Don’t Push Pause Don’t Push Pause

Selling an atmospheric, science-fiction film about an extraordinary teenager discovering time travel & saving the world was a lofty pitch for a feature film debut. But writer/director Richard Kelly crafted a mind-bending, unconventional story, packed with powerful visuals & rich subtext, which has now turned it into a modern cult classic. It’s time to unravel the inner-workings of DONNIE DARKO.///***Discussions include***\\\Richard Kelly’s script influences, unwavering ambitiousness & vision for the film; finding a production house, churning up interest & lucky breaks; themes, mythology & interpretations; cast influences & character breakdowns; production, visual effects, cinematography & editing; usage of music & score; challenges with releasing, selling & marketing; memorable scenes, reception, Director’s Cut & legacy.Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Mary McDonnell, Drew Barrymore & so many more star in DONNIE DARKO (2001) /// Directed by Richard Kelly.///***Picks of the Week***\\\    •    Lindsay’s Pick: NOWHERE (1997). James Duval, Rachel True, Nathan Bexton, Christina Applegate /// Directed by Gregg Araki.    •    Justin’s Pick: PRISONERS (2013). Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, Terrence Howard, Paul Dano, Viola Davis /// Directed by Denis Villeneuve.///***MurrayMoment***\\\Billy’s surprising entrance into the Marvel superhero world.

///***Final Thoughts on DONNIE DARKO***\\\Coming in May: SHOWGIRLS (1995).    •    Please rate, review & subscribe.    •    Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.    •    Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comdontpushpausepodcast@gmail.comBe Kind & Rewatch // April 2024

Independent cinema & Parker Posey were once synonymous together. PARTY GIRL provides a nuanced & legitimate snapshot of mid-‘90s New York, complete with updated screwball comedy vibes, an inspiring dose of youth-to-adulthood transition & charm from beginning to end. Strap in for this love letter to indie film!
///***Discussions include***\\\Story conception, inspirations, writer/director collaboration & refining the script; themes, tonality, authenticity & capturing a niche, contemporary reality; type of film & culture-clashing; finding the cast, character discussion & Parker Posey background; heavy music & fashion/costuming influences; difficulties with releasing, premiere & longevity of the film.
Parker Posey, Omar Townsend, Guillermo Diaz & Sasha von Scherler star in PARTY GIRL (1995) /// Directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer.
 
///***Picks of the Week***\\\• Lindsay’s Pick: THE HOUSE OF YES (1997). Parker Posey, Freddie Prince Jr., Josh Hamilton, Tori Spelling /// Directed by Mark Waters.• Justin’s Pick: PRICE CHECK (2012). Parker Posey, Eric Mabius, Amy Schumer, Annie Parisse /// Directed by Michael Walker.///***MurrayMoment***\\\The same Lower Manhattan filming region for PARTY GIRL once provided a refuge for Billy & his SNL counterparts — time to go inside the legendary Blues Bar.
///***Final Thoughts on PARTY GIRL***\\\
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Coming in April: DONNIE DARKO (2001).
• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comdontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com
Be Kind & Rewatch // March 2024

Richard Linklater’s BEFORE SUNRISE, BEFORE SUNSET & BEFORE MIDNIGHT beautifully articulate how finding a rare connection with another person can affect one’s path in life. Without leaning on nostalgia or typical romantic tropes, THE BEFORE TRILOGY became an unintentional series, and spoke volumes about being in the present moment, being affected by the past & moving to the future. 

///***Discussions include***\\\Brief history of Linklater’s career until BEFORE SUNRISE & between the series’ sequels; real-life inspiration behind the continuing story; Kim Krizan & lead actors’ involvement in methodical scriptwriting; importance in casting, chemistry & comfortability; selling the initial script, finding funding & garnering interest in sequels; overall themes, use of time & relatability; breakdowns of each film, growth of characters & relationship evolution throughout multiple years, plus the reception of each film. Julie Delpy & Ethan Hawke star in BEFORE SUNRISE (1995), BEFORE SUNSET (2004) & BEFORE MIDNIGHT (2013) /// Directed by Richard Linklater.///***Picks of the Week***\\\Returning in Episode 114. ///***MurrayMoment***\\\Returning in Episode 114.///***Final Thoughts on THE BEFORE TRILOGY***\\\Next Up:  PARTY GIRL (1995)• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.comdontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com Be Kind & Rewatch // February 13, 2024.




 




 

On its 50th Anniversary, THE EXORCIST can still boast being as effective today as it was on its release date. With an intense production & determined minds, mix in some truth & multiple controversies, this film cemented a permanent place in pop culture history. Take a trip back to uncover the story behind the film which caused people to question their beliefs & faint in theaters. 

///***Discussions include***\\\William Peter Blatty’s inspiration for & true story behind The Exorcist novel, plus fact vs. fiction comparisons; early readings & retaining the novel’s integrity; securing & fighting for William Friedkin to direct; screenplay adaptation, pacing & themes; production difficulties & studio interference; assembling the cast, complications, behind the scenes stories & character breakdowns; music, special effects, make-up & stunts; Friedkin’s unorthodox methods of direction & marketing, injuries & rumors; release, audience reactions & recognition; the 2000 re-release, initial sequels & memorable scenes.
Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller & Max von Sydow star in THE EXORCIST (1973) /// Directed by William Friedkin.
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///***Picks of the Week***\\\• Lindsay’s Pick: BUG (2006). Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Harry Connick Jr. /// Directed by William Friedkin.• Justin’s Pick: CRUISING (1980). Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, Karen Allen, Richard Cox /// Directed by William Friedkin..///***MurrayMoment***\\\Meager Murray Christmas memories, plus some love thrown to the family matriarch, Lucille.
///***Final Thoughts on THE EXORCIST***\\\
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Stay Tuned! We’ll return in February 2024 with All-New Episodes!
• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.com dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com
Be Kind & Rewatch // December 5th, 2023

For being an underseen Martin Scorsese film, AFTER HOURS is responsible for rescuing his career in 1985. This wild, insulated world weaves an intricate web of curiosity & chance rolled into an anxiety dream. Scorsese’s fast-paced, down & dirty style takes up residence within the dark corners of New York for this one-night-only adventure of survival.

//***Discussions include***\\Actors Griffin Dunne & Amy Robinson tracking down the screenplay, finding a director & controversial story origin; what led Scorsese the project; recirculating themes, foreshadowing & key plot points; use of dark comedy, action & anxiety in the film; cast & extreme performances; lighting, cinematography, editing & score; reception, effect on Scorsese’s career & behind the scenes stories.Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Teri Garr & Catherine O’Hara star in AFTER HOURS (1985) /// Directed by Martin Scorsese.//***Picks of the Week***\\• Lindsay’s Pick: SOMETHING WILD (1986). Melanie Griffith, Jeff Daniels, Ray Liotta /// Directed by Jonathan Demme.• Justin’s Pick: BRINGING OUT THE DEAD (1999). Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, John Goodman, Ving Rhames /// Directed by Martin Scorsese..//***MurrayMoment***\\Billy takes his youngest sibling, Joel, on a journey without telling him where they’re going. //***Final Thoughts on AFTER HOURS***\\Next Episode: THE EXORCIST (1973)• Please rate, review & subscribe.• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.• Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.www.dontpushpausepodcast.com (http://www.dontpushpausepodcast.com/)dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.comBe Kind & Rewatch // November 7, 2023 




 




 

‘Tis the season! Strap on the chainsaw, brush up on your ancient Latin & saddle up for a relentlessly manic ride back to the cabin. Bruce Campbell & the Evil Dead crew return for this inventive, rip-roaring adventure that won’t stop until you’re possessed by its spirit!//***Discussions include***\\
The original Evil Dead creators returning to their roots, finding a producer & redux of Stephen King involvement; location importance & corner cutting; assessing what a sequel looks like, plot points, mixing horror & comedy; massive array of practice special effects & favorite moments; cast discussion & on set hardships; skirting around the MPAA rating, release, sequels & longevity of the franchise.
 
Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Kassie Wesley, Dan Hicks, Richard Domeier & Ted Raimi star in EVIL DEAD II (1987) /// Directed by Sam Raimi.
 
//***Picks of the Week***\\
Lindsay’s Pick: BRAIN DAMAGE (1988). Rick Hearst, Jennifer Lowry, Gordon MacDonald /// Directed by Frank Henenlotter.
Justin’s Pick: BUBBA HO-TEP (2002). Bruce Campbell, Ossie Davis, Ella Joyce, Heidi Marnhout, Bob Ivy /// Directed by Don Coscarelli.
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//***MurrayMoment***\\
Billy plays the role of baseball announcer when he subs in for the Cubs mainstay, Harry Caray, in the spring of 1987
 
//***Final Thoughts on EVIL DEAD II***\\
 
Next Episode: AFTER HOURS (1985)
Please rate, review & subscribe.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube.
Hosts: Justin Johnson & Lindsay Reber // Music: Matt Pace // Announcer: Mary Timmel // Logo: Beau Shoulders.
www.dontpushpausepodcast.com
dontpushpausepodcast@gmail.com
 
Be Kind and Rewatch // October 10th, 2023.