5 Film Podcasts You Need to Check Out
Hosted by Karina Longworth
This podcast is not just one of my favorite film podcasts, but one of my favorite podcasts in general. Karina Longworth is a master storyteller who weaves the history of Hollywood so well and with such force that you are left to think she lived it. She describes her podcast as telling “the secret and/or forgotten histories of Hollywood’s first century,” but that description does not do it justice. Longworth meticulously researches each story (and provides reading and viewing lists on her site), giving them a depth and authority that does not go unappreciated.
Longworth has a passion for this material. She places the historical figures in historical moments and treats them as the real people they were. She covers everything from Frank Sinatra’s space album to Warren Beatty to the HUACC and blacklisting. I recommend the Charles Mansion story arc. I eagerly look forward to each new episode. It is a joyous time traveling experience every time I listen.
Karina has this line in her intro when she says “Join us, won’t you?” And I want to scream “Of course!” every time I hear it. -Elliot
Hosted by Adam Kempenaar & Josh Larsen
If you are even remotely into film podcasts, chances are you have hard of Filmspotting. Still going strong after 600+ episodes, they review, interview, and dissect dozens of films and filmmakers. Each episode, they have a “Top 5” list, ranging from Top 5 Hostage Movies to Top 5 Manic Pixie Dream Girls. They perform scenes from movies, inviting listeners to guess from which movie they are acting a scene. Talking about old silent films all the way up to current film festival favorites, they cover it all. Kempenaar and Larsen do a great job of movie-talk, making it interesting for the casual movie fan, as well as the biggest film buff. -Elliot
Hosted by Amy Nicholson & Devin Faraci
I’ll be honest. I was hesitant to listen to The Canon. Amy Nicholson, the chief movie critic for MTV News, with Devin Faraci, the former editor-in-chief for Birth.Movies.Death. (who recently stepped down amidst sexual abuse allegations), host weekly conversations about a film and whether or not it belongs in “the canon” of great films to live on forever (now Nicholson has a guest c0-host every week). They allow the listeners to vote if it does or not, compelling you to tune into the next week to hear the result. The hosts must have a good relationship because it gets really heated sometimes. While occasionally agreeing on a movie, there is often contentious argument. And I find myself siding with both of them at different times. It’s a good podcast with two different personalities. And look, I know it often seems futile to discuss which films are better than others (The Canon even has episodes where they pit two films against each other, with only one coming out on top). I mean, films are subjective and personal. Why listen to two strangers tear apart or praise random movies? Because it’s fun. –Elliot
Hosted by Dana Buckler
You ever wonder what it took for a movie to get made? Are some of our favorite classics of all time are a result of a radical turn of events, or was it the intended vision the studio had from the start? These are the types of questions that are answered and discussed in this podcast. I love being a part of film discussion, But when it comes to this podcast, Dana tends to steer clear of his own personal feelings and criticism of the films that he discusses. He focuses solely on the process of how each movie came to be and provides information that would take some extensive research to find out on your own. I love this podcast because it is something more than someone giving their thoughts and opinions on a movie. I really feel like I am getting a history lesson and can reflect on how some films truly are a miracle that they got made. If you are looking for a podcast about film other than movie reviews and criticism, you will find a refreshing take on the subject here. –William
Hosted by Patrick Bromley
There is something about a couple of guys coming together to talk about film. It can at times inspire and be a source of enlightenment. It is an extension to what they call movie magic. Why I enjoy it, will always be a mystery to me. But Patrick and his rotating table of returning guests get together each week and decide on a new movie to discuss. The tagline for the show could not be more true when it comes to this podcast. “Movie love, for movie lovers”. If you love movies, then you should seek this podcast. They generally tackle new releases, but they also have a plethora of classics and even bad movies that they are not afraid to tear apart. They are well versed in film and are guys just like you and I who like to talk about film in any way shape or form. –William