Her Head In Films

In this episode, I talk about Lynne Littman's 1983 film, "Testament." It's about how a mother and her children in a California town survive the aftermath of a nuclear bombing. We don't know who dropped the bombs, what has happened in the rest of the country, and we're not provided any political details. The film is solely about this family and how they confront the gradual and horrifying deterioration of their bodies due to radiation poisoning and the breakdown of society. Without a doubt, this is the most terrifying film I have ever seen. I talk about grief and loss, what makes the film so emotionally powerful, and the difference between watching it before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. There are spoilers in this episode.Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull show notes:The Day After (1983)Threads (1984)Carol Amen's "The Last Testament"Hiros

In this episode, I talk about Olivier Assayas's 2014 film "Clouds of Sils Maria." It's a complex film starring Juliette Binoche as Maria Enders, an actress who shot to stardom in her youth when she acted in a play about an older woman who is seduced by a younger woman. 20 years ago, she played the younger woman but now, in a revival of the play, she is set to play the older woman. This role brings up her fears about aging. Kristen Stewart stars alongside Binoche as an assistant to Maria Enders. To me, the heart of the film is the complicated relationship between these two women and the different ways they see life and the world. I also think this is a fascinating film about the process that an actress goes through to get into character. I talk about all that and much more. There are spoilers in this episode.Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull

In this episode, I talk about John Cassavetes's 1977 film, "Opening Night." It's about an actress named Myrtle Gordon (played by the magnificent Gena Rowlands) who witnesses the death of one of her fans and begins to spiral into a breakdown as she struggles to do a play that forces her to confront her feelings about aging. I talk all about why I love this film and Gena's performance but I also talk about some complicated and overwhelming feelings I've had since turning 30 last year and how women can feel anxiety about getting older in a world that worships youth. There are spoilers in this episode.Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull Show Notes:Use the code "CINEMA" to get your first month free at OVID.TVMy favorite films on OVIDMy episode on John Cassavetes's A Woman Under the InfluenceMy Mubi list about films about actingLa Vie En RoseSylvia

In this episode, I talk about Charles Laughton's 1955 film "The Night of the Hunter." It's about two young children--John and Pearl--who are pursued by a dangerous man on the hunt for the money their father stole and gave to them. This is a classic film and a masterpiece and one of the most terrifying films I've ever seen. I provide some information about the making of the film and explore how it looks at evil, male violence, religion, and much more. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull Show Notes:Use the code "CINEMA" for your first month free at Ovid.tvMy favorite films on OvidBirth of a MovementMy episode on Terrence Malick's The Tree of LifeMy episode on Terrence Malick's Days of HeavenJack CardiffCameraman: The Life and Work of Jack CardiffPandora and the Flying DutchmanBlack NarcissusMy episode on Barb

In this episode, I talk about Theo Angelopoulos's 1988 film, "Landscape in the Mist." This film follows a brother and sister--Alexandros and Voula--who leave their home in Greece and go on a journey to find their father in Germany. They've never met him and they long to have a connection with him. Over the course of their journey, they will see both the best and the worst that humanity has to offer. I talk about Angelopoulos and his cinema and provide an in-depth analysis of the film, exploring subjects like loss of innocence and loneliness. For listeners in the United States, this film is probably hard to find.  It's not readily available right now but I hope one day that it is. There are spoilers in this episode. In the film, there is also a rape scene and a scene of an animal dying. I know those subjects might be upsetting for some people.  Even if you have not seen this film, I urge you to at least listen to my section on Angelopoulos and how I discovered this film.Consider making this podcast sustainable

In this episode, I talk about Jean-Pierre Melville's 1949 film "Le silence de la mer." It's set in France in 1941 at the time of the Second World War. The Germans are occupying France, and a German soldier stays with a niece and her uncle who use their silence as a form of resistance against him. Every night, he comes to them and talks about his life, his interests, his love of France, and many other subjects, but they refuse to acknowledge him or speak to him. Over the course of the film, their feelings for him start to get more complicated. He is an occupier in their country and in their house but the intimacy of their meetings also humanizes him. This is not Melville's most famous film but it's one that I think is profoundly important because of the way it asks us to expand our ideas about what constitutes resistance and how we interact with those who we're supposed to see as monstrous or as the enemy. I talk about Melville's life, the making of the film, and much more. There are spoilers in this episode.C

In this episode, I talk about Jean Vigo's wondrous and magical 1934 film, "L'atalante". On the surface, it's the simple story of Jean and Juliette,  newlyweds who begin their life together on the boat where Jean lives and works. When things get boring and monotonous, Juliette begins dreaming of Paris and, when the boat stops near it, she wanders off to explore the city by herself, leaving Jean behind. This separation of the two lovers will test their new and fragile marriage. Jean Vigo is an iconic director who died at the age of 29 and left behind few films but his output continues to influence filmmakers today.  L'atalante is his only feature film and it's not to be missed. In this episode, I talk about Vigo, the making of the film, and how the film explores romance, marriage, and much more. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo

In this episode, I talk about Terrence Malick's 2011 film "The Tree of Life". This is a monumental and important film in my life. It's hard to describe what it's about because it's really about everything--the cosmos, childhood, death, life, nature,  and loss. The film is anchored by its focus on one family in 1950s Texas that is later rocked by unimaginable loss but added to this story is a collage of images that capture something as massive as the birth of the world and something as small as a child taking his first steps. Malick takes us all the way back to the time of the dinosaurs and transports us to what eternity or heaven might look like. I consider this  to be the greatest film of the 21st century so far. I make my case, provide information on the making of the film, and go deeply into everything about this film, sharing my own raw emotions and what the film makes me remember and what it makes me think and feel. This film is part of my soul. That's the only way I can put it. There are spoilers in thi

In this episode, I talk about Terrence Malick's 1978 film "Days of Heaven." Set in 1916, it follows a man named Bill, his sister Linda and his girlfriend Abby. All three are poor and go to the Texas panhandle to harvest wheat on the farm of a rich and mysterious man who, it turns out, is dying. Bill encourages Abby to start a romantic relationship with the man in hopes of getting some of his wealth but the scheme will have disastrous consequences for all of them. I talk in-depth about the making of the film and why it's haunted me for years. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanShow Notes:TMZ video of Terrence MalickYoutube video of Terrence Malick dancingMy Brokeback Mountain episodeJack CardiffVisions of Light (1992)The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-SaensOut of the Blue by Dennis HopperMy episode on

In this episode, I talk about the 1942 classic, "Casablanca," directed by Michael Curtiz. Often cited as one of the greatest films ever made, Casablanca is set in 1941 during the Second World War and centers around three people: Rick Blaine, Ilsa Lund, and Victor Laszlo. Ilsa is married to Victor but had an affair with Rick after she believed Victor had been killed in a Nazi concentration camp for his resistance activities. All three are now in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, a temporary place where refugees from Europe go, desperately trying to obtain visas to get to the Americas.  Will Ilsa and Victor get out of Casablanca? Will Rick help them? I talk about the making of the film and how it looks at things like nostalgia, personal sacrifice, and the plight of refugees. This episode is not just about the movie. It's also about an important film appreciation class that I took when I was in high school in 2004, a class that changed my life forever. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podc

In this episode, I talk about Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen's 1952 musical, "Singin' in the Rain." Often voted the greatest musical ever made, this effervescent and hilarious film looks at Hollywood's difficult transition from silent pictures to the talkies. Central to this episode is my focus on a film appreciation class I took in high school in 2004. It changed my life forever. One of the films I watched in that class was "Singin' in the Rain." I talk about why I fell in love with it and why I think it's such a wonderful film. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull Show Notes and Sources:Singin' in the Rain DVDGene Kelly: Anatomy of a DancerMy episode on Sophie's ChoiceMy episode on PhoenixTalking About TreesMy episode on The Passion of Joan of ArcThat's EntertainmentPennies From Heaven

In this episode, I talk about Ang Lee's 2005 film, "Brokeback Mountain." It's a grand love story about two cowboys--Ennis and Jack--who fall in love in 1960s Wyoming. Their romance spans decades but, because of homophobia, they're never able to fully be together. I consider this a modern classic and one of the greatest love stories of all time. I talk about how the film was made, why it moves me so deeply, and much more.Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull Show NotesMy episode on Kelly Reichardt's WENDY AND LUCYCasting ByA Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca SolnitLife ItselfDouglas SirkFar From HeavenSweetgrassLeviathanBovinesMicrocosmosWinged MigrationThe Trials of Gabriel FernandezMy episode on James Ivory's MAURICEAll That Heaven AllowsImitation of LifeRaymond CarverSources"Brokeback Mountain" by Annie Proulx (The New Yorker)Ang Lee: Interviews

In this episode, I talk about Catherine Corsini's glorious 2015 film "Summertime" (aka "La Belle Saison"). Two women--Carole and Delphine--fall in love against the backdrop of the burgeoning women's movement in 1970s France. I discuss French feminism, the way Corsini represents lesbian love and desire, and much more.Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull Show NotesThe GuardiansCousin JulesFarrebiqueThe Seasons in Quincy: Four Portraits of John BergerWays of SeeingMinnie Bruce PrattJanis: Little Girl BlueParagraph 175DyketacticsMy episode on James Ivory's MAURICEMy episode on Donna Deitch's DESERT HEARTSMy episode on  David Lean's BRIEF ENCOUNTERMy episode on Nicolas Philibert's TO BE AND TO HAVEOne Sings, The Other Doesn'tTori Amos's "Girl"SourcesInterview: Catherine Corsini on Love,  Activism, and Passion in 'Summertime' (Moveable Feast)Catherine Corsi

In this episode, I talk about Bong Joon-ho's 2003 film "Memories of Murder." It's based on the real-life Hwaseong serial murders that happened in a rural area of South Korea in the 1980s and early 1990s. At the time the film was released, the case was unsolved. However, shortly before recording my episode, major news broke that a suspect had been identified through DNA. I go into this new development and provide information on the original murders. Since the film is based on a true crime story, I discuss my own interest in true crime and focus on the way the film looks at abuses of power and violence against women. Finally, I talk in-depth about the ending. This episode contains spoilers. It also includes discussion of rape, violence, and dark subject matter.Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull show notes and sources"Number of women killed by homicide

In this episode, I talk about Roberto Rossellini's groundbreaking 1954 film, "Journey To Italy." It stars Ingrid Bergman and George Sanders as Katherine and Alex Joyce, a couple whose relationship starts disintegrating during a vacation in Italy. Katherine is haunted by a man she knew before her marriage to Alex and who was stationed in Italy during World War II. As the distance grows between her and Alex, she visits museums that the man wrote about in his poetry. In her wanderings, she confronts death and the enormity of ancient history. "Journey To Italy" has haunted me for years. In this episode, I articulate why it's so compelling to me and discuss themes like time, history, mortality, death, and much more. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full show notes: Criterion Collection edition of JOURNEY TO ITALY "Small Talk&qu

In this episode, I talk about Vittorio De Sica's classic 1952 Italian Neorealist film, "Umberto D." It's about an elderly man trying to evade eviction against the backdrop of post-World War II Italy. As his life becomes more precarious and desperate, he clings to his only companion, his dog Flike, and struggles to survive. I talk about Italian Neorealism, why this film moves me so much, and more. At the beginning of the episode, I also reflect on this being my 100th episode! I'm thankful for all my listeners. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes Criterion Collection edition of UMBERTO D. Martin Scorsese's MY VOYAGE TO ITALY Italian Neorealism: Rebuilding the Cinematic City (Short Cuts) by Mark Shiel "Seeing Clearly Through Tears: On the Smart Sentiment of Umberto D." by Stuart Klawans (Criterion.com) "Umberto

In this episode, I talk about Kelly Reichardt's 2008 film, "Wendy and Lucy." It stars Michelle Williams as Wendy Carroll, a young woman stopping in Oregon on her way to Alaska when her car dies and she ends up losing her dog, Lucy. Much of the film revolves around her desperate search for Lucy and her interactions with various people who either show a bit of kindness or cruelty. Released at the beginning of the Great Recession, the film resonates more than a decade later in the way it looks at financial instability, the struggles of the working class, and the precarious nature of our lives. One bit of bad luck--her car breaking down--sends Wendy's life into a kind of tailspin that she tries to get out of with very few resources. I talk about many things in this episode, including the bonds we form with pets, our responsibility to other people, the making of the film, and much more! There are spoilers. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in

In this episode, I explore the Dardenne brothers' 2014 film, "Two Days, One Night." Marion Cotillard stars as Sandra, a factory worker who tries to return to her job after a bout of depression only to find that her coworkers have voted to receive a bonus and eliminate her position. Over the course of a weekend, she visits each coworker and tries to convince them to support her in a second vote. I talk about my own experiences of working at a factory, struggling with depression, and living as a working class person. I also provide behind-the-scenes information about the making of the film and Marion Cotillard's preparation for her performance. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes and Sources: The Cinema of the Dardenne Brothers: Responsible Realism by Philip Mosley Criterion Collection edition of Two Days, One Night English tr

In this episode, I explore Krzysztof Kieslowski's 1993 film, "Three Colors: Blue." Juliette Binoche plays a woman who loses her husband and daughter in a tragic car accident. Overwhelmed by grief, she tries to cut herself off from human connection and sever ties with the past and her memories. I provide behind-the-scenes information about the making-of the film and discuss key scenes and why they emotionally resonate with me. I also talk about the devastating loss of my father when I was just a teenager and detail my own struggle with grief. This episode contains spoilers. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes: My episode on Birth My episode on Jackie My episode on Cleo from 5 to 7 My guest appearance on The Complete Podcast to talk about "No End" (1985) My episode on Dekalog My episode on The Diving Bell and the But

In this episode, I talk about Pablo Larrain's 2016 film, "Jackie." It looks at Jackie Kennedy's grief in the days after the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy, in 1963. I explore how the film represents grief and trauma, delve into the real struggles Jackie faced after losing her husband, give information about the making of the film and Natalie Portman's performance, explain why the film is comforting to me as someone who has known a great deal of loss, and more. As I recorded this episode, the 13th anniversary of my father's death passed. I channel my heartbreak into the episode and go in-depth about losing him and how devastating his death has been for me. There are spoilers in this episode. Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon. Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Original logo by Dhiyanah Hassan Full Show Notes: Mathieu Amalric's "Barbara" (2018) * Separation by W.S. Merwin &