Before there was Rocky Horror, Tommy, or The Wall, director Brian De Palma and Paul Williams teamed up to bring us a genre-defining rock opera that continues to stun audiences, further cementing its cult classic status. Phantom of the Paradise tells the story of a singer-songwriter whose opus is stolen from him by Swan, the one man who controls the world's popular music, and his descent into madness. Dan and Jon celebrate the music, the stunning visuals, and brilliant direction by De Palma. They also imagine ways that this film could be revisited for a modern audience.

Next episode: Q: The Winged Serpent (1982)

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Actor Tim Blake Nelson took a few breaks from acting to direct films starting in the 1990s. And with the surge in popularity of teen heartthrob Shakespeare adaptations like Romeo + Juliet (1996), it was an obvious choice to adapt Othello for a contemporary audience. Jon and Dan celebrate this overlooked token of its time and admire the talents that brought it to life, even if it is a little over the top at times.

Next episode: Phantom of the Paradise (1974)

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One of Alfred Hitchcock's few adventure films also may be his most influential, which is saying a LOT. North by Northwest defined the look and feel for spy movies, gave us iconic set pieces, and may change the way you shave your face. Dan and Jon also have some ideas for how it can be brought back in 2025.

Next episode: O (2001)

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Fritz Lang's first sound film may also be his most complex, despite having released Metropolis in 1927 to much acclaim. M is the story of a city that is worked into a frenzy when an elusive child murderer is on the loose and nobody can be trusted. The cops are determined to find the murderer and bring him to justice, but the city's criminal underworld wants to get to him first and serve their own justice so they can back to their life of crime without the cops always on their tail. Dan and Jon come up with fun ways to celebrate the 1931 classic in ways that feel appropriate given this is an important film not just in the world of film, but also when it comes to the rise of the Nazi party.

Next episode: North by Northwest (1958)

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Director Hal Ashby's first film is a clear prototype for what he has to come with films like Being There, Shampoo, & Harold and Maude, all satires with a focus on class inequality. The Landlord is a brilliant portrayal of upper classes whites gentrifying a Black neighborhood in Brooklyn, essentially looking into Prospect Park's actual future. Dan and Jon celebrate its place in cinema history and theorize how it could be reenvisioned today, years after life imitated art.

Next episode: M (1931)

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Listen to Micheaux Mission

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Dan and Jon GUSH over the 1971 Alan J. Pakula Neo-noir Klute and they are NOT shy about it! They also celebrate the amazing Jane Fonda, the tactile audio of 70s cinema, and the lost art of a slow pace. They also share their thoughts on how Klute could be revisited in the modern era.

Next episode: The Landlord (1970)

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We've been building up to this one for a few weeks and now it's time to talk about Jack and Jill, Adam Sandler's attempt at a dual role/gender comedy. It may be a disaster and a dark spot on Sandler's filmography, but it gives us one of the great Al Pacino performances.

Next episode: Klute (1971)

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Stellan Skarsgård and Al Pacino each star in their own version of the same story - a talented but troubled homicide detective may be forced to sway the results of an investigation to save his own ass. What makes it even more challenging? They're a fish out of water in a region where the sun never sets. Erik Skjoldbjærg and Christopher Nolan each give their take on Skjoldbjærg's original story resulting in two equally fascinating films. Dan and Jon share Al Pacino anecdotes and admire each film's strengths before chiming in with their own ideas on how Insomnia could be revisited.

Next episode: Jack and Jill (2011)

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