Podcast Summary: "Dear Movies, I Love You"
Episode: "Nothing To Sneeze At"
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the poignant episode titled "Nothing To Sneeze At," hosts Millie De Chirico and Danielle Henderson of Dear Movies, I Love You share significant updates about their podcast journey, culminating in heartfelt discussions about their favorite films centered around the theme "Meditations on Aging." This episode not only marks a major transition for the hosts but also delves deep into the nuanced portrayals of aging in cinema.

Major Announcement: Podcast Conclusion

[00:54 - 04:50]

Millie De Chirico and Danielle Henderson open the episode with an unexpected but heartfelt announcement: they will be ending their podcast, "I Saw What You Did," on November 26th. This decision stems from evolving personal lives and career goals rather than any discord between the hosts.

• Millie:
  "We are in a place where we're coming to the end of basically a contract, and we talked about what we wanted to do. We both really want to focus on our respective careers." [02:00]

• Danielle:
  "This is a testament to our friendship that we were able to talk about it openly. I want to keep our friendship strong and not let the podcast cause any resentment." [02:47]

The hosts emphasize that their decision is made while they are still enjoying the podcast, ensuring that the end comes at a high point rather than dwindling interest or energy.

[04:50 - 07:36]

They express gratitude towards the Exactly Right podcast network, highlighting its support and the permanence of their past episodes. Danielle mentions,
"Exactly Right is leaving every episode. They are very kind to us and supportive." [04:50]

Millie reflects on their journey,
"We started this podcast during lockdown, and it's been amazing to see how we've evolved over the past four years." [05:44]

Upcoming Live Show

[07:36 - 09:34]

To commemorate their journey, Millie and Danielle announce their first and only live show scheduled for November 7th at the Tara Theater in Atlanta, Georgia.

• Danielle:
  "Come celebrate with us or commiserate because we don't know what the outcome of the election is at the time of this recording." [07:44]

The live event will feature a Q&A session, games, and a group discussion of a selected movie, providing a final in-person celebration of their project.

Life Updates: Balancing Careers and Personal Lives

[10:21 - 22:56]

The conversation shifts to personal updates, with both hosts sharing their life changes:

• Millie:
  "I'm splitting my time between New York and LA, managing responsibilities in both locations." [02:47 - 04:50]

• Danielle:
  Discusses her move back to LA, her positive attitude towards the transition, and her involvement in a new project with Raphael Bob-Waksberg. She elaborates on the challenges and joys of balancing life between New York and LA, highlighting her gratitude for having a supportive network and a lucrative career that allows her this flexibility.

  "I'm lucky that I'm in a well-paid career. It's allowed me to manage responsibilities in two different places." [20:08]

They reflect on the volatility of the entertainment industry, acknowledging past uncertainties and expressing excitement about their future endeavors, including potential new podcasts, books, and TV projects.

Theme Introduction: Meditations on Aging

[26:21 - 82:45]

The core of the episode revolves around the theme "Meditations on Aging," where Millie and Danielle discuss two films that poignantly explore the nuances of aging.

1. "Only Lovers Left Alive" (2013) by Jim Jarmusch

• [27:35 - 43:42]

Millie introduces "Only Lovers Left Alive," a film that melds vampiric lore with deep philosophical musings on existence and aging. Directed by renowned filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, the movie stars Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston as Adam and Eve, centuries-old vampires navigating modern decay.

• Millie:
  "Jim Jarmusch was one of the first directors I got into during high school. 'Only Lovers Left Alive' feels like a meditation from an elder punk statesman." [31:06]

• Danielle:
  Explores the film’s depiction of environmental decay and the characters' struggle with modernity, emphasizing Adam's misanthropic tendencies and his reliance on pure blood sourced meticulously to avoid contamination.

  "Adam is living in a dilapidated Victorian brownstone in Detroit, rejecting modern technology and the decay it brings." [43:43]

The hosts delve into character dynamics, including the tragic demise of Anton Yelchin's character Ian and the burgeoning tensions introduced by Eve's sister, Ava, played by Mia Wasikowska.

• Notable Quote:
  "This is a love letter to old souls... something that should be revisited in middle age." [56:48]

2. "Away from Her" (2007) by Sarah Polley

• [60:14 - 79:53]

Danielle presents "Away from Her," a film adapted from Alice Munro's short story, directed by Sarah Polley. The narrative focuses on Fiona and Grant Anderson, portrayed by Julie Christie and Gordon Pinsent, as they navigate the challenges posed by Fiona's Alzheimer's diagnosis after forty-four years of marriage.

• Danielle:
  "After 44 years together, a husband deals with his wife's Alzheimer's, leading her to move into a care facility and fall in love with another man." [60:24]

The discussion touches upon the film’s emotional depth, exploring themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of long-term relationships. Danielle shares a personal connection, relating the film's portrayal of caregiving and memory loss to her experiences with her own grandmother.

• Danielle:
  "Grant's realization of loneliness and his reflections on his life's choices make this a profound meditation on aging." [72:30]

• Notable Quote:
  "The definition of living well as you reach middle age or beyond... What does it mean?" [59:15]

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

[80:35 - 82:45]

As the episode draws to a close, Millie and Danielle reiterate their gratitude to their listeners and provide information on how to stay connected post-podcast. They hint at a potential bonus episode and announce their next theme, which will explore movies like "Parasite" (2019) and "Triangle of Sadness" (2022).

• Danielle:
  "Thank all of you for being here with us. You've made it so much more fun." [25:59]

• Millie:
  Encourages listeners to follow their individual social media accounts and stay tuned for their future projects.

Conclusion

"Nothing To Sneeze At" serves as both a farewell and a reflective homage to the art of cinema through the lens of aging. Millie De Chirico and Danielle Henderson eloquently blend personal narratives with cinematic analysis, offering listeners a rich tapestry of insights and emotions. As they transition to new ventures, their final discussions on "Only Lovers Left Alive" and "Away from Her" encapsulate the enduring impact of films that thoughtfully examine the human condition.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "We are in a place where we're coming to the end of basically a contract..." — Millie De Chirico [02:00]
• "This is a testament to our friendship that we were able to talk about it openly." — Danielle Henderson [02:47]
• "Jim Jarmusch was one of the first directors I got into during high school." — Millie De Chirico [31:06]
• "This is a love letter to old souls... something that should be revisited in middle age." — Millie De Chirico [56:48]
• "The definition of living well as you reach middle age or beyond... What does it mean?" — Danielle Henderson [59:15]

For those who haven't listened to "Nothing To Sneeze At," this episode offers a compelling blend of personal reflection and cinematic critique, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts eager to explore the intersection of film and the aging experience.