The Projection Booth Podcast

On this special episode, Mike talks with Sharif Nakhleh, director of Dread Zeppelin: A Song of Hope (2024), and producer Jason USA. This compelling documentary charts the bizarre, brilliant journey of the band Dread Zeppelin, blending reggae, Led Zeppelin covers, and a touch of Elvis for a sound and story like no other. Mike unpacks the film’s creation, its exploration of musical eccentricity, and its celebration of the enduring power of hope and creativity.Find out more at https://www.chibson.com/blogs/blog/dread-zeppelin-a-song-of-hope-new-documentaryBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Starting 2025 with a bang, we're diving into Todd Haynes's groundbreaking debut, Poison (1991). Co-hosted by the fabulous Rahne Alexander and Kyler Fey himself, this episode unpacks the audacious triptych of tales—Hero, Horror, and Homo—that propelled Haynes to indie cinema stardom. Bold, provocative, and unapologetically queer, Poison challenges conventions and leaves an indelible mark on the New Queer Cinema movement. Join us as we explore the film’s layered narratives, its haunting aesthetics, and its enduring impact.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Mike dives into the deep end with Patrick Jankiewicz, the author of Just When You Thought It Was Safe: A JAWS Companion. From the film’s iconic legacy to its ripple effect on Hollywood and pop culture, Patrick unpacks the behind the scenes of the shark that changed everything. It’s a fascinating look at the making of a masterpiece, the sequels, and why JAWS still has us afraid to go in the water.Buy it at https://amzn.to/4fFJOxQBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.

Explore the dualities of morality, fate, and human frailty in Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989), Woody Allen's masterful blend of dark comedy and philosophical drama. To close out 2024 and our Patreon-requested series, Mike White welcomes Andras Jones and Keith Gordon for a spirited discussion of this haunting tale. With Martin Landau and Allen himself leading parallel storylines—one of an ophthalmologist spiraling into ethical darkness, the other of a struggling documentarian chasing unrequited love—the film weaves an intricate tapestry of guilt, ambition, and existential reckoning. Along the way, a blind rabbi offers wisdom (and serves as a poignant metaphor) as the characters navigate their moral crossroads.  The episode features an interview with Woody Allen's friend and biographer Eric Lax who describes Allen's process and the evolution of Crimes and Misdemeanors. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.