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The Formative Films Project: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Braden Shaw
100 interviews. 100 movies. 100 firsthand accounts of how the films we watch shape us, entertain us, and help tell the stories of our lives. Written, produced, and hosted by Braden Shaw, this is a 20-part podcast series unpacking what our favorite movies are and why they mean so much to each of us.
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- 5 days ago1h 31m
The Sound of Music with Antonette Gichohu
Born-again cinephile Antonette Gichohu brings some chaotic good energy back to the pod as we revisit one of her all-time favorites — The Sound of Music from 1965.Featured in this episode:- Joan Didion and Pauline Kael vs. The Sound of Music- The New York Times' Bosley Crowther's review- Julie Andrews winning the Oscar for Mary Poppins- Andrews shading Jack Warner at the Golden Globes
- Aug 18, 20261h 34m
Mirror with Oscar Pavlove
Returning to the pod this week is Oscar Pavlove, who wanted to discuss his all-time favorite film, Mirror, directed by Russian master Andrei Tarkovsky.
- Aug 11, 20261h 44m
Jaws with Graham Cannon
Returning to the pod this week is my movie theatergoing partner-in-crime Graham Cannon, who selected Steven Spielberg's blockbuster Jaws from 1975.Featured in this episode:Bilge Ebiri's oral history of SpielbergU.S.S. Indianapolis monologueThe Jaws LogJaws exhibit at Academy Museum
- Aug 4, 20261h 15m
Coming to America with Marco Marquez
Two-time opening interviewee Marco Marquez returns to the pod to discuss the 1988 film, Coming to America. Featured in this episode:Will Smith Oscar speechYou've Got Mail/The GodfatherSiskel & Ebert on Coming to AmericaJason Bailey on Coming to America in 2018
- Jul 28, 20261h 46m
Emma. (2020) with Jillian Leiby
First-time guest Jillian Leiby joins the show to discuss Autumn de Wilde's debut feature, Emma., from 2020.Featured in this episode:LA Times feature on Autumn de WildeChicago International Film FestivalJagWire movie reviews from 2015Sheila O'Malley's reviewPersuasion (2022) trailer
- Jul 21, 20261h 20m
Sinners with Terrell Henderson
This week I welcome longtime friend Terrell Henderson back on the pod to talk about Ryan Coogler's 2025 film, Sinners.Featured in this episode:Guy in the Chair Reacts on TikTokRyan Coogler breaking down film formats with KodakCoogler/Christopher Nolan post-screening Q&AMichael B. Jordan's Oscar speechRyan Coogler's Oscar speechAutumn Durald Arkapaw Oscar speech
- Jul 14, 20261h 52m
C'mon C'mon with EJ Paras
The Formative Films Project is BACK for season two, starting with Mike Mills' 2021 film, C'mon C'mon, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann and Woody Norman. Featured in this episode:NYFF Q&A with Joaquin Phoenix, Mollie Webster and Mike MillsI Am Easy to Find by The NationalEthan Hawke TED TalkAngelica Jade Bastien's review from 2021Angelica on Disclosure Day
- Jul 29, 20212h 37m
Auteur Corner: Paul Schrader, Paul Thomas Anderson, Alfonso Cuarón, Bong Joon-ho
After all this buildup — months of interviews, editing, a trailer, and 19 previous episodes — we’ve made it to the season finale of The Formative Films Project. And what better way to cap it off than with a celebration of five of the best filmmakers working today? We’ll look at the iconoclastic Paul Schrader, who’s built not only a successful career as a gun-for-hire screenwriter, but also an accomplished director in his own right. There’s also Paul Thomas Anderson, a Robert Altman disciple who’s leaned heavily into his influences while still crafting his own wholly original stories, whether it be in the San Fernando Valley or 1950s London. Alfonso Cuarón — a third of the Academy Awards' beloved "Three Amigos" — has perfected the balance between mainstream and arthouse, from the Harry Potter franchise and big-budget science fiction, to poignant, authentically Mexican stories you might find in the Criterion Collection. And finally, there’s Bong Joon-ho, the South Korean auteur who’s mastered police procedurals, monster movies, family dramas, and high-concept sci-fi, all featuring commentary on class inequality. He even has three Oscars and a Palme d’Or to show for it. While the work speaks for itself, this episode is truly a celebration of some of the best films — and filmmakers — of the past decade. 3:14 - 35:02: First Reformed (Liam Quinn) 35:04 - 1:04:29: The Master (Ishan Parikh) 1:04:30 - 1:35:23: Phantom Thread (Oscar Pavlove) 1:35:44 - 2:07:02: Roma (Stephanie Morales Macedo) 2:07:03 - 2:36:34: Parasite (Jay Tapaoan)
About The Formative Films Project
100 interviews. 100 movies. 100 firsthand accounts of how the films we watch shape us, entertain us, and help tell the stories of our lives. Written, produced, and hosted by Braden Shaw, this is a 20-part podcast series unpacking what our favorite movies are and why they mean so much to each of us.
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