We dive into Red Lights (2012), a psychological thriller that blends skepticism, belief, and the enigmatic world of psychic phenomena. Written and directed by Rodrigo Cortés (Buried), the film stars Cillian Murphy and Sigourney Weaver as a pair of investigators determined to expose fraudulent psychics. Their sights are set on Simon Silver (Robert De Niro), a legendary blind performer whose mysterious powers defy explanation—or do they?
Co-hosts Rod Lott and Ryan Luis Rodriguez team up to discuss this layered tale of science versus the supernatural, unraveling its twists and themes. Along the way, they explore if this overlooked gem from James Brummel's Patreon request deserves a closer look. Is Red Lights a misunderstood thriller or a missed opportunity?
Over the years of doing this show, we've lost a lot of people that we've talked to in the past. Though we never had the opportunity to talk with David Lynch, his work is a personal favorite and the subject of many episodes of the show. Since first seeing Eraserhead in high school, Lynch's oeuvre has been the subject of fascination and much discussion on the show. Enjoy our ongoing conversation of some of his work including a discussion on the Wake Up Heavy podcast:
Meet the The Projection Booth on the third floor of the parking garage at 3AM to discuss Alan J. Pakula's All the President's Men (1976), a landmark film about the Watergate scandal that brought down a presidency. Y'know, back when crimes have consequences. Co-hosted by Robert Bellissimo and Andras Jones -- who requested the film for Patreon Request Month -- delves into the gripping story of Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward (Robert Redford ) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman), as they unravel the conspiracy that reached the highest levels of government.
With a razor-sharp script by William Goldman and Pakula’s masterful direction, the film captures the intensity of investigative journalism and the political paranoia of its time. Join us as we explore the making of this cinematic powerhouse, its relevance today, and the passion behind Redford’s drive to bring this story to the screen.
We continue another Patreon month with a pick from Andrew Henrickson: 24 Hour Party People (2002). Join Mike White, Father Malone, and Axel Kohagen as they dive into Michael Winterbottom's electric chronicle of the Manchester music scene, told through the eyes of the ever-charismatic Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan). From Factory Records to the legendary Hacienda, the film brims with unforgettable moments and a who's who of '80s post-punk history, including standout performances by Lennie James, Paddy Consadine, and more.
We were supposed to speak with screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce again for the episode but it didn't happen this time.
On this special episode, Mike interviews Sharif Nakhleh, director of Dread Zeppelin: A Song of Hope (2024), and Jason USA. This compelling documentary charts the bizarre, brilliant journey of the band Dread Zeppelin, blending reggae, Led Zeppelin covers, and a touch of Elvis for a sound and story like no other. Mike unpacks the film’s creation, its exploration of musical eccentricity, and its celebration of the enduring power of hope and creativity.
Starting 2025 with a bang, we're diving into Todd Haynes's groundbreaking feature film debut, Poison (1991). Co-hosted by the fabulous Rahne Alexander and Kyler Fey himself, this episode unpacks the audacious triptych of tales—Hero, Horror, and Homo—that propelled Haynes to indie cinema stardom. Bold, provocative, and unapologetically queer, Poison challenges conventions and leaves an indelible mark on the New Queer Cinema movement. Join us as we explore the film’s layered narratives, its haunting aesthetics, and its enduring impact.
Special Guest: Eric Lax Guest Co-Hosts: Keith Gordon, Andras Jones
Explore the dualities of morality, fate, and human frailty in Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989), Woody Allen's masterful blend of dark comedy and philosophical drama. To close out 2024 and our Patreon-requested series, Mike White welcomes Andras Jones and Keith Gordon for a spirited discussion of this haunting tale. With Martin Landau and Allen himself leading parallel storylines—one of an ophthalmologist spiraling into ethical darkness, the other of a struggling documentarian chasing unrequited love—the film weaves an intricate tapestry of guilt, ambition, and existential reckoning. Along the way, a blind rabbi offers wisdom (and serves as a poignant metaphor) as the characters navigate their moral crossroads.
The episode features an interview with Woody Allen's friend and biographer Eric Lax who describes Allen's process and the evolution of Crimes and Misdemeanors.
It's that time again to look back on the year and celebrate the better parts of 2024. Rather than looking at the most- and least-downloaded episodes, I wanted to share my favorite ones to do. Of course, I love every episode of The Projection Booth that goes out but these were the most fun to discuss and/or research. I hope you have as much fun listening to them:
Guest Co-Hosts: Rod Lott, Ryan Luis Rodiguez
Over the years of doing this show, we've lost a lot of people that we've talked to in the past. Though we never had the opportunity to talk with David Lynch, his work is a personal favorite and the subject of many episodes of the show. Since first seeing Eraserhead in high school, Lynch's oeuvre has been the subject of fascination and much discussion on the show. Enjoy our ongoing conversation of some of his work including a discussion on the Wake Up Heavy podcast:
Guest Co-Hosts: 
Guest Co-Hosts: 
Special Guests: 
Guest Co-Hosts: 
Special Guest: 
