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:
Mike is joined by co-hosts Father Malone and Chris Stachiw to sink their teeth into J.C. Chandor's Kraven the Hunter (2024), the latest cinematic adaptation from Sony's Spider-Man universe. They dissect the film’s portrayal of the infamous anti-hero (Aaron Taylor Johnson)), the performances, and its place in the broader superhero genre. The trio tackles the creative choices, the film’s fidelity to its source material, and whether it brings anything fresh to the crowded landscape of comic book adaptations.
Dive into a neon-drenched dystopia as Mike is joined by Chris Stachiw and Heather Drain to dissect 1982's Kamikaze 89! This cult oddity, directed by Wolf Grem, is the fifth adaptation of Per Wahlöö's Murder on the 31st Floor, but this version catapults the narrative into the "futuristic" world of 1989. Together, the team explores the film’s avant-garde aesthetic, its sly satire on media and power, and the iconic performance of Rainer Werner Fassbinder in a leopard-print suit. It’s a wild ride through West German sci-fi that defies convention and genre.
When cult cinema maestro Jess Franco turns his lens to noir with Downtown (1975), you know you're in for a sleazy, surreal ride! Join Mike White, Heather Drain, and Jessica Shires as they unravel the tangled web of private eyes, femme fatales, and Franco’s unmistakable flair.
This Patreon-requested episode, brought to you by the fabulous Pat Radke, dives deep into one of Franco’s lesser-seen gems. Is Downtown a gritty noir, an erotic fever dream, or something in between? Tune in to find out as the crew discusses its place in Franco's prolific filmography, its unique style, and why it deserves more love.
Guest Co-Hosts: Father Malone, Axel Kohagen
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