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
And Now For Something Completely Similar: Life at the Top
August 05, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourFor the month of July (and first week of August), Brendan and Jason explore movies that are somehow connected to the ones they've previously covered on the BFI Top 100. And now... for something completely similar... This week, Brendan and Jason round up the discussion with a pretty obscure one. After the success of 1959's Room at the Top there is of course nowhere to go but SEQUEL! Based on the book, Life at the Top concerns the continuing adventures of Joe Lampton, who now lives in "luxury...
And Now For Something Completely Similar: Sense and Sensibility (2008)
July 29, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourFor the month of July, Brendan and Jason explore movies that are somehow connected to the ones they've previously covered on the BFI Top 100. And now... for something completely similar... This week, Brendan and Jason get prim and proper for the 2008 mini-series adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. The guys get right into it with some fairly problematic comments from the show's writer, analyze the inclusion of Anne Steele (and are bewildered at her accent), question the stereo...
And Now For Something Completely Similar: Zulu Dawn
July 22, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourFor the month of July, Brendan and Jason explore movies that are somehow connected to the ones they've previously covered on the BFI Top 100. And now... for something completely similar... This week, the guys discuss Zulu Dawn, the prequel to Zulu (#31 on the BFI Top 100) and the film that tells a much more tragic story. They discuss the level of politics in both films, the presence of way too many characters to form any kind of bond with or care about, the miscasting of Burt Lancaster, som...
And Now For Something Completely Similar: Doctor Zhivago (2002) (w/Everything I Learned from Movies)
July 15, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourFor the month of July, Brendan and Jason explore movies that are somehow connected to the ones they've previously covered on the BFI Top 100. And now... for something completely similar... For this week, Brendan and Jason welcome their first official guests on the show in the form of Steve and Izzy of Everything I Learned from Movies (https://eilfm.podbean.com) to talk about the 2002 miniseries adaptation of Boris Pasternak's novel Doctor Zhivago. The two adaptations are compared and contrast...
And Now For Something Completely Similar: Henry V (1989)
July 08, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourFor the month of July, Brendan and Jason explore movies that are somehow connected to the ones they've previously covered on the BFI Top 100. And now... for something completely similar... For this flick, the guys cover another Shakespeare adaptation with Kenneth Branagh's 1989 version of Henry V. As you may remember, the Laurence Olivier version is ranked #18 on the BFI Top 100 while this one is nowhere to be found so there is some hot debate on that issue, they discuss the major differences...
And Now For Something Completely Similar: The Go-Between (2015)
July 01, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourFor the month of July, Brendan and Jason explore movies that are somehow connected to the ones they've previously covered on the BFI Top 100. And now... for something completely similar... First on the docket is the 2015 BBC television remake of The Go-Between (the 1971 original was #57 on the list). The guys discuss the differences and similarities between both works including cutting one character completely out of the remake, removing subtlety for more overt explanations and... why yes, th...
Women in Love (#87)
June 24, 2019 04:16 - 1 hourDONGS-OUT FILMMAKING! Brendan and Jason discuss the existential crises of 1969's Women in Love directed by the infamous and controversial Ken Russell and starring the likes of Oliver Reed and Alan Bates. The guys go deep on this very divisive film and discuss the shocking "wrestling" scene, they discuss how this film isn't really "about" the women despite the title suggesting otherwise, Oliver Reed's life outside of film is touched upon and one of the hosts REALLY hates the second hour of the...
A Taste of Honey (#56)
June 17, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourA feminist spin on the male-dominated kitchen sink drama? Things get a little refreshing this week as Brendan and Jason head back to the frequently-seen (on this list) kitchen sink drama but this one ends up being... a little different. The guys discuss A Taste of Honey and marvel at all of the touchy matters being explored like abortion, interracial relationships and homosexuality to name just a few. They also discuss the way in which this film even came about, the very popular music group t...
Mini-Episode - For (Small) Screen and Country
June 10, 2019 04:01 - 45 minutesJason's got "s--t to do" so this week, the guys have a smaller-than-usual episode (not really mini) talking about some of their favourite British television past and present. They discuss all the classics as Jason recollects old memories and Brendan has like two picks. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. What are YOUR favourite British TV shows? Full List: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BFI_Top_100_British_films Facebook: www.facebook.com/fo...
Mona Lisa (#67)
June 03, 2019 05:24 - 1 hourDid you know that Bob Hoskins is in fact a British man? Brendan and Jason talk all about the Bob Hoskins/Cathy Tyson crime caper Mona Lisa. With this being a Neil Jordan film, there are some discussions on how the film handles race and sexuality, how Bob Hoskins does most of his best acting without even using words, the connections between Simone and a much more famous character in a later Neil Jordan film, Michael Caine's terrifying presence and much more. Next week: As a little change of pa...
Don't Look Now (#8)
May 27, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourWell, this is definitely a tad different than last week's film... Brendan and Jason explore the world of Italy with a film about a grieving couple dealing with the supernatural (or maybe lack thereof?) and their own shortcomings as they try to move on with their lives. Yes, it's Nicolas Roeg's bizarre arthouse horror film Don't Look Now. The guys talk about everything including the interesting editing choices, the terrifying final frames and one of the most controversial scenes of all-time. ...
Local Hero (#37)
May 20, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourThe next fifth of the list begins with a quaint little character study/environmental film in Bill Forsyth's charming opus Local Hero. Brendan and Jason open their hearts to this film's tiny little Scotland locale and its vast array of charming characters, the fairy tale aspect to the story, Burt Lancaster's super bizarre aversion therapy and much more. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. Were you charmed by Local Hero? Does it capture small-town ...
Awards and Official Rankings Episode #1
May 13, 2019 05:37 - 58 minutesThe first 20 movies are in the bag so Brendan and Jason are dishing out awards for their favourite performances, most uncomfortable scenes and so much more! The guys also provide their individual definitive ranking of the first 20 films covered thus far from Doctor Zhivago to Room at the Top. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week as part of the next crop of 20 movies. Where do YOU stand on the movies so far? How would you rank them on your persona...
Room at the Top (#32)
May 06, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourIt's time for yet another British tale about an Angry Young Man and class struggle as Laurence Harvey has trouble deciding between two lovely ladies in 1959's Room at the Top. Brendan and Jason dive deep into this kitchen sink drama and discuss many things including questioning if the main character truly loves either woman, Simone Signoret's dynamo Oscar-winning performance, the very depressing finale and much more. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next...
Sense and Sensibility (#62)
April 29, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourJane Austen's work makes it to the BFI Top 100 as Brendan and Jason discuss #62 - Sense and Sensibility. From the story behind Emma Thompson's screenplay to Ang Lee's direction style to how the whole thing got off the ground, the background is nearly as interesting as the film! Besides all of that though, the guys also get into the nitty gritty of the movie itself including the great performances by literally everyone involved, the film taking something of a more balanced and almost feminist ...
Life is Sweet (#95)
April 22, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourIt's all about sprawling, slice-of-life drama and dark comedy this week as Brendan and Jason explore Mike Leigh's 90s hit Life is Sweet. Because of the vast array of colourful characters and family drama, there is much to explore in the film from dealing with the subject of bulimia, the subtle political commentary, Timothy Spall's insane restaurant and Leigh's unique style of constructing his scripts. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. What do y...
The Go-Between (#57)
April 15, 2019 05:23 - 1 hourThis week, Brendan and Jason explore class struggle and forbidden love with 1971's The Go-Between. This is the third Julie Christie film being covered but do the guys still love her after THIS role? Does witchcraft really work in this film? And is this podcast about to get side-swiped with another bleak British movie finale? Find out! Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. We bet even less people have seen this film as opposed to This Sporting Life....
This Sporting Life (#52)
April 08, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, Brendan and Jason get back on track with the list as they discuss #52 - This Sporting Life. In this modern-day tragic tale, there is much to discuss like how to deal with one of the least likeable main characters in quite some time, the guys break down how this film fits into a Shakespearean tragedy narrative, they marvel at the two lead performances and much more. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. Have you ever seen This Sporting Li...
Mini-Episode - One Red Nose Day and a Wedding
April 05, 2019 04:01 - 15 minutesIn a brief little bonus episode, Brendan and Jason travel back to when they were discussing Four Weddings and a Funeral to talk about the short-film sequel that premiered on March 15th for Red Nose Day. Most of your favourite characters are back, there are some surprises and some call-backs for fans of the original. Check it out. Plus: The guys get back to business as usual on Monday with This Sporting Life. C'mon back now, ya hear? Full List: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BFI_Top_100_Bri...
The Avengers (1998)
April 01, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourBrendan and Jason took a break from the dice roll this week to discuss a film that has them flabbergasted... that it never made the BFI Top 100. The guys discuss Jeremiah S. Chechik's masterpiece in 1998's The Avengers. They discuss what Shakespearean anecdote from the film is their favourite, Uma Thurman's rigorous studying with her dialect coach, the amazing work by the background extras in the final scenes and much more. Plus: The guys will get back on track with the list with next week'...
The Madness of King George (#42)
March 25, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourIt's back to royalty as Brendan and Jason dissect 1994's The Madness of King George and talk all about the way in which the film depicts the silliness of the upper class, the treatment of mental illness and its associating stigma, the quiet moments involved in Nigel Hawthorne's tortured lead performance and much, much more. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. What did you think about The Madness of King George? Have you seen it? How does it compa...
Black Narcissus (#44)
March 18, 2019 07:03 - 1 hourNUNS! Yes, folks, Brendan and Jason tackle their first Michael Powell/Emeric Pressburger joint - 1947's Black Narcissus. The guys go deep into how this film influenced Martin Scorsese, the way in which the film utilizes its cinematography and matte paintings and of course... some of the more problematic elements are discussed. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. What is YOUR favourite Powell/Pressburger collaboration? What about this film? Was th...
Goldfinger (#70)
March 11, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourIt's time to class up the joint! Brendan and Jason cover the first of two Bond flicks on the list - 1964's Goldfinger! Along with a full discussion of the actual movie which extensively dives into the sexual politics of James Bond himself, the guys also discuss the incredible life of Sir Ian Fleming, Gert Frobe's problematic wartime past, Sean Connery's opinion on other Bonds and much more. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. Where does Goldfinge...
Henry V (1944) (#18)
March 04, 2019 06:12 - 1 hourAh, yes - it had to happen sooner or later. Brendan and Jason dive into Laurence Olivier's Shakespearean epic - 1944's Henry V. They talk about its reputation as the first successful Shakespeare film adaptation, discuss its use as wartime propaganda, marvel at the cinematography and the way in which the film is "staged" (almost in a literal sense) and much more. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. Where does this rank as a successful Shakespeare ...
Four Weddings and a Funeral (#23)
February 25, 2019 06:16 - 1 hourIt's time to get charmed and befuddled as Brendan and Jason talk about the Hugh Grant film that started it all - Four Weddings and a Funeral. They discuss the director and writer always being at odds, Andie MacDowell's acting with regards to the final scene, Kristin Scott Thomas' underrated performance, the little wedding details that no one else bothers with and much, much more. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. Where does this movie fall for ...
Kes (#7)
February 18, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourThis week, Brendan and Jason discuss Ken Loach's "bleaklifting" coming-of-age film - "Kes." The guys discuss whether this is either the most depressing or uplifting film of all-time, talk at length about the wild gym class scene, talk about the "down-and-dirty" nature of most of the characters and much more. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. Have any of you seen Kes? What do you think of it? Bleak? Happy? Let us know! Full List: https://en.wiki...
A Clockwork Orange (#81)
February 11, 2019 04:01 - 1 hourBrendan and Jason talk about one of, if not the, most disturbing films of all time with Stanley Kubrick's societal critique known as "A Clockwork Orange." They talk about everything from the ultra-violence, the various instances of phallic symbology, some of the over-the-top satire, the use of music, Kubrick referencing some of his own work and much, much more. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. What is your take on A Clockwork Orange? Is it a m...
The Killing Fields (#100)
February 04, 2019 06:00 - 1 hourIt's already time to go all the way to the bottom of the list with #100 - The Killing Fields. Brendan and Jason talk all about the fascinating story behind casting non-actor Haing S. Ngor in a supporting role, they debate if the movie is "too Americanized," early roles for John Malkovich and Craig T. Nelson are examined and so much more. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. Does The Killing Fields belong at the bottom of the list? Would you even i...
The Bridge on the River Kwai (#11)
January 28, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourThis week, Brendan and Jason talk about how to build a bridge while you're being tortured by the enemy with #11 on the BFI Top 100 - The Bridge on the River Kwai. They talk about Alec Guinness and Sessue Hayakawa's intense tet-a-tet, they debate if Guinness has crossed the line or not, they question who is indeed the star of this film and much, much more. Plus: The guys roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. What did you think of The Bridge on the River Kwai? Is t...
Darling (#83)
January 21, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourThis week, Brendan and Jason face a film which they had no prior knowledge of even its existence before settling down to watch and talk about it but alas, here it is - #83 on the list - 1965's Darling. Join our hosts as they fall head over heels in love with Julie Christie, discuss some of the cheekier elements along with some of the sexual politics that don't age particularly well, talk about being a closeted actor in this film and much more. Also: Brendan falls victim to one of the greatest...
My Left Foot (#53)
January 14, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourThis week, the guys take to the poverty-stricken Irish slums to talk about the 1989 Oscar-winning tearjerker - My Left Foot. They talk all about Daniel Day-Lewis' insane commitment to the performance, the liberties that the screenplay takes with some of the real events, some of the odd music choices and much more. Plus: Jason pisses off Irish people. Plus: Brendan and Jason roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering next week. What did you think of My Left Foot? Does it tug on y...
The Full Monty (#25)
January 07, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourThis week, Brendan and Jason encounter a much-needed change of pace from the first three intense dramatic films with The Full Monty! Is the film merely a "fun comedy" or is there much more beneath the surface that people (including the hosts) didn't pick up on the first time around? They also discuss the film's surprisingly progressive attitude towards sexuality, the use of the award-winning musical score, the way in which some very depressing themes sneak their way into the film under the gu...
Tidbit - Happy New Year!
December 31, 2018 07:00 - 5 minutesThe guys are way too drunk to talk about movies this week but they're here to ring in 2019 with everyone and... get into a scuffle? Next week - the guys discuss The Full Monty (#25) Full List: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BFI_Top_100_British_films Facebook: www.facebook.com/forscreenandcountry Twitter: www.twitter.com/bfi_pod Our logo was designed by the wonderful Mariah Lirette (www.instagram.com/mariahhx) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tidbit - A Message from Santa Claus
December 24, 2018 07:00 - 4 minutesNo movie this week but Santa Claus wanted to make sure he got to spread some Christmas cheer to all of the lovely listeners! On January 7th, the guys return with The Full Monty (#25) but never fear - there will still be content on next week's show (New Year's Eve) as well! Full List: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BFI_Top_100_British_films Facebook: www.facebook.com/forscreenandcountry Twitter: www.twitter.com/bfi_pod Our logo was designed by the wonderful Mariah Lirette (www.instagram.com...
The English Patient (#55)
December 17, 2018 07:00 - 1 hourThis week, Brendan and Jason crash their biplane into 1996's The English Patient (#55 on the BFI Top 100) - a movie where pretty things happen and pretty people act their hearts out while looking pretty. This movie won a buttload of Academy Awards so it's got that going for it. Moreover, at three hours long one can argue that you get a per-minute value on that rental fee. Plus: Brendan and Jason roll the dice to find out what movie they'll be covering when they return from a brief holiday hia...
Zulu (#31)
December 10, 2018 07:40 - 1 hourIn this week's episode, Brendan and Jason explore the heroics of British colonialism in the 1964 epic Zulu starring Stanley Baker and a very young Michael Caine. The guys debate if the film is racist or surprisingly progressive (considering the historical scenario), they are blown away by the amazing cinematography and sound design, Jason wonders how necessary Jack Hawkins' preacher character is to the whole story and much more. Plus: Brendan and Jason roll the dice to find out what movie the...
Doctor Zhivago (#27)
December 03, 2018 08:00 - 1 hourIt's the debut of "For Screen and Country" - the podcast that delves into the British Film Institute's list of the Top 100 British Films of All-Time. In the very first episode, Brendan and Jason tackle the British film about the Russian Revolution - David Lean's epic romance Doctor Zhivago. They discuss how Lean was hated by basically everyone, they debate about the romance overshadowing the historical importance of the time period, discuss Pasha's (Tom Courtenay) complete character transform...
Introducing... Jason!
November 26, 2018 07:00 - 8 minutesJoin Brendan and Jason on this journey through the British Film Institute's Top 100 British Films of All-Time as they deep-dive into each film and examine its place in history and on the list as well as behind-the-scenes tidbits, cultural importance and of course the films themselves and if the darn things hold up over time. In this episode with just one more week to go until the premiere, Brendan introduces his co-host Jason, who talks about his three favourite movies, his connection to all ...
Preview Episode
November 01, 2018 07:02 - 6 minutesJoin Brendan and Jason on this journey through the British Film Institute's Top 100 British Films of All-Time as they deep-dive into each film and examine its place in history and on the list as well as behind-the-scenes tidbits, cultural importance and of course the films themselves and if the darn things hold up over time. This episode is a little preview with Brendan talking about a few details concerning what to expect from this show and what YOU can bring to it! He also announces the fir...