The Next Reel Film Podcast

Did 'L’Auberge Espagnole' need a followup? Why is Xavier so unlikeable? Do the elements that work balance with the elements that don’t?

Show Notes

"How can I write a love story? I know nothing about love. I’m a self-centered egotist."

Cédric Klapisch got a chance to return to the life of Xavier from his successful 2002 film L’Auberge Espagnole just a few years later, but how well does it work out? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our series on Klapisch’s Spanish Apartment trilogy with his 2005 film Russian Dolls.

We look at why this film is vastly more frustrating that its predecessor and that all of our difficulties stem from an unlikeable protagonist. We discuss why the focus on love is a real challenge in a world sullied by Klapisch’s and Xavier’s ‘male gaze’. We look at the creativity in the filmmaking style, why it works in some places, and why it fails in others. And we look at the rest of the wonderful cast and discuss their interesting roles.

It’s a frustrating follow-up to a film that we liked a lot, largely because it feels like Klapisch didn’t have as strong a direction with it. Regardless, 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.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries


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.