James and Sam have been friends and collaborators for over 20 years. They’ve worked on films and TV shows and commercials together and have written numerous scripts that lie unproduced in their shared Dropbox folder. But James has a secret: he hasn’t actually seen that many movies. And Sam, who’s a bit of a film snob, has been giving him a hard time about it for years. As James enters undeniable middle age, he has finally promised to catch up on some of the films he’s missed. Every week or s ...
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Sam Neave Podcasts
The Acting Coach Network Podcast is your go-to space for growing a thriving, joyful acting business - without the burnout. Whether you’re a solo coach or a theatre school owner, you’ll get mindset tools, marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes strategies to help you attract more students and love your work. I’ve got a free gift just for you: ‘5 Smart Ways to Scale Your Acting Coaching Business’ — a simple, actionable guide packed with ideas to help you grow your business without burning out. W ...
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1
Building Legacy, Leading With Impact and the Class Business Awards With Kristine Monaghan
38:04
38:04
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38:04In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I’m joined by business mentor and class based industry leader Krissy Monaghan for a conversation that is honest, practical and incredibly value packed. Krissy has spent over a decade in the children’s activity and performing arts business space and has experienced growth from every angle. From bu…
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Making Dance Accessible for All with Jack Seager
39:56
39:56
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39:56In this episode I chat with Jack Seager, founder of the Community Interest Company Jack Seager School of Dance. Jack is deeply committed to making dance accessible for every child and every family, and he shares the powerful story behind building a dance school rooted in community, inclusion and opportunity. Jack takes us through his journey from y…
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Leadership, Resilience and Growing a Franchise. A Powerful Conversation with Rascals Founder Diane Neave
46:00
46:00
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46:00In this incredibly heartfelt and inspiring episode, I sit down with Diane Neave, founder and franchisor of Rascals Theatre School. Diane opens up about her remarkable journey, from building a thriving franchise to receiving a life changing cancer diagnosis at the most pivotal moment of her business journey. Diane speaks with honesty and warmth abou…
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The Trinity Acting Method: Flexibility, Truth and Twenty Years of Craft with Matt Zina
56:46
56:46
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56:46In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Matt Zina to dive deep into his brand new book The Trinity Acting Method, a method twenty years in the making and already an Amazon bestseller on pre sale alone. Matt opens up about the limiting beliefs that almost stopped him writing the book, the mindset work that helped him break through them and …
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How to Become Confident with Tax and VAT as a Creative with Sam Cantrell
35:38
35:38
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35:38In this episode of The Acting Coach Network podcast, I sit down with accountant and business owner Sam Cantrell, the woman behind In for a Penny Accountancy Services and the hugely popular Accounting for the Arts community. Sam has become the go to financial guide for creative entrepreneurs, theatre school owners and performing arts organisations w…
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Visibility, Balance, and Meta Ads: How to Grow a Business That Works for Your Life With Gwen Baird
51:47
51:47
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51:47In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I'm joined by certified business coach and Advanced Meta Ads Strategist Gwen Baird for an honest conversation about visibility, alignment and what it really takes to grow a creative business without burning out. Gwen shares her journey into the online world more than twenty years ago, how living …
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Self Belief, Acting Ambition and Drama Coaching with Heather Nye
45:18
45:18
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45:18In this episode I am joined by actor and drama coach Heather Nye, whose journey into the performing arts and coaching world is rooted in courage, self belief and a deep commitment to helping young people grow in confidence. Heather started out volunteering in drama classes simply because she loved working with children and wanted to be part of some…
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How MN Awards Is Changing the Future of Drama Education with Tom Newton
44:27
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44:27In this episode of the Acting Coach Network Podcast, I sit down with Tom Newton, co-founder of Middleweek Newton Talent Management, MN Academy, and the groundbreaking MN Awards - the first Ofqual recognised awarding body to specialise exclusively in film and television. Tom shares his journey from actor training to casting professional, agent, and …
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Building a Career, Not Just a Craft: Growing as an Artist and Entrepreneur with Matt Zina
1:02:05
1:02:05
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1:02:05Are you ready to take your creative career to the next level? In this episode, I talk with Matt Zina, acclaimed acting coach, author, and creative entrepreneur, about how to grow your career, not just your craft. Matt shares his insider insights on how performers and creative professionals can navigate today’s evolving entertainment industry, build…
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From Coach to CEO: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
11:08
11:08
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11:08Are you constantly working in your business? Teaching every class, answering every message, juggling every task and wondering how to create more freedom and growth? In this solo episode, I share what it really means to step into a CEO mindset as performing arts business owner. I talk about how I used to teach seven days a week, when everything depe…
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Braver Decisions: Overcoming Procrastination and Imposter Syndrome with Kirsty Knott
35:15
35:15
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35:15In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I speak to mindset and accountability coach Kirsty Knott about her journey from a corporate HR career to coaching. We discuss the importance of mindset tools in navigating tough times, understanding procrastination, and the impact of imposter syndrome. Kirsty shares practical strategies for rewir…
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Creating A Business in a Box: Building Confidence Through the Arts with Katie Taborn
31:50
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31:50In this episode of The Acting Coach Network Podcast, I’m joined by Katie Taborn, founder of Jazz Hands Performing Arts and The Performing Arts Pro. For the past 15 years, Katie has been creating spaces where confidence can flourish through the performing arts from children’s classes and parties, to after school clubs, women’s dance workshops, and e…
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Speaking Up, Standing Out & Staying Creative with Sarah Day
30:07
30:07
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30:07In this episode I sit down with actor, dramaturg, writer and coach Sarah Day. Sarah trained at ArtsEd and is now represented by BBA Management. Alongside her stage and screen work, she’s the founder of Speak Up with Sarah, a LAMDA coaching business that helps students of all ages build confidence and communication skills, and Day by Day Productions…
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Building Teams, Raising Twins & Trusting the Process with Bethany Wilson
45:59
45:59
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45:59In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I chat with actor, educator, content creator, and twin mum Bethany Wilson (aka Bethany Unwin). Bethany shares her journey from training in musical theatre at Bodywork Company to performing professionally, launching multiple I Am Pro theatre schools with her husband, and building her online commun…
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The Drama Teacher’s Playbook: Katie Zakkak on Resources, Productions & Passion
35:53
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35:53In this episode, I get to chat with the brilliant Katie Zakkak, a drama teacher turned creative entrepreneur to explore her unique journey from directing high school productions to running her own creative business, Much Ado About Drama. Katie shares her path from studying Educational Theatre at NYU, to leading productions at St. Cecilia Academy, t…
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Finding Your Thrive Zone: Building Creative Confidence and Bold Ideas with Audrey Elizabeth
48:05
48:05
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48:05What happens when you lose trust in your own ideas because your head is full of everyone else’s “shoulds”? In this conversation with business coach and creative entrepreneur Audrey Elizabeth, we talk about the courage it takes to build a personal brand and show up with creative confidence online. Audrey shares her journey of moving from playing it …
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From Stage to Studio: Anna Reeve Cook on Neurodiversity, Confidence and Creativity in Coaching
44:34
44:34
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44:34In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I speak with Anna Reeve Cook, founder of Attitude Performing Arts. We discuss Anna's journey from performer to educator, her philosophy on teaching, and the importance of inclusivity in performing arts education. Anna shares her experiences with neurodiversity, the challenges she faced in her ear…
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From One Saturday Class to a Thriving Franchise – How Leanne Johnson Built The Drama Centre
50:28
50:28
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50:28In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I speak with Leanne Johnson, founder of The Drama Centre, about her journey from professional actor to business owner. Leanne shares her experiences in creating a nurturing environment for young creatives, the challenges of running a business while being a parent, and the importance of delegation…
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Beyond the Stage: Building a Heart-Led Drama Business by Being Kinder to Yourself - Katy Bachelor
42:12
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42:12In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Katy Batchelor, founder of Zozimus Drama, to talk honestly about building a business that’s rooted in values, not pressure. Katy shares how she created a safe, inclusive space for children to explore drama without the pressure to perform and why removing the stage spotlight helps so many children flouris…
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We close out season three with Steven Spielberg’s dystopian thriller Minority Report, starring Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton and Max von Sydow. Plus: the seeming immortality of Tom Cruise, Sam’s first feature, and yet another award nomination – but this time, it’s not for Sam. LINKS: Trailer for Minority Report Will Ferrell takes one i…
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This week we take a slow, spiraling ride down Mulholland Dr, David Lynch’s puzzle-box fever dream starring Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, and Justin Theroux. Plus: Transcendental Meditation, Adolescence, and the time James was up against Angelo Badalamenti for a film-scoring job. LINKS: Trailer for Mulhallond Dr Bob climbs over the sofa in Twin Peaks …
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This week we slash our way through Mary Harron’s satirical horror-thriller American Psycho, starring Christian Bale, Chloe Sevigny, and Willem Dafoe. Plus: The Picard Maneuver! And Sam gets stalked by his auto mechanic. LINKS: Trailer for American Psycho The Picard Manoeuver Tom Cruise as inspiration for Patrick Bateman Support the show…
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This week we explore Abbas Kiarostami’s meditative drama The Wind Will Carry Us, starring Behzad Dorani. Plus: Iranian hospitality, Marjie’s Broadway debut, and the movie that led to Sam and James meeting each other. LINKS: Trailer for The Wind Will Carry Us Trailer for Joe Gould's Secret Nick Cave on cold-water swimming Support the show…
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A double-bill! Vincent Gallo’s Buffalo ‘66, starring Gallo and Christina Ricci; and Thomas Vinterberg’s Festen, or The Celebration, starring Ulrich Thomsen, Paprika Steen and Thomas Bo Larsen. One of them became an instant classic for James. Plus: Dogme 95 and the “vow of chastity.” LINKS: Trailer for Buffalo '66 Trailer (a terrible and misleading …
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This week we get into Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 kaleidoscopic end-of-an-era drama Boogie Nights, starring Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, and Burt Reynolds. Plus: James’s psilocybin adventure! LINKS: Trailer for Boogie Nights Ben Affleck on teaching miners to be astronauts The final scene of Big Night Support the show…
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This week we explore John Sayles’s 1996 bordertown drama Lone Star, starring Chris Cooper, Matthew McConaughey, and Kris Kristofferson. Plus: Sam goes to the Emmys! LINKS: Trailer for Lone Star A Scene from Taste of Cherry Doogh Support the show
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This week we explore Todd Haynes’s prescient 1995 environmental-illness drama Safe, starring Julianne Moore. Plus: Emmy nominations, James’s upcoming psilocybin journey, and how bad Sam is at running. LINKS: Trailer for Safe Kripalu Sam's Emmy nominations Support the show
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This week we dig up Danny Boyle’s suitcase-full-of-cash thriller Shallow Grave, starring Ewan McGregor, Kerry Fox, and Christopher Eccleston. Plus: Ripley, the frustrations of tourism, and the European Cup. LINKS: Trailer for Shallow Grave Trailer for Ripley Trailer for Cry Funny Happy Deadline.com announcement of Sam’s football project Support the…
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We kick off Season Three of the podcast with Brian De Palma’s crime drama Carlito’s Way, starring Al Pacino, Penelope Ann Miller, and Sean Penn. Plus: offensive accents, an update on Sam’s car, and the time we almost paid someone $10,000 to read a script. LINKS: Trailer for Carlito's Way The Globe and Shakespeare’s “anti-literalism” Trailer for Bon…
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People-Pleasing, Burnout & Boundaries: Therapy for Creatives with Lee Ellaway
42:57
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42:57In this powerful and gently eye-opening episode, I'm joined by Lee Ellaway, a person-centred counsellor, psychotherapist, and the founder of Lee Ellaway Therapy, a private practice supporting performers, creatives and those navigating big transitions in the arts industry. With over 30 years of experience in theatre and live events, Lee shares why h…
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Why Taking Time Off Won’t Break Your Business (And Might Just Save It)
11:05
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11:05Feeling guilty about stepping away from your coaching business or theatre school? You’re not alone, and you’re not lazy! In this episode, I unpack why so many acting coaches and performing arts professionals find it hard to rest, and how that constant hustle can lead straight to burnout. From debunking the myth that time off will make everything fa…
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Group Coaching, Bigger Profits: Let’s Talk Pricing!
10:36
10:36
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10:36In this episode of The Acting Coach Network Podcast, we’re looking at one of the most important, and often confusing, topics for coaches looking to grow their income: pricing your group coaching sessions. Last week, we tackled pricing for 1:1 coaching, but this episode is all about group coaching: why it’s such a powerful model, what to consider wh…
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Know Your Worth: Setting the Right Prices as a Coach
7:41
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7:41In this week’s episode of The Acting Coach Network Podcast, we’re diving into one of the trickiest (and most important) topics in the coaching world: pricing. If you’ve ever been asked to work for free (or felt awkward stating your rates), this episode is a must-listen. I share practical advice on how to set your prices with confidence, why pricing…
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1
Putting on Shows: A Theatre School Owner’s Guide to Making It Happen
13:45
13:45
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13:45In this episode I walk you through every step of putting on a show for your theatre school or coaching practice. From choosing the right venue and selling tickets, to working with chaperones, planning rehearsals and dealing with those inevitable backstage hiccups. Whether you are planning a full-scale production, a small sharing or a showcase for s…
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Marketing for Theatre Schools on Social Media: How to Attract the Right People Without the Jargon
8:05
8:05
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8:05Feeling overwhelmed by social media? Not sure where to start, or whether what you’re doing is even working? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real talk version of marketing your theatre school or coaching business on social media. No jargon. No salesy scripts. Just clear, simple strategies that actually connect you with the right people. You’l…
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This week’s episode is short, unpolished, and straight from the heart. I share a raw and honest check-in after a chaotic week of five straight days of teaching, family sickness, endless admin, and very little breathing room. With sick in my hair (literally), a missed script, and a toddler who’s watched more TV than usual, I almost skipped this epis…
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Attracting Your Ideal Students and Finding Your Niche
8:49
8:49
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8:49Struggling to stand out and attract the right students to your performing arts business? You’re not alone and this episode is here to help. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the lessons I learned the hard way when I first launched my theatre school: from posting random content without a plan to burning out while trying to be everything to everyone. I…
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Surviving the Busiest Term of the Year (Without Burning Out)
10:16
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10:16Feeling like the summer term is running the show (instead of you)? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m chatting about the reality of what it’s like to juggle shows, exams, school timetables, and the general madness that hits every theatre school owner or acting coach at this time of year. I’ll share the 3 biggest strategies that are helping me s…
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Why You Should Enter Awards – and What Happened When I Did
13:23
13:23
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13:23Have you ever wondered if entering business awards is really worth it? In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey of entering the ClubHub UK Awards – including what the process was like, what I learned, and how I ended up ranking 6th in the Top 100 children’s activity providers in the UK. We’ll talk about: Why entering awards isn’t just about…
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Feeling stretched too thin, stuck teaching back-to-back classes, or overwhelmed by the admin of running your coaching business or theatre school? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay on the hamster wheel. In this episode, I shares five smart, sustainable ways to scale your acting coaching business - especially if you work with children and …
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Busting Limiting Beliefs That Hold You Back
11:23
11:23
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11:23Welcome back to The Acting Coach Network Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest blocks to success for acting coaches and creatives alike - limiting beliefs. These sneaky thoughts often sound like “I’m not qualified enough” or “There’s no room for me,” and they quietly shape your decisions without you even realising it. Bu…
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Welcome to the very first episode of The Acting Coach Network Podcast! In this short and powerful intro, I’m sharing a bit about who I am, why I started this podcast, and what you can expect from future episodes. Plus, we’re diving straight into one of the most important foundations for any coach or business owner - your mindset. If you’ve ever dou…
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Welcome to the Acting Coach Network Podcast! The show for acting coaches and theatre school owners who want to grow their business, improve their coaching, and avoid burnout while doing what they love. I’m your host, Savanna Madden - acting coach, theatre school owner, and founder of the Acting Coach Network. In this trailer episode, I’m giving you…
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We close out Season Two of the podcast with Martin Brest’s drama Scent of a Woman, starring Al Pacino and Chris O’Donnell. Plus: Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers, and an encounter with a rude traffic warden. LINKS: Trailer for Scent of a Woman Trailer for The Holdovers Trailer for People I Know Support the show…
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This week week we’re taking a bite out of Jonathan Demme’s classic serial-killer thriller The Silence of the Lambs, starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. Plus: James comes out of film-scoring retirement. LINKS: Trailer for The Silence of the Lambs "Lotion" by Greenskeepers Austin Pendleton as a lawyer in My Cousin Vinny Support the show…
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This week we discuss the journey of author Janet Frame in Jane Campion’s biographical drama An Angel at My Table, starring Alexia Keogh, Karen Fergusson, and Kerry Fox. Plus: Season Two of The Jinx, and the time Stanley Tucci took James to a Yankees game. LINKS: Trailer for An Angel at My Table Trailer for season two of The Jinx Dr McCoy treats a p…
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This week we explore Spike Lee’s comedy-drama Do the Right Thing, starring Spike Lee, Danny Aiello, John Turturro and Rosie Perez. Plus: James eats a $35 salad, Don Mischer’s “Go balloons”, and 1990 as the year of sequels. LINKS: Trailer for Do the Right Thing Trailer for Thea Sharrock's Wicked Little Letters Don Mischer at the 2004 Democratic Nati…
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This week we discuss Stephen Frears’s film-adapted-from-a-play-adapted-from-a-novel Dangerous Liaisons, starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Plus: James finally visits the Vanguard! LINKS: Trailer for Dangerous Liaisons Malkovich and Sinise in True West John Candy in Uncle Buck: "unbreakable" Support the show…
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This week we take a stab at Adrian Lyne’s classic romantic thriller Fatal Attraction, starring Glenn Close and Michael Douglas. Plus: the two faces of Harrison Ford, and James’s habit of talking to the television. LINKS: Trailer for Fatal Attraction The original ending of Fatal Attraction Trailer for Running on Empty Support the show…
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It’s a double-feature this week as we riff on two movies about musicians: Bertrand Tavernier’s Round Midnight and Alex Cox’s Sid and Nancy. Plus: burned-out cars, slow television, and the unhelpful advice Robert Redford used to get. LINKS: Trailer for Sid & Nancy Trailer for Round Midnight Siskel & Ebert on Round Midnight "Slow Television": the tra…
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