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The Director Dossiers: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Johnny Cruz
Each episode of “The Director Dossiers” is a mega deep dive into film history that explores an influential director’s entire career, or focuses on a single movie in their filmography. The show is hosted by Johnny Cruz, an award-winning screenwriter who has written & directed two feature films, alongside Danny Barker, who is a filmmaker, audio engineer, and musician in the band Great Oblivion, two-time nominees at the Asbury Park Music Awards. Together, Johnny and Danny blend insightful, in-depth film discussion with a relaxed, hang-out style atmosphere.
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- Mar 5, 20266h 26m
A Deep Dive on Robert Altman's McCabe & Mrs. Miller - The Director Dossiers Podcast #16
“Welp, I guess if a man’s fool enough not to listen to a film history deep dive on the writing, filming, editing, and release of Robert Altman’s McCabe & Mrs. Miller with a woman, she ain’t gonna think much of him.”Watch on Spotify and listen on Apple Podcasts: https://linktr.ee/TheDirectorDossiers —————————————————CHAPTERS:0:00 — Intro00:59 — The Writing1:44:43 — The Filming4:05:31 — The Editing4:30:25 — The Release4:57:47 — Deconstructing the Western5:53:22 — Sisters of Misery6:19:53 — Thanks for Watching!—————————————————SOURCES:McCabe & Mrs. Miller(The Criterion Collection): https://a.co/d/04XKaoI4Robert Altman’s McCabe & Mrs. Miller: Reframing the American West by Robert T. Self: https://a.co/d/07prfUhP McCabe by Edmund Naughton: https://a.co/d/028aJLrV Robert Altman: The Oral Biography by Mitchell Zuckoff: https://a.co/d/0j1RJ1MA Robert Altman: Jumping Off the Cliff by Patrick McGilligan: https://a.co/d/0eRTET1L Altman on Altman by David Thompson: https://a.co/d/06KLYjxU McCabe & Mrs. Miller by Bruce Jackson and Diane Christian: https://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~bjackson/bfs/mccabe20.pdf The Gentle Tamers by Dee Brown: https://a.co/d/027WQASA Daughters of Joy, Sisters of Misery by Anne M. Butler: https://a.co/d/0ieuO5yt #Robertaltman #westernfilm #western #leonardcohen #revisonistwestern #antiwestern #1970sfilm #filmhistory #filmpodcast #deepdive #cinemahistory #cinema
- Apr 16, 20255h 8m
A Deep Dive on Stanley Kubrick's The Shining - The Director Dossiers #15
All work and no film history makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no deep dive on The Shining makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no fascinating insight makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no Stanley Kubrick makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no well researched podcast makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no Director Dossiers makes Jack a dull boy.For more on Kubrick, check out our episodes on Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut, and our episode on his entire filmography.---------------------------------------WATCH THE TRAILER FOR THE DOCUMENTS!:https://thedocumentsmovie.my.canva.site/---------------------------------------WATCH on Youtubehttps://linktr.ee/TheDirectorDossiers---------------------------------------CHAPTERS:0:00 – Intro1:55 – The Writing40:56 – The Filming1:48:32 – The Editing2:09:10 – The Release2:39:58 – The Theories4:31:48 – Our Analysis5:07:16 - Thanks for Watching!---------------------------------------Books:Stanley Kubrick by Vincent Lubrutto: https://a.co/d/9jz2gYYKubrick: An Odyssey by Robert P. Kolker & Nathan Abrams: https://a.co/d/6gQjEnJThe Stanley Kubrick Archives edited by Alison Castle: https://a.co/d/4Uvz69OStanley Kubrick and Me: Thirty Years at his Side by Emilio D’Alessandro: https://a.co/d/6ycWS4QKubrick by Michael Herr: https://a.co/d/i1AREP4Stanley Kubrick: A Life by David Mikics: https://a.co/d/0jEjg94Stanley Kubrick: Interviews by Gene D. Phillips: https://a.co/d/1PnrI4IStanley Kubrick: The Complete Films by Paul Duncan: https://a.co/d/6UZs2aeEyes Wide Shut: Stanley Kubrick and the Making of His Final Film. by Robert P. Kolker & Nathan Abrams: https://a.co/d/g4u0Ib5For more Kubrick talk visit these channels and videos:The Kubrick Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOXNWogCLfM&list=PLvVelKSa0ZrL6ZpY7XuNl8hRomAutPjWF&pp=iAQBCollative Learning:https://www.youtube.com/@collativelearningEyebrow Cinemahttps://www.youtube.com/@EyebrowCinemaCinematyler:https://www.youtube.com/@CinemaTylerBroey Deschanel:https://youtu.be/QLUwtSZseKk?si=3rh8n98Uob-PpCpd
- Mar 4, 20253h 21m
The Life and Films of David Lynch(1990-2025) - The Director Dossiers Podcast #14
Special Agent Dale Cooper: Diane, The Director Dossiers released Part Two of their David Lynch retrospective. This time they detail the history behind the productions of Wild at Heart, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, Lost Highway, The Straight Story, Mulholland Drive, Inland Empire, and Twin Peaks: The Return. My god, I've learned a lot about David Lynch, and their insight into his movies has really made me appreciate the man and his stories. Diane, do yourself a favor and watch Lynch's work.---------------------------------------Watch on Youtube;https://linktr.ee/TheDirectorDossiers---------------------------------------CHAPTERS:0:00 – Intro0:56 – Wild at Heart30:16 - Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me59:04 – Side Projects1:10:27 – Lost Highway1:42:02 – The Straight Story1:54:46 – Mulholland Drive2:21:21 – Inland Empire2:46:41 – Side Projects 22:54:25 - Twin Peaks: The Return3:19:16 - Thanks for Watching!---------------------------------------RESOURCES:David Lynch YouTube Playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkhiZW2Zi4nh4mu2OOAuOJBlKQttpwofC&si=9nZAkaOj0qJ_fR5hBooks:Room to Dream by Kristine McKenna & David LynchLynch on Lynch by Chris RidleyDavid Lynch: Beautiful Dark by Greg OlsonCatching the Big Fish by David LynchDavid Lynch: A Retrospective by Ian Nathan#davidlynch #bluevelvetthoughts #dune #twinpeaks #eraserhead #losthighway #mulhollanddrive
- Feb 18, 20253h 23m
The Life and Films of David Lynch(1946-1990) - The Director Dossiers #13
Special Agent Dale Cooper: Diane, 7:30am, February 24th. I've discovered a film history podcast called The Director Dossiers. Two filmmakers blending insightful, in-depth film discussion with a relaxed, hang-out style atmosphere. Never seen such a well-researched podcast in my life. They've just released Part One of a two episode retrospective on the life and filmography of David Lynch. They detail the history behind the productions of Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Dune, Blue Velvet, and Twin Peaks: The Original Series. Damn good conversation. Diane, if you ever stumble upon The Director Dossiers, that podcast is worth a listen.LEARN MORE about our movie THE DOCUMENTS!: https://thedocumentsmovie.my.canva.siteCheck out our review of Wolf Man w/DUSTY OHIO VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/@UC-GRvkc9ulwQvQ5e05HAwdw ---------------------------------------Watch on Youtube:https://linktr.ee/TheDirectorDossiers?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=35a5599b-c324-4892-bed1-147264efa55a---------------------------------------CHAPTERS:0:00 – Intro0:45 – Early Life18:36 - First Short Films40:07 – Eraserhead1:16:13 – The Elephant Man1:41:02 – Dune2:20:31 – Blue Velvet2:53:16 – Twin Peaks3:23:15 – On to Part 2!---------------------------------------RESOURCES:David Lynch YouTube Playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkhiZW2Zi4nh4mu2OOAuOJBlKQttpwofC&si=9nZAkaOj0qJ_fR5hBooks:Room to Dream by Kristine McKenna & David LynchLynch on Lynch by Chris RidleyDavid Lynch: Beautiful Dark by Greg OlsonCatching the Big Fish by David LynchDavid Lynch: A Retrospective by Ian Nathan
- Jan 7, 20253h 58m
A Deep Dive on James Cameron's Titanic - The Director Dossiers #12
Rose: I have to let go Jack.Jack: What, why? Never let go, Rose.Rose: The Director Dossiers released a deep dive on the history behind the writing, filming, editing, and record-shattering release of James Cameron's Titanic. I need to let go to press play. I need to explore how James Cameron pushed technological boundaries years before the Avatar franchise and crafted one of the most ambitious productions in Hollywood History.Jack: Understandable. Let me go.---------------------------------------VISIT AMBER & KEY: https://amberandkey.com/---------------------------------------LEARN MORE about our FEATURE FILM “THE DOCUMENTS!”https://linktr.ee/thedocumentsmovie---------------------------------------Watch on Youtube:https://linktr.ee/TheDirectorDossiers?utm_source=linktree_profile_share---------------------------------------Danny’s Instagram:@danny_barker@zatheband---------------------------------------CHAPTERS:0:00 – Intro0:56 – Amber & Key2:04 – The Writing/Research31:16 – Filming the Titanic Wreck47:51 – The Pre-Production1:14:02 – The Production2:13:02 – The Post-Production2:59:02 – The Release3:16:38 – Our Thoughts3:56:59 – Thanks for watching---------------------------------------RESOURCES:James Cameron YouTube Playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkhiZW2Zi4nhsNvFPrljayCCqLNW5oRoB&si=y-wt-fiVP_pFmi0jJames Cameron on Howard Stern: https://youtu.be/UjcNir7iBMg?si=pBXc0JpThTz5nOcBThe Olympic/Titanic Conspiracy: https://youtu.be/KxkEMge4118?si=GaKOFojmoCcOO1jkJames Cameron’s LSD trip: https://youtu.be/BC63BPsx-1s?si=mbHdt6EjfZtr4YADBooks: The Futurist: The Life and Films of James Cameron by Rebecca Keegan: https://a.co/d/bLjV3LnTitanic and the Making of James Cameron by Paula Parisi: https://a.co/d/cMOPz3HJames Cameron’s Titanic by Jain Lemos: https://a.co/d/5x5TOpI
- Dec 12, 20243h 22m
A Deep Dive on Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket - The Director Dossiers Podcast #11
Listen up, soldier! We got a film history boot camp for you that dives deep into the writing, filming, editing, and release of Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, and like old Uncle Sam says, I want YOU to join us! Now drop and give me 203 minutes of listening!For more on Kubrick, check out our episodes on The Shining, Eyes Wide Shut, and our episode on his entire filmography.---------------------------------------LEARN MORE about our FEATURE FILM:https://linktr.ee/thedocumentsmovie---------------------------------------Watch on Youtube:https://linktr.ee/TheDirectorDossiers---------------------------------------Danny’s Instagram:@danny_barker@zatheband---------------------------------------CHAPTERS:0:00 – Intro1:05 – The Writing26:38 – The Filming1:59:00 – The Editing2:13:45 – The Release2:23:05 – Thoughts and Analysis3:21:13 – Final Thoughts---------------------------------------RESEARCH:Full Metal Jacket Youtube Playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkhiZW2Zi4ngwsHS8xjuforOn6Syvekwn&si=xVr5mrcTiq-sK-yOBooks: The Short Timers by Gustav Hasford: https://a.co/d/ieOTmVvFull Metal Jacket Diary by Matthew Modine: https://a.co/d/3au0TTAThe Stanley Kubrick Archives edited by Alison Castle: https://a.co/d/4Uvz69OStanley Kubrick and Me: Thirty Years at his Side by Emilio D’Alessandro: https://a.co/d/6ycWS4QKubrick by Michael Herr: https://a.co/d/i1AREP4Stanley Kubrick: A Life by David Mikics: https://a.co/d/0jEjg94Stanley Kubrick: Interviews by Gene D. Phillips: https://a.co/d/1PnrI4IStanley Kubrick: The Complete Films by Paul Duncan: https://a.co/d/6UZs2ae2001: A Space Odyssey(BFI Film Classics) by Peter Krämer: https://a.co/d/duKTZFLEyes Wide Shut: Stanley Kubrick and the Making of His Final Film. by Robert P. Kolker & Nathan Abrams: https://a.co/d/g4u0Ib5For more Kubrick talk visit these channels and videos:The Kubrick Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOXNWogCLfM&list=PLvVelKSa0ZrL6ZpY7XuNl8hRomAutPjWF&pp=iAQBCollative Learning: https://www.youtube.com/@collativelearningEyebrow Cinemahttps://www.youtube.com/@EyebrowCinemaCinematyler:https://www.youtube.com/@CinemaTylerBroey Deschanel:https://youtu.be/QLUwtSZseKk?si=3rh8n98Uob-PpCpd#StanleyKubrick #StanleyKubricktalk #Full Metal Jacket talk #Kubrickpodcast #Directorpodcasts #directorspodcast #filmdirectorpodcast
- Nov 8, 20246h 20m
The Life and Films of Martin Scorsese(2000-Present) - The Director Dossiers Podcast #10
Jordan Belfort: Sell me this podcast.Johnny: Oh, sure... Uh... Well, it's the Finale of our historical retrospective on Martin Scorsese's entire filmography. We worked really hard, did a lot of research, and hope people relax, learn and have fun.Danny: We dive into the history behind the productions of Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island, Hugo, The Wolf of Wall Street, Silence, The Irishman, Killers of the Flower Moon and more--Jordan Belfort: Wait, this sounds good.Johnny: All three episodes come in at over 14 hours--Jordan Belfort: Shhhh! I'm listening to this podcast called The Director Dossiers.---------------------------------------Watch on Youtube:https://linktr.ee/TheDirectorDossiers---------------------------------------CHAPTERS:0:00 – Intro0:27 – Gangs of New York51:45 - Johnny’s Abraham Lincoln Impression53:49 – The Aviator1:18:36 – Shark Tale1:21:02 – No Direction Home: A Bob Dylan Story1:34:17 – The Departed2:07:47 – Shine A Light2:12:11 – Shutter Island2:41:10 – Side Projects Part 22:56:15 – George Harrison: Living in the Material World3:04:44 – Hugo3:37:42 – The Wolf of Wall Street4:04:36 – Silence4:22:43 – Rolling Thunder Revue4:27:52 – The Irishman5:10:40 – Public Speaking and Pretend It’s a City5:18:09 – Side Projects Part 35:41:15 - Killers of the Flower Moon6:15:41 – Thanks for Watching---------------------------------------RESOURCES:Martin Scorsese YouTube Playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkhiZW2Zi4njMH5TJn6bWMXN43FHW_vKf&si=pUvYXECdpK7UINWoBooks: Martin Scorsese: A Journey by Mary Pat Kelly: https://a.co/d/gpTYZVvConversations with Scorsese by Richard Schickel: https://a.co/d/dhUXxhtA Life in Movies by Irwin Winkler: https://a.co/d/5BjTJW9Working Class War by Christian G. Appy: https://a.co/d/cfjvF6p
- Sep 20, 20243h 56m
The Life and Films of Martin Scorsese (1981-1999) - The Director Dossiers Podcast #9
Insightful how? Insightful like I'm a well researched podcast? I'm entertaining, I make you laugh? I'm here to #$%@ing give you Part Two of a series on Martin Scorsese's filmography and detail the history of productions like The King of Comedy, After Hours, The Color of Money, The Last Temptation of Christ, New York Stories, Goodfellas, Cape Fear, The Age of Innocence, Casino, Kundun, My Voyage to Italy, and Bringing Out the Dead? What do you mean "insightful"? Insightful how? How is The Director Dossiers insightful? Tell me!---------------------------------------Watch on Youtube:https://linktr.ee/TheDirectorDossiers---------------------------------------CHAPTERS:0:00 – Intro0:31 – The King of Comedy24:28 – After Hours42:01 – The Color of Money1:04:20 – The Last Temptation of Christ1:29:31 – New York Stories1:43:20 – Scorsese’s Daily Life1:45:41 – Goodfellas2:05:42 – Cape Fear2:31:24 – The Age of Innocence2:44:49 – Scorsese’s Side Projects2:59:09 – Casino3:18:14 – Kundun3:35:29 – Bringing Out the Dead3:54:14 – Thanks for Watching---------------------------------------RESOURCES:Martin Scorsese YouTube Playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkhiZW2Zi4njMH5TJn6bWMXN43FHW_vKf&si=pUvYXECdpK7UINWoBooks: Martin Scorsese: A Journey by Mary Pat Kelly: https://a.co/d/gpTYZVvConversations with Scorsese by Richard Schickel: https://a.co/d/dhUXxhtA Life in Movies by Irwin Winkler: https://a.co/d/5BjTJW9
About The Director Dossiers
Each episode of “The Director Dossiers” is a mega deep dive into film history that explores an influential director’s entire career, or focuses on a single movie in their filmography. The show is hosted by Johnny Cruz, an award-winning screenwriter who has written & directed two feature films, alongside Danny Barker, who is a filmmaker, audio engineer, and musician in the band Great Oblivion, two-time nominees at the Asbury Park Music Awards. Together, Johnny and Danny blend insightful, in-depth film discussion with a relaxed, hang-out style atmosphere.
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