The Sleepless Cinematic Podcast

Alright, Alright, Alright! This week Julian, Madeline and Emilio kick off their newest cycle of High School movies by revisiting a 90s favorite about the 70s, Richard Linklater's 'Dazed and Confused'. The trio looks back on their own time in high school, and discuss what this movie gets right about this time in life. What signature Linklater touches are present in this movie? Which of the film's impressive ensemble performances stand out, and which ones leave something to be desired? What's the deal with all the hazing? Is Milla Jovovich really playing that guitar? Which of the several great needle drops is most satisfying? And which of these characters do each of the co-hosts relate to the most? If you haven't yet, please consider writing us a positive review on the podcast platform of your choice. It really helps us find new listeners, and you'll be doing a nice thing too :) Email us at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com Follow us here on IG and on Tik Tok! @sleeplesscinematicpod On Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats

Bonus episode! Emilio, Madeline and Julian are joined by esteemed NYC musician and bandleader Matt Friedman to discuss one of his favorite films, M. Night Shyamalan's 'Unbreakable'. The quartet dig into the many fun aspects of this film - the great camera work and the influence comic book imagery has throughout, its status as a revisionist superhero movie, the abundant color symbolism, how its twist ending is still so effective (in spite of being there the whole time in retrospect), and much more. The group end with a highlight round of Unlikely Shared Universe, that features leaps in time, actual leaps, and a particular brand of nautical nonsense. Spoiler alerts for this film, as well as M. Night's related films 'Glass' and, to a lesser extent, 'Split'. Be sure to check out Matt and his fantastic band Stiletto on IG: @stilettobandnyc and at the band's website: www.stilettobandnyc.com If you haven't yet, please consider writing us a positive review on the podcast platform of your choice. It really helps us find new listeners, and you'll be doing a nice thing too :) Email us at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com Follow us here on IG and on Tik Tok! @sleeplesscinematicpod On Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats

To wrap up their cycle on "Unique Best Picture Winners," Julian, Emilio, and Madeline take a deep dive into the life and work of the great actor John Cazale. Best known as Fredo Corleone in "The Godfather" Parts I and II, Cazale appeared in only five feature films in the 1970s before his untimely passing. However, all five of those films became iconic, both in and beyond his lifetime, and made Cazale a mainstay of the Best Picture Oscar category in the process. On top of the first two "Godfather" films, Cazale also starred in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Conversation" (1974), Sidney Lumet's "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975), and made his final appearance in Michael Cimino's "The Deer Hunter" (1978). The trio touch on all five films, focusing in depth on three of them, to appreciate the immense quality of Cazale's acting in the limited quantity of his career, and make external connections and speculations of what Cazale may have gone on to do had he lived longer. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider writing us a positive review on your podcast platform of choice. It really helps us be shared and enjoyed by others! Follow us on IG and TikTok! @sleeplesscinematicpod Send us an email at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com! On Letterboxd? Follow Julian @julian_barthold and Madeline @patronessofcats

For our Unique Best Picture Winner "Two-Shot" episode, Madeline and Julian finally see (and Emilio rewatches) two of the more upsetting upset winners of the Academy Award's last twenty years, Paul Haggis' passion project 'Crash' and Peter Farrelly's mismatched-buddy-road-trip picture 'Green Book'. They reflect on what social conditions existed that might have led to their ascension to Best Picture consideration, as well as what was internal (and in some cases endemic) within the Academy that put these films over the top. The trio is firmly in agreement that the racial themes of 'Crash', while important to consider, are handled so poorly and lazily rendered on screen. With very few exceptions, the redeeming qualities of 'Crash' are practically non-existent. And while Emilio agrees with the others that 'Green Book' is not Best Picture worthy, he makes a case for why this movie is a little better than its current reputation would have you think it is. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider writing us a positive review on your podcast platform of choice. It really helps us be shared and enjoyed by others! Follow us on IG and TikTok! @sleeplesscinematicpod Send us an email at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com! On Letterboxd? Follow Julian @julian_barthold and Madeline @patronessofcats

Madeline, Julian, and Emilio continue their cycle on Unique Best Picture Winners with a "Suggestion Box" episode on the 1969 classic "Midnight Cowboy," the first and only X-Rated film to win the top Oscar. As the oldest film the trio have covered to this point, they each think it holds up spectacularly in numerous ways, such as its frenetic dual portrayals of youthful desire and repressed trauma, its iconic needle drops with Harry Nilsson's "Everybody's Talkin'," and Dustin Hoffman's inimitable overbite. Aided by myriad anecdotes along the way on the film's production and release, director John Schlesinger's greater filmography, and, as it just so happens, Emilio's freshman year at NYU, the trio follow in the footsteps of Joe Buck and Rico "Ratso" Rizzo (luckily without being forced to yell "I'm walkin' here!") and go where the filmic sun keeps shining through the pouring rain. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider writing us a positive review on your podcast platform of choice. It really helps us be shared and enjoyed by others! Follow us on IG and TikTok! @sleeplesscinematicpod Send us an email at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com! On Letterboxd? Follow Julian @julian_barthold and Madeline @patronessofcats

While they cycle through Unique Best Picture Winners, Julian, Madeline and Emilio take a moment to reflect on the most recent Best Picture Winner (and recipient of six other Oscars), Christopher Nolan's 2023 mega-hit 'Oppenheimer'. After some thoughts on this last Sunday's Academy Awards, they dive into the movie. Would it qualify as a unique Best Picture winner? What is it about this movie that feels timeless and timely? They cover the cagey nature of Nolan as interview subject, the film's exceptional writing, the surprising amount of children actors from Nickelodeon series to stay off the cutting room floor, and praise the performances and careers of Benny Safdie and David Krumholtz, amongst others! If you enjoy our podcast, please consider writing us a positive review on your podcast platform of choice. It really helps us be shared and enjoyed by others! Follow us on IG and Tik Tok! @sleeplesscinematicpod Send us an email at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com! On Letterboxd? Follow Julian @julian_barthold and Madeline @patronessofcats

For this cycle's "Mise-Unseen" entry, Madeline, Emilio and Julian finally pony up for Apple TV Plus subscriptions and see 'CODA', Sian Heder's 2021 Best Picture winning film. Like the Joni Mitchell classic at the heart of this film, the trio can't help but see both triumphantly good and puzzlingly frustrating aspects to 'CODA'. For all the powerful and winning scenes with the Rossi family (that scene on the pickup truck!), there are clunky and shallow ones with most every other peripheral character. For all the great ways this film centers and empowers its deaf actors and main characters, it also short changes the viewer with an overly predictable narrative. And this group of musicians can't help but weigh in on the music plot line. From up and down, and still somehow, there is genuine appreciation for this film, but not without some nits to pick. For those who are deaf or hearing impaired, a full written transcript for this episode can be found on this episode's Buzzsprout link! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2269866/14621363 And If you enjoy our podcast, please consider writing us a positive review on your podcast platform of choice. It really helps us be shared and enjoyed by others! Follow us on IG and Tik Tok! @sleeplesscinematicpod Send us an email at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com! On Letterboxd? Follow Julian @julian_barthold and Madeline @patronessofcats

To coincide with Oscars season, Julian, Emilio, and Madeline begin a new episode cycle on Unique Best Picture Winners with a "View-nanimous" on 1991's The Silence of the Lambs. Hear them discuss the myriad qualities that distinguish this movie, such as its aesthetic innovations, presciently macabre subject matter, and advancements in filmic portrayals of feminism, all while trying to pin down its place in a distinct cross-section of genre and critical esteem. And keep your ears open for some favorite moments of acting and camera subtlety, a certain co-host's Hannibal Lecter impression, and a nod to a music/movie ending crossover that knows no limits...

With the 96th Academy Awards a little less than a month away, Julian, Madeline and Emilio share their first impressions and some opinions about 'May December', a movie that didn't get the Oscars love most thought it would receive upon its release. They note that the ambiguous interpretations of motivation and behavior favorably reminds them of Haynes' (previously discussed on this podcast) film 'Safe'. They also comment on the film's interrogation of viewer desires, and how that theme situates it amongst several other films released in 2023. Then, Julian and Madeline have a back and forth about the Best Picture race, and share personal anecdotes about some of their favorite films nominated this year.

A Bonus Episode! Madeline, Emilio and Julian reflect on the last several weeks' films - what they have in common with each other, how different they actually are when dealing with "sanity" or "insanity", and some of what they learned by considering the same things while watching several different films. A BIG thanks to all of you who have listened to these episodes! Wanna reach out to us? Send us an email at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram: @sleeplesscinematicpod On Letterboxd? Follow Julian: @julian_barthold Follow Madeline: @patronessofcats

Emilio, Madeline, and Julian welcome their first guest Anthony Hollock for a “Close-Up” on the life and work of the one and only Divine. For the final episode in their “Perceptions of Sanity” cycle, the group look at Divine’s career-spanning collaboration with John Waters with a focus on Multiple Maniacs, Pink Flamingos, Polyester, and Hairspray, while making some stops along the way to discuss turns in non-Waters films such as Lust in the Dust and Trouble in Mind. Hear them trace the arc of Divine’s initial bombast to later subtlety, with myriad reactions along the way. Plus, why does Anthony feel like he’s lived in a John Waters movie? What record does Pink Flamingos set for Julian? And who in the group was a “hair-hopper”?

This week for their Two Shot episode, Emilio, Madeline, and Julian set their sights on a pair of unconventional, challenging, and highly self-aware movies about falling in love: Steven Shainberg's 2002 film 'Secretary' and Pedro Almodovar's 1989 release 'Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!' While discussing 'Secretary', Emilio details a personal story about discovering and appreciating this unusual film. The trio have a lot to say about Maggie Gyllenhaal's star-making performance as the main character Lee, the ways in which the film references several romantic comedy tropes, and express their approval of a "Wash and Dine" business. When the conversation shifts to 'Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!', the group continues to discuss romantic comedy narratives and what Almodovar does to subvert (and pervert) them. Considering the overarching theme of "perceptions of sanity", they ponder if terms like "sanity" and "sane" can be used to describe what and how we choose to show love, and what these movies have to say, if anything, towards that greater point. And of course, some Unlikely Shared Universe sprinkled in! CONTENT WARNING: These are movies that depict and/or directly address self-harm, substance abuse, and violence of a sexual nature, and our conversation will occasionally reference this content.

In their first episode of 2024, Madeline, Julian and Emilio disembark, hand over their firearms, and investigate Martin Scorsese's 2010 film 'Shutter Island'. In the third of five episodes considering "perceptions of sanity," the trio consider its place among other well known films with twist endings. Is this Scorsese's attempt to beat M. Night Shyamalan at his own game? How much of what we see is actually happening? Who is the real "monster" in this film? Should some of these nurses and orderlies consider side hustles as working actors? Did Emilio actually find a scenario where clever wordplay just didn't do it for him? The three also try their hand at a new segment called 'Unlikely Shared Universe', where they test the limits of their imagination and movie nerd brains to keep characters repopulating the movies they love, only with new aliases and identities.

For the last episode of 2023, Madeline, Julian and Emilio continue exploring the theme of "Perceptions of Sanity" with an episode category called "Mise-Unseen", where they discuss a movie they've all just now seen for the first time. That movie is Todd Haynes' 1995 release 'Safe', a film as devoid of holiday cheer as it is of clear-cut interpretations, but a fascinating film to watch now, or any time for that matter. How present or convincing is the feminist messaging? Is Greg the husband unlikeable and selfish, aloof, or a character we are meant to sympathize with? What is Carol's ultimate fate? The trio deep dives into several of the directions that this movie allows you to go. Thanks so much for finding us this year! If you like what you've heard, please consider following us and writing us a positive review on your platform of choice. Happy holidays, and we'll see you again in 2024 on January 10th! Email us at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram at @sleeplesscinematicpod On Letterbox'd? Follow Julian at @julian_barthold and Madeline at @patronessofcats

Emilio, Madeline, and Julian kick off a new cycle of episodes on "Perceptions of Sanity" by discussing a classic film they have all seen before, 1975's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Highly regarded by many, the trio discuss whether they agree with the film's stature in the cinematic pantheon, while also discussing much of the history and production details that led to it before assessing its deeper meaning. Nurse Ratched is considered one of the great movie villains, but is she really that much of a baddie? How does Randle McMurphy hold up as the main vessel of the film's messages? And what insights can be offered by the film's myriad supporting characters? Oh, and also, is this a Christmas movie?

For their first ‘Close-Up’ episode, Julian, Madeline and Emilio take a deep dive into the career of Joe Pantoliano, a great character actor known to many viewers who may or may not realize it. The trio focus on several noteworthy roles from the extensive filmography of Joey Pants (as he is known amongst fans), namely those from ‘Risky Business,’ ‘The Fugitive,’ ‘Memento,’ and ‘The Sopranos.’ Hear them break down what makes these roles tick, alongside collected stories of the moxie that Joe brings both on-screen and behind-the-scenes. Plus, what iconic film did a young JP have his scenes cut from? Outside of his acting career, what noble cause has he devoted himself to? And what do Shrek and Cars have to do with all of this?

This week Emilio, Madeline and Julian beware the Golden Fang and discuss a movie they've just seen for the first time: the convoluted stoner-noir 'Inherent Vice', Paul Thomas Anderson's 2014 film based on a novel of the same name by Thomas Pynchon. With this viewing, Julian and Emilio finally become PTA completists, and give their perspectives on this movie's place amongst the famous director's filmography at-large. Having just read the book, Madeline brings a much-appreciated perspective on how faithful of an adaptation this is. The group gets a big laugh out of some of the irreverent moments and details, consider the perils and pleasures that the film's attempt to create a "doper mindset" has on the narrative, and (mostly) enjoy the performances of its all-star cast, especially when it comes to frozen banana consumption.

Emilio, Madeline and Julian talk all things 'Barbie', the breezier of the two simultaneously released films whose portmanteau "Barbenheimer" became shorthand for the cinematic event of 2023 . Recorded a few days after its theatrical release, they share their initial thoughts and feelings, and do their best to break down this bright, ambitious comet of a film that is going for so many things. In doing so, Julian and Emilio share their separate NYC sightings of Michael Cera. Madeline thanks Greta Gerwig personally for also loving Charlie XCX. Why does Julian believe this will be one of the more influential movies to the next few years of cinema? Will Madeline finally cash out on her unopened, mint condition New Millennium Barbie that has been sitting in a closet for over 20 years? And will a similar themed Simpsons episode finally get Emilio to give the show a belated try?

For their third conversation, Emilio, Madeline, and Julian take a look at the iconic original-and-sequel pair of 'Alien' and 'Aliens.' They trace the film landscape into which the 1979 original enters and how the movie shook up the Sci-Fi and Horror genres, before getting into what the 1986 sequel amplifies about the original as well as its own distinct merits. Emilio and Madeline are big fans of both to begin with, but Julian initially digs one and is not as sold on the other. Have his opinions shifted with fresh viewings? Plus, why is Madeline so taken by Jonesy the cat? And what visual moment of the franchise stands out the most to Emilio?

For their second conversation, Emilio, Madeline and Julian set their sights on a trio of movies from the 1990s - 'Fargo', 'A Simple Plan', and 'Shallow Grave' - centered around everyday people who stumble into criminal activity. Opinions are shared and some questions still linger. Madeline wants to know more about Brainerd's painting scene and the postal service's stamp art selection committee. Julian still contends that the least Raimi-esque of the director's works still has a few too many Raimi-esque flourishes. Emilio wants to know how he saw a movie (a good one at that!) twice and didn't realize it was taking place in Edinburgh, NOT London.