Dear Movies, I Love You
Episode: Alan Rudolph & Remember My Name (1978)
Release Date: July 8, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Dear Movies, I Love You, hosts Millie De Chirico and Casey O'Brien delve deep into the world of cinema with a special focus on the 1978 film Remember My Name, directed by the esteemed Alan Rudolph. The episode promises an engaging blend of reenactments, insightful film discussions, and personal anecdotes that both seasoned film enthusiasts and casual listeners will find enriching.

Recreating a Scene from Remember My Name

The episode kicks off with a spirited reenactment of a scene from Remember My Name, showcasing the hosts' playful chemistry and setting the tone for an evening of in-depth movie analysis.

• [04:04] Millie Decherico: "We're going to talk about the movie Remember My Name from 1978, directed by the great Alan Rudolph."

• [02:54] Alan Rudolph: "How great would it be just to fill a little ashtray full of cigarettes at a restaurant inside?"

Their reenactment vividly captures the film's ambiance, providing listeners a taste of the movie's unique atmosphere.

Film Diary: Recent Movie Watchings

Millie shares her recent cinematic explorations, highlighting lesser-known gems and mainstream releases alike.

• [09:17] Millie Decherico: "I watched Pink Narcissus from 1971, a dreamy avant-garde art house film about a gay male sex worker navigating erotic fantasies."

• [11:45] Millie Decherico: "Then I watched Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter. The kills are brutally intense, and Corey Feldman's performance is unforgettable."

Alan Rudolph interjects with his own viewing experiences, including:

• [16:10] Alan Rudolph: "I watched Time Bandits from 1981, a film that was both imaginative and frightening, reminding me of my childhood fears."

Main Discussion: Alan Rudolph and Remember My Name

The heart of the episode lies in the in-depth conversation between Millie, Casey, and guest Alan Rudolph, where they dissect Remember My Name and explore Alan Rudolph's illustrious career.

Understanding Alan Rudolph's Journey

Alan shares his transition from working alongside Robert Altman to carving out his unique directorial path.

• [22:35] Millie Decherico: "Alan Rudolph is a great American director who began his career working with Robert Altman on classics like The Long Goodbye and Nashville."

• [24:07] Alan Rudolph: "I've had to be part AD on my own sets due to small crew sizes, keeping everything together without a dedicated assistant director."

Dissecting Remember My Name

A detailed analysis of the film's narrative, characters, and thematic elements.

• [32:25] Alan Rudolph: "Emily, played by Geraldine Chaplin, is fresh out of a 12-year stint in jail and struggles to fit back into society. Her interactions are eerie, especially her stalking of Neil, portrayed by Anthony Perkins."

• [36:24] Millie Decherico: "Emily's journey is about relearning femininity, evident in scenes like her hostile interactions while buying clothes at a department store."

• [42:07] Alan Rudolph: "The scene where Emily infiltrates Neil and Barbara's house is particularly unsettling. She appears comfortable in their space, which heightens the tension."

• [50:25] Millie Decherico: "The revelation that Emily is Neil's other wife flips the entire narrative, blending elements of noir and melodrama to create a morally ambiguous storyline."

Filmmaking Techniques and Influences

Discussion on Rudolph's inspiration and stylistic choices, drawing parallels with Altman's influence.

• [28:18] Millie Decherico: "Rudolph's films focus heavily on interpersonal relationships and possess a romantic yet off-kilter vibe, much like Altman's work."

• [41:35] Alan Rudolph: "Culver City's bland 70s aesthetic perfectly complements the film's setting, providing a suburban backdrop that contrasts with the characters' internal turmoil."

Preservation and Accessibility of the Film

Alan delves into the challenges surrounding the film's availability and his efforts to preserve his work.

• [80:55] Millie Decherico: "Despite its acclaim, Remember My Name has been largely unavailable on home video due to complex music rights issues and studio constraints."

• [81:15] Alan Rudolph: "The film never saw a proper release on video or DVD, leaving it to survive only through occasional streaming and rare screenings like the one in Atlanta."

He expresses hope for the film's restoration and wider availability, emphasizing its cultural significance.

Film Recommendations: Employee Picks

To conclude the episode, Millie and Alan share their favorite films, offering listeners a curated list of must-watch movies.

Millie's Recommendation: Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle (1994)

• [86:35] Millie Decherico: "This biography of Dorothy Parker is a stellar ensemble piece featuring Jennifer Jason Leigh, Campbell Scott, and a host of other talented actors. It's a perfect blend of humor and intellectual discourse, showcasing the brilliance of the Algonquin Roundtable."

Alan's Recommendation: Between the Lines (1977)

• [89:34] Alan Rudolph: "Though not directed by me, Joan Micklin Silver's Between the Lines is a fantastic ensemble drama about an alternative newspaper in Boston. With performances by Jeff Goldblum, John Heard, and Matthew Broderick, it's a delightful exploration of young creatives navigating their personal and professional lives."

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts invite listeners to engage with the podcast through emails and voicemails, fostering a community of film lovers eager to discuss and share their cinematic experiences. They also tease the next episode, which will explore VHS era classics, celebrating the nostalgic charm of vintage tapes and the unique viewing experiences they offer.

• [93:02] Millie Decherico: "Next week, we'll be diving into VHS era classics, reminiscing about the thrill of inserting those large tapes into equally large machines. It's going to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane!"

The episode concludes on a high note, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating future discussions and deep dives into the world of films.

Notable Quotes

• Millie Decherico [04:05]: "We're going to talk about the movie Remember My Name from 1978, directed by the great Alan Rudolph."

• Alan Rudolph [22:35]: "I've had to be part AD on my own sets due to small crew sizes, keeping everything together without a dedicated assistant director."

• Millie Decherico [50:25]: "The revelation that Emily is Neil's other wife flips the entire narrative, blending elements of noir and melodrama to create a morally ambiguous storyline."

• Alan Rudolph [81:15]: "The film never saw a proper release on video or DVD, leaving it to survive only through occasional streaming and rare screenings like the one in Atlanta."

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This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting key discussions, insightful analyses, and engaging interactions between the hosts and their guest, Alan Rudolph. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema or new to Alan Rudolph's work, this episode offers a rich exploration of film artistry and storytelling.