The Popcorn Auteur

Dec 16 2024 89 ep. 73 mins 31
The Popcorn Auteur Podcast artwork

Jon and Chris get a film education, one filmmaker at a time. Each month, we pick a famous filmmaker and watch every film that he or she wrote and directed. Then, we research the filmmaker’s history and critical assessments of their work. Finally, we talk about the films, consistent themes throughout, and answer definitively: Are they an auteur and do we like them?

  TV & Film
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Alejandro G. Iñárritu

Dec 16 2024 74 mins  
Why did it take us this long to cover the last of the three amigos? Perhaps it was the memories of Babel or a fear of bear attacks. Or perhaps the fact that Alejandro G. Iñárritu wasn't always a screenwriter. No matter the reason, in this episdoe we have a spolier-filled discussion of the four films written and directed by Iñárritu. As an added bonus, you get to hear Chris misp

Ari Aster

Oct 31 2024 100 mins  
Happy Halloween! This year, Paul Kowalski is back to help us examine the films of Ari Aster. Come for the dread and decapitations, stay for the unified Ari Aster theory. Plenty of spoilers in this discussion. As always let us know what we got wrong on Facebook, on Twitter, @PopcornAuteur, or email us at [email protected]. Show Notes/Sources: https://letterboxd.com/samvanha

Duncan Jones

Oct 21 2024 72 mins  
Duncan Jones has a famous father, but he's attempted to blaze his own trail as an artist. Once a rising star in sci-fi filmmaking, Jones has struggled to find success as of late. In this espisode, we discuss the highs and lows of his filmography. As always let us know what we got wrong on Facebook, on Twitter, @PopcornAuteur, or email us at [email protected]. Show Notes: ht

Sofia Coppola

Sep 25 2024 93 mins  
Sofia Coppola's surname means a lot in filmmaking, and yet she's been able to blaze her own distinct trail. She's a particular filmmaker intent on executing her particular vision. Listen as we discuss what did and did not connect with us from Coppola's filmography. As always let us know what we got wrong on Facebook, on Twitter, @PopcornAuteur, or email us at [email protected]

Don Bluth

Jun 14 2024 80 mins  
The talented Jonathan Sundy joins us to discuss the films written and directed by Don Bluth (No Littlefoot or Fievel here). Bluth is famous for leaving Disney and then giving them a run for their money in the late 80s and early 90s. In this episode, we look at the highs and lows of Bluth's career. Check out Jonathan Sundy's books here. As always let us know what we got wrong on

Tom McCarthy

Apr 03 2024 87 mins  
Tom McCarthy co-wrote and directed Spotlight, which took home the Oscar for Best Picture. McCarthy won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The next time McCarthy returned to the director's chair was for the direct to Disney+ Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made (since pulled from the platform). McCarthy has spent his career attempting to make films for grown-ups while also dabblin

Alexander Payne

Jan 22 2024 103 mins  
In this episode, we are joined by high school teacher and wine drinker (not at the same time), Mark Staron, to discuss the films of Alexander Payne. We had a fun discussion covering everything from voiceovers and Omaha to which film made us cry the most. We also drank some wines featured in Sideways, so all in all a successful podcast. As always let us know what we got wrong on Fac

Jordan Peele

Oct 30 2023 107 mins  
Happy Halloween! This October 31st, we delve into thinking-man's horror with the films of Jordan Peele. We welcome back Paul Kowalski for this fun conversation. As always let us know what we got wrong on Facebook, on Twitter, @PopcornAuteur, or email us at [email protected]. Staff Notes/Sources: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/nope-is-one-of-the-great-mov

Greta Gerwig

Oct 20 2023 89 mins  
Greta Gerwig's career is firing on all cylinders. She has the biggest film of 2023, Barbie, consistent critical acclaim, and Academy love. But will she get the Popcorn Auteur badge of approval? Join us as we review Gerwig's career as a filmmaker, starting with the oft-overlooked Nights and Weekends. As always let us know what we got wrong on Facebook, on Twitter, @PopcornAuteur, o

James Mangold

Aug 29 2023 88 mins  
James Mangold has one of the more eclectic filmmaking careers. From indie dramas to romantic comedies to R-rated superheros and now Indiana Jones, Mangold's films run the gamut. We were excited to explore this filmography and shocked to discover that Mangold lifts the time travel dynamics directy from Kate & Leopold for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. As always let us know w