Episode Summary: "Dear Movies, I Love You" – Steven Soderbergh & Erin Brockovich (2000) Featuring The Softies

Release Date: March 18, 2025
Hosts: Millie Decherico and Casey O'Brien
Guests: Rose Melberg and Jen Spraja of The Softies

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with hosts Millie Decherico and Casey O'Brien warmly welcoming listeners to "Dear Movies, I Love You." They set the stage for an engaging discussion centered around the 25th anniversary of the film "Erin Brockovich" and delve into the multifaceted career of director Steven Soderbergh. Additionally, they introduce special guests Rose Melberg and Jen Spraja of The Softies, who contribute their unique insights into punk-inspired cinema.

2. Film Diary

The hosts begin by sharing updates from their "Film Diary," a segment where they discuss recent movies they've watched.

• Millie's Picks:

  • "Secretary" (2002): Millie revisits this film for the third time, deepening her appreciation beyond its initial titillation factor to recognize it as a complex love story exploring mental health and coping mechanisms.
    Quote: "It's about a complicated love story and mental health…" (09:15).

• Casey's Picks:

  • "Blade" (1998): Casey describes his first-time viewing experience, highlighting Wesley Snipes' portrayal of Blade as both goofy and serious, leading to a mixed but ultimately enjoyable reaction.
    Quote: "He holds your hand." (12:09)
  • "The Brutalist": Casey shares his thoughts on this long-form movie about a brutalist architect navigating post-WWII America, praising its score and acting while critiquing its second half for being too on-the-nose.
    Quote: "It's a long movie, but it's worth watching." (14:40)

3. Main Discussion: Erin Brockovich & Steven Soderbergh

Anniversary Celebration: Millie and Casey commemorate the 25th anniversary of "Erin Brockovich," highlighting its release on March 14, 2000. They express excitement over the film's enduring impact and discuss its recent success at the Oscars, noting its unexpected sweep of major awards.

• Oscar Success:
  • Quote: "The settlement they got for Hinckley was $333 million..." (20:14)
  • Millie expresses surprise and admiration for the film's Best Picture win, linking it to personal connections with the subject matter and the film’s heartfelt storytelling.

Steven Soderbergh's Career: The conversation shifts to Steven Soderbergh's innovative approaches in filmmaking, including pioneering simultaneous theater and cable releases and experimenting with digital and smartphone filming techniques.

• Innovative Techniques:

  • Quote: "He shot several films on an iPhone that are like, excellent films…" (34:34)

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • Millie shares her connection to Soderbergh through her friendship with his brother, adding a personal layer to their discussion.
    Quote: "I've been friends with his brother for over a decade..." (45:16)

• Evolution as a Director:

  • The hosts debate Soderbergh's transition from indie films to more mainstream projects, reflecting on his versatility and relentless creativity.
    Quote: "He's making incredible art every day." (43:37)

4. Guest Interview: The Softies

Special guests Rose Melberg and Jen Spraja of The Softies join the conversation to discuss their deep-rooted connection to punk-inspired movies.

• Areas of Expertise:

  • Rose: "Rock and Roll High School" – Rose recounts her transformative experience watching the film at 13, which ignited her passion for punk music and inspired her musical career.
    Quote: "This is what I want my life to be." (54:25)

  • Jen: "The Fabulous Stains" – Jen shares how the movie influenced her band's ethos, emphasizing themes of inclusivity and the raw, unpolished spirit of punk.
    Quote: "They feel like real life to me." (68:47)

• Personal Reflections:

  • The Softies discuss the authenticity and enduring relevance of their chosen films, drawing parallels between their music careers and the rebellious, DIY spirit portrayed onscreen.
    Rose: "We just have to sort of rehearse on our own and hope that it sounds okay on stage." (68:47)

• Interactive Moments:

  • The hosts and guests engage in playful banter, including dramatic readings and discussions about iconic movie lines, enhancing the episode's dynamic and relatable atmosphere.

5. Film Advice Section

Listener Jackie writes in with a thoughtful critique of Wes Anderson's recent films, questioning whether they've lost the heartfelt essence of his earlier works.

• Jackie's Gripe:

  • Quote: "Does Wes Anderson need to be stopped?" (78:00)
  • Jackie feels that Anderson's focus on form and set design has overshadowed the emotional core that made his earlier movies resonate.

• Hosts' Responses:

  • Casey empathizes, sharing his own evolving relationship with Anderson's films, noting how initial loves like "Rushmore" and "The Royal Tenenbaums" set high expectations for subsequent works. Quote: "It's a normal part of your relationship with a director." (81:44)

  • Millie adds that artists naturally evolve, which can sometimes alienate long-time fans but is essential for their growth. Quote: "Artists in a nutshell... they have to evolve." (85:57)

6. Recommendations

• Millie's Pick:

  • "Che" (Two-Part Film by Steven Soderbergh): Millie recommends this extensive biographical film about Che Guevara, praising Benicio Del Toro's performance and the film's historical depth.
    Quote: "It's historical. You'll enjoy it." (87:47)

• Casey's Pick:

  • "The Informant" (2009): Casey highly recommends this comedy-drama starring Matt Damon as a quirky whistleblower, highlighting its entertainment value and engaging performances.
    Quote: "It's incredibly fun and a good Midwest Iowa movie." (89:24)

7. Conclusion

Millie and Casey wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with them on social media, participate in future Instagram Lives, and submit their own film-related inquiries for advice segments. They thank Rose Melberg and Jen Spraja of The Softies for their heartfelt contributions and express excitement for future episodes.

• Final Notes:
  • Quote: "Thank you Softies for joining us today. It's just amazing." (93:11)
  • Hosts remind listeners to follow them on Instagram and Letterboxd for updates and additional content.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Millie Decherico: "It's about a complicated love story and mental health…" (09:15)
• Casey O'Brien: "He holds your hand." (12:09)
• Rose Melberg: "We just have to sort of rehearse on our own and hope that it sounds okay on stage." (68:47)
• Casey O'Brien: "It's a normal part of your relationship with a director." (81:44)
• Millie Decherico: "Artists in a nutshell... they have to evolve." (85:57)
• Millie Decherico: "It's historical. You'll enjoy it." (87:47)
• Casey O'Brien: "It's incredibly fun and a good Midwest Iowa movie." (89:24)
• Casey O'Brien: "Thank you Softies for joining us today. It's just amazing." (93:11)

Conclusion

This episode of "Dear Movies, I Love You" offers a rich exploration of "Erin Brockovich" and Steven Soderbergh's influential career, enriched by the passionate insights of The Softies. Through personal anecdotes, thoughtful critiques, and heartfelt recommendations, Millie Decherico and Casey O'Brien craft a compelling narrative that celebrates the enduring power of cinema and its ability to inspire and connect us.

Follow "Dear Movies, I Love You" on Instagram @dearmoviesiloveyou and join the Exactly Right podcast network for more engaging discussions on film, music, and culture.