The Next Reel Film Podcast

Is there more to the film than a great central performance by Joanne Woodward? Can Paul Newman direct? Would Estelle Parsons’ character have made a better character to follow? Tune in to this week’s show to get these answers and more!

Show Notes

"We’re all fools. You can’t be part of the human race and not be a fool to somebody."

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward had already been married for a decade before Newman decided to make his directorial debut with Woodward as his star in 1968’s Rachel, Rachel. The film was a small character piece that likely garnered box office and awards attention because of the caliber of those two people heading it up. It was nominated for Best Picture in 1968, but seems to be largely lost in time these days. How well does it hold up today? Is it worth looking at? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue looking at and celebrating 50th anniversaries of films from 1968 with our series on the Best Picture nominees of that year by talking about Newman’s film Rachel, Rachel.

We talk about why we think the film largely is forgotten these days, what works with it and what doesn’t. We look at Woodward’s performance, clearly a performance that stands out as the principal reason to look at the film. We chat about the other performances in the film, notably Estelle Parsons as Rachel’s friend, and what they bring to the table. We look at what Newman does as a director and talk about how well it works when paired with the cinematography and editing. And we debate what awards and nominations we would’ve bestowed on it if it was up to us.

It’s an interesting film to look at for context of the time, but doesn’t stand out as something worth looking at for anything more than that. Still, it allows for a great conversation, so tune in to this week’s show! 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.