The Next Reel Film Podcast

“Why do you wait? Put it on for it is not a badge of my shame, but your own.”
Roland Joffé took on the challenge of adapting Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter for the big screen in 1995. With a passion for the source material and a vision to expand the story in ways he felt Hawthorne was restricted from doing, Joffé assembled an impressive cast including Demi Moore, Gary Oldman and Robert Duvall. However, despite his noble intentions, many critics felt Joffé’s reach exceeded his grasp. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1995 Golden Raspberry Awards Worst Director Nominees series with a conversation about The Scarlet Letter.
Here's a hint at what we talk about:
We discuss how Joffé's ambitions to elevate the material and expand the story ended up making the film feel overstuffed and unfocused. The heavy-handed symbolism, like the constantly reappearing "red bird of passion," also didn't work for us. And we both found the new "happy ending" Joffé devised to be a disappointment compared to the novel's more downbeat conclusion. However, we do appreciate his attempts to incorporate more of the indigenous American perspective.
Here are a few other points in our discussion:
  • The overly sentimental score by John Barry... that’s still an amazing score
  • Whether the principle cast was well-suited for a period drama
  • The absurdity of Robert Duvall's unhinged performance that’s still undeniably entertaining
  • The unnecessary Pearl voiceover narration
Overall, while we can appreciate some of what Joffé was trying to accomplish, we feel his reach exceeded his grasp in many ways, resulting in a film that feels messy and unsatisfying. But we have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries

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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.