MUBI Podcast
The MUBI Podcast is an audio documentary series exploring how great cinema happens and why it matters. Each season dives into a different aspect of movie culture, from classic soundtracks to influential movie theaters. Between seasons, it features intimate interviews with top filmmakers. Hosted by veteran arts journalist Rico Gagliano, the podcast has been nominated for multiple Webbys, Ambies, and British Podcast Awards.
Episodes
BELLY — Hype Williams and Soul II Soul bring hip hop "Back To Life"
In the '90s, there was no music video director in hip-hop bigger than Hype Williams. And he concentrated all his visual powers on his first (and for now, only) feature film, BELLY (1998): a gangster film that looked—and sounded—like no other, especially its iconic opening heist sequence, set to Soul II Soul's "Back to Life." Rico talks with Soul's songsmith Simon Law about
ALL OF US STRANGERS — Andrew Haigh believes in the Power of Love
Isolated during the COVID pandemic, director Andrew Haigh (LOOKING) wrote a feature about a man trying to break out of isolation and loss...and peppered it with the dance-pop hits that made him feel less lonely as a gay teen in the '80s.Andrew tells host Rico Gagliano about the cathartic making of his award-winning tearjerker ALL OF US STRANGERS (2023), and gives a song-by-song breakdown of a
BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM — Gurinder Chadha shoots and scores
On the opening day of the World Cup, we take a look and a listen to the soccer-centric sleeper BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM (2002). Director Gurinder Chadha tells Rico about making her breakthrough rom-com about girl power, British Asian identity, and football—and how its mashup soundtrack of pop hits and Bhangra bangers scored goals of its own. Other guests include superstar DJ/producer Bally Sagoo, and
CHUNGKING EXPRESS — Wong Kar Wai puts "Dreams" on the menu (rewind)
Shot on a shoestring in six wild weeks, CHUNGKING EXPRESS is the movie that put legendary Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar Wai on the international map—along with his star, pop diva Faye Wong...and her Cantonese cover of The Cranberries's hit "Dreams."In this classic episode form our archives, host Rico Gagliano learns how the song, the director, and the singer all came together to capt
DONNIE DARKO — Richard Kelly makes the ultimate ‘80s mixtape (rewind)
Another classic episode about great music in a great movie: DONNIE DARKO. Richard Kelly's genre-busting rookie feature was one of the first cult hits of the 21st century... and it took the music of '80s band Tears for Fears along for the ride.Host Rico Gagliano tells this twisty tale with the help of Kelly, star Jena Malone (THE HUNGER GAMES), and the film's composer Michael Andrews
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY — Stanley Kubrick finds heavenly music on vinyl (rewind)
While we polish up some brand-new episodes all about iconic movie needle-drops... we're resurfacing some classic episodes that tackled the same topic! Starting with this one, about the time Stanley Kubrick decided to score his sci-fi spectacular 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY with classical tracks — something he did against the advice of just about everybody, and to the detriment of at least two compo
WHISPER OF THE HEART — Hayao Miyazaki takes “Country Roads”
How'd a 1971 country-pop anthem about West Virginia... inspire a 1995 anime classic about teens in Tokyo? We kick off a season about great movie needle-drops with the tale of WHISPER OF THE HEART — the anime that helped drive John Denver's "Take Me Home Country Roads" into Japanese culture. Guests include the song's co-writer Bill Danoff, plus rare interviews with Studio G
MY FATHER'S SHADOW — Akinola Davies Jr. dreams of 90s Nigeria
Akinola Davies Jr. never really knew his dad. But in MY FATHER’S SHADOW, his BAFTA-winning debut feature set in 90s Nigeria, the director imagines what it would be like to spend the day with him. Akinola tells guest host Simran Hans how he recreated his own hazy childhood memories, and about his ingenious methods for getting a pair of remarkable performances from two young kids who had never acted
THE SECRET AGENT — Kleber Mendonça Filho & Wagner Moura on memory and manguebeat
The Best Picture–nominated thriller THE SECRET AGENT tells a tale of intrigue and absurdity in ’70s Brazil. Director Kleber Mendonça Filho (PICTURES OF GHOSTS) and star Wagner Moura (CIVIL WAR) give Rico a primer on the real politics behind the film’s surreal moments… and hep him to the “manguebeat” music that rocked their world.THE SECRET AGENT is now showing in cinemas and is coming soon to MUBI
LURKER — Alex Russell's outsider look at the in-crowd
Alex Russell just won 2 Independent Spirit awards for LURKER - his debut thriller about a superfan wheedling his way into a pop star's orbit. Alex tells Rico about his own experiences running with that kinda crowd... and what his twisted tale has in common with a certain kids' baseball movie.LURKER is now streaming on MUBI in the US and Canada. To stream some of the films we've cov
SENTIMENTAL VALUE — Joachim Trier’s different kind of meta-movie (w/ Stellan Skarsgård, Elle Fanning & more)
Joachim Trier, co-writer Eskil Vogt, and an all-star cast including Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, Elle Fanning, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas talk about the making and meaning of SENTIMENTAL VALUE — the multiple-Oscar-nominated juggernaut about a filmmaker whose daughters grapple with the ways his art intersects with their messy real lives. In this special episode, Rico learns about how the mov
Wim Wenders LIVE in Berlin: 50 years of rock-n-road movies
Our New Year’s gift to you: Filmmaking legend Wim Wenders returns to the show for a career-spanning interview. Taped before a live audience in his home city of Berlin, Germany, he tells Rico how classics like Wings of Desire (1987), Paris, Texas (1984), and more were informed by his love of rock n’ roll, riding the rails, and cinema itself.PINA is now streaming in the US and PERFECT DAYS is now st
SALAAM BOMBAY! & THE LUNCHBOX — Mira Nair & Ritesh Batra deliver realism and romance
Legendary director Mira Nair and Cannes-winner Ritesh Batra made two very different hit films about very different sides of India's fabled food delivery system. Batra tells Rico about the romance of dabbawallas, while Nair remembers the mean streets of Mumbai's chaiwallas (and what she serves her son Zohran Mamdani at home).Just in time for holiday eat-a-thons, the award-winning MUBI Pod
Kelly Reichardt: THE MASTERMIND behind some of the best movies of the century
The NYTimes just named Kelly Reichardt's THE MASTERMIND one of the top 10 films of 2025... and in this episode she looks back on the career that led up to it. From her debut RIVERS OF GRASS to the Oscar-nominated MEEK'S CUTOFF and beyond, it’s a trip through the indie wilds with one of America's best filmmakers — taped before a live audience at MUBIFest Berlin.THE MASTERMIND is now
JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI... and David Gelb changes how people eat it
Director David Gelb’s documentary about a tiny, austere sushi joint and its perfectionist chef defined a food-film style... and set off an international omakase craze. Gelb tells Rico the story, and also how he gets his kids to eat escargot (or at least try it).Just in time for holiday eat-a-thons, the award-winning MUBI Podcast is back and celebrating its tenth season with a four-course serving o
HAL & HARPER — Cooper Raiff comes unstuck
Sibling duo Hal and Harper are best friends, and have been ever since they lost their mother as children. But is there such a thing as being too close? And when your family is your life raft, what does it look like to let go? Cooper Raiff, the writer, director and star of the TV series HAL & HARPER tells guest host Simran Hans why he had to get Lili Reinhart to play his big sister, and how he
THE TASTE OF THINGS — Alison Roman savors the opposite of a chef movie
Ex-NYTimes columnist and bestselling cookbook writer Alison Roman (SOMETHING FROM NOTHING) talks with Rico about the tropes of fictional film chefs, and how the dreamy Cannes-winner THE TASTE OF THINGS quietly roasts them over a spit.Just in time for holiday eat-a-thons, the award-winning MUBI Podcast is back and celebrating its tenth season with a four-course serving of stories about food on film
RATATOUILLE — Brad Bird cooks up the ultimate food film
The animated classic about an adorbs rat chef… spent nearly 7 years in the oven. Director Brad Bird (THE IRON GIANT) and producer Brad Lewis (ANTZ) tell Rico the whole multi-course saga, including gut-busting tales of Michelin-starred “research” meals that were so good they hurt.Just in time for holiday eat-a-thons, the award-winning MUBI Podcast is back and celebrating its tenth season with a fou
DIE MY LOVE — Lynne Ramsay unleashes the beast
In DIE MY LOVE, new mother Grace (a virtuosic Jennifer Lawrence) is stuck at home while her disinterested husband Jackson (Robert Pattinson) is at work. With only her baby, a barking dog, and her own thoughts to keep her company, she begins to unravel. Visionary writer-director Lynne Ramsay talks to guest host Simran Hans about her feral, frightening, and funny portrait of a woman on the brink.DIE
ARTISTS VS. AUTOCRACY: Istanbul cinema crosses the bridge
Istanbul is home to some great filmmakers trying to speak truth to power... in a country where the power is less and less willing to let them. Host Rico Gagliano talks with two of the best — Emin Alper (BURNING) and Özcan Alper (AUTUMN) — about making art with a censor over your shoulder. He also takes a tour of Istanbul's historic cinemas... and is there to witness a dark day in Turkish poli
MUSSOLINI: SON OF THE CENTURY — Joe Wright gazes into the abyss
Joe Wright's known for Oscar-winning WWII epics like DARKEST HOUR. But his latest look at the era is a different animal: The nightmarish series MUSSOLINI: SON OF THE CENTURY, about the rise of the godfather of fascism. Joe tells host Rico Gagliano about the Italian dictator, the echoes he sees in politics today... and why he spent his own teen years blasting '30s pop tunes.MUSSOLINI: SON
MULHOLLAND DRIVE in the rearview, with Deborah Levy
Enigmatic women, their doubles, and an unmistakable air of strangeness… Award-winning author Deborah Levy (HOT MILK) on the hallmarks of David Lynch’s storytelling, and how the filmmaker has inspired her own work.LADIES OF LYNCH explores the subversive female characters created by the late David Lynch, and the singular women who helped shape them. Season 9’s guests include celebrated actor and fil
Debbie Zoller drives LOST HIGHWAY
Make-up and prosthetics artist Debbie Zoller (LOST HIGHWAY, TWIN PEAKS: THE RETURN) first worked with David Lynch on LOST HIGHWAY. She discusses their two decades of friendship, and how she designed the look for some of his most iconic femme fatales.LADIES OF LYNCH explores the subversive female characters created by the late David Lynch, and the singular women who helped shape them. Season 9’s gu
Heidi Bivens outfits INLAND EMPIRE
How does costume shape character? Stylist and costume designer Heidi Bivens was in charge of wardrobe on INLAND EMPIRE. It was one of her first jobs, and David Lynch’s final film. What did they both learn?LADIES OF LYNCH explores the subversive female characters created by the late David Lynch, and the singular women who helped shape them. Season 9’s guests include celebrated actor and filmmaker I
Sabrina Sutherland guides TWIN PEAKS’ RETURN
David Lynch’s creative process was unconventional in many ways. For example, he preferred sketching his ideas as images to explaining them in words. Producer Sabrina Sutherland worked with him for more than 30 years. How did she find the language to help translate his vision to screen?LADIES OF LYNCH explores the subversive female characters created by the late David Lynch, and the singular women
Jennifer Lynch writes THE SECRET DIARY OF LAURA PALMER
Why was David Lynch so intrigued by the idea of “a woman in trouble”? His daughter, Jennifer Lynch, has a theory… She also discusses her bestselling novel THE SECRET DIARY OF LAURA PALMER, and her part in bringing the mysterious, murdered protagonist at the heart of TWIN PEAKS to life.LADIES OF LYNCH explores the subversive female characters created by the late David Lynch, and the singular women
Mark Frost founds TWIN PEAKS
“These girls are jam packed with secrets,” said David Lynch about the women of TWIN PEAKS. Why did characters such as Audrey Horne and Shelly Johnson get viewers so hot and bothered? TWIN PEAKS co-creator Mark Frost explains. LADIES OF LYNCH explores the subversive female characters created by the late David Lynch, and the singular women who helped shape them. Season 9’s guests include celebrated
Isabella Rossellini wears BLUE VELVET
When Isabella Rossellini appeared as the sadomasochistic Dorothy Vallens in David Lynch’s BLUE VELVET, audiences were scandalised. Nearly 40 years later, the beautiful, bruised nightclub singer remains one of Lynch’s most complex creations. But to whom does she belong? Rossellini talks to Simran Hans about her role in authoring this divisive character.LADIES OF LYNCH explores the subversive female
New Season Trailer: LADIES OF LYNCH (w/ Isabella Rossellini)
Coming Soon. LADIES OF LYNCHLADIES OF LYNCH explores the subversive female characters created by the late David Lynch, and the singular women who helped shape them. Season 9’s guests include celebrated actor and filmmaker Isabella Rossellini; Lynch’s daughter Jennifer Lynch; his producer of more than 30 years, Sabrina Sutherland; TWIN PEAKS co-creator Mark Frost; and the award-winning novelist Deb
Nothing rhymes with PAVEMENTS
Director Alex Ross Perry's PAVEMENTS is a rock doc like no other — a sprawling, funny, self-reflexive, weirdly touching meta-movie about '90s indie rock heroes Pavement. Host Rico Gagliano talks to Alex LIVE at MUBI Fest Chicago about the movie, the band's music, and why they don't return emails.PAVEMENTS is now streaming on MUBI in the US, UK, Germany, France, Canada and more.
LA film fades out...and in (w/ THE STUDIO's Evan Goldberg)
The film and TV biz defines LA—so what's it look like as the biz moves abroad? Host (and longtime Angeleno) Rico Gagliano takes a tour of a changing city, from the Hollywood sign to a new crop of booming rep cinemas. Guests include THE STUDIO co-creator Evan Goldberg, indie icon Charles Burnett (KILLER OF SHEEP), and Sean Fennessey, host of THE BIG PICTURE podcast. Part travelogue, part deep-
KNEECAP — Rich Peppiatt on politics and partying
Our full interview with the writer/director of the Northern Irish indie phenomenon KNEECAP. Host Rico Gagliano visits Rich at his Belfast pad, to talk about wrangling the movie's titular hard-partying provocateurs, the rise of Northern Ireland's film industry, and why he briefly resented a Quiet Girl. Part travelogue, part deep-dive storytelling, the latest season sees host Rico Gagliano
AMORES PERROS shakes up Mexico City (w/ Gael García Bernal)
Superstar Gael García Bernal (THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES) and legendary set designer Eugenio Caballero (PAN’S LABYRINTH) help take host Rico Gagliano on a tour of Mexico City’s streets and its cinema — from the golden era of “ranchera” musicals to the making of Alejandro Inarittu’s tectonic breakthrough AMORES PERROS.Part travelogue, part deep-dive storytelling, the latest season sees host Rico Gaglia
Smashing in the doors of Amsterdam cinema (w/ BABYGIRL director Halina Reijn)
The Netherlands isn't known for tons of great movies... but its capital city of Amsterdam is packed with tons of great movie theaters. Rico takes us on a tour of his favorite town, to learn why. (Spoiler alert: Breaking into buildings played a role). Guests include director/actor Halina Reijn (BABYGIRL, BLACK BOOK), NY Times contributor Nina Siegal, and more.Part travelogue, part deep-dive st
Ireland tells its own tales (w/ KNEECAP director Rich Peppiatt)
Rico travels to Dublin and Belfast, and hangs with an epic lineup of local heroes, to learn how Ireland went from a backdrop for Hollywood rom-coms... to one of the hottest film cultures on the planet. Featuring directors Rich Peppiatt (KNEECAP) and John Crowley (BROOKLYN), superproducer Ed Guiney (POOR THINGS), and acting legends Fiona Shaw (MY LEFT FOOT, KILLING EVE) and Carrie Crowley (THE QUIE
GRAND THEFT HAMLET — How Shakespeare’s Danish prince conquered the movies
GRAND THEFT HAMLET tells the radical tale of a band of artists who stage a virtual production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet inside the online video game Grand Theft Auto. But it’s hardly the first time filmmakers have messed with Shakespeare’s great Dane.Host Rico Gagliano learns the history of Hamlet on screen, with help from the movie’s cocreators, Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane, director Michael Almereyd
THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE — Magnus von Horn on the dark past...and present
The Oscar-nominated THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE is inspired by the grim, gripping true story of one of Denmark's most infamous criminals. Director/co-writer Magnus von Horn tells guest host Anna Bogutskaya about recreating the horror of a century ago, and how it might not be all that different than right now.THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE is now streaming exclusively on MUBI in North America, UK, Ire
QUEER — Luca Guadagnino & Justin Kuritzkes take William S. Burroughs on a whole new trip
For their first project together since last year's steamy hit CHALLENGERS, director Luca Guadagnino (CALL ME BY YOUR NAME) and writer Justin Kuritzkes tackle another story about a sensuous 1950s romance of desire and longing: an adaptation of William S. Burroughs' novel QUEER. The pair tell host Rico Gagliano about why they vibe, how they make audiences feel the heat, and how their films
SPEED RACER — The Wachowskis go full throttle
After THE MATRIX and V FOR VENDETTA, the Wachowskis were ready to turn from darkness, into the bright, bright candy-colored light. The result was SPEED RACER, an eyepopping postmodern explosion that honored the gravity-defying spirit of old-school anime… and which audiences couldn’t quite figure out.Host Rico Gagliano talks with the SPEED RACER star Roger Allam (THE THICK OF IT), legendary special
SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK — Charlie Kaufman’s movie of a lifetime
When screenwriter Charlie Kaufman started making his epic, heartbreaking directorial debut SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK, he was the toast of Hollywood. Then it flopped, put a pause on his career, and arguably marked the end of the heady “indiewood” era of the oughties. Host Rico Gagliano talks to one of the film’s stars, Daniel London (MINORITY REPORT), comedy star and SYNECDOCHE superfan Jamie Demetriou
THE HUDSUCKER PROXY — The Coen Brothers fall from a great height
In 1994, indie darlings the Coen Brothers went for the big time with a playful pastiche of classic Hollywood movies that pulled out every visual and comedic stop… and still crashed and burned at the box office. Host Rico Gagliano tells the story of the soaring Coens movie that paved the way for the flatlands of FARGO. Guests include HUDSUCKER’s legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins (BLADE RUNNER
SYLVIA SCARLETT — Katharine Hepburn pays for her transgressions
It’s hard to imagine Katharine Hepburn as anything but a Hollywood icon. But in 1935, director George Cukor’s dreamy, gender-fluid comedy SYLVIA SCARLETT derailed her career for years. Host Rico Gagliano tells the story of a movie with sexual politics way ahead of its time — and which paid for it dearly at the box office. Guests include movie star and Hepburn devotee Rebecca Hall (THE PRESTIGE), f
BABE: PIG IN THE CITY — George Miller makes one for the grownups
The first BABE was a family-friendly megahit. So for the sequel, why did director George Miller thrust his sweet porcine hero into a family-unfriendly nightmare? Host Rico Gagliano takes a trot down the mean streets of BABE: PIG IN THE CITY, telling the story of its rise and box-office fall with the help of guests including Farmer Hoggett himself, James Cromwell (SUCCESSION), and voice-of-Babe E.
SORCERER — William Friedkin’s heart of darkness
In the mid-’70s, legendary director William Friedkin — fresh off THE EXORCIST — helicoptered into South America with tens of millions of dollars… and emerged with malaria and a bleak, thrilling masterpiece called SORCERER. The only problem was the competition: A little movie called STAR WARS.Host Rico Gagliano tells the story of how SORCERER crashed and burned at the box office — with help from th
SKINAMARINK — The Internet’s own haunted house
Director Kyle Edward Ball had a nightmare as a child: "I was in my parents’ house, my parents were missing, and there was a monster." Turns out, this is a nightmare a lot of people have had. After honing this craft on his YouTube channel, he finally made his film… and then it leaked online. Joined by Ball himself and Dread Central’s editor-in-chief MaryBeth McAndrews, Anna explores how S
HOUSE — The Japanese psychedelic masterpiece
Few films have garnered the rabid, cult following over the years is a sight to behold. Giant cats. Talking houses. Heads coming out of wells. The images might be familiar, but the story behind the film is less so. The debut feature from experimental filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi was done in collaboration with his 10-year-old daughter. Season 6, titled Haunted Homes, explores how haunted house movies
THE AMITYVILLE HORROR — America’s most haunted home
The most famous haunted house in America is a large Dutch Colonial family home that became a bestseller, super-successful horror movie and a franchise that has spawned over 60 movies (and counting). And it’s all based…on a con. Together with horror critic Jenn Addams, FANGORIA editor-in-chief Phil Nobile Jr. and Bloody Disgusting critic Joe Lipsett, who is possibly the only person in the world to
THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE — Guillermo del Toro’s creative resurrection
After a bad experience in Hollywood, Guillermo del Toro had lost his spark. He got it back with a story of a haunted orphanage during the Spanish Civil War, a script he wrote when he was still a student. Together with the film’s producer Rosa Bosch, BFI’s Creative Director and author of THE FABER BOOK OF MEXICAN CINEMA Jason Wood and co-host of the Filmspotting podcast Josh Larsen, guest host Anna
POLTERGEIST — The first suburban haunted house
Before POLTERGEIST, haunted house movies took place in old, creepy mansions. Regular host Rico Gagliano visits the original suburban house in California to check for ghosts and hands over to guest host Anna Bogutskaya to explore how POLTERGEIST transformed horror movies forever with the help of the movie’s star JoBeth Williams, original publicist Mick Garris and horror filmmaker Vincenzo Natali. S
THE SUBSTANCE — Coralie Fargeat rips beauty standards to gory shreds
Writer/Director Coralie Fargeat's Cannes-winning body-horror blitz THE SUBSTANCE features Demi Moore as an aging star who turns to a mystery drug in hopes of becoming a better, younger version of herself. Fargeat tells host Rico Gagliano about casting Moore, why blood and guts are great metaphors, and the pain of makeup removal.THE SUBSTANCE comes to theaters in the US, UK, Latin America, Ger
Riz Ahmed channels Yann Mounir Demange in DAMMI
Oscar-winning actor/producer Riz Ahmed (SOUND OF METAL) and acclaimed UK director Yann Mounir Demange (’71, TOP BOY) tell host Rico Gagliano about treading the line between truth and fiction in DAMMI—Demange’s semi-autobiographical short about an angry young man trying to come to terms with his identity, his dad, and his birthplace: Paris.DAMMI is now streaming exclusively on MUBI worldwide. More
The Flipsides of Cannes — Featuring Wim Wenders and more
With Cannes 2024 underway, host Rico Gagliano takes a tour of the less-known corners of the legendary film festival—avoiding red-carpet glamour to bring you tales of spiritual seekers, aspiring filmmakers on the street, and the ongoing drama of the fest’s favorite dive bar. Featuring on-location conversations with Wim Wenders, UK critic Anna Bogutskaya, ecumenical jury member Jane Stranz, and a bu
PERFECT DAYS — Wim Wenders cures his post-pandemic blues
Legendary filmmaker Wim Wenders returns to the show to tell host Rico Gagliano about his Cannes-winning, Oscar-nominated PERFECT DAYS—the story of a Tokyo toilet cleaner who finds joy in routine. They also get into a few of Wenders’s favorite things: Japan, travel, Nina Simone, and having time on his hands.PERFECT DAYS will stream exclusively on MUBI in the UK, India, Turkey, and Latin America sta
HIGH & LOW - JOHN GALLIANO — Kevin Macdonald tackles fashion and forgiveness
Superstar fashion designer John Galliano wrecked his career when he was caught on video in a drunken, antisemitic rant circa 2011. Now, in a new documentary, Oscar-winning documentarian Kevin Macdonald (WHITNEY, ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER) asks audiences to gaze into Galliano’s eyes and decide for themselves if he deserves a second act.On this special episode, Macdonald tells host Rico Gagliano about co
Sofia Coppola — PRISCILLA, from source to soundtrack
In a wide-ranging interview, Sofia Coppola tells host Rico Gagliano all about the making of her new Priscilla Presley biopic—from the Kubrick flick that inspired her opening sequence...to picking the soundtrack full of pop tunes by just about everyone except Elvis.It's a follow-up to last week's career-spanning look at the themes threaded through Coppola's films and fashions—and a f
Sofia Coppola — from VIRGIN SUICIDES to PRISCILLA
There’s maybe no working filmmaker more associated with film fashion than Sofia Coppola. But in this brief history of her super-stylish body of work, we figure out the thematic stitching inside those perfect fits.Host Rico Gagliano talks with Coppola, her brother (and collaborator) Roman, and her award-winning costume designers past and present, to learn how the director depicts her characters’ se
DO THE RIGHT THING — Spike Lee and Ruth E. Carter find color in the dark
Spike Lee’s masterwork DO THE RIGHT THING is an incendiary look at racial tension, an empathetic portrait of a community...and one of the flyest-ever distillations of street style as the ’80s gave way to the ’90s.Host Rico Gagliano learns how double Oscar-winner Ruth E. Carter (BLACK PANTHER) used bright color, afro-consciousness, and a whole lot of Nike sneakers to build a look as complex and pol
QUADROPHENIA — The mod, mod world of ’64, ’79 and beyond
In 1979, at the tail end of the punk era, Franc Roddam’s QUADROPHENIA helped convince a certain crew of UK kids to favor sharp suits over bondage gear. Host Rico Gagliano tells the twisty story of the movie, the ‘60s mod subculture it celebrates, and the mod revival it fueled. Guests include Roddam himself, superstar fashion designer Anna Sui, mod historians Paolo Hewitt and Eddie Piller…and a ca
BREATHLESS — Jean Seberg & Jean-Luc Godard dress down film and fashion
In 1959, a brash critic-turned-filmmaker named Jean-Luc Godard cast movie star Jean Seberg in his first film, BREATHLESS. You probably know it revolutionized movies, but it also had a big impact on fashion, onscreen and off—by seeming like it wasn’t even trying. With the help of historians and critics, host Rico Gagliano decodes Seberg’s “French Girl” style…and also gives you a peek into his ’70s
HOW TO HAVE SEX — Molly Manning Walker just wants to talk
The Cannes-winning HOW TO HAVE SEX tracks a trio of UK women on a non-stop clubbing holiday...that goes disturbingly off the rails. In this special episode, writer/director Molly Manning Walker tells host Rico Gagliano about the highs and lows of party culture, why consent should be more than a word, and how she prefers her roller coasters.HOW TO HAVE SEX will stream exclusively on MUBI in the UK,
Ken Loach Calls for Solidarity in THE OLD OAK
As the “Hot Labor Summer” of union strikes rolls into autumn, legendary British director Ken Loach sits down with host Rico Gagliano to look back on a long career spent telling the stories of working people…and why it might end with THE OLD OAK: a call for solidarity in a northern industrial town.THE OLD OAK releases in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on September 29 and will come to US theaters in
Sebastián Silva on ROTTING IN THE SUN — "Everyone and everything in it *will* get trashed"
Sundance favorite Sebastián Silva tells host Rico Gagliano about his self-described "misanthropic comedy" ROTTING IN THE SUN—the satirical story of a happy hedonist and a not-so-happy filmmaker who end up in the middle of a Hitchcockian mystery.Silva dishes on how he teamed up with superstar Instagrammer Jordan Firstman, the importance of self-mockery, and the film's already-infamou
PASSAGES — Ira Sachs's "endless circle of desire"
"Let's just say I wanted to make a liberated film. I felt like...am I allowed to say 'f*** it?' Like, 'f*** it.'" So says legendary indie filmmaker Ira Sachs about PASSAGES, his seriously sexy Sundance hit about an insatiable artist in a messy modern love triangle.In this special episode, Sachs tells host Rico Gagliano how his all-star cast (Ben Whishaw, Franz Ro
Cannes Conversations — Ildiko Enyedi on short cinema
Oscar-nominated Hungarian filmmaker Ildiko Enyedi is celebrated for her bold, unclassifiable features (like the Cannes-winning sci-fi MY 20TH CENTURY). But at this year’s Cannes she trained her eye on smaller-scale visions: She helmed the jury picking the festival’s best short films.Enyedi tells host Rico Gagliano about her own whimsical shorts, her optimism for the future of the form, and fangir
Cannes Conversations — Filipa Reis on privilege and empowerment
At Cannes, celebrated Portuguese directing duo Filipa Reis and Joao Miller Guerra debuted LEGUA — a movie about a housekeeper tending to an empty country estate… and the sacrifices she’s willing to make for work and friendship.Reis tells host Rico Gagliano about turning the camera on her own privilege, the joys and challenges of tag-team directing, and an ’80s Portuguese pop track that’s one of th
Cannes Conversations — Joanna Arnow watches (wryly) from a distance
Filmmaker Joanna Arnow’s shorts and docs are funny, fearless looks at people at their most excruciatingly vulnerable — especially herself. In her debut feature THE FEELING THAT THE TIME FOR DOING SOMETHING HAS PASSED, she ratchets up the deadpan humor to tell the story of a woman navigating the alternately mundane and surreal worlds of work, family…and BDSM relationships.Arnow sits down with host
Cannes Conversations — With OMEN, Baloji clears his name
Belgian rapper-turned-auteur Baloji was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo — where for some, his name literally means “demon.” So it’s no surprise that his mind-bending first feature OMEN is all about characters society considers cursed. Baloji tells host Rico Gagliano about this kaleidoscopic debut, the pressures of competition at Cannes, and the scene in PULP FICTION that broke his brain
Cannes Conversations — Elene Naveriani on their stealth punk heroine
In their sophomore feature BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD BLACKBERRY, Georgian-born filmmaker Elene Naveriani tells the story of a middle-aged virgin in a small Georgian town who dares to start living the life she feels like leading — gossips and the patriarchy be damned. Naveriani tells host Rico Gagliano about the movie’s big little moments, its “instinctive feminist” hero, and what powdered soap says abou
Cannes Conversations — Weston Razooli lets his kids go wild
L.A. filmmaker Weston Razooli’s debut feature RIDDLE OF FIRE is like if THE GOONIES were directed by Francois Truffaut — a tale of three modern kids on an old-fashioned adventure in the woods, facing down a family of witches. Razooli tells host Rico Gagliano about his D&D-soaked childhood in Utah, how he cast the kids… and the afterparty following the film’s Cannes premiere, which sounds as ma
Cannes Conversations — Monia Chokri on THE NATURE OF LOVE
Quebecois actor and director Monia Chokri is a Cannes regular — who in her films, regularly returns to her favorite themes: Very smart women having a very hard time figuring out relationships. Host Rico Gagliano stole a few minutes with her at this year’s Cannes to try and figure out why — and to learn about her charmer of a dramedy THE NATURE OF LOVE, one of the hits of the festival.MUBI Podcast
Cannes Conversations — Kleber Mendonça Filho watches movie palaces disappear
In 2019, Brazil's Kleber Mendonça Filho won the Jury Prize at Cannes with his co-directed movie BACURAU. This year he returned to the fest to premiere a documentary about movies. Or more specifically, about the places we watch them.In the second installment of our mini-season of conversations taped on location at Cannes '23, Filho tells host Rico Gagliano about PICTURES OF GHOSTS. It&
Cannes Conversations — Wim Wenders on ANSELM
To kick off our mini-season of conversations taped on location at the 2023 Cannes film festival, host Rico Gagliano meets up with legendary director Wim Wenders (Buena Vista Social Club; Paris, Texas). The subject of their conversation: Wenders' new 3D documentary Anselm, which plunges the audience into the work of German fine artist Anselm Kiefer. Wenders explains why he loves making art ab
FERRIS BUELLER to WOLF OF WALL STREET — Cinema's top music supervisors break down their greatest hits
We wrap up our season on great needle drops with an interview mixtape. Host Rico Gagliano talks to three legendary music supervisors about their iconic pairings of music and image...a bunch of which likely provided the soundtrack to some part of your life.Featuring Randall Poster (KIDS, THE WOLF OF WALL STREET, SUMMER OF SOUL), Margaret Yen (JUNO), and the late John Hughes's go-to music guy T
BLACKBOARD JUNGLE — Hollywood's first rumble with rock ‘n’ roll
In his gritty ’55 flick BLACKBOARD JUNGLE, director Richard Brooks introduced a wide audience to Sidney Poitier, the harsh world of inner-city schools...and a genre of music called "rock ‘n’ roll."Host Rico Gagliano tells the story of Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock"—cinema's first rock needle drop—with the help of music detective and author Jim Dawson, film write
CHUNGKING EXPRESS — Wong Kar Wai puts "Dreams" on the menu
Shot on a shoestring in six wild weeks, CHUNGKING EXPRESS is the movie that put legendary Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar Wai on the international map—along with his star, pop diva Faye Wong...and her Cantonese cover of The Cranberries's hit "Dreams."Host Rico Gagliano learns how the song, the director, and the singer all came together to capture Hong Kong at a moment of anxiety and ho
CLOSE — Lukas Dhont's Quietly Powerful Coming-of-Age Movie
In his Oscar-nominated CLOSE, filmmaker Lukas Dhont uses the sparest dialogue, the gentlest music, and the most pastoral of images...to tell a shattering story about the brutal ways society turns boys into men.We're taking a mid-season break from our series on movie music to bring you this candid interview with Dhont—in which he tells host Rico Gagliano how he writes like a dancer, why this q
THE HARDER THEY COME — Reggae catches fire on film
In 1972, director Perry Henzell set a gritty crime thriller in Jamaica's exploding, politically charged music scene, and came up with THE HARDER THEY COME—the cult-movie spark that started reggae music's slow burn around the world.Host Rico Gagliano tells the story of a film and a soundtrack that inspired rebels and rockers from the Clash to Willie Nelson. Guests include Henzell's
DONNIE DARKO — Richard Kelly makes the ultimate ‘80s mixtape
In 2001, writer/director Richard Kelly's genre-busting rookie feature DONNIE DARKO crashed and burned at the box office. But it almost immediately rose from the ashes to become one of the first cult hits of the 21st century...and it took the music of '80s band Tears for Fears along for the ride.Host Rico Gagliano tells this twisty tale with the help of Kelly, star Jena Malone (THE HUNGER
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY — Stanley Kubrick finds heavenly music on vinyl
In 1968, Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi epic 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY pushed movies light years into the future. It pioneered the use of special effects, makeup, sound design…and needle drops.For the season debut of our audio documentary series, host Rico Gagliano tells the story of the now-legendary classical tracks Kubrick dropped into his space movie—something the director did against the advice of just
With TÁR, Todd Field makes a power play
The multiple-Oscar-nominated psychodrama TÁR is the story of a compulsive, privileged leader who abuses her power. In this special episode of the MUBI Podcast, writer/director Todd Field tells host Rico Gagliano why he set that story in a concert hall instead of the halls of politics.Also up for discussion: Cate Blanchett’s small miracles, why Field prefers marathons to sprints, and his mentor Sta
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