For Screen and Country
289 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★ - 12 ratingsBrendan and Jason dive into the British Film Institute's Top 100 British Films of All-Time list. What does that mean? Well, they'll be exploring each film's significance, if it deserves its place in history and answering questions and comments from you, the listeners.
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Episodes
28 Weeks Later
May 08, 2023 04:01 - 1 hourTaking one last break from the list, the guys start the recurring series And Now for Something Completely Similar by discussing the sequel 28 Weeks Later. They talk about the movie being way better than expected, the Hitchcock-esque twist about 40 minutes in, all of the before-they-were-stars actors showing up, the innovative day-for-night shooting technique and much more. Next week: a discussion of another movie revolving around The Troubles in Ireland. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Y...
In the Loop
May 01, 2023 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, the guys get political while discussing Armando Iannucci's In the Loop. They talk about Peter Capaldi mastering the art of the swear word, the mockery of childish political backstabbing, James Gandolfini's underappreciated performance, comparisons between this and Iannucci's show Veep and much more. Next week: Time for something... completely similar. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at [email protected] Full List: https://www.emp...
24 Hour Party People
April 24, 2023 04:01 - 1 hourDo you feel lucky, punk? This week, the guys tackle Michael Winterbottom's 24 Hour Party People, a movie all about the Manchester punk music scene of the 1960s. They discuss Steve Coogan's fourth wall-breaking as a narrative device, the controversial nature of Joy Division's name, the credits that are impossible to read and much more. Plus: one of the hosts may have a semi-hot take about this beloved cult classic. Next week: In the Loop! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always sho...
Starred Up
April 17, 2023 04:01 - 1 hourIn a coincidental continuation of last week's prison theme, the guys talk about Starred Up this week, a father/son prison drama starring Jack O'Connell. They talk about the expected plot turns of an "inspirational" movie that surprisingly don't occur, the comparisons to Hunger and Good Will Hunting, the movie's questionable point of view with a character's sexual orientation and much more. Next week: punk music! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at forscre...
Hunger
April 10, 2023 04:01 - 1 hourIn a whiplash of tones, the guys talk about Steve McQueen's prison drama about the Troubles in Ireland - Hunger. They talk about the stuff that is implied but never shown on-screen, the 17-minute unbroken take of a conversation, Michael Fassbender's dramatic bodily transformation for the role, the guys imagine what Michael Bay would do with this story and much more. Next week: another prison movie!? Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at forscreenandcountry@...
Hot Fuzz
April 03, 2023 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, the guys go back to Edgar Wright with the second installment in the unofficial Cornetto trilogy - Hot Fuzz. They talk about all the references to Shaun of the Dead, the cavalcade of cameos, Pegg and Frost doing completely different characterizations, the cliched action finale and much more. Next week: an acclaimed director's debut! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at [email protected] Full List: https://www.empireonline.com/movies...
Skyfall
March 27, 2023 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, don't shake their martinis, damn it! The guys tackle the other Daniel Craig Bond outing on this list - Skyfall! They discuss the serialized nature of the new Bond films, Victor Silva as a multiverse version of Bond himself, the exciting action sequences, Judi Dench's increased screen time and acting prowess, Bond's character development over the course of the five films and much more. Next week: That's the sound of the police! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always sho...
45 Years
March 20, 2023 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, the guys go back to the list and watch the movie that nearly won Charlotte Rampling an Oscar - 45 Years. They talk about Rampling's tremendous face acting, how the cinematography and scenery highlight the growing isolation and emotional separation between the titular couple, Tom Courtenay's connection to his past roles, the very realistic and taboo-breaking sex scene and much more. Next week: Bond! More Bond! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at...
The Descent Part 2
March 13, 2023 04:01 - 1 hourAnd now for something... completely similar! One more for the road! This week, the guys talk about the ill-fated sequel The Descent Part 2. Surely we can just do exactly the same thing again but put some dudes in it too and it will be equally as good, right?! Eep. Nevertheless, Brendan and Jason discuss how lazy the whole thing is, the re-design of the monsters, the return of an "iconic" character, dumb small-town sheriffs and much more. Next week: Back to the list and back to T.C. Questi...
Mute
March 06, 2023 05:01 - 1 hourAnd now for something... completely similar! This week, the guys are A House Divided™ as they discuss Duncan Jones' passion project, the Netflix Original - Mute. Does Justin Theroux's character NEED to be a pedophile? Why does this film have a seemingly cruel side towards gender fluidity? Do Paul Rudd's wild acting choices pay off? Is the movie just ripping off Blade Runner? It's a bit more contentious this week, folks! Next week: Going back to the caves with our favourite ladies! Questio...
Dracula (1992)
February 27, 2023 05:01 - 1 hourAnd now for something... completely similar! The break rolls on to week #2 with the guys discussing Francis Ford Coppola's attempt at the legendary Stoker tale with the 1992 Dracula. They dissect Keanu Reeves' infamously bad performance, Brendan talks about a drunken encounter with Billy Campbell, they praise the insane, epic score throughout the film, Jason gushes about the weird impressionistic choices throughout the film and much more. Next week: Duncan Jones is back, baybee! Questions...
Rebecca (2020)
February 20, 2023 05:01 - 1 hourAnd now for something... completely similar! The guys take a break from the list to talk about the Netflix Original (and totally not original story) Rebecca released in 2020. The guys discuss the Armie Hammer of it all, the big-budget BBC look, Rebecca's fate being closer to the actual source material and much more. Plus: does Jason have positive things to say? And oh my, both of them get sidetracked a lot! Next week: bloodsuckin' fun! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoo...
The King's Speech
February 13, 2023 05:01 - 1 hourIt's time to talk about culturally forgotten Best Picture winners as the guys discuss The King's Speech. The guys talk about the surprisingly atypical Hollywood ending, Helena Bonham-Carter's forgotten but impressive performance, the vocal physical exercise montage, Winston Churchill and much more. Plus: did you know Russell Crowe sings all the theme songs for his own films? Next week: time for something COMPLETELY similar! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mai...
Naked
February 06, 2023 05:01 - 1 hourThis week, the guys watch their final Mike Leigh film (for now!) with the very disturbing Naked starring David Thewlis. They talk about Leigh keeping people interested in the characters despite most of them being very unlikeable, the contrast between Johnny and Jeremy and what the movie is trying to say with their differences, Ewen Bremner being a one-scene highlight reel and much more. Next week: a forgotten Oscar winner. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail...
Senna
January 30, 2023 00:01 - 1 hourIt's time to... switch gears... and talk about a documentary focusing on the life of Ayrton Senna. The guys talk about the unique style of the documentary not using any footage or interviews shot specifically for it (it's all archival footage and interviews), the way in which the film integrates the politics of Brazil into Senna's life story, Prost's negative reaction to the movie, the legendary Xuxu and much more. Next week: a very disturbing movie. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You c...
Shallow Grave
January 23, 2023 05:01 - 1 hourYou never forget your first... but has the general public forgotten all about Danny Boyle's debut film Shallow Grave? The guys discuss the film in which money is found, greed ensues and perhaps tragedy befalls some in the end. They talk about Boyle already finding his groove as a director, Ewan McGregor playing one of his least likeable characters, they debate who the most morally bankrupt character is and much more. Next week: a documentary! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can alway...
Casino Royale
January 16, 2023 05:01 - 1 hourBack to the list as the guys discuss the first Bond outing for Daniel Craig - Casino Royale. Before they discuss the film, Jason recaps his gameshow loss and the movie he had to endure as a result. After getting that out of the way, the guys talk about the theories about each Bond being a completely different character with the same codename, they praise the characters of Vesper Lynd and Le Chiffre, they break down the extensive and intricate card game sequence and much more. Next week: bac...
Lame Name Game!
January 09, 2023 05:01 - 37 minutesThe guys are back but before they jump back into the usual... it's time for the gameshow everyone's talking about - the LAME NAME GAME! Next week: back to the list... British list. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at [email protected] Full List: https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-british-films/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forscreenandcountry Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/fsacpod Our logo was designed by the wonderful...
The Spectacular New Year's Cavalcade of Stars!
January 02, 2023 05:01 - 10 minutesVacation continues but Jason brings on a few stars to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Next week: gameshow! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at [email protected] Full List: https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-british-films/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forscreenandcountry Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/fsacpod Our logo was designed by the wonderful Mariah Lirette (https://instagram.com/its.mariah.xo) Learn more about you...
Southern Santa is Back!
December 26, 2022 05:01 - 8 minutesThe guys are on vacation! Southern Santa stops by to say a few words to the listeners. Brendan and Jason will return on January 9th. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at [email protected] Full List: https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/best-british-films/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forscreenandcountry Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/fsacpod Our logo was designed by the wonderful Mariah Lirette (https://instagram.com/its.maria...
Blackadder's Christmas Carol
December 19, 2022 05:01 - 34 minutesNOTE: Apologies for the earlier post - this is updated and the audio should be fixed now. To send them off before the Christmas break, the guys have a very brief discussion of Blackadder's Christmas Carol, the TV special that essentially does A Christmas Carol in reverse. The guys talk about the plethora of great comedic stars that show up, they debate the use of laugh tracks, Brendan wonders what a dogsbody is and much more. We return on January 9th! Until then, enjoy a few 'quickie' type...
Jaws
December 12, 2022 05:01 - 1 hourThis week, Brendan gives Jason his Christmas present... he finally watches Jaws! Jason is shocked at the amount of tropes that originated with the film, they discuss the mayor as a much more three-dimensional character than most people recall him to be, Brendan talks up the score (besides the music cue you all know) and much more. Next week: A classic British TV Christmas special! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at [email protected] Full Li...
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
December 05, 2022 05:01 - 1 hourA little something different this week - Jason gives Brendan a Christmas present: a big movie that he has somehow never seen before - Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. As Brendan's first time watching any based-on-the-TV show Star Trek movie, he has some questions about Lady Spock and the overall reaction to her, Christopher Plummer flirting dangerously with an Asian stereotype, the progressive themes discussed with the humans/klingons relationship and much more. More importantly - did ...
Billy Elliot
November 28, 2022 05:01 - 1 hourThis week, they just want to dance! Brendan and Jason discuss the 2000 coming-of-age dramedy Billy Elliot, which is about a boy who just wanted to break social roles and dance his heart out. In an episode that may have involved some pre-recording partying, the guys talk about the portrayal of Billy's closeted friend, the artistic flourishes added to the montages, Jason wonders if this movie is too straight-forward and much more! Next week: Jason gives Brendan a Christmas present? Questions...
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
November 21, 2022 05:01 - 1 hourThis week, the guys go back to the Harry Potter well and talk about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 and all its wizarding wonder. The guys debate if this can be truly seen as one complete movie or as part of a longer film and compare it to other final entries in franchises that utilize a similar tactic. They also talk about That Kiss and how the romance almost completely different from the book, Ralph Fiennes' villainous performance and much more. Next week: another coming-of-a...
Topsy Turvy
November 14, 2022 05:01 - 1 hourThis week, the guys talk all about a Mike Leigh epic with his tale of Gilbert & Sullivan conceiving of their famous play The Mikado. Yes, that's right... it's time to talk all about Topsy Turvy. The guys talk about Leigh's use of artistic license with the real people portrayed in the film, the troubling aspects of the central play that don't play out so well in 2022, the dark aspects of Victorian society, the "new technology" introduced in the story and much more. Next week: the final entry...
This is England
November 07, 2022 05:01 - 1 hourThis week, the guys discuss Shane Meadows' epic tale of British divide in the early 1980s - This is England. After Brendan admits that he didn't know there were "good skinheads," they discuss the core romantic relationship and the possible inappropriate-ness of it all, the film's genuine educational value as a piece of art warning its audience about how people become radicalized, Stephen Graham's terrifying realistic performance and much more. Next week: another slice of a common director o...
Dracula
October 31, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourHappy Halloween! This year, the guys celebrate an episode landing directly on October 31st by talking about one of the most iconic horror figures ever with 1958's Dracula starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. They talk all about Lee's unique portrayal of the infamous bloodsucker, the surprising amount of blood and gore in the film, the beautiful look of Hammer Films, how closely the filmmakers didn't follow the source material and much more. Next week: a pretty important slice of mode...
The Descent
October 24, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourThe guys go back to the list this week with a tale of claustrophobia and dread with Neil Marshall's The Descent, a film featuring an all-female cast of characters that get stuck in a cave with nowhere to go and some unwelcome co-habitants. The guys talk about the no-nonsense approach of all the horror elements of the film, the realistic camaraderie of the characters and much more. Plus, many debates: is Juno a true villain? Which ending works better? What would the movie be like without the m...
Snatch
October 17, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, the guys conclude talking about something completely similar by discussing Guy Ritchie's second feature film Snatch. They praise Guy Ritchie's skill at weaving a labyrinthine plot with very little confusion for the viewers, Jason admires Dennis Farina's cursing skills, they are surprised to learn that the movie is not as hyper-kinetic as they remembered and much more. Next week: Back to the list as the guys explore some spooky caves. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can alw...
The Walk
October 10, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourSince they talked about the documentary Man on Wire, this week the guys discuss the Robert Zemeckis' feature film adaptation of the real story of Philippe Petit and his infamous wire-walk - the aptly-titled The Walk. They talk about Joseph Gordon-Levitt's performance and accent work, Annie getting short-changed here even moreso than the documentary, the look of the climactic walk and much more. Plus: the ultimate debate - even if the movie is good... is it necessary? Next week: A spiritual ...
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
October 03, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourWell, they talked about Borat so why not talk about the controversial sequel Borat Subsequent Moviefilm? After a special message regarding the recently departed Royal Majesty, the guys get into the film and talk about the Borat popularity seesaw, the strength and occasional upstaging by Maria Bakalova as Tutar, the weirdly endearing quality of Borat's two housemates, Sacha Baron Cohen nearly being killed, the infamous Rudy Giuliani scene and fallout and much more. Next week: From documentar...
Wallace & Gromit: the shorts!
September 26, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourThis list has been fun but NOW it's time for something completely similar... Seeing as how the fellas have discussed The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, it's time to take a look at the four shorts that the two beloved characters Wallace & Gromit have inhabited: A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave and A Matter of Loaf and Death. They talk about the character elements that have remained consistent throughout the series, Brendan reveals a hot take about a beloved TV show, they talk abo...
Rebecca
September 19, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourThe guys talk about Hitchcock this week and delve into the only collaboration he had with David O. Selznick - Rebecca. They discuss the sly jabs at gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, pre-conceived notions about Hitchcock only making horror films, the lesbian overtones in Mrs. Danvers' relationship with the unseen title character and more. Plus: some controversial takes at the end of this episode!? Next week: And Now for Something Completely Similar... Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can ...
The Man Who Fell to Earth
September 12, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourIt's back to space this week as the guys watch Duncan Jones' father wow audiences and critics (at least in modern reviews) alike with The Man Who Fell to Earth. They talk about Bowie's real-life fragile mental state framing his performance, the themes in the film that are even more appropriate today, Rip Torn's penis, the contemporary mixed reaction to the film and much more. Next week: Hitchcock! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at forscreenandcountry@gm...
Dead Man's Shoes
September 05, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, the two Canucks watch a British revenge thriller called Dead Man's Shoes - a movie which they have literally zero knowledge of going into it. They talk about how the movie plays on revenge and slasher tropes, they discuss the final twist, they wonder if Richard and Anthony were ever actually close or if the mission is out of obligation more than love and much more. Next week: back to space! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at forscreenandcountr...
Moon
August 29, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, the duo watch a movie directed by David Bowie's son and starring Sam Rockwell - MOOOOOOOOOON! They talk about how the film subverts genre expectations with the artificial intelligence character, Rockwell playing two very different roles that can only be told apart by his acting, the way in which the low budget is utilized and much more. Plus: Jason wonders how Sam resisted himself. Next week: revenge is a dish best served British. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always...
28 Days Later
August 22, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, the guys talk about Danny Boyle again with his zombie classic 28 Days Later. How much of an influence did this have on the new wave of zombie movies in the 21st century? Does the film accurately portray virus outbreaks and how they start or does it fall short scientifically? Which of the MANY endings are the best? All that and more in this week's episode! Next week: we go to outer space! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at forscreenandcountry@g...
Look Back in Anger
August 15, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourRichard Burton lights up the screen this week as an angry "young" man in Tony Richardson's kitchen sink drama Look Back in Anger! The guys talk all about Burton's magnetic performance despite being severely miscast, the film's commentary on the era of the Raj in India, the very rehearsed Vaudeville bits, the taboo subject matter and much more. Next week: the podcast gets spooky and an old friend! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at forscreenandcountry@gma...
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
August 08, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourMore family entertainment this week as the guys talk all about Aardman Animations and one of their most beloved films - Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. They talk all about the perils of filming claymation, the tawdry humour that this film gets away with at times, Gromit as one of the best silent characters in cinema history - plus: Jason goes deep into the pure evil of Wallace's intentions and much more. Next week: an old movie! EW! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can...
Paddington
August 01, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, the guys talk about the lovely family film adaptation of Paddington. Having covered the second one already, they focus in on what sets this film apart from other similar adaptations of children's books, they praise Nicole Kidman's wonderful villainous performance, they ponder Mr. Curry and his coded racism, Jason wonders if the film is contemporary and much more. Next week: another family film! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at forscreenandco...
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
July 25, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, the guys tackle a HUGE movie with the third entry in the beloved wizarding franchise - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. After discussing the complicated legacy of J.K. Rowling, the guys then dive into this being the first truly dark film in the series, debate if the movie stands on its own without having watched any previous entries, the central focus on Hermione and her evolving personality and much more. Plus: M. Night Shyamalan almost directed this movie, guys! Next w...
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
July 18, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourBack to the Empire list with Guy Ritchie's feature film debut - Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. After the show transitions into a grammar podcast for a few minutes, Brendan and Jason talk about the Tarantino comparisons to Ritchie, they marvel at the great performances by all the non-actors, Jason displays his knowledge of cockney rhyming slang, they learn about the Lock, Stock TV show and much more! Next week: a huuuuuuuuuuuge sequel in a very popular franchise. Questions? Comments? ...
Last Night (1998)
July 11, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourCanuck Puck! One more diversion from the list for now as Jason brings forth a Canadian film all about the inevitable end of the world called Last Night written, directed by and starring Don McKellar. The guys talk all about their end-of-the-world plans, whether David Cronenberg plays the most sane or INSANE character in the film, Purge-style gangs, the connection to Y2K paranoia at the time and much more. Next week: Back to the Empire list and it's time for the debut of a fairly prolific di...
Pride and Prejudice (2005) (w/Sharon Horwatt)
July 04, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourFull disclosure: there were some audio issues throughout this episode so please forgive the occasional crackling sound as Sharon's home state was literally being attacked by tornadoes. It's time for a break so allow the fellas this rest from the list as they talk about the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice as directed by... you guessed it, Joe Wright. In the biggest coincidence ever, the guys talk about a second Wright film in a row... but as a bonus, they are joined by none other than ...
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
July 04, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourFull disclosure: there were some audio issues throughout this episode so please forgive the occasional crackling sound as Sharon's home state was literally being attacked by tornadoes. It's time for a break so allow the fellas this rest from the list as they talk about the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice as directed by... you guessed it, Joe Wright. In the biggest coincidence ever, the guys talk about a second Wright film in a row... but as a bonus, they are joined by none other than ...
Atonement
June 27, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, the guys delve into the Joe Wright period piece revolving around a very weighty accusation and the fallout which occurs as a result. That's right - they're talking about Atonement starring the great Keira Knightley. They talk about unconscious bias, the fake-out happy ending that turns into a surprising twist, the impressive long takes during the Dunkirk scenes and much more. Plus: we got visits from countless celebrities and WHAT did Steven Spielberg do with his Air BNB?! Next w...
Slumdog Millionaire
June 20, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourThis week on the Empire list, the guys talk about the highly successful award-winning Slumdog Millionaire. Brendan takes shots at the internal logic and narrative device used throughout, they discuss Dev Patel's groundbreaking performance, they praise Danny Boyle's next-level research before making the film, they debate the character redemption of Salim and much more. Next week: accusations can be very dangerous. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always shoot us an e-mail at forscr...
Control
June 13, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourApparently, the trend of biopics continues this week with the 2007 film Control, which focuses on the (short) life of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis. The guys talk about the haunting origins of the band's name, Toby Kebbell's standout performance as the well-rounded (and often hilarious) band manager, the lack of blame for either of Curtis' romantic partners and much more. Plus: Jason pitches Copperhead 2 with Brendan reprising his role. Next week: a huuuuuuuge Oscar winner for Best Pictu...
Mr. Turner
June 06, 2022 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, that's enough for the laughter. Back to sadness! The guys check out podcast favourite Mike Leigh and his biopic account of a famous painter with the film Mr. Turner. They talk about Leigh's unique writing style bringing interesting touches to a story based in fact, the Timothy Spall Acting School of Grunts and Groans, criticism of the interpretation of art, the introduction of the camera and much more. Next week: another biopic! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? You can always s...