Podcast Summary: Dear Movies, I Love You – Episode: 70 mm Movies & The Hateful Eight (2015) Featuring Brian Saur
Hosts: Millie de Chirico & Casey O'Brien
Guest: Brian Saur
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Follow on Instagram: @dearmoviesiloveyou
Network: Exactly Right Podcast Network
1. Introduction
The episode kicks off with Millie and Casey expressing their excitement about delving into the world of large-format films and Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight. Millie introduces the main topics, emphasizing their intent to explore the niche of 70 mm and 65 mm film formats, and how these contribute to the cinematic experience.
Millie de Chirico [02:13]: "What we have to discuss today, so much important stuff to go get into, including but not limited to our film diary, where we'll get into all of the movies we saw this past week."
2. Film Diary
Millie's Reflections:
Millie shares her recent engagements with films by Nancy Savoca, particularly highlighting Dogfight (1991), starring River Phoenix. She recounts her emotional connection to the film, describing it as "so special, so tender."
Millie de Chirico [08:09]: "When I first saw this movie, I cried the entire time. It's so special, so tender."
She also touches upon her experience with Turner Classic Movies' programming, mentioning classic films like The Red Shoes and inadvertently watching Annie Hall due to a DVR error. This leads into a discussion about the complexities of appreciating Woody Allen's work in the current cultural climate.
Millie de Chirico [14:39]: "I don't think I need to tell you. Like, when I was a budding cinephile back in the day, I loved Annie Hall. Now, I just don't like it as much anymore."
Brian's Insights:
Brian adds his perspective on narratives involving the director's persona, contrasting it with filmmakers like Roman Polanski. He emphasizes the difficulty in separating the art from the artist in Woody Allen's films.
Brian Sauer [15:33]: "I can't watch that show anymore. I can't enjoy that show anymore."
3. Main Discussion: 70 mm Films and The Hateful Eight
Millie and Brian delve into the significance of 70 mm film formats, discussing why directors like Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan choose this medium to enhance the cinematic spectacle. They explain the technical advantages of 70 mm over the standard 35 mm, highlighting the increased information, clarity, and grandiosity it brings to large-scale productions.
Millie de Chirico [25:07]: "People shooting things in bigger formats because it is more of a spectacle."
Brian illustrates the allure of large-format screenings, comparing the experience to attending a grand event rather than a typical movie night.
Brian Sauer [34:00]: "It was an event."
4. Guest Interview: Brian Saur
Introduction:
Brian Saur, co-host of Pure Cinema and Just the Discs podcasts, joins Millie and Casey to discuss his expertise in the realm of physical media and movie formats.
Millie de Chirico [52:44]: "Please, everybody, welcome Brian Saur."
Physical Media Advocacy:
Brian passionately advocates for physical media, emphasizing its role in preserving films that are not available on streaming platforms. He argues that physical copies offer superior quality, uncompressed visuals, and enriched experiences through commentary tracks and behind-the-scenes content.
Brian Sauer [55:37]: "There's so much stuff that's not streamable. You're missing out on a lot of good stuff if you only stream."
Millie reinforces this by sharing her experiences with accessing films on physical media, highlighting the durability and quality that streaming often lacks.
Discussion on Supporting Lesser-Known Films:
Brian highlights the importance of physical media in supporting and discovering lesser-seen films, providing examples like Payday and Last of Sheila. He argues that streaming platforms often prioritize newer releases, leaving many classic and niche films in obscurity.
Brian Sauer [57:00]: "There's a movie called Payday that is only available on DVD right now. It's not even on Blu-ray. It's not streamable."
Techniques for Film Enthusiasts:
Millie and Brian discuss practical ways for listeners to appreciate and support physical media, including visiting specialized stores and engaging with film communities that value high-quality presentations.
Millie de Chirico [26:59]: "I like the idea that people shoot on film. I like the idea that people choose to shoot things in bigger formats because it is more of a spectacle."
5. Film Advice Segment
Listener Question:
Listener Leigh asks how to sound more knowledgeable when discussing films, particularly focusing on subtle aspects rather than mainstream elements.
Leigh [75:23]: "How do I sound more knowledgeable when I talk about films? I need to know a good way to learn about techniques or what shots are called or what camera movements are called."
Hosts' Advice:
Millie suggests immersing oneself in interviews and podcasts with film professionals to naturally absorb the lingo. Brian encourages not to feel pressured by technical jargon, emphasizing that one's passion and opinions are valid regardless of terminology proficiency.
Brian Sauer [55:38]: "Don't feel like you need to be chasing after this imaginary thing. You have the right vocabulary in you already."
6. Recommendations
Millie's Pick:
Millie recommends The Master (2012) by Paul Thomas Anderson, praising its large-format visuals and deep narrative.
Millie de Chirico [84:07]: "I saw it in the theater in the large format version, so it was great."
Brian's Pick:
Brian highlights Lawrence of Arabia (1962) by David Lean as a must-watch 70 mm film, applauding its breathtaking visuals and complex character dynamics. He also addresses the controversial aspects of the film, such as casting choices.
Brian Sauer [85:08]: "Lawrence of Arabia is a beautiful, breathtaking film and it's very interesting and it's very long and it's huge and it's big."
7. Closing Remarks
Millie and Brian wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of experiencing films in their intended formats and encouraging listeners to explore both classic and niche cinematic works through physical media.
Millie de Chirico [88:28]: "We're decent enough to take these big nerdy subjects and make them palpable to people."
They also extend gratitude to their guest, Brian Saur, and promote his podcasts, Pure Cinema and Just the Discs, urging listeners to explore these resources for deeper film insights.
Brian Sauer [89:31]: "Check out the Pure Cinema podcast and Just the Discs, his two podcasts. They're fabulous."
Final Notes:
This episode of Dear Movies, I Love You offers a profound exploration of large-format films and emphasizes the preservation and appreciation of cinema through physical media. With engaging discussions, expert insights from Brian Saur, and heartfelt recommendations, listeners are encouraged to deepen their cinematic experiences beyond the digital realm.
Connect with Dear Movies, I Love You:
- Instagram: @dearmoviesiloveyou
- Website: DearMoviesactlyRightMedia.com
Guest's Podcasts:
- Pure Cinema Podcast
- Just the Discs Podcast