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Cinema Spectator

Cinema Spectator

ECFS Productions 294 Episodes Sep 16, 2026

Cinema Spectator is a film history podcast that questions whether classic films remain enjoyable for modern audiences. Each week the show discusses a 'classic' and examines if it can still entertain people raised on contemporary blockbusters and comedy films. The podcast aims to make film history accessible without the usual pretentiousness.

Episodes

Ball of Fire (1941) and Stalag 17 (1953)
Ball of Fire (1941) and Stalag 17 (1953) Sep 16, 2026 7129 This week, we continue our return to Billy Wilder with a double feature: Ball of Fire (1941) and Stalag 17 (1953). We start with Ball of Fire, directed by Howard Hawks and co-written by Wilder, starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck in a fast-paced screwball comedy. Then we jump ahead to Stalag 17, with Wilder back in the director’s chair for a much different story about American prisoners of w
A Foreign Affair (1948)
A Foreign Affair (1948) Sep 8, 2026 6149 Continuing our return to the films of Billy Wilder, we take a look at A Foreign Affair (1948). Starring Jean Arthur, Marlene Dietrich, and John Lund, the film follows an American congressional delegation investigating the behavior of U.S. troops stationed in postwar Berlin. Filmed partly on location among the ruins of Berlin, Wilder mixes romance and comedy with his familiar cynical observations o
The Lost Weekend (1945)
The Lost Weekend (1945) Sep 1, 2026 6456 We’re jumping back into the films of one of Cameron’s favorite directors, Billy Wilder, with The Lost Weekend (1945). Starring Ray Milland, the film follows a struggling writer over the course of a devastating weekend as his alcoholism begins to take over every part of his life. The film was a major success at the Academy Awards, winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Sc
*Bonus Episode* Boogie Nights (1997)
*Bonus Episode* Boogie Nights (1997) Aug 28, 2026 5683 Bonus Episode! Cameron and Juzo discuss Boogie Nights (1997). Starring Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, and an incredible supporting cast, the film follows the rise and fall of a young star in the adult film industry during the 1970s and '80s. Enjoy our final episode wrapping up the legacy of Paul Thomas Anderson. Cinema Spectator is a movie podcast hosted by Isaac Ransom, Juzo Greenw
Licorice Pizza (2021)
Licorice Pizza (2021) Aug 25, 2026 7681 To close out our series on the films of Paul Thomas Anderson, we take a look at Licorice Pizza (2021). Starring Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman, the film follows two young people navigating their complicated relationship in 1970s Los Angeles. Join us as we discuss Anderson's return to the San Fernando Valley, the film's unconventional romance, and how Licorice Pizza stacks up against the rest of his
Inherent Vice (2014) and Phantom Thread (2017)
Inherent Vice (2014) and Phantom Thread (2017) Aug 18, 2026 8547 We continue our journey through the films of Paul Thomas Anderson, first with the neo-noir dark comedy Inherent Vice, an adaptation of Thomas Pynchon's novel starring Joaquin Phoenix. And then onto the romantic drama (or comedy?) Phantom Thread, Anderson's reunion with Daniel Day-Lewis, also starring Vicky Krieps and featuring a beautiful score by Jonny Greenwood. Juzo and Cameron also briefly dis
*Bonus Episode* Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)
*Bonus Episode* Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026) Aug 13, 2026 2590 Isaac and Juzo review the latest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, in a partly spoiler filled discussion. Will director Destin Daniel Cretton rekindle the magic he had in the days of Short Term 12? Will Tom Holland top his performance in The Odyssey? Will Juzo remain a Grinch about the MCU, or will his heart swell three times bigger (that is what happens in that book, ri
The Master (2012)
The Master (2012) Aug 11, 2026 7566 Continuing our series on the films of Paul Thomas Anderson, we take a look at The Master (2012). Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams, the film follows a troubled World War II veteran who becomes involved with a growing religious movement and its charismatic leader. The Master discussion begins at 44:20. Enjoy!   Cinema Spectator is a movie podcast hosted by Isaac Ran
There Will Be Blood (2007)
There Will Be Blood (2007) Aug 4, 2026 8763 Continuing our series on the films of Paul Thomas Anderson, we take a look at There Will Be Blood (2007). Starring Daniel Day-Lewis in an Academy Award-winning performance, the film follows ambitious oilman Daniel Plainview as he builds his fortune in early 20th-century California. Enjoy our discussion of one of Paul Thomas Anderson's most acclaimed films and whether it deserves its reputation as
Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
Punch-Drunk Love (2002) Jul 28, 2026 6389 Continuing our series on the films of Paul Thomas Anderson, we take a look at Punch-Drunk Love (2002). Starring Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, the film follows a lonely businessman whose life changes after falling victim to a blackmailing scheme. Enjoy!   Cinema Spectator is a movie podcast hosted by Isaac Ransom, Juzo Greenwood, and Cameron Tuttle. The show is executive-p
The Odyssey (2026)
The Odyssey (2026) Jul 21, 2026 8192 This week we review Christopher Nolan's latest film The Odyssey (2026). Be warned that this episode contains spoilers so please go see it before you listen to this episode. Enjoy!   Cinema Spectator is a movie podcast hosted by Isaac Ransom, Juzo Greenwood, and Cameron Tuttle. The show is executive-produced by Darrin O’Neill and recorded and produced in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. You can supp
Magnolia (1999)
Magnolia (1999) Jul 14, 2026 8737 Continuing our series on the films of Paul Thomas Anderson, we take a look at Magnolia (1999). Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, and Jason Robards, the film weaves together multiple interconnected stories dealing with regret, family trauma and forgiveness. Enjoy our discussion of one of PTA's masterpieces!

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