassavetes binge, Alex and Nick do a deep dive into Elaine May's masterwork, "Mikey and Nicky," starring John Cassavetes and Peter Falk. The guys talk about Elaine May's iconic career, improvisation, fragile friendships, Sanford Meisner as an actor, Ned Beatty as an all-timer, and much more. Tell us what you think of "Mikey and Nicky" on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast! | |||
| Minisode: Favorite Holiday Films | 23 Dec 2020 | 00:23:14 | |
Alex and Nick each offer up five holiday-themed double features, some of which are certainly not fun for the whole family. Spirited categories include: Holidays from Hell, Freaky Families, Loser on Christmas, and much more. Tell us about your holiday movie traditions on Twitter @WAYW_Podcast! | |||
| 17/18: John Cassavetes | 25 Nov 2020 | 01:56:01 | |
Alex and Nick offer up their biggest episode yet, a deep dive into the career of the Godfather of independent cinema, John Cassavetes. The guys discuss Cassavetes’ early acting work, filmmaking style, working collaborations, and each of Cassavetes’ magnificent films. | |||
| Minisode: Fall 2020 Streaming Recs | 19 Nov 2020 | 00:24:48 | |
Alex and Nick offer up some very current movie streaming recommendations. All recs are quick and spoiler-free. Topics include realistic gore coming back to horror, good chess movies vs. bad chess shows, an Oscar-worthy Caleb Landry Jones, the death of the courtroom drama, and depicting COVID on screen. The guys end with a brief review of their favorite film of 2020 so far, Brandon Cronenberg’s “Possessor Uncut.” Recs are current as of Nov. 18, 2020! | |||
| 16: The Wrestler (2008) | 12 Nov 2020 | 00:47:57 | |
Nick brings his fanatical love for professional wrestling to this emotional deep dive on Darren Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler.” The guys discuss Mickey Rourke as an acting giant (13:24), why Nick connects to the film so deeply (17:19), a never-better Marisa Tomei (26:21), the legendary on-screen argument between Rourke and Evan Rachel Wood (29:23), interpretations of the ending (36:27), and much more! | |||
| 124: Last Action Hero (1993) | 28 Mar 2024 | 01:49:48 | |
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark! Alex, Nick, and friend of the pod, Dan Bracey, ramble about John McTiernan’s cult classic, “Last Action Hero.” | |||
| 15: Favorite Film Songs and Soundtracks | 29 Oct 2020 | 00:52:41 | |
Nick and Alex blend their movie and music tastes to discuss their favorite movie soundtracks (01:43), favorite use of songs in Pure Cinema scenes (12:44), best movie song performances (26:29), how “Shame” influenced their filmmaking (35:31), songs that should be retired from movies (41:57), and more. Alex also shares a personal story about a song used in the film “Warrior” (22:19). | |||
| 14: Favorite Film Scores | 15 Oct 2020 | 00:53:46 | |
Alex and Nick cover a wide range of films as they discuss their favorite film scores. Topics include: Score creating pure cinema, rockers as composers, James Horner and M83 as all-timers, MUCH more. Nick also details his hilariously specific workout playlist of movie scores. | |||
| 13: The Place Beyond the Pines (2013) | 08 Oct 2020 | 00:42:04 | |
Nick and Alex dive deep into Derek Cianfrance’s haunting modern epic, "The Place Beyond the Pines." The guys talk pragmatic bank robberies, the presence of Eva Mendes, cinematographer death dreams, and Bruce Greenwood as an all-timer character actor. | |||