The Next Reel Film Podcast

Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Transgender series with Duncan Tucker’s 2005 film TransAmerica.

Show Notes

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"I never even heard of a tranny church lady."

Felicity Huffman received many accolades for her incredible performance in TransAmerica, but an Oscar was not one of them. Looking back at the various nominees, it’s clear that Huffman should have won. But that’s how these things go, right? Reese Witherspoon was great in Walk the Line and was the popular favorite, and that’s probably because Johnny Cash had made quite a resurgence and the movie really struck a chord with people. But it doesn’t make it hurt any less. Huffman still should’ve won. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Transgender series with Duncan Tucker’s 2005 film TransAmerica. 

We talk about Huffman and the brilliance of her performance, as well as what she had to do to ‘find her voice.’ We also talk about Kevin Zegers, Fionnula Flanagan, Graham Greene and more, looking at what they bring to the table. We discuss Tucker and how sadly he seems to be a one-hit wonder, even though he clearly demonstrated talent with his script and direction here. We look at the script and how some parts work better for us than others. And we touch on the soundtrack and how the country vibe throughout the film really grounded it for us. 

It’s a film that has a lot to say about the life of being a transgender, about family, about loneliness and about finding your voice. We have a great time talking about it and consider this a must watch if for no other reason than to see Huffman’s incredible transformation. So check it out then tune in!

Film Sundries

  • Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
  • Script Transcript
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • Original poster artwork
  • Flickchart
  • Letterboxd
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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.
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