The Next Reel Film Podcast

Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we delve into the last Listener’s Choice episode of the year, this time with Matthew Medrano to discuss Cronenberg’s film "The Fly."

Show Notes

Cast your vote for The Next Reel as Best TV & Film Podcast today!

"Be Afraid. Be very afraid."

There are certain people that are drawn to a movie because of reports about early screenings where audience members had to leave the theatre because the gore made them physically sick. Whether it’s an attraction to the gruesome horror films, a chance for some good jumps and frights or simply a curiosity to see what the filmmakers could have done to actually make people ill, gore can certainly boost a horror film at the box office. And that certainly was the case with David Cronenberg’s 1986 horror masterpiece The Fly, a remake of the ‘58 version which itself was based on George Langelaan’s short story. Cronenberg, however, is a filmmaker who certainly puts a lot of thought into his films, never one to simply make a gorefest, and this film certainly has more going for it. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we delve into the last Listener’s Choice episode of the year, this time with Matthew Medrano to discuss Cronenberg’s film. 

We talk to Matt about why he picked this film and what he loves about it so much. We talk about our enjoyment with the film and what Cronenberg is doing here, bringing multiple genres together to craft his story. We chat about how the film came to be and what Cronenberg and his co-writer Charles Edward Pogue opted to do in updating the original film (and short story). We look at the perfect blend of Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, a real-life couple at the time who brought amazing amounts of charisma, connection, struggle and heartbreak to the roles. We chat about the production team and the complexities they had in making all of the effects work and bringing them to life. And we look at how well this film did at the box office, surprised that only five years earlier, The Thing couldn’t draw a crowd.

It’s a great film and certainly one worth talking with. Thanks, Matt, for recommending we add it to the show! Now it’s everybody’s turn to check out the movie then tune in to the show!

Film Sundries

  • Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
  • Script Transcript
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • Original poster artwork
  • Art of the Title
  • The Fly (1958) — Netflix
  • Flickchart
  • Letterboxd
    Trailers of the Week
  • Andy's Trailer: A Cure for Wellness — "Gore Verbinski doesn’t always make films I love, but he certainly has a strong directorial touch. His remake of _The Ring_proved he could handle horror, and this certainly looks to be on the same wavelength. Strong cast, incredible visuals and creepy concept all make for something I definitely want to see."
  • Pete's Trailer: Frank & Lola — "It’s probably a bit too easy to compare this to Last Tango in Paris, which is engaging, but overrated. I’m more interested in Michael Shannon than Brando in a role of this ilk, and the last shot of him in this trailer, in the smock splattered in blood, is just the sort of tease that nails a trailer."

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:
The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:
Connect With Us:
Shop & Stream:

Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.