Verbal Diorama

Happy Halloween! Evil Dead II was not the sequel to The Evil Dead that Sam Raimi intended. With a bigger budget, and more experience, he essentially remade the first film with a comedic twist. Released in 1987, Evil Dead II became the perfect bridge between horror and comedy. Ash Williams transforms from every man survivor to wisecracking action hero. Campbell's physical comedy is next-level; the guy gets beaten up by his own possessed hand. His performance became so iconic, it launched an entire franchise and Ash as a cult hero. Practical effects, makeup, and prosthetics created some truly memorable (and gross) moments. Evil Dead II helped define the horror-comedy genre and influenced countless filmmakers. It became a cult classic that's still celebrated decades later, leading to Army of Darkness and eventually the Ash vs Evil Dead TV series. Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi became legends in genre filmmaking. Evil Dead II proved you could be terrifying and hilarious at the same time. It's a masterclass in creative filmmaking on a budget, and proof that sometimes the best sequels are the ones that aren't afraid to reinvent themselves. Groovy. I would love to hear your thoughts on Evil Dead II ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle,Aaron and Conner This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Before 20-year-old Sam Raimi could make The Evil Dead, he had to convince investors that three friends from Michigan could pull off a horror masterpiece. Enter "Within the Woods," a short film that became the ultimate pitch; screened across Detroit until enough people bought in. The result? An initial $85,000 and a one-way ticket to a freezing, abandoned cabin in Tennessee with no heat, no plumbing, and 12 weeks of pure filmmaking chaos. Bruce Campbell's on-screen suffering was real—those bruises, cuts, and exhausted reactions weren't acting. The crew ended up living in the dilapidated cabin, inventing techniques and visual effects out of creativity and desperation. It was the epitome of low budget, inexperienced but passionate filmmaking. The Evil Dead could have easily disappeared into low budget horror movie obscurity, though. They struggled to find domestic distribution until Stephen King saw it at Cannes and called it "the most ferociously original film of the year." That single endorsement transformed everything. When it was released in the UK, it became the best selling VHS of the year in 1983. It was subsequently banned as the "number one video nasty" in the UK, and called too extreme for mainstream distribution. Thanks, Mary Whitehouse. The Evil Dead rewrote the rules. It proved indie horror could be artful, that gore could be kinetic poetry, and that a cabin in the woods could become the most terrifying place on Earth. It showed a generation of filmmakers that you don't need studio money to make something revolutionary; you just need vision, determination, and friends willing to suffer for the cause. I would love to hear your thoughts on The Evil Dead (1981) ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny,

Hocus Pocus represents something special in cinema: proof that a film's legacy isn't written on opening weekend. It's a testament to how the right movie can find its audience, even if it takes decades to get there, to become one of the most beloved family Halloween classics of all time. Virgins! Get ready to light the black flame candle, and summon the iconic Sanderson Sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, who brought the sistahhhs to life with their unforgettable chemistry. It would lead to Hocus Pocus' eventual resurgence, with the Sanderson sisters as queer icons, and huge influences on the drag community. What started as a simple bedtime story evolved after years stuck in development hell. It would be The Divine Miss M herself who essentially got the movie greenlit, and Midler fully committed to the bit. But after a disappointing July 1993 release, VHS and DVD releases started to make it profitable and Hocus Pocus become a Halloween staple, as well as a cult classic. You could say it ran amok, Amok amok amok! I would love to hear your thoughts on Hocus Pocus ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and Conner. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Before Scream made meta-horror mainstream, Wes Craven created something truly unique: a horror film where the actors played themselves, filmed in the real New Line Cinema offices, exploring what happens when fictional evil breaks into reality. Freddy Krueger had officially died in Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare in 1991, and from 1984 his character had evolved from terrifying villain to quipping and comedic, and New Line Cinema had already started merchandising the character. Realizing that maybe they had killed Freddy too soon, New Line wanted a way to resurrect him without actually resurrecting him. There was always something deeply unnerving about putting Krueger on a pedestal, and no-one thought it more than his original creator, Wes Craven… Wes Craven's New Nightmare cleverly blurs the line between fiction and reality, creating a unique meta-narrative, starring original final girl Heather Langenkamp as herself, focusing on her journey from horror star to mother and how that reflects the personal impact of the franchise on her fictional life. Craven specifically wanted to focus on how horror movies affect children, showcasing the blurred boundaries between protection and temptation. Despite its initial box office struggles, New Nightmare has gained a cult following, mostly in the wake of Wes Craven's next project, Scream, which took what New Nightmare had attempted and refined it. Wes Craven said that Scream was a movie for people who watch horror movies, and New Nightmare was a movie for people who make horror movies. Scream is credited for refreshing the slasher, but we all know New Nightmare is Wes Craven’s real life meta masterpiece. I would love to hear your thoughts on Wes Craven's New Nightmare ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy,...

How did a British ghost story set in a Liverpool council estate became America's most haunting urban legend? In 1992, director Bernard Rose transformed Clive Barker's British ghost story, The Forbidden, into one of horror's most intelligent and thought-provoking slashers. But the inspiration ran deeper than fiction. The tragic 1987 murder of Ruthie Mae McCoy, who called 911 claiming someone was breaking into her Chicago apartment through her bathroom mirror, is a chilling real life inspiration to one of cinema's most enduring, and gothically romantic horror icons. Candyman is not just a horror movie; it’s a reflection of societal fears, racial injustice, and the haunting legacy of violence against Black people in America, specifically black men. The film, set in the Cabrini Green housing project, serves as a backdrop for a story that’s both supernatural and tragically real. Tony Todd's portrayal of Candyman is chilling yet tragic, highlighting the character's backstory as a victim of racial injustice rather than just a typical horror villain. Helen Lyle, a white woman who becomes entangled in the Candyman myth, exposes the privilege and naivety that often accompany the quest for truth. The contrast between her character and the realities faced by the residents of Cabrini Green is not just a plot device; it’s a commentary on who gets to tell stories and which voices are heard. I dare you to say his name five times... Candyman, Candyman, Candyman, Candyman.... I would love to hear your thoughts on Candyman (1992) ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and Conner This podcast uses the following third-party services for...

What happens when you mix Keanu Reeves, a scenery-chewing Al Pacino, and a Faustian bargain? Andrew Neiderman's novel was originally going to be adapted in the early 90s, directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Brad Pitt, but casting Satan proved difficult and so the project was halted. Speak of the devil, the O.J. Simpson trial gave new life to this story, and everyone became interested in courtroom drama and corrupt lawyers. The movie was resurrected, with Keanu Reeves choosing it over Speed 2, and the production desperate to entice Al Pacino to play the devil. In a bizarre twist worthy of the film itself, a copyright violation lawsuit forced the studio to digitally amend key scenes, proving that even fictional devils face real-world consequences. Inspired by John Milton's Paradise Lost, Dante's Inferno, and the Faust legend woven into late 90s Manhattan, The Devil's Advocate remains a fascinating time capsule of '90s excess while asking timeless questions about the price of success and the susceptibility of human ambition and greed. Have a listen to The Midnight Myth's excellent episode on The Devil's Advocate here I would love to hear your thoughts on The Devil's Advocate (1997) ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and Conner This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Paying tribute to the classic no-sex sex comedies from the late '50s and early '60s, Down With Love is a wonderful, bright, kitschy romcom classic that seems to be well regarded, if not completely well remembered. Renee Zellweger (fresh from Chicago) and Ewan McGregor (fresh from Moulin Rouge) tackle roles similar to those made famous by girl-next-door-turned-sex-symbol Doris Day and serious-actor-turned-romantic-lead Rock Hudson, in a genuinely wonderful pastiche to their movies Pillow Talk (1959), Lover Come Back (1961) and Send Me No Flowers (1964). (I watched Pillow Talk as part of my prep for this episode, and I have to say it's a truly delightful movie and Doris Day is incredible in it! Please watch it if you can!) Down With Love is so impressive in its desire to not only be set in the sixties, but also to be filmed like it were filmed in the Sixties. It's meant to look like it was filmed in Technicolor. The thought that went into it is insane, from authentic props and vintage fabrics for costuming, to wanting the sets to actually look just like sets. Down With Love is not a film steeped in realistic depictions of 1962 New York. It's meant to look wonky. It relishes, and adores, the world its set in. The entire cast look like they're having the best time ever. I just wish more people knew of it... Mentioned in this episode: From the Archive There's no new episode this week, so I thought you might be interested in revisiting this slightly older, but no less brilliant episode. Just bear in mind, this episode is several years old, it may not sound quite as polished as newer episodes, and new information may have come to light in recent years with regards to the making of this movie (please see above for the original date of release) Please enjoy this time capsule of an episode. Thanks for listening! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Verbal Diorama meets Verbal Kint in a neo-noir crime thriller, based somewhat on a true story, from the mind of Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie. An idea based on a line from Casablanca, The Usual Suspects takes five felons in a line-up and creates the layers of deceit and twists, before the final realisation that Keyser Söze may not be who we thought it was - or was he? Who is Keyser Söze? With a heavyweight cast of big names and character actors, everyone in this movie is impeccable to the very end. And of course, the film's iconic twist ending cleverly invites viewers to question everything they thought they knew about the characters. The Usual Suspects' atypical non-linear storytelling made it stand out against other neo-noir crime dramas of the 90s, along with its extremely unreliable narrator. What is true? What isn't? The line-up scene and Benicio del Toro's unexpected flatulence during filming is very true, and led to a scene that became one of the film's most memorable and humorous moments. But really the legacy of the film and how it became a cult classic, aided by a brilliant marketing campaign, is the lingering mystery and pop culture creation of Keyser Söze. I would love to hear your thoughts on The Usual Suspects ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and Conner. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

30 years on, the tide is turning for Showgirls. Showgirls is remembered for its outlandish dialogue, the over-the-top performances, culminating in controversy, cult status, and unapologetic campiness. It's widely regarded as a mess, a critical and commercial flop, and poor Elizabeth Berkley took the brunt of the blame. Showgirls is polarizing, for many it's a guilty pleasure drenched in excess, but for others, it’s a train wreck that’s hard to look away from. This movie is no financial flop though, in fact it's one of MGM's most lucrative of all time. Sex sells. Nomi Malone hitchhikes her way to Las Vegas, dreaming of stardom and glory in the world of top tier showgirls. Writer Joe Eszterhas dreamed of a script that contained the real life stories of the women who worked in Vegas clubs, but director Paul Verhoeven wanted a not-so-subtle commentary on the darker side of fame and ambition in show business. It’s looking at the American dream in a dark, twisted mirror, showing the misogynistic rot of show business, the dark reality of a patriarchal society that on the surface claims to love, idolise and promote women, it actually exploits and degrades women in the name of entertainment. Just like what happened to Elizabeth Berkley. I would love to hear your thoughts on Showgirls ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and brand-new patron Conner! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a person in possession of a birthday must be in want of a celebration. However little known the feelings or views of such a person may be on their first entering into another year of life, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of their surrounding acquaintance, that they are considered as the rightful object of some one or other of their neighbours' party-planning endeavours. "My dear friends," began our heroine (for heroine she must be called, being the celebrated birthday personage of our tale), "I find myself in the most peculiar situation of having reached another year of existence, and I am given to understand that such an occasion demands commemoration." It is hoped that all persons of good breeding and cheerful disposition will find it agreeable to listen, for what is a birthday celebration without the society of one's most valued listeners? Joining this celebration of the utmost importance are the honoured guests of Dr Alice and Dr Kimberly of Fetch the Smelling Salts. Ladies of noble achievement in high society, whose warm and witty conversation has made this episode most agreeable indeed. Alice's slightly racier podcast, Austen After Dark, is also a most welcome pursuit for those who enjoy lively discourse on more amorous activities. "For what," our heroine might well exclaim, "is the pleasure of a birthday without the warmth of friendship to illuminate it?" Therefore, let all who receive these words consider themselves most cordially and affectionately invited to join in what promises to be an episode of unparalleled enjoyment. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Hi Barbies, hi Kens! Podcast Barbie hosts this very special pink, plastic fantastic episode on the history and legacy of Barbie - the doll and the movie! From her humble beginnings in the late 50s, through various controversies along the way, Barbie has been symbolic of girlhood, and of embracing the idea that girls can be whatever they want to be through play, not just as mothers with babydolls. As Barbie is based on the body of an actual young woman, the idea of a live action Barbie movie made sense. The first attempt was in 1986, and throughout the years, various studios have tried to make a live action Barbie film, while in the background, Barbie has been a staple in animation. It wasn't until real life Producer Barbie, Margot Robbie, contacted Mattel, with her ideas for a meta take on Barbie that Warner Bros started to take notice. Producer Barbie contacted Director Barbie, Greta Gerwig, and together they assembled the brightest and best Barbies in Hollywood to join them to celebrate Barbieland and all their achievements by having Barbie and Ken going to the real world and discovering that Barbieland's version of matriarchy isn't quite the experience of the real world. The Kens, well, they're just Ken. I would love to hear your thoughts on Barbie ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and brand-new patron Conner! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Red Sonja is based on Red Sonja, which is, in turn, partially based on Red Sonya. The Red Sonya interpretation is credited as such for this movie, however it's actually based on Red Sonja, not Red Sonya. And during production, it was briefly called Red Sonia. Confused? I'm not surprised. So many Sonjas/Sonyas/Sonias. And what about Conan, I mean, Kalidor? Sonja/Sonya's evolution from Robert E. Howard's historical 16th-century warrior to Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith's iconic Marvel Comics fantasy heroine, each brought something unique to the Red Sonja legacy. Kalidor (definitely not Conan!) is in an interesting case study of Hollywood rights navigation, where creative solutions led to a character that channels the spirit of Conan while remaining legally distinct. Red Sonja's innovative approach to special effects, and the decision to shoot everything in-camera created a distinctive visual style that prioritized practical filmmaking techniques over post-production polish. While it has its flaws, Red Sonja represents an ambitious chapter in fantasy filmmaking that pushed boundaries and took creative risks, offering valuable insights into the evolution of the sword-and-sorcery genre and Hollywood's ongoing relationship with strong female protagonists. I would love to hear your thoughts on Red Sonja (1985) ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle and Aaron. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Natasha Romanoff. Daughter. Sister. Avenger. Natasha made her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Iron Man 2 as a mysterious S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, quickly becoming a core member of the Avengers despite lacking superpowers. The character evolved from a supporting femme fatale into one of the MCU's most complex heroes; a former Russian child assassin grappling with her dark past while seeking redemption through heroic acts, and finally finding a family. Her journey culminated in the ultimate sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame, giving her life to obtain the Soul Stone and save the universe. Marvel had been talking about a solo Black Widow film for years since her 2010 debut, but it had never come to pass. It's not the first time a solo film had been talked about for Natasha Romanoff. Lions Gate held the rights to the character in the early 2000s, but that movie idea was scuppered due to the failure of other female-led action movies. Black Widow's solo film finally arrived in 2021, making it an eleven-year wait from her MCU introduction. The delay was attributed to Marvel's former leadership's reluctance to greenlight female-led superhero films, concerns about their commercial viability, as well as the planned Infinity Saga narrative needing to focus on introducing other characters, like Black Panther and Captain Marvel. Black Widow would give fans a much-needed backstory for Natasha, as well as introduce her sister, Yelena. The importance of both characters extends beyond individual heroism to representation. Natasha proved female characters could carry major action sequences and emotional weight in the MCU, while Yelena's introduction ensures the Black Widow legacy continues, representing a new generation of complex female heroes who can anchor future MCU stories. I would love to hear your thoughts on Black Widow (2021) ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique...

James Gunn's Superman (2025) is in cinemas right now, and is really good! It has a wonderful central performance by David Corenswet, and is as colourful as it is hopeful, and we need that right now. As I'm off this week, it felt like a good time to revisit the late Christopher Reeve's iconic performances in Superman II, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, Superman III & Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. Technically the first ever quadruple-bill episode (if you also count the Richard Donner cut of Superman II, which we do), as voted for by Patrons of this podcast for, on the history and legacy of Superman II, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, Superman III & Superman IV: The Quest for Peace ! The sequels to the previous episode on Superman SUPERMAN II was inevitable after Richard Donner completed 75% of the movie, filmed at the same time as Superman (1978). His work on the sequel was halted during Superman's production, but as Superman flew into the box office and became a critical and financial success, the sequel was fired up again... and Donner himself was unceremoniously fired from the movie by the Salkinds, and replaced with Richard Lester; a move that didn't go down well with the cast and crew... SUPERMAN II: THE RICHARD DONNER CUT came about due to the open secret of Richard Donner's material existing in a vault somewhere. After a few legal issues, notably with the estate of Marlon Brando for the production of Superman Returns, a new 2001 DVD version of Superman also led to the discovery of 6 tonnes of unused, previously lost material shot by Richard Donner for Superman II. In an unprecedented (at the time) fan campaign to see Donner's cut, it was finally released to acclaim in 2006... SUPERMAN III is less of a Superman movie, and more of a comedy vehicle for the late, great Richard Pryor, but that didn't mean it was easy to get made. A lot of people were still annoyed at the Salkinds for their treatment of Richard Donner, including Christopher Reeve himself. Reeve almost didn't return as the iconic character, but changed his mind and relished playing Superman vs Superman (which was also almost the title of the movie), but in retrospect it would be a movie he wouldn't have too much fun with, despite the slapstick tone... SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE would only be made after the Salkinds sold the rights to The Cannon Group; a production company known for making low quality movies en masse to make as much profit as possible. Cannon's plan though was big franchises: they bought Superman with the intent of spending $36 million on Superman IV. They were also making Masters of the Universe, the first big screen adventure for He-Man. But Masters of the Universe's financial woes would drastically affect Superman IV, with disastrous consequences for the Superman franchise, and leading to a 19-year wait for Superman to return... This episode was originally released on 16th November 2023 Mentioned in this episode: From the Archive There's no new episode this week, so I thought you might be interested in revisiting this slightly older, but no less brilliant episode. Just bear in mind, this episode is several years old, it may not sound quite as polished as newer episodes, and new information may have come to light in recent years with regards to the making of this movie (please see above for the original date of release) Please enjoy this time capsule of an episode. Thanks for...

James Gunn's Superman (2025) is in cinemas right now, and is really good! It has a wonderful central performance by David Corenswet, and is as colourful as it is hopeful, and we need that right now. As I'm off this week, it felt like a good time to revisit the late Christopher Reeve's iconic performance in Superman (1978). Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Verbal Diorama's Heroes Through the Decades miniseries, continuing into the 1970s! Whether you know him as Clark Kent, Kal-El, the Man of Steel, the Man of Tomorrow, or just as Superman, that famous tights-and-cape combo emblazoned with the S on his chest is a symbol of a lot of things: Hope, courage, freedom, love... truth, justice and the American way, and a movie with a rich history in comic books, that was made in part because of Zorro, and in another due to 1966's Batman. The late Christopher Reeve is perfectly cast as both Clark Kent and Superman, in a landmark superhero film by the late Richard Donner. Donner's personality clashes with father-and-son producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind led to him being fired from Superman II, despite him completing reportedly 75% of the sequel.... Mentioned in this episode: From the Archive There's no new episode this week, so I thought you might be interested in revisiting this slightly older, but no less brilliant episode. Just bear in mind, this episode is several years old, it may not sound quite as polished as newer episodes, and new information may have come to light in recent years with regards to the making of this movie (please see above for the original date of release) Please enjoy this time capsule of an episode. Thanks for listening! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

From batnips to ice-themed villains and the not-so-subtle campiness, Joel Schumacher's neon-soaked superhero spectacle dives deep into the wacky world of Gotham City’s dynamic duo as they face off against Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy. Batman & Robin stands as one of cinema's most notorious cautionary tales about franchise excess. What began as Warner Bros' attempt to create the ultimate summer blockbuster became a $125 million lesson in how beloved characters can be transformed into walking toy advertisements. From George Clooney's regretful reflections on his rubber nipples to Arnold Schwarzenegger's $25 million payday for delivering ice puns, this production reads like a masterclass in studio interference gone wrong. Schumacher's vision clashed with studio demands for maximum merchandising, costume designers prioritized sculpted anatomy over actor comfort, and how plot came a distinct second to ensuring characters and vehicles were as toyetic as possible. While Batman & Robin effectively killed the franchise for nearly a decade, its spectacular failure directly influenced Christopher Nolan's grounded Dark Knight trilogy and fundamentally changed how studios approach superhero properties. What an incredible legacy for one movie to have! I would love to hear your thoughts on Batman & Robin ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle and Aaron. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

When we think of movies with Hollywood defining legacies, Mr. & Mrs. Smith wouldn't be the first that springs to mind. A fun, comedic mid-2000s action flick, capitalising on the chemistry of its two stunningly beautiful leads; it became the movie that defined a generation of celebrity culture, and sold hundreds of thousands of gossip magazines. But it all could have been very different, had it not been for The Stepford Wives. The film's inception, a chaotic filming schedule that resulted in significant budget overruns, and a constantly changing script pale in comparison to the media circus that followed Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, affectionately given the portmanteau 'Brangelina', and how their relationship flourished as they played married assassins; oblivious to each other's secret lives until they’re pitted against one another to finish their respective jobs. Not to mention his previous marriage failing at about the same time they were filming this movie - surely it's all a coincidence? Their journey from co-stars to Hollywood power couple to eventually married and sharing six children would not lead to their happily ever after, unlike John and Jane Smith. I would love to hear your thoughts on Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle and Aaron. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

What happens when Hollywood egos, sabotage campaigns, and directorial chaos collide in the Arizona desert? Tombstone is a film that survived one of the most tumultuous productions in Western movie history to become a beloved cult classic. You think the gunfight at the O.K. Corral was dramatic? That's nothing compared to Kevin Costner's alleged studio sabotage campaign, the director who got fired just one month into filming, and how Kurt Russell allegedly secretly took over directing duties while refusing to put his name on the film. A bitter rivalry with Costner's competing Wyatt Earp nearly killed Tombstone before it reached cinemas, and Val Kilmer's career-defining performance as Doc Holliday only really happened because of studio interference, which came from Costner's attempt to derail the production. From the scorching Arizona heat, to the replacement director brought in with just three days of preparation; a director who made the cinematographer quit three times, as well as various other crew members, Tombstone is a masterclass in how great movies can emerge from absolute production disasters. It's a tale of Hollywood hardball, Western justice, and that sometimes your worst enemy can accidentally become your greatest asset. I would love to hear your thoughts on Tombstone (1993) ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle and Aaron. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Cutthroat Island has quite the reputation. It's known as the infamous pirate flick that sank a studio, as well as the entire pirate genre, but that's not completely true. In many ways, Cutthroat Island might just be more of a misunderstood gem, that happens to have been created when Carolco Pictures was at the very end of its life - mired in debt, and struggling to stay afloat. Cutthroat Island was its last chance. Cutthroat Island was never the reason Carolco fell into bankruptcy, but it didn't exactly help matters either. It is true that the movie faced a storm of production woes, casting drama, and a box office disaster that left it walking the plank. Female-led action movies like Cutthroat Island often face harsher scrutiny than their male counterparts. But Cutthroat Island also deserves a second look, showcasing epic stunts, lush visuals, huge pyrotechnics, and a swashbuckling adventure that’s way more fun than its critics would have you believe. It's time to navigate the choppy waters of pirate cinema, and explore why it’s high time we give this movie more love! Savvy? I would love to hear your thoughts on Cutthroat Island ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle and Aaron. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

In 1999, Stan Winston Studios and Digital Domain joined forces to create one of cinema's most convincing monsters - the massive crocodile from "Lake Placid." Winston's team, fresh off "Jurassic Park," built a groundbreaking 30-foot animatronic that could actually function underwater using waterproofed hydraulics and urethane skin - a technical marvel that had previously destroyed lesser movie creatures. With snapping jaws, moving eyes, and a thrashing tail, this mechanical beast terrorized actors in the frigid lakes of British Columbia while creating genuine fear on set. Digital Domain seamlessly handled what the animatronic couldn't, crafting stunning CGI sequences of the crocodile diving and surfacing with explosive water effects. This hybrid approach - blending Winston's tactile craftsmanship with cutting-edge computer graphics - produced just under four minutes of unforgettable screen time. Weather delays, waterproofing challenges, and the genius of two legendary effects houses brought Lake Placid to life, but in a crowded summer of 1999, this croc would struggle to dominate the box office, instead becoming a cult classic creature feature. I would love to hear your thoughts on Lake Placid ! Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes. CONTACT.... @verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldiorama@verbaldioramaverbaldiorama.com SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA.... Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio Patrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle and Aaron. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy