In this delightful episode of Movies We Like, we have the pleasure of welcoming director John Patton Ford to join us – Andy Nelson and Pete Wright – for an engaging discussion about his career journey and one of his all-time favorite films, Jacques Audiard's The Beat That My Heart Skipped. The conversation kicks off with John sharing a fascinating anecdote about how his appearance on our podcast The Next Reel a decade ago unexpectedly played a role in a legal situation involving one of his scripts. The discussion then shifts to John's experiences as a writer trying to break into the industry and his bold decision to transition into directing, which ultimately led to the creation of his critically acclaimed debut feature, Emily the Criminal.

John shares the challenges he faced as a first-time director, from his successful short film playing well at Sundance to getting his script for Emily the Criminal into the hands of the talented Aubrey Plaza. He shares how their mutual desire to showcase their talents in a gritty, compelling thriller helped bring the project to life. The conversation then takes a passionate turn as John reminisces about discovering The Beat That My Heart Skipped during his early days of filmmaking and how the film left an indelible mark on his creative journey. He effusively praises the movie's raw authenticity, captivating storytelling, and unforgettable ending.

The Beat That My Heart Skipped is a film that beautifully captures the complexity of the human experience, as the protagonist navigates the gritty world of the underground real estate market while rediscovering his long-lost passion for piano performance. We explore with John the parallels between this film and Emily the Criminal, noting how both movies brilliantly capture the idea of characters pushing their boundaries and expanding their sense of self. While The Beat That My Heart Skipped may be a lesser-known work in Audiard's impressive filmography, it remains a powerful and influential piece of cinema that continues to resonate with aspiring filmmakers and audiences alike. John's infectious enthusiasm for the film makes for a great conversation, leading to a truly captivating episode that is sure to inspire listeners to seek out this hidden gem and experience its magic for themselves. So sit back, relax, and join us on this delightful journey as we celebrate the enduring power of great storytelling and the films that shape our lives.

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