The Next Reel Film Podcast

Do the character relationship problems in this film weigh down the strengths of the crime plot? How well do Mickey Rourke, John Lone, and the rest of the cast do? And just how well does the final shootout work? Tune in to this week’s episode to get answers to these questions and more.

Show Notes

As a writer-director, Oliver Stone can maintain a clear vision and deliver the story he wants. When he’s working as a writer for hire, it’s often difficult to clearly get his story across. This certainly was the case when he worked on Year of the Dragon with director Michael Cimino, who wanted to add a Vietnam vet element to the story that wasn’t in the original source material. Stone did that and wrote an effective script, but between the two of them (both credited writers), they seemed to lose any sense as to how to write a fully fleshed out story. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Oliver Stone in the 80s series with Cimino’s 1985 film Year of the Dragon.

We talk about the problems we find in this story as they relate to the characters and their relationships but find we disagree on our overall reactions to the film. Pete found the problems weighed the entire thing down and didn’t like any of it but Andy found the crime story incredibly compelling and made the film enjoyable, despite its character issues. We discuss the actors and why some of them work better than others. We look at the cinematography and why so much looks great though conversations can often be bland. And we go on about the crime story and how the research they did in this area pays off to make it feel authentic.

It’s a film full of issues but it’s going to be the individual viewer’s ability to look past them or not that will determine if they enjoy it or not. We had a great time talking about it regardless, so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

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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.
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.