On the BiTTE

What could be better? You have the sunshine. You have your lover. You have fresh fruits, food and a beautiful location for relaxation and isolation. But then your veracious and intrusive friend from your past phones up and barges into your life. We've all been there I guess. It starts out like fun then gets painfully annoying when that guy tries to steal away your girlfriend and his daughter just won't leave you alone. In Luca Guadagnino's remake / adaption of the original book/film THE SWIMMING POOL (LA PISCINE) (1969) we see a bunch of equally beautiful people enacting this psychological dramatic piece. In short, floatation devices were created for a reason.

We are back and with something weird and beautiful! Yeah, in our double dipping on the Yorgos-train, we find ourselves at the 2023 release of the multi-award winning POOR THINGS. This comedy/drama/fantasy film is something special. A feast for the eyes and an incredibly darkly comical tale of a woman brought back to life and given a second chance. Think FRANKENSTEIN, FRANKENHOOKER, FREAKY FRIDAY, and some other period piece that gives you a general idea that this is set some-time-when with a sprinkling of familiarity. With an award-winning performance from it's central lead, Emma Stone and backed up by Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Jerrod Carmichael, and a scene stealing comedy great performance from Mark Ruffalo, this has to be seen to be experienced! Don't let us hold you up! Bella Baxter is a Disney Princess, ya'll!

This episode we look at the early filmography of Yorgos Lanthimos featuring DOGTOOTH! Famous for his more Western entries in his filmography, THE LOBSTER, THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER, THE FAVOURITE and his recent Oscar winner POOR THINGS, we go back to the seminal turning point in his career: DOGTOOTH. He's been a prominent figure in Greek Cinema prior (part of the aptly put "Weird Wave") but it's fair to say that DOGTOOTH put him on the International map, nominated for a Best Foreign Feature Oscar in 2009. Doing so made this deeply darkly comic film (or horror, depending on your interpretation) available to a much wider audience at the time. And what a treat that is! It's funny how films like this have the habit of taking us all to the place we tend to stray to; the darkest places our humor can go honestly. Certainly Josh (not to throw him under the bus). Be warned, there is a lot of sarcastic chatter about inter-familial relations for which we do not seriously condone. But as we say, if you're not laughing, you're crying. Sit in your "sea", turn down the "pussy" and smell your "zombies", here we go!

Oh boy... What have we done to ourselves? In a moment of uncertainty we decided to double dip into the Winterbottom well. We knew we were going to review this film "at some point" BUT we didn't really know what we were letting ourselves in for. The "arthouse/mainstream/romantic/concert film" is only 69 (lol) minutes long but it feels like it's relatively short runtime. A film that depicts heavily gratuitous un-simulated sexual acts performed by our lead couple, some scenes depicting our lead character's job as a glaciologist (!) and 9 (counted and confirmed) songs of musical acts of the time performing at Brixton Academy in London. If you thought that it would add up to the sum total of "nothing" you'd be close. If you thought it was a bit of a shallow, uncomfortable experiment that doesn't really justify its needs and the pressure put on its performers, you may also be right. If you think its a bit pretentious, you'd also be on the right track. See what we have to say in one of our personal favourite breakdowns of a film we've done in a while.

That's right! We're getting mad wi' it! We're goin' all the way to Manchester, the birthplace of exciting musical new waves since the dawn of time! We're uncovering the Tony Wilson musical biopic 24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE! Tony would make you believe this is not a film about him and how instrumental he was in nurturing these HUGE musical talents over the years using his clout as a TV personality to create the legendary Factory Records but you'd think otherwise. Honestly, Michael Winterbottom has made a real special biopic here with a stellar cast of top shelf British talent and cameos from countless musicians who lived through this "true-to-life tale". Don't miss out and enjoy the party!

wADdUp B*****S! wE'rE cUvErIn' ZOLA! But seriously, before these two oldies get sucked into the chasm of "Gen Z", we're here exploring the 2020 Janicza Bravo film. A tale of stripping, murder, Tampa and illicit tweets. Based on the infamous twitter thread, the film is an excellent allegory of "the American Dream" set to some unique and vibrant stylings. Obviously being set in Florida gives it a very special flavor also. So yeah, sit back and get ready to jump into this darkly comic crime caper that's pretty much seated 99% in truth. And you know THAT because you can find it on Twitter. And Twitter doesn't lie...

There's a quote at the beginning of the film that states that this text "should not be read or adapted to film". "Wir brauchen Gott" which translates to "we need God" finalizes the warning. I remember being told by my parents when I was younger "if you fiddle about with it too much, it'll fall off". The same can be said for whatever Helen who at every turn, in acts of defiance, tests the boundaries of social normalcy and sexual deviancy. This is the infamous German cinematic gem WETLANDS, directed by David Wnendt. You may be wondering, is it really as bad as people have said? As fairly desensitized individuals, I would say no, because it has genuine heart that if you allow yourself to look at it from anywhere other than surface level, you'll see a genuine story about a teenage girl who acts out as she's trying to get her parents back together. But honestly, for everyone else out there, this film is probably one of the most extreme examples of anything we've covered, so if you're of a sensitive disposition, you have been warned. If that doesn't phase you, the film will play to at the Enzian Cinema in Maitland Florida, as part of the Uncomfortable Brunch programming on Sunday February 4th, 12pm.

In a quatrain Nostradamus stated: "In the year 2024, two self-proclaimed cinephiles who uncover full-frontal male nudity in cinema, will uncover Mike Leigh's NAKED". It's crazy right? We can hardly believe it ourselves. But Nostradamus was right, we are covering Mike Leigh's NAKED. In a career best for David Thewlis, co-starring Lesley Sharp, Katrin Cartlidge, Gregg Cruttwell, Claire Skinner, Ewen Bremner et al., we dive deep into the seedy underbelly of urban London and it's nocturnal dwellers in what some have referred to as an "odyssey". Warnings have been shelled out before but NAKED is one which takes you to a very dark place so be advised even if 50% of us still believes this was a "black comedy".

We're in the future! The further we progress into the future, the more you feel what a sham all those sci-fi concepts are. ANYWAY what better way to celebrate the future than by going into the past. Yeah, we're covering the highly requested and regarded Todd Haynes, New Queer Cinema staple, 'Glam Rock' celebration: VELVET GOLDMINE. Starring a slew of big names from Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Ewan McGregor, Christian Bale, Eddie Izzard and Toni Collette. In the 'THIS IS NOT David Bowie' universe of the 60's and 70's rise of Glam, we have very similar figures pretending to be an Iggy Pop imposter with a dodgy accent. So sit back, kick off those glad rags and platform shoes and settle in! Bang a a gong! Ride a white swan! [INSERT ANOTHER T-REX LYRIC HERE]

We made it to the end of 2023. And OH what a year it has been. Has it been as exciting and riveting as the completely unidentifiable nor unique 2000's? Probably not. In a sudden twist, as part of our annual "Christmas Key Party" (lol jks, kinda) we wined, dined, and we seduced Tighe and Renée into watching the newly released SALTBURN, written and directed by Emerald Fennell. The real twist is that we rarely cover new movies but this is something special. Without going in to too much detail, this might be one of the best moments in any film we've uncovered on this podcast. Seriously guys, if you haven't seen the film, watch it please. Don't ruin it for yourselves listening to us blabber on about it. You have no excuse as the movie is available on Amazon Prime as of today (December 22, 2023) so it's free to subscribers. Expect SPOILERS AHOY in this special festive and bumper final episode of 2023! Happy Holidays and many thanks to our listeners for sticking us out this long! See you in the New Year ya filthy animals!

If you're going to stumble face-first into an "open-style" relationship to test the boundaries of your long-term relationship, maybe have a discussion first. Having "PERMISSION" isn't the issue in this romantic comedy directed by Brian Crano, starring Dan the "German love robot" Stevens and Rebecca "in everything pretty much" Hall. Yes, we're uncovering the 2017 Romantic-Comedy PERMISSION that follows a couple AT THE BRINK OF MARRIAGE who think it's a good idea to have a go at some other folk before "fully" committing. As you can probably guess, there's a disparity between our hosts, and in classic "On the BiTTE" fashion, one of them liked it better than the other. Doesn't take a relationship analyst to figure out who but as the twinkling of the Holiday Season creeps ever closer check out this film that just so happens to be set during Christmastime.

Ryan brings the goods once again with a film with its roots in Scotland! Starring Judi Dench, Billy Connolly, Geoffrey Palmer, and the irreplaceable Gerard Butler, MRS BROWN tells the "true" story about the relationship between John Brown and Queen Victoria after Prince Albert's untimely passing. John Madden is in the chair this time round, tackling a period drama about the "Royal" family. There's some comparisons to James Ivory that we make that seem founded but it's purely due to the classical nature of his filmmaking. There's plenty to see here even if the end result is rather unadulterated. Buckle up those bootstraps "woman" and cheer up! Podcast is here!

"What are you thinking? How are you feeling? What have we done to each other? What will we do?" "That's marriage" honestly. Eventually, somewhere down the line, an anniversary treasure trail might turn into a false disappearance and accusations of murder. Thinking them "deep Hasbro thoughts", we're diving into David Fincher's film adaption of the Gillian Flynn novel GONE GIRL and with a stellar cast, music, cinematography and more you're in for one very delicious two and half hours. There's not much to say other than, watch this film, its one of the good ones. So, feel cute, punch yourself in the face and unspool those brains 'cause "when two people love each other and they can't make that work, that's the real tragedy".

The coming of the Eclipse marks the end of our "Spooky Penis Season" but as the runes need collected, the druids gather the sparkly Disney juice, and a Sands is born. Yeah, that's right! We're covering one of the late Julian Sands seminal roles as the eponymous WARLOCK! As a trilogy of films, Julian Sands plays the WARLOCK in the first two movies, alongside Richard E. Grant in the original Steve Miner film and Chris Young in the Anthony Hickox sequel. This is the film that we're uncovering this time, in WARLOCK: THE ARMAGEDDON! And we brought a friend, Tighe, ready to speak over "the rudest that ever troubled daylight!" in the most congratulatory and nostalgic episode in a long while. It's a shame that not only is Julian no longer with us but within this month, Anthony, the Director, is sadly no longer with us. Rest in Peace Kings!

So, we watched the newly restored version of THE DOOM GENERATION at a screening for Uncomfortable Brunch. We dragged fellow completionist Josh Martin (the facilitators of this screening) to chat about what we saw and "uncovered" in this short wrap up.

This is our 3rd year of Halloween content. Even to this day, we can't decide on what to call it. Is it "Spooky Penis Month"? Is it "Halloweiners"? It can probably be a combination of both. Either way, we're starting off our favourite season right with a film we're a little embarrassed to have not seen before. Yeah, it's Robert Hiltzik's cult classic SLEEPAWAY CAMP. I mean, we're glad we waited to cover this film as adults as it's easily one of the best horror films we've seen with an ending that honestly leaves you haunted but also, one of the most important scenes we've covered on this podcast. You honestly won't want to miss our commentary on this classic but if you have yet to see the film, please don't allow it to be spoiled for you. You have been warned!

Ah, "mumblecore". Films, that at the heart of them, focus on mini-budget, dialogue driven independent filmmaking, are, by virtue of their desires, INCREDIBLY respectful of your time. You'll be lucky to get one of these "mumble" films to hit over 90 minutes, so this beautiful 88 minute dive into the "mumblecore-iverse" was the perfect start. NIGHTS & WEEKENDS, the Joe Swanberg and Greta Gerwig (in, effectively, her directorial debut) star, direct and write this film about a relationship over the span of its life with a year gap in-between. This is independent cinema, first and foremost, for the 2000s, a direct development of the same principals since indies conception in the 1960's. We make some valid points with what is a great, polished introduction into the "mumblecore" sub-genre, and it's an area (and director) we'll be uncovering again in the future, even if some of us don't like the term "mumblecore". Also, we're joined once again by our friend, and resident Greta Gerwig enthusiast, Josh Martin!

There's nothing like a little light-hearted solicitation to relive your lost youth and discover how amazing sex could be since your, now deceased, boring husband "missionary Martin" never gave it propa'. So, in walks gigolo Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack) to guide Nancy (Emma Thompson) in her search for the ever-elusive big "O". Just chuck some fit bloke some cash and it'll solve all your problems basically. Some procrastination here, some procrastination there, and that's what Emma Thompson as Nancy does in the sex comedy drama ("sexadramady"?) penned by Katy Brand and directed by Sophie Hyde. It's a weird one. At the heart of the film is a sex-positive message that has some genuinely touching moments from the inimitable Ms. Thompson. But when you come down to it, it misses the mark in giving Mr. McCormack enough meat to play with. You'll get what we mean when you give it a listen. GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE is currently streaming on HULU in the US.

With the 4k restoration from Strand coming out in September, this felt like the perfect time to delve into the world of Gregg Araki. A seminal 90's, Gen-X, angry "fuck you" piece about 3 felons, murders, and mishaps across the desolate plains of the the United States of "whatever". With a twist on our original format, we've decided to use THE DOOM GENERATION to premiere our format "Missed a BiTTE", that explores films that show a little but never the full frontal we've concerned ourselves in our mainline series. We also bring back Josh for more disgusting references and shenanigans seeing as they're a certified screening location for this new restoration, coming to the Enzian in Maitland, Florida on September 3rd. Also, it's Ryan's birthday so come down and buy that fool a drink to ease the pain of gaining age!

We're back in the dark reaches of a pessimistic and aggressive portrayal of the world's "most beautiful place": Scotland. In Ryan's words, it can be a terrifying place. Andrea Arnold's slice of Cinema Verité inspired by the Dogme 95 aesthetic and film movement, really puts you in a scary place that is equally horrifying and mesmerizing. As a counterpoint to the last film we covered, this is also a film about watching people, innocently enough through the eyes of a CCTV operator, but how, through this character's trauma, how that power is easily manipulated for her personal gain. This is a fascinating piece of cinema and one of the strongest debuts from a first-time director. Enjoy this incredibly dark and uncompromising film at your own peril but you won't be disappointed.