THEY SHOOT FILMS

'Collateral'

In this episode, we break down Michael Mann’s Collateral (2004), the stylish thriller starring Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx. We explore how Collateral transformed Los Angeles into a glowing, dangerous character through Mann’s groundbreaking digital cinematography, and why Cruise’s cold, calculated hitman remains one of his most unforgettable roles. From the tense cab ride setup to the film’s themes of morality, chance, and survival, we dive into what makes Collateral one of the best crime thrillers of the 2000s. Perfect for fans of Michael Mann films, Tom Cruise movies, or anyone who loves character-driven suspense.

'Lost in America'

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Albert Brooks’ 1985 classic 'Lost in America,' a comedy about chasing freedom and crashing into reality. We break down the film’s biting satire of the American Dream, its critique of 1980s consumer culture, and why the unforgettable “nest egg” scene has earned a place in comedy history. Along the way, we discuss Albert Brooks’ influence as a filmmaker, the movie’s place in the road film tradition, and if its themes still resonate in today’s world.
The film stars Albert Brooks and Julie Hagerty, with Gary Marshall in an unforgettable supporting role. 

'Touch of Evil'

Orson Welles' Touch of Evil marked the director’s return to Hollywood and contains what is widely considered one of the greatest shots in cinema. In this episode, we dive into the difficulties involved in getting that shot, the origins of the movie, and the inside story of how Welles and Charlton Heston celebrated after the final night of the shoot. The cast of the 1958 film includes Welles, Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh, Joseph Calleia, Akim Tamiroff and Marlene Dietrich.

'Sorcerer'

William Friedkin's Sorcerer is now considered an unsung masterpiece but was a critical and box office failure when it was first released in 1977. Quentin Tarantino has called Sorcerer one of his favorite films and Stephen King has named it as his favorite film. In this episode, Ken Mercer and FT Kosempa look at the origins of the film, tell some harrowing tales from the set, and discuss the career of director William Friedkin.
The film also stars Roy Scheider. 

'Whiplash'

Writer/Director Damien Chazelle’s Academy Award winning drama Whiplash was voted number 17 in the The New York Times reader’s poll of the top 100 movies of this century. Peers, critics, and other industry insiders ranked it first among all the films ever screened at the Sundance Film Festival. Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons star with Paul Reiser and Melissa Benoist in supporting roles.

'Marathon Man'

Marathon Man, starring Dustin Hoffman and Lawrence Olivier as a Nazi war criminal, created a sensation when it was released in 1976. In this episode, Ken Mercer and FT Kosempa examine the film’s infamous dental torture scene, the contributions of writer William Goldman, and the movie’s connection to the Coen brother's The Big Lebowski. The thriller was directed by John Schlesinger and features Roy Scheider, William Devane and Marthe Keller in supporting roles.

'The Sweet Smell of Success'

The Sweet Smell of Success is now considered one of the classics of American cinema but was a critical and box office failure when it was first released in 1957. In this episode, Ken Mercer and FT Kosempa dive into the making of the film, the contributions of Clifford Odets and James Wong Howe, and the shadow that the McCarthy-era blacklist cast over the production. They also try to answer the question: is it Film Noir? The film stars Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis and was directed by Alexander Mackendrick.

'The Master'

The Master is considered one of director Paul Thomas Anderson‘s finest films. In this episode, Ken Mercer and F.T. Kosempa untangle the layers of hidden meaning that reward multiple viewings of this 2012 film. The movie stars Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams.

'The Departed'

The Departed was the film that finally won Director Martin Scorsese his long overdue Academy Award. In this episode, Ken Mercer and FT Kosempa discuss the origins of the film, where it ranks in the pantheon of Boston films, and ask why actors keep insisting on doing over-the-top Boston accents. The 2006 film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Vera Farmiga, Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, and Martin Sheen.

'Chinatown' (Part 2)

In part two, Ken Mercer and FT Kosempa continue to investigate the many mysteries of Roman Polanski's Chinatown. In part two of this special two-part podcast, Ken and FT pick their favorite scenes, favorite lines... and watch as Jack Nicholson becomes a movie star. The 1974 film stars Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Houston.