In this episode, I talk about Douglas Sirk’s 1955 film, "All That Heaven Allows," starring Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson. The film follows Cary Scott, a widow in a conservative suburban community who falls in love with a younger, working-class man, and must decide whether she will conform to social expectations or defend a love that transforms her life.
"A ... Show More
Apr 7
Gabriel Axel's 'Babette's Feast' (1987)
In this episode, I talk about Gabriel Axel's 1987 film, "Babette's Feast." The film follows Martine and Filippa—two sisters devoted to a small religious community in Denmark—and Babette, a French refugee and former chef who comes to live with them. When Babette prepares a feast t ... Show More
1h 19m
Feb 3
Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's 'The Red Shoes' (1948)
In this episode, I talk about Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 1948 film, "The Red Shoes." It centers on Vicky Page, a young ballet dancer whose extraordinary talent brings her into a world where art demands total devotion and where love and ambition collide.I discuss "The ... Show More
1h 20m
Dec 2025
Dianne Jackson's 'The Snowman' (1982)
In this episode, I talk about Dianne Jackson's beloved 1982 animated film, "The Snowman." Adapted from Raymond Briggs’s wordless book, the film follows a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life, and together they share a brief night of wonder and connection. I reflect o ... Show More
1 h
Mar 2025
Lights, camera, connection: how film shapes our world
How does film shape global narratives and foster understanding? And how can filmmakers navigate the challenges of representation?Whether it’s an iconic sci-fi opening that transports us to a galaxy far, far away or a documentary that reshapes the way we see the world, storytellin ... Show More
33m 28s
Oct 2021
Untimely Reflections #4: At the Movies! Reviewing, “When Nietzsche Wept” (2007) Featuring, my wife.
This is the twentieth episode of the podcast! Maybe the smallest of milestones, but we decided to celebrate. It's a bit unusual for me to do two Untimely Reflections in a row, but hopefully it'll be as fun for everyone else as it was for me.
Today, I'm sitting down with my wife A ... Show More
57m 42s
Mar 2025
Food For Thought: Why make a passion project documentary and give it away for FREE with Giles Alderson & Dan Richardson
Today’s episode is a special one! First for all, the brilliant Phil Hawkins takes the reins as our host. And if that wasn’t exciting enough, the one and only Giles Alderson finally joins us to present his brand-new film! Alongside his longtime friend and co-director/-producer/-wr ... Show More
1h 2m
Nov 2023
Michael Newton, "It's a Wonderful Life" (British Film Institute, 2023)
Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is one of the best-loved films of Classical Hollywood cinema, a story of despair and redemption in the aftermath of war that is one of the central movies of the 1940s, and a key text in America's understanding of itself. This is a film that rem ... Show More
1h 5m
Mar 2023
How to Greenlight Yourself with ‘Wildflower’ Director
Have you ever thought about drawing inspiration for your characters, from your own family? How do you accomplish that in a way that protects them while also being true to the story?
In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director of Wildflower, Matt Smukler, discuss:
... Show More
49m 4s
Nov 2021
Dune DP Greig Fraser and Editor Joe Walker Break Down Crafting a Cinematic Epic
Get ready for tons of insight on this massive film!
In this episode, we talk about...
How the team conquered the challenge of presenting such a dense, beloved, and influential book on the screen.
How the team tried to keep elements of the book that may not be the most cinemati ... Show More
1h 18m
Dec 2025
Michael Newton, "It's a Wonderful Life" (British Film Institute, 2023)
Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is one of the best-loved films of Classical Hollywood cinema, a story of despair and redemption in the aftermath of war that is one of the central movies of the 1940s, and a key text in America's understanding of itself. This is a film that rem ... Show More
1h 5m