Hell Is For Hyphenates

Nicole Holofcener joins us to talk the films of Hal Ashby! Writer, director and Academy Award nominee Nicole Holofcener (Please Give, Enough Said, The Land of Steady Habits) joins Hell Is For Hyphenates to dive into the filmography of Hal Ashby. Ashby is one of the most distinctive filmmakers of 1970s New Hollywood cinema, directing stone-cold classic such as Harold and Maude (1971), The Last Detail (1973), Shampoo (1975), Coming Home (1978), and Being There (1979). He was a counter-culture voice whose best work still feels relevant today. But what was it about his work that was so audacious and affecting?

We talk the films of Martin Scorsese! Rochelle and Lee are joined by original co-host Paul Anthony Nelson to talk about some big news regarding the future of the show. They then dive into what is without a doubt the biggest episode of Hyphenates to date, as they look back at the films of the great filmmaker of the American New Wave, Martin Scorsese (08:35). Does Scorsese really lay a claim to the title of Greatest Of All Time? To figure it out, they’re joined by a swathe of alumni from the show’s past, who each pick a favourite film, scene, or moment to talk about. Ozploitation legend Brian Trenchard-Smith and Dark Horizons editor Garth Franklin kick things off by talking about Scorsese’s preoccupation with moral dilemmas, and his filmmaking pragmatism (16:27). Critic Alexandrea Heller-Nicholas looks back at his early short film The Big Shave (19:52). Actor Perri Cummings and filmmaker David Caesar talk Mean Streets (27:03). Filmmaker and lecturer George Viscas discusses the realism and roots of Scorsese’s gangland fixation (31:57). Actor Pollyanna McIntosh talks Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (35:10). Actor Cate Wolfe, film critic Ian Barr, writer Josh Nelson, and screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker talk the seminal Taxi Driver (43:19). Critic Glenn Dunks and film programmer Eloise Ross discuss New York, New York (54:50). Filmmaker Briony Kidd examines Scorsese’s work as the producer of other director’s films (59:30). Director Rohan Spong, comedian Chris Taylor, and critic Simon Miraudo look at The King of Comedy (1:08:39). Film critic Scott Weinberg talks After Hours (1:20:34). Journalist Guy Davis, director Kriv Stenders, and film critic Drew McWeeny look at the controversial The Last Temptation of Christ (1:25:42). Critic Jeremy Smith looks at the difficulties and rehabilitation of Scorsese’s 1980s period (1:32:17). Actor Rhys Muldoon discusses Scorsese’s cameo in After Hours (1:38:27). Film critic Richard Gray and filmmaker Abe Forsythe pay tribute to the performances of Martin’s mother, Catherine Scorsese (1:40:10). Filmmaker Jon Hewitt, comedian Chris Taylor, presenter Marc Fennell, and critic Zak Hepburn look at Scorsese’s obsession with food and garlic slicing (1:44:52). Critic Blake Howard praises the closeups of Goodfellas (1:55:29). Writer Emma Westwood looks at the impact of Goodfellas and Cape Fear (1:59:12). Former Hi4H co-host So Mayer and author Mel Campbell discuss The Age of Innocence (2:07:07). Critic Anthony Morris and exhibition registrar Sarah Caldwell talk Casino (2:13:58). Writer Shannon Marinko salutes Scorsese’s long-time collaborator, editor Thelma Schoonmaker (2:20:15). Filmmaker Rhys Graham discusses Scorsese’s seminal documentary series My Voyage to Italy (2:25:22). Film reporter Alicia Malone and critic Hayley Inch pay tribute to Scorsese’s film preservation and restoration work (2:30:05). Filmmaker Tim Egan looks at Scorsese’s concert film Shine a Light (2:37:20). Festival programmer Thomas Caldwell and film critic Drew McWeeny talk Kundun (2:40:14). Film critic Sarah Ward discusses Bringing Out the Dead (2:48:19). Critic Stephen A Russell talks The Aviator (2:51:41). Author Maria Lewis discusses being won over by Boardwalk Empire (2:55:17). Entertainment reporter Giles Hardie talks The Audition (2:59:17). Filmmaker Jennifer Reeder discusses The Departed (3:03:39). Critics Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Tom Clift talk Shutter Island (3:06:35). Festival director Cerise Howard talks Hugo (3:12:12). Comedian Tegan Higginbotham and director Brian Trenchard-Smith discuss The Wolf of Wall Street (3:21:08). Actor Michael Ian Black and author Christos Tsiolkas talk Silence (3:25:43).

Rhys Graham joins us to talk the films of Krzystof KieÅ›lowski! Australian filmmaker Rhys Graham joins Rochelle and Lee as they look back at some of the key films of this month, including Claire Denis’s science fiction drama High Life (01:10), Jordan Peele’s modern horror Us (06:37), Karyn Kusama’s gritty crime saga Destroyer (11:33), and Tim Burton’s live-action remake Dumbo (19:17). We then check back with our semi-regular mini-Hyphenate segment to look at every single film directed by legendary actor Charles Laughton. The legendary actor of stage and screen has one credit and one credit only as director: the noir thriller The Night of the Hunter (1955). It’s considered one of the greatest films of all time. How did Laughton get it so right on his one and only try? And why did he never direct again? (26:13) Then, Rhys takes us through the works and career of his filmmaker of the month, Polish auteur Krzystof KieÅ›lowski. KieÅ›lowski is best known for The Double Life of Veronique (1991) and the Three Colours trilogy (1993-1994), but before he became a beloved icon of arthouse festivals, he was busy making documentaries, shorts, and features with a distinctly verité style, documenting life under Communist rule, and the corrosive effects of the autocratic state. So how did KieÅ›lowski go from these humble roots to being the poster child for elegant European cinema? (37:46)

David Caesar joins us to talk the films of Bruno Dumont! Australian film and television director David Caesar joins Rochelle and Lee for a chat about some of the key new releases from this month, including Steven Soderbergh’s backroom NBA drama High Flying Bird (01:34), Mimi Leder’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic On the Basis of Sex (09:50), Dan Gilroy’s high-art horror-drama Velvet Buzzsaw (17:07), and Barry Jenkins’s dramatic James Baldwin adaptation If Beale Street Could Talk (22:36). Off the back of Steven Soderbergh’s comments on why making movies on your phone and releasing them onto Netflix may be the future of cinema for certain filmmakers, could this model be the very thing needed to inject life into the Australian film industry? (29:48) Then, David takes us through the works of his filmmaker of the month, Bruno Dumont. Dumont is a divisive figure, whose films are loved and hated by audiences and critics alike. So how does a filmmaker go from making vérité films dripping with realism to high-concept farces, supernatural comedies, and medieval musicals with head-banging metal solos? We take a deep dive into this fascinating filmography to find out. (40:23)

Stephen A Russell joins us to talk the films of Xavier Dolan! Critic and journalist Stephen A Russell joins Rochelle and Lee to chat about some of the key films from this month, including Disney’s sequel-to-a-classic Mary Poppins Returns (01:44), Paolo Sorrentino’s fictitious biopic Loro (07:59), M Night Shyamalan’s superheroic trilogy-capping Glass (13:58), and Aussie remake Storm Boy (21:32). With the Academy Awards coming up, and the ceremony appearing to be undergoing a number of significant changes, it’s time to open everybody’s favourite can of worms: are we investing way too much in the Oscars, or are some of just cynical and dead inside? (26:21) Then, Stephen takes us through the career of his filmmaker of the month, Xavier Dolan. At time of recording, the award-winning French-Canadian prodigy has released six feature films, filmed a further two, and is mere weeks away from turning 30. And in addition to writing and directing his films, he also appears in about half of them, every bit the artist in front of the camera as behind. So what is it about Dolan’s films that captivate so many of us? (35:33)

Cassandra Magrath joins us to talk the films of Lars Von Trier! Actor and producer Cassandra Magrath (Wolf Creek, SeaChange, Wentworth) joins Rochelle and Lee to talk about some of the key films from the past month, including Alfonso Cuarón’s biographical drama Roma (01:30), Yorgos Lanthimos’s acerbic historical comedy The Favourite (4:21), Susanne Bier’s sensory apocalyptic thriller Bird Box (08:53), and Gaspar Noé’s dance-filled horror Climax (14:50). They then compare their favourite films of 2018: how many crossovers and surprises lie within their lists? (23:03) Then, Cassandra takes us through the works of her filmmaker of the month, Lars Von Trier. The Danish director is best known for brutal, challenging works like Breaking the Waves, Dancer in the Dark, Dogville, Antichrist, Melancholia and Nymphomaniac. He’s a controversial, divisive figure equally loved and hated by film fans across the world. So is Von Trier a provocateur who prefers shock tactics to sincerity, or a misunderstood maestro with something to say? (30:07)

Briony Kidd joins us to talk the films of Park Chan-wook! Rochelle and Lee look back at some of the new films from this month, including Steve McQueen’s heist drama Widows (0:55), the darkly comic Coen Bros Western The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (03:57), Boots Riley’s absurdist comedy Sorry To Bother You (07:38), and the long-lost Orson Welles film The Other Side of the Wind (10:54). They’re then joined by filmmaker, critic, and festival curator Briony Kidd to talk about a recent BBC poll of the hundred greatest foreign language films. There were only four women directors accounted for in the list, so is the problem a lack of female filmmakers, or is it the lists themselves that are the issue? (14:58) Briony then takes us through her filmmaker of the month, Park Chan-wook. Park is maybe South Korea’s best-known director, with films like Sympathy For Mr Vengeance, Olboy and Lady Vengeance cementing him as a global cult figure. With the English-language Stoker and the acclaimed The Handmaiden certifying him as one of the modern greats, we look at why there’s so much more to this filmmaker than the bloody vengeance that made him famous. (27:13)

Scott Derrickson joins us to talk the films of Wim Wenders! Rochelle and Lee catch up on some new releases, including Nicole Holofcener’s drama The Land of Steady Habits (01:14), Bradley Cooper’s update of the Hollywood classic A Star Is Born (04:00), Damien Chazelle’s moon landing retelling First Man (08:56), and the Freddie Mercury and Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody (13:34). Then, we’re joined by filmmaker Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Sinister, Doctor Strange) to talk about his filmmaker of the month, Wim Wenders. Scott takes us through why films such as Wings of Desire, Paris, Texas, Buena Vista Social Club, Pina, the road movie trilogy, and so many others, had such a profound impact on him. He also talks about his friendship with Wim, the film they made together, and offers a uniquely personal insight into Wim Wenders as both the artist and the man. (23:06)

Greg McLean joins us to talk the films of Ridley Scott! It’s episode 100 of Hell Is For Hyphenates! After an introduction from former hosts Paul Anthony Nelson and So Mayer, Rochelle and Lee are joined by filmmaker Greg McLean (Wolf Creek, Jungle, The Belko Experiment) in front of a live audience at this year’s Melbourne Melbourne International Film Festival. They look at the films of Greg’s filmmaker of the month, the legendary Ridley Scott. From Scott’s debut The Duellists to game-changing science fiction films Alien and Blade Runner, his films have left an indelible mark on pop culture. Thelma and Louise, Gladiator and The Martian have also been seared onto the public consciousness, and the masterful way in which he skirted the near-fatal controversies of All the Money in the World proves that after more than four decades of directing, Ridley Scott is still a force to be reckoned with.

Daina Reid joins us to talk the films of John Hughes! Rochelle and Lee take a break from new releases to attend the Melbourne International Film Festival, and share their thoughts on some of the key films they saw, including Terry Gilliam’s long-awaited The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2:03), Gus Van Sant’s memoir adaptation Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot (5:00), Guy Maddin’s latest collaborations with co-director siblings Evan & Galen Johnson The Green Fog and accompanying short film Accidence (8:21), and Asghar Farhadi’s foray into Spanish language cinema with Everybody Knows (12:14). Director Daina Reid joins the show to discuss her unique career path, and how performing sketch comedy on television alongside the likes of Eric Bana, Kitty Flanagan and Shaun Micallef was an unexpected but valuable diversion on her path to making film and TV. Can a background in comedy help when directing heart-wrenching episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale? (16:37) Then, Daina takes us through the works of her filmmaker of the month, John Hughes. Hughes was the writer and sometimes director behind a slew of crowd-pleasing hits, including National Lampoon’s Vacation, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Home Alone and Beethoven, but it was his teen comedies that really struck a chord with a generation. Films like Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Pretty In Pink and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off were high-concept but relatable films that had a profound effect on teenage audiences, and the influence of his work can still be felt to this day. But some elements of his films have not dated well, and we attempt to unpack and best and the worst of the prolific John Hughes filmography. (28:09)

Corrie Chen joins us to talk the films of Nora Ephron! Rochelle and Lee look back at some key films from this month, including Haifaa al-Mansour’s gothic biopic Mary Shelley (01:37), the Ruth Bader Ginsburg documentary RBG (06:01), the Kiwi comedy The Breaker Upperers (10:29), and William Friedkin’s exorcism doco The Devil and Father Amorth (13:29). They then welcome this month’s guest, writer-director Corrie Chen, and ask her about one of Nora Ephron’s favourite phrases: “everything is copy”. Is Ephron correct? Is storytelling a way of owning your life story? And has Corrie applied this lesson to her own filmmaking? (18:31) Then, Corrie takes us through the films and career of Nora Ephron. Now best known for writing the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, and for writing and directing Sleepless In Seattle, Ephron was a prolific writer, penning articles, books and stageplays, fighting for justice when denied a writing job by her employer because of her gender, and bringing an acerbic wit to the most heartfelt of stories. We look back at what made her voice so distinct and unique, and discover a few hidden meanings threaded throughout her works. (31:13)

Alex Ross Perry joins us to talk the films of Alan J Pakula! Rochelle and Lee look back at some of the films of the month, including heist spin-off Ocean’s 8 (00:50), sci-fi action flick Upgrade (03:29), Israeli drama Foxtrot (06:05), and animated superhero sequel Incredibles 2 (08:59). Lee then chats to this month’s guest, writer-director Alex Ross Perry, about how to get your arthouse film in front of audiences in a world of ever-shifting distribution models. What kind of cast do you pursue? Can you afford to care about streaming vs cinema? What’s it like going from indie cinema to working for Disney? (16:16) Then, Alex takes us through the career of his filmmaker of the month, Alan J Pakula. Pakula is best known for his conspiracy thrillers, particularly his much-lauded paranoia trilogy: Klute, The Parallax View, and All the President’s Men. He was also responsible for the drama Sophie’s Choice, the courtroom suspense Presumed Innocent, and the John Grisham adaptation The Pelican Brief. But he has a number of strings to his bow, making everything from Westerns to comedies to romances, and Alex takes us through his works and what it is he meant. (29:49) Finally, Lee checks back in with Rochelle, who gives her thoughts on Pakula’s films, and they look at some of the projects Pakula was reportedly planning before his death. (56:35)

Abe Forsythe joins us to talk the films of Bong Joon-ho! Rochelle and Lee look over some of the films they’ve seen this month, including Star Wars prequel Solo (00:40), Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody third collaboration Tully (06:07), serial killer biopic My Friend Dahmer (11:32), and Australian coming-of-age surf movie Breath (15:29). Actor/writer/director Abe Forsythe joins us to talk about the challenges of making a local film for an international audience. After two very local films - the Ned Kelly comedy Ned (2003) and the Cronulla riots comedy Down Under (2016) - Abe has just wrapped production on zombie comedy Little Monsters, starring Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o and originating Book of Mormon cast member Josh Gad, which has an undeniably broader built-in appeal. Abe talks about the different challenges of making films for wider audiences, and looks at the type of films Australia should consider making. (20:00) Then, Abe takes us through the career and works of his filmmaker of the month, Bong Joon-ho! Bong is one of South Korea’s most popular filmmakers, making everything from monster movies like The Host to dramatic thrillers like Memories of Murder and Mother. In recent years he’s become an even bigger name, directing dystopian action film Snowpiercer and dramatic science fiction Okja. He’s an unconventional director with a unique eye, and his films are always infused with a real heart. Abe tells us which films got him hooked, why they mean so much to him, and the effect Bong’s films have had on his own. (32:39)

Ming-Zhu Hii joins us to talk the films of Steve McQueen! Rochelle and Lee are joined by this month’s guest, actor and filmmaker Ming-Zhu Hii! Ming-Zhu joins us to chat about some of the key films from this month, including Steven Soderbergh’s feature-film-shot-on-an-iPhone Unsane (01:21), Rungano Nyoni’s dramatic debut I Am Not a Witch (07:40), Sally Potter’s one-act stageplay-esque The Party (14:47), and Wes Anderson’s stop motion animation Isle of Dogs (20:37). They then look at the news that the Cannes Film Festival has banned Netflix films from playing in competition. Is Cannes turning its back on the changing nature of cinema, or helping to preserve its traditions? (27:10) Then, Ming-Zhu takes us through the films of British filmmaker and artist Steve McQueen. McQueen is best known for his feature films Hunger (2008), Shame (2011), and 12 Years a Slave (2013), all of which received high critical praise, and the latter of which won the Oscar for Best Picture. But McQueen had a prolific career before he entered the world of feature films, winning the Turner Prize for his art, as well as making short films, video installations, TV commercials, music videos, and much more besides. Ming-Zhu talks about how she first discovered McQueen’s work, and what it means to her. (35:48)

Noah Segan joins us to talk the films of Dennis Hopper! Rochelle and Lee look back at some of the key films from this month, including Steven Spielberg’s pop culture paean Ready Player One (00:46), Aki Kaurismäki’s wry Finnish comedy-drama The Other Side of Hope (05:49), Ruben Östlund’s wry Swedish comedy-drama The Square (08:08), Armando Iannucci’s wry Russian comedy-satire The Death of Stalin (11:51), and Garth Davis’s non-wry Biblical drama Mary Magdalene (14:32). We’re then joined by this month’s guest, actor Noah Segan! Noah talks about what it’s like to go from being a fan of classic films to the star of future classics. Is there a cognitive dissonance that comes from growing up on Star Wars and then suddenly finding yourself piloting an X-Wing? (17:05) Then, Noah takes us through the films directed by the legendary Dennis Hopper! Hopper appeared in some of the most iconic movies of all time, but with his directorial debut Easy Rider he proved he was just as capable of making modern masterpieces himself. His subsequent career as a director did not quite hit the heights of that first film, but what followed still proved Hopper to be a fascinating filmmaker with a unique point of view. Noah talks about what these films meant to him, and reveals the very specific influence Hopper had on his own career. (30:12)

Andrew Kevin Walker joins us to talk the films of William Friedkin! Rochelle and Lee kick off this month by looking back at some of its key releases, including Paul Thomas Anderson’s sartorial melodrama Phantom Thread (00:58), Ryan Coogler’s game-changing superhero film Black Panther (05:19), Greta Gerwig’s coming-of-age comedy-drama Lady Bird (11:09), and Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut biopic Molly’s Game (14:41). Lee then welcomes this episode’s guest host, screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker! They discuss how much or how little the on-screen film credits can reflect the work a screenwriter actually does on a project, the complicated system of arbitration, and what it’s like to both rewrite someone else’s work and be rewritten yourself. (18:11) Then, Andrew takes us through the works and career of his filmmaker of the month, William Friedkin! Friedkin was one of the New Hollywood movement’s most striking voices, with a string of all-time classics to his name, as well as some very surprising and little-seen works in-between. Andrew talks about his most beloved Friedkin films, and the massive influence they had on him. (29:52) Then Lee checks back in with Rochelle, and they wrap up the show with their thoughts on the films of William Friedkin, and what they discovered in going back through his career. (55:33)

Eloise Ross joins us to talk the films of Robert Wise! For our first show of 2018, we welcome writer and critic Dr Eloise Ross, who joins us as we check out some of the key films from this month, including Steven Spielberg’s paean to press freedoms The Post (01:04), Guillermo Del Toro’s dark romantic fantasy The Shape of Water (05:46), Don Hertzfeldt’s animated science fiction sequel World of Tomorrow Episode 2: The Burden of Other People’s Thoughts (10:23), and Ridley Scott’s Getty dynasty biopic All the Money in the World (13:16). Eloise, Rochelle and Lee then take a look at the recent acquisition of 20th Century Fox’s film assets by Disney, and what the merging of these two studios could mean for the future of the film industry both on-screen and off. (17:01) Then, Eloise takes us through the films and career of her filmmaker of the month, Robert Wise! After receiving an Oscar nomination for his work editing Citizen Kane (1941), Wise became a director in his own right, gaining a reputation as a reliable studio hand who brought his films in on time and under budget. But he was no journeyman, and his artistry immediately became apparent as he gave life to some of the most influential and beloved films of all time, including The Set-Up (1949), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), West Side Story (1961), The Sound of Music (1965), and Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). Wise was a deft hand and a master of all genres, and Eloise delves into why his filmography so captivated her. (23:37)

Luca Guadagnino joins us to talk the films of Maurice Pialat! Rochelle and Lee kick off the show by debating some of the key films of this month, including Woody Allen’s period melodrama Wonder Wheel (00:57), Alexander Payne’s shrinking fantasy Downsizing (03:44), Luca Guadagnino’s Italian romance Call Me By Your Name (08:55), and Rian Johnson’s franchise-busting Star Wars - Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (13:05). It’s the last show for the year, and that means it’s time to for everyone to be bold and announce their picks for the best films of 2017. Rochelle and Lee compare their lists of top five new releases. (19:41) Then, acclaimed writer/director Luca Guadagnino (I Am Love, A Bigger Splash, Call Me By Your Name) joins us to talk the films of Maurice Pialat! The late filmmaker is not as widely known as many of his contemporaries, but was an important figure in France’s cinema from the 1960s through to the 1990s. His films were huge box office hits, were critically celebrated, and won numerous international awards, yet he is not a household name, even among many cinephiles. So what is it about Pialat’s films that so appeal to Luca? And how has the ease with which we can now locate and watch Pialat’s films affected our enjoyment of them? (24:52)

Emma Westwood joins us to talk the films of Roman Polanski! Author, journalist and film historian Emma Westwood is our guest this month, joining Rochelle and Lee to talk about some of the key films of November, including Kathryn Bigelow’s historical thriller Detroit (01:20), Kenneth Branagh’s Agatha Christie adaptation Murder on the Orient Express (05:26), Yorgos Lanthimos’s modern Greek tragedy The Killing of a Sacred Deer (08:05), and DC superhero team-up Justice League (13:20). Then, in the wake of 2017’s massive revelations about sexual assault and harassment in the film industry, Emma, Rochelle and Lee discuss whether it is actually possible to separate the art from the artist, and whether it is permissible to enjoy the product of makers who turn out to be monsters (16:14). Emma then introduces us to her filmmaker of the month, the French-Polish director Roman Polanski (28:46). From his early years in western Europe making short films and black-and-white features like Knife in the Water (1962), Repulsion (1965) and Cul-De-Sac (1966), Polanski soon found himself snapped up by Hollywood, where he made the game-changing horror Rosemary’s Baby (1968) and the classic film noir Chinatown (1974). After Chinatown, he famously and controversially fled the US, returning to Europe where he continued to direct. His subsequent films included titles such as Tess (1979), Frantic (1988), Bitter Moon (1992), The Pianist (2002), Carnage (2011) and more. Few filmmakers are as controversial or divisive as Polanski, and in addition to discussing the films themselves, we also examine how his personal life influenced his work, and how it influences our engagement with it.

Adam Elliot joins us to talk the films of Jean-Pierre Jeunet! Oscar-winning filmmaker and animator Adam Elliot (Harvie Krumpet, Mary and Max, Ernie Biscuit) is our guest this month, and chats to Rochelle and Lee about some of the key films of October 2017, including Denis Villeneuve’s ambitious sequel Blade Runner 2049 (01:12), Taika Waititi’s unconventional superhero sequel Thor: Ragnarok (13:00), Terrence Malick’s wistful love story Song To Song (17:35), and George Clooney’s dark comedy thriller Suburbicon (22:11). Then, Adam tells us about his filmmaker of the month, the French writer-director Jean-Pierre Jeunet (26:13). Jeunet’s early years saw him collaborating with Marc Caro, and the pair directed a range of short films together before making the back-to-back classics Delicatessen (1991) and The City of Lost Children (1995). Jeunet then went solo, flirting briefly with Hollywood when he directed the fourth film in the Alien franchise, Alien: Resurrection (1997). He then returned to France to make more personal films such as Amelie (2001) and A Very Long Engagement (2004), as well as Micmacs (2009) and The Young and Prodigious TS Spivet (2013). Adam talks to us about Jeunet’s work and when he first became enamoured by his filmmaking. We also take a diversion to look at the career of Marc Caro (39:11), and look at what he got up to following his collaboration with Jeunet.

Michael Ian Black joins us to talk the films of Sylvester Stallone! We kick off this month by looking back at some of the key new releases, including Darren Aronofsky’s allegorical and grammatically-troubled mother! (00:50), Matthew Vaughan’s action sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle (05:49), Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of the Stephen King classic It (09:32), and the popular Australian indie comedy That’s Not Me (13:57). Lee then talks with this month’s guest, actor and writer Michael Ian Black (Wet Hot American Summer, Ed, This Is 40, Another Period), to look at the films of writer/director/actor Sylvester Stallone. Stallone’s reputation as a muscle-bound 1980s action hero belies his work behind the camera, with a filmography that’s far more complex and thoughtful than he is often credited with. Michael takes us through this varied and fascinating career, and reveals his theory on what Sly’s films are really about (17:16). Rochelle then rejoins the show to wrap up the episode and give her thoughts on Stallone’s filmography and the discussion with Michael. (55:16)

Edgar Wright joins us to talk the films of George Miller! It’s an episode of some significance as we welcome Rochelle Siemienowicz on board as the new co-host of Hell Is For Hyphenates. Rochelle and Lee chat about some of the key new releases of this month, including Steven Soderbergh’s hillbilly heist Logan Lucky (02:04), Luc Besson’s sci-fi epic Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (08:21), Claire Denis’s comedic drama Let Sunshine In (13:39), and Agnès Varda’s rural France road trip documentary Faces Places (18:26). Rochelle and Lee then look at the films and career of the legendary Australian director Dr George Miller, who redefined Oz cinema with the Mad Max franchise, and went on to make dramatic biopic Lorenzo’s Oil, supernatural comedy The Witches of Eastwick, dark fairytale Babe: Pig in the City, and socially-conscious animated musicals Happy Feet and Happy Feet Two. (24:38) Lee then talks to writer/director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Scott Pilgrim vs the World, The World’s End, Baby Driver) about the influence of Mad Max, the generational appeal of George Miller’s films, and what it’s like to receive both filmmaking and medical advice from Dr Miller himself! (47:35)

We open this episode with a fond farewell to Sophie, who is leaving the show after a tremendous two years! Memories are shared, tears are shed, and hugs are skyped. But the show must go on, and we are then joined by this month’s guest: author, editor and film critic Britt Hayes. Britt and Lee look at some of the key films from this month, including Christopher Nolan’s World War II drama Dunkirk, Sofia Coppola’s civil war era remake The Beguiled, the Matt Reeves prequel-sequel War For the Planet of the Apes, and Marvel Studio’s first solo Spider-man film, Spider-man: Homecoming. Then, Britt takes us through the films, career and style of her favourite filmmaker: American indie writer-director Wes Anderson.

We are joined this month by screenwriter and author C Robert Cargill (Sinister, Doctor Strange) as we look back at some of the biggest films from this month, including Transformers: The Last Knight, The Mummy, and Wonder Woman. Then, noting that all the films we looked at are building blocks for multi-tiered franchises, we look at the future of shared cinematic universes and look at whether this kind of big-budget world-building has a proper formula, or if it’s doomed to failure. Then, Cargill talks to us about his screenwriting hero and the godfather of the Ozploitation movement, Everett De Roche. De Roche was responsible for Patrick, Razorback, Road Games and many other films that helped define Australia’s screen identity. So how did Cargill get into his films growing up in Texas, and what influence did De Roche’s writing have on him?

It’s the 7th anniversary of Hell Is For Hyphenates, and to mark the occasion we are joined by a guest who was, just last month, the subject of our filmmaker of the month segment: horror filmmaker Neil Marshall! We kick off this episode with reviews of some of this month’s films, including Jordan Peele’s horror comedy Get Out, Ridley Scott’s sequel-to-a-prequel Alien: Covenant, the fifth Pirates of the Caribbean film Dead Men Tell No Tales, and the British comedy film Mindhorn. Then Neil talks about what it’s like as a filmmaker to listen and read criticism of his films, and what influences that has on his work. Finally, Neil takes us through the films and career of one of his biggest inspirations, a director of comedy, horror, fantasy, and much more besides, Joe Dante!

Our guest this month is critic, film producer and horror aficionado Scott Weinberg. Sophie and Lee look back at some of the key films of this month, including James Gunn’s comic book sequel Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2, Raoul Peck’s James Baldwin documentary I Am Not Your Negro, and Warren Beatty’s Howard Hughes biopic Rules Don’t Apply. Then Scott joins the show to look at the Netflix model of film distribution: is the streaming service making harder-to-find films more accessible by conveniently delivering them directly to your television set, or is its overabundance of content causing the smaller titles to disappear? Then Scott takes us through the career and works of his chosen filmmaker of the month, English horror director Neil Marshall.

Sophie and Lee kick off this month by looking at a pair of very different new release films: James Mangold’s Wolverine send-off Logan, and Sara Taksler’s documentary about Egypt’s legendary satirist Bassem Youssef, Tickling Giants. Then Sophie welcomes this month’s guest, filmmaker Jennifer Reeder, joining her to discuss her filmmaker-of-the-month: US indie auteur Allison Anders. After discussing the influence Anders had on Reeder, Sophie checks back in with Lee and wrap up with their own look over the films of Allison Anders, exploring the influence she had when she emerged in the 1980s and made her name in the 1990s.

We are joined this episode by film critic and author Tina Hassannia, as we look back at some of the key films of this month, including Ang Lee’s Billy Flynn’s Long Halftime Walk, Danny Boyle’s T2: Trainspotting, and Theodore Melfi’s Hidden Figures. Then, on the eve of an Academy Award ceremony that nominated Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi has refused to attend in protest of the recent US travel ban, we ask what form awards shows should take during times of social anxiety and oppressive policy. We then look at the films and career of Asghar Farhadi, the award-winning Iranian filmmaker responsible for acclaimed works such as About Elly,  A Separation, The Past and The Salesman. Finally, in a special bonus segment, Sophie attends the protest screening of The Salesman in Leicester Square, and provides us with audio of the speeches from journalist and TV presenter Mariella Frostrup, model and actress Lily Cole, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, filmmaker Mike Leigh, and via pre-recorded video, Asghar Farhadi himself.

Acclaimed producer Rebecca O’Brien (I Daniel Blake, Oranges and Sunshine, Bean, Friendship’s Death) joins us for our first episode of 2017. Sophie and Lee look back at some of the key films released in January, including Pablo Lorrain’s Jackie Bouvier Kennedy biopic Jackie, Martin Scorsese’s meditative Catholic drama Silence, and Kirsten Johnson’s unique memoir Cameraperson. Then Rebecca takes us through the films of the renowned British director Ken Loach, many of which Rebecca produced, granting us unique insight into the method and process behind his works.

Documentarian Rohan Spong (T Is For Teacher, All the Way Through Evening, Winter At Westbeth) joins us as we wrap up the year that was. We look at a handful of this month’s films, including Star Wars spinoff prequel Rogue One, Jim Jarmusch’s contemplative drama Paterson, science fiction drama Passengers, and Amma Asante’s true story adaptation A United Kingdom. Sophie, Lee and Rohan then compare notes on their absolute favourite films of 2016. Then, Rohan discusses the films and career of the director whose name is synonymous with grand, epic filmmaking: legendary filmmaker David Lean.

Filmmaker Jocelyn Moorhouse (Proof, How To Make An American Quilt, A Thousand Acres, The Dressmaker) joins the show this month as we look back at some of the key releases of November 2016, including the new Marvel entry Doctor Strange, the Harry Potter prequel spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, and DreamWorks Animation’s toy adaptation Trolls. They then look at what role cinema can take in the world following the results of this month’s US election: can films be a force for change, or will they simply be a coping mechanism? Then, Jocelyn takes Sophie and Lee through the career and works of the director who influenced her the most: English filmmaker Nicolas Roeg.

Actor, author and musician Rhys Muldoon is our guest this month, as we look back at some of the key films of October 2016, including Tim Burton’s Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children, Woody Allen’s Café Society, and Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival. Then Rhys takes us through the films, career and influence of cinema’s most enigmatic and revered figure, Stanley Kubrick.

Film reporter Alicia Malone joins us this month as we look back at some of the key films of September, including Oliver Stone’s Snowden, Antoine Fuqua’s The Magnificent Seven, and Rachel Lang’s Baden Baden. We then jump into the filmography and career of one of cinema’s most recognisable auteurs, Alfred Hitchcock, and talk about his classics, his lesser-known films, and how his work changed cinema forever. Then, in a special bonus segment, we are then joined by renowned English filmmaker Terence Davies, who discusses his three favourite Hitchcock films, and what effect they had on him.

Director Kriv Stenders (Red Dog, Kill Me Three Times) joins the Hyphenates for our August 2016 episode. Lee runs through some of the highlights from the Melbourne International Film Festival, including Pedro Almodovar’s Julieta, Ben Wheatley’s High-Rise, Sergei Loznitsa’s The Event, Kelly Reichardt’s Certain Women, Rohan Spong’s Winter At Westbeth, Asghar Farhadi’s The Salesman, Nicholas Winding Refn’s The Neon Demon and Oliver Assayas’s Personal Shopper, and Sophie talks about Patricia Rozema’s Into the Forest. Then Kriv takes us through the works and career of Australian New Wave pioneer and acclaimed filmmaker Peter Weir.

Writer, editor and critic Rebecca Harkins-Cross joins the Hyphenates to talk some of the key films of July 2016, including Steven Spielberg’s The BFG, Justin Lin’s Star Trek Beyond and Paul Feig’s Ghostbusters. Then Rebecca takes us through the extraordinary, unbelievable filmography of German New Wave’s enfant terrible writer/director/actor Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

Author and journalist Maria Lewis joins us to look back at the films of June 2016 (according to UK release dates!): Shane Black’s The Nice Guys, Studio Ghibli’s latest animated drama When Marnie Was There, and the adaptation of Timothy Conigrave’s memoir Holding the Man. They then check out the unprecedented rules that Paramount has announced for Star Trek fan films. Finally, Maria enthuses about the films of modern genre favourite Guillermo Del Toro.

Actor, screenwriter and comedy icon Alice Lowe joins the Hyphenates as they look back at some of the key films of this month, including Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, Deniz Gamze Ergüven’s Mustang, and comedy biopic Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. They then examine the current vitriolic backlash at upcoming female-led blockbusters, from Ghostbusters to Star Wars: Rogue One. Then Alice takes us through the groundbreaking filmography of the legendary Jim Henson.

Actor and filmmaker Kate Hardie joins the Hyphenates this month, as we look at some of the key films released in April 2016, including Jamie Adams’ improvised comedy Black Mountain Poets, Sebastian Schipper’s single-take feature Victoria and Hirokazu Koreeda’s comedy/drama Our Little Sister. Kate, Sophie and Lee then look at the films of legendary documentarian Shirley Clarke for our semi-regular mini-Hyphenates segment. Finally, Kate takes us through the career of her filmmaker of the month - a filmmaker Kate worked with on many occasions - the brilliant Antonia Bird.

Writer Martyn Pedler joins us this month as we look at some of the key films of March 2016, including Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson’s stop motion animated drama Anomalisa, Patricio Guzmán’s documentary The Pearl Button, and Zack Snyder’s contention franchise-builder Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Martyn, Sophie and Lee then look at the push to stream new release films into the home, and whether we’ll soon be able to legally watch new releases from the comfort of our living room. Then Martyn takes us through the filmography of the unique and beloved American indie filmmakers, Joel and Ethan Coen.

Filmmaker, academic and film theorist Laura Mulvey joins the Hyphenates as they look over some of the key new releases of February 2016, including 13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI, A BIGGER SPLASH and RAMS. Laura, Sophie and Lee then look at why they are feeling a fatigue with new releases, and how changing technology may play a part. Finally, Laura takes us through the biography, career and films of the great German director Max Ophüls.

Dark Horizons creator and editor Garth Franklin joins the show, as we look at some of the key films of this month, including THE HATEFUL EIGHT, ROOM and CREED. In the wake of the deaths of David Bowie and Alan Rickman, they then examine how we mourn beloved film icons, and how their legacies interact with their defining performances. Then, Garth takes us through the career and filmography of one of the horror cinema’s most important directors, John Carpenter.

Sophie and Lee sit down for their first ever face-to-face episode, recorded just north of London. They look back at the key film of December 2015, STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, and eschew both the past UK and future Australian release dates for Danny Boyle and Aaron Sorkin’s STEVE JOBS biopic. They then compare notes on their respective five favourite films of 2015, but will there be any common ground in these wildly different lists? Finally, they take a look at the short filmography of a filmmaker who was far better known in the music world: Belgian  singer Jacques Brel, whose two films as director are little-known, but undeniably brilliant.

Film and arts journalist Tom Clift joins the show this month as we look over some of the key films of November 2015, including THE DRESSMAKER, CAROL, BRIDGE OF SPIES and JUNUN. They then examine the different forms of streaming and digital distribution channels that are suddenly available, and the ways to curate your viewing in this new landscape. Then Tom introduces us to the weirdly brilliant and deeply funny films of independent animator Don Hertzfeldt.

Sydney-based writer and film critic Blake Howard joins Sophie and Lee to look back at the key films of October 2015, including THE WALK, LEGEND and MACBETH. They then tackle the perennial issue of film vs digital, and look at where the debate stands in 2015. Then Blake takes us through the career and films of the great US auteur Michael Mann.

UK film critic and author Sophie Mayer joins Hyphenates for this special bumper episode that begins with an big announcement regarding the show! Then Sophie, Paul and Lee look back over some of the key films of this month, including LONDON ROAD, THE MARTIAN and A SECOND CHANCE. They end with an epic look back at the films of groundbreaking horror auteur, George A Romero.

Film critic and author Alexandra Heller-Nicholas joins the show to look at three new films: IRRATIONAL MAN, THE FORBIDDEN ROOM and A PIGEON SAT ON A BRANCH REFLECTING ON EXISTENCE. We then return to our semi-regular mini-Hyphenate segment to look at the fascinating career of Herk Harvey, director of the cult horror classic CARNIVAL OF SOULS. Then, Alex takes us through the cinema of the legendary Italian giallo filmmaker, Dario Argento.

Philippa Hawker, film critic for The Age and Fairfax Media, joins the Hyphenates to look over some of the key films of this month: MAGIC MIKE XXL, WOMEN HE’S UNDRESSED and ANT-MAN. Then, with Marvel’s “phase two” coming to an end, we look at the Marvel Studio model, and the unprecedented way in which it’s influencing the rest of Hollywood. Then Philippa takes us through the works and careers of one of French cinema’s most innovative and influential filmmakers, Agnès Varda.

Exactly five years after his first appearance, film critic and festival programmer Thomas Caldwell rejoins us to talk some key films of June 2015, ask whether there’s a cinematic god passing moral judgement on characters, and unravel the strange and unique filmography of director David Lynch.

Screenwriter Mark Protosevich (The Cell, I Am Legend, Thor, Oldboy) joins the Hyphenates to talk the key films of May 2015, ask how accurate the writing credits on Hollywood productions actually are, and look at the extraordinary films of the underrated Japanese director Masaki Kobayashi.

Filmmaker Sophie Hyde (52 Tuesdays) joins the Hyphenates as we look at this month’s new releases, ask if independent dramas need a high-concept hook to attract attention in the current media landscape, and explore the works of the legendary trans-Tasman auteur Jane Campion.