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Illiterate

204 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 19 ratings

Every Friday, we uncover the hidden creative process behind media adaptations. Everything comes from something. Why this now?

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Episodes

Avatar | the mythological origins of the Na'vi world

December 30, 2022 18:29 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MB

Another one! It’s been a while, but James Cameron is back with even more. What is he basing all this off of, and what took so long? Is the Na’vi language real, and why are the aliens blue? Let’s get some answers! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: video, Avatar The Way of Water making-of article, the 45 page doc of Jim Cameron’s Ava...

Christmas Double Feature | Hallmark Movies & Die Hard

December 23, 2022 20:45 - 1 hour - 48.4 MB

Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: happiest season trailer // 3 min interview with hallmark programming vp // 39 min history of hallmark // article classic hallmark card commercial // 2 min every hallmark movie ever parody // 4 min die hard parody trailer // 2 min the writer’s take on if it’s a christmas film // 4 min review of...

Pinnochio | how the wooden boy is more than Disney

December 16, 2022 22:50 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

We break down the origin of the tale, and get into the first Italian film version. What is the point of the story in the first place? Can there be more than one? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: behind the scenes video, Pinnochio article, the original Italian Pinnochio film full film, Pinnochio in Outer Space art, G...

A Christmas Carol | what Dickens did for the holiday

December 09, 2022 08:01 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

Another adaptation of the beloved story in “Spirited” - but what makes it so great after all these years? Did Dickens invent our modern Christmas festivities? And who was the real Tiny Tim? Let’s go! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Spirited (2022) article, the real Tiny Tim Other similar episodes to check out…Hallmark M...

Wednesday (The Addams Family) | how the spooky family got its start

December 02, 2022 17:30 - 22.2 MB

We’re talking about the creator Charles Addams, the jump from comics to film, and what the heck makes this different from the Munsters! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Wednesday (2022) video, Addams Family pinball machine photo, the downhill skier comic strip video, Vic Mizzy’s Spiderman 2 blooper song Other similar e...

Black Panther | the origins of T’Challa and Wakanda

November 18, 2022 21:12 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MB

Let’s take a stroll through the development of the Black Panther character, what elements had to change for this new film, and some real-world influences on the country of Wakanda! Content Correction: Lesotho should be pronounced like “Luh-SOO-TOO”. Apologies! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Black Panther: Wakanda Foreve...

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story | becoming the musical parody guy

November 11, 2022 18:32 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MB

It’s a biopic about Weird Al - but as with all his work, it’s not what you think. How’d this film come to be, and what’s the process behind the legend’s four decade career? And also: Mozart made a parody song? Come learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Weird: The Al Yankovic story fake trailer, Funny or Die Weird Al Bio...

All Quiet on the Western Front | how a WW1 story becomes about WW2

November 04, 2022 16:41 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MB

The new film is epic and affecting, but what’s the story behind the original book and film? What’s been changed, and how did history overtake the with a true story in the lead-up to World War 2? It’s all happening in real-time: let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, 2022 film trailer, 1930 film article, on the ori...

Cabinet of Curiosities | a spooky selection of horror history

October 28, 2022 18:26 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MB

This week, we dip our toes into an eclectic mix of horror ideas and tropes. What is an actual Cabinet of Curiosities? Where did the jump scare come from? What’s Dracula got to do with the LGBTQ+ experience? Let’s learn about a variety of horror ideas, and be sure to check out all our other horror episodes! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram S...

Game of Thrones | how George RR Martin made it big

October 21, 2022 18:59 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

It rose and fell, and rises again. What’s George RR Martin really all about? How’d he get in (and out) and back into the Hollywood game? And who’s responsible for making the crazy show? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, House of the Dragon (new prequel series) article, the original (failed) pilot article, on ...

Halloween | why the film franchise frequently fractures

October 14, 2022 07:01 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MB

This’ll be the thirteenth film, and it ENDS. Definitely, yep, no more ever (said five times before!). Let’s learn how this all works, what it’s based on, and who’s responsible for Michael Meyers and his eternal slashing. Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Halloween Ends infographic, all the branching timelines for the films...

The Lord of the Rings (part 3) | the influence of the adaptations

October 07, 2022 07:01 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MB

We often forget recent history as it becomes the standard, so what are the effects of the Lord of the Rings books and films in media and culture? Could it have been any different? Let’s find out! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: photo, the 1946 German edition of Hobbit (Disneyesque) photo, the 1962 Swedish edition of Hobbit (big G...

The Lord of the Rings (part 2) | how the films got the green light

September 30, 2022 07:01 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MB

Peter Jackson made it happen, but that wasn’t a sure bet…not by a long shot. Let’s learn the lesser-known pieces that put this fantasy series on the cinematic map. Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Tokien (2019) article, impact on New Zealand economy article, Interlacement Technique in the film adaptations website, all t...

The Lord of the Rings (part 1) | why Tolkien wrote the tales

September 23, 2022 16:21 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

Journey with us through the fantastical origins of the most beloved fantasy series! How and why did these stories get written? Who is the man behind the mythology? And what did he want to change about the stories? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Tokien (2019) clip, The Hobbit 1977 animated Gollum clip, Lord...

Bad Education (HOT SUMMER Replay) | the biggest theft from the best school

September 09, 2022 07:01 - 31.5 MB

It's been a HOT week, and so we're cooling off with a best-of and some back-to-school intrigue. We'll be back next week with a new series on The Lord of the Rings! How does 11 million dollars go missing from the best school system in the nation? And what does Charles Dickens have to do with it? Bad Education is a film on HBO starring Hugh Jackman, written by Mark Makowsky and directed by Cory Finley. The story is based on the New York Magazine article on Frank Tassone, written by Robert Ko...

Steven Spielberg (Best-of Episode) | the life of a director

September 02, 2022 07:01 - 1 hour - 51.1 MB

This is a best-of episode MEGA episode, encompassing 2 parts on Spielberg, in honor of the recent 3D release of JAWS! Learn the twists and turns of the biggest director of the past 40 years. HBO documentary “Spielberg” trailer // 2 min https://bit.ly/spielberghbo Indiana Jones brainstorm notes // article https://bit.ly/indianajones1 interview with Spielberg’s mom // article https://bit.ly/spielberg2 Contact: Reach out on instagram @illiteratepod // https://www.instagram.com/illiteratep...

Bluey | the genius behind the Australian preschool show

August 26, 2022 07:01 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MB

Get ready, this is already big, whether you know it or not! What makes this kids show so unique and lovable? And how is it different from every other anthropomorphic animal cartoon out there? Let’s dive in! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Bluey show article, how Bluey became popular overseas article, tour of Ludo animat...

Laal Singh Chaddha | it’s Forrest Gump, but for India

August 19, 2022 07:01 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB

What a wild tale this is! Come learn the historical changes made to the 1990’s American classic, this time with modern India! Also, why isn’t this doing well in theaters? And what was the original plan for the American sequel? Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Laal Singh Chaddha list, Bollywood movies inspired by Hollywood...

Predator (part 2) | how Prey presents the Comanche Nation

August 13, 2022 00:15 - 37 minutes - 34 MB

Come learn about the new film, and what makes it so unique. What’s all the buzz about the Comanche language dub? And are there any other films like it? Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Prey (2022) interview, producer Jhane Myers article, on the Comanche language doc, the Comanche alphabet Other similar episodes to chec...

Predator (part 1) | the haphazard origins of the greatest hunter

August 06, 2022 05:11 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MB

Come learn the origin of the series, and all the build up to the new film. Where did the Alien crossover start? And what made the first film so unique for its time? Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Predator (1987) article, oral history of the film production video, original 28 minute making-of doc video, Kevin Peter Hal...

Nope | the weird life of the guy who invented movies

July 29, 2022 23:12 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MB

Here be spoilers! What influenced Jordan Peele to create this genre-mash alien feature? And who the heck knows anything about Muybridge and the horse galloping origin of cinema? You will - just listen and learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Nope (2022) article, interview with scientist John O. Dabiri video, interview...

Where the Crawdads Sing | on murder, the past, and author Delia Owens

July 22, 2022 19:32 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MB

A beloved book, a new movie, and scandal about the author’s past. What’s really going on, and is it all sensation, or is there something we can learn about the creative process in the midst of this mess? Come along and learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) footage, from the ABC poaching inc...

The Princess Bride (Best-of Episode) | the inconceivable master adapter

July 15, 2022 07:01 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

A re-release while we take a break this week - a great look into a quotable classic! How did this endearing, comforting fantasy tale come to be? Learn why the book is so different in the telling, and the life and journey of William Goldman in turning books into films. Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, The Princess Bride (19...

Minions | how they came to influence EVERYTHING

July 08, 2022 07:01 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

They’ve caught up with us…we can no longer avoid them…THE MINIONS. Why are they so popular, and how did they come to be the highest grossing animated series of all time? Could we even learn to love them? Let’s journey through the origins of the little yellow dudes! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Minions: The Rise of Gru ...

Elvis | the real origins of the King

July 01, 2022 07:01 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MB

The new Baz Luhrmann film covers a ton of Elvis ground - why did Baz take on such a daunting subject? How did he get the information to bring a lacking lens to the Elvis story? And who the heck is Colonel Tom Parker? Come listen and learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Elvis (2022) video, Austin Butler preproduction si...

Spiderhead | the short story mastery of George Saunders

June 24, 2022 07:01 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MB

The only feature film adaptation from the prolific short story author has arrived. How did this movie come to be, and why haven’t we gotten more films based on his work? How does the medium change the material? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Spiderhead (2022) short story, Escape from Spiderhead (2010) audi...

Stranger Things | the real-life conspiracy behind the show (Montauk!)

June 17, 2022 14:27 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

What are the origins for the conspiracy and government storylines, and how did the creators of the show pitch the story at the start? Come along and learn the beginnings of the hit show! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Stranger Things (season 4) compilation video, references to 80s movies in Stranger Things trailer, ani...

Jurassic Park | how dinos became a modern craze

June 10, 2022 18:11 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

What are the origins of the mega franchise? How did the book come to be? And did anybody listen to the warnings about messing with the natural order, or will we have wooly mammoths in 5 years?! Come listen and learn! a correction: Pleistocene should be pronounced “PLY-stow-seen”. Apologies to all the ice age aficionados! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out...

Top Gun | when the Pentagon helps with motion pictures

June 03, 2022 07:01 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MB

A military and cultural touchstone, but how much is based on fact, or brought about by government influence? We go into the real organizations, old films, and scandals to uncover the inner workings of the Top Gun creative process. Come along and learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Top Gun: Maverick (2022) video, train...

Multiverse | why this modern media trend is exploding

May 27, 2022 23:07 - 38 minutes - 35 MB

It’s madness! Doctor Strange, Rick and Morty, Spider-man, Everything Everywhere, Chip n’ Dale, Space Jam, and more on the way. Why has the multiverse idea caught on so much recently in media? Where did it start, and how is it a reflection of our current culture? Let’s get into it! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: article, Hugh Ever...

The Staircase | when documentarians become characters

May 20, 2022 07:01 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

The start of the 21st century true-crime series extravaganza has an update! Why is this dramatization different, and what’s the reason for adapting a documentary again? And how come only certain court cases can be filmed? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram [email protected], email us Extras: trailer, The Staircase (2022) interview, og director Jean-Xavier...

Halo | on the masterminds behind Master Chief

May 13, 2022 07:01 - 44 minutes - 41 MB

Suit up for an epic tale of the creative process and influences behind one of the biggest entertainment properties. And also - why is a show coming out decades after the hype? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Halo The Series (2022) video, Halo test at MacWorld (1999) books, Iain M Banks “Culture” Series books, Larry Niven’s “Ringworld” Serie...

The Godfather | how Mario Puzo made up the mafia

May 06, 2022 07:01 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MB

The Offer is out, about the making of the Godfather film. But how did Mario Puzo craft the original story? Was the mob actually involved? And what forgotten book was his true inspiration? Let’s find out! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, The Offer (TV show 2022) book, Mario Puzo’s autobiography (1972) poster art, The Brotherhood (1968) article, Frank Sina...

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent | who is the real Nicholas Cage

April 29, 2022 07:01 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MB

What is the fascination with Nicholas Cage - is he a genius, or a madman, or just a misunderstood normal guy? Come learn about the creation of a film about him, starring him, as only he could do. Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent video, crazy talk show alter-ego appearance pdf, Blacklist version of screenplay from 20...

Pachinko | what can't be forgotten in Korean history

April 22, 2022 07:01 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MB

This K-Drama of epic proportions came from an equally monumental book. Where did this eighty-year long story originate, and what’s it have to say about the history of Korea? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Pachinko interview, historical consultant on Pachinko video, food in Studio Ghibli films website, Thousand Miles Project article, the f...

Sonic the Hedgehog | how the blue blur got his start

April 15, 2022 07:01 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MB

The speedy guy goes big at the box office - but how did such a strange creature come to be? What are the ups and downs of his career, and why haven’t we seen a movie until now? Come find out! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 video, Sonic parade balloon crash in 1993 article, original sketch ideas for fast Sega character art book, His...

Death on the Nile | the puzzling history of the whodunit

April 08, 2022 07:01 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MB

What do you know about Agatha Christie, the best-selling author of the most famous whodunits? What makes them consistently unique and popular, hundreds of years later? And where did she disappear to in the middle of her career? So many questions, and so many answers - let’s get on the case! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, Death on the Nile article, Agatha...

CODA | what you don’t know about sign language

April 01, 2022 20:12 - 39 MB

We learned so much in this episode, about signing, the deaf community, how to write and research a story, and the origins of a language. Come along and find out! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, CODA (2021) video, Troy Kotsur’s Oscar acceptance speech trailer, original French film La Famille Belier (2014) article, history of Martha’s Vineyard Sign Langua...

Joker (Best-of Episode) | how one villain has multiple origins

March 25, 2022 07:01 - 32.7 MB

Join us and learn about the history of the Joker, and the real world assassinations and scandals that created the Joker character over the years. Now a major film “Joker” with Joaquin Phoenix. Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: image, the comparison photo between “The Man Who Laughs” and Joker video, the trailer for “Joker” video, Batman vs. Alien vs. Predator book...

Batman (part 2) | why there’s so many different Batmen

March 18, 2022 07:01 - 1 hour - 56.9 MB

The journey of the Batman film series is as twisted as the Riddler’s schemes. Why are the films continually flipping tone and style? And what are they trying to pull from the source material? Most important - why are the toys nothing like the films? Descend from your gargoyle, and learn along with us! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: trailer, The Batman (2022) art...

Batman (part 1) | the mystery behind the World’s Greatest Detective

March 12, 2022 01:17 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MB

From horror films in the 1930’s, World War 2 propaganda, Batman in Outer Space, and beyond - what’s happened to make this iconic mythological character? And who’s to blame for how we perceive him on film? Take a deep dive with us into the origins of the Dark Knight. Evan and Taylor’s projects: go watch Evan’s film work https://linktr.ee/evanscottrussell sign up for Taylor’s weekly newsletter https://newsletter.podcastgod.net Contact: Reach out on instagram, @illiteratepod Some Extras: ...

Squid Game | the hidden cultural layers behind the hit show

March 04, 2022 17:32 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MB

Now that they hype has settled: where did Squid Game really originate from? What made it the biggest show on Netflix, and what influence did it have in the real world? Come learn the fascinating, lesser-known cultural layers to the hit show. Evan and Taylor’s projects: go watch Evan’s film work https://linktr.ee/evanscottrussell sign up for Taylor’s weekly newsletter http://newsletter.podcastgod.net Contact: Reach out on instagram - @illiteratepod Extras: trailer, Squid Game (2021) ht...

Texas Chainsaw Massacre | why you don’t know this film’s true story

February 25, 2022 20:13 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MB

In the words of DJ Khaled…another one. But do you honestly know what the first one’s about? Was any of this actually based on truth? And then how did this series start the current reboot craze? Come listen and learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: go watch Evan’s film work https://linktr.ee/evanscottrussell sign up for Taylor’s weekly newsletter http://newsletter.podcastgod.net Contact: Reach out on instagram - @illiteratepod Extras: trailer, Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) https://bit.ly...

Pam & Tommy | the crime story behind the scandal

February 18, 2022 08:01 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MB

What was the truth behind the late 1990’s scandal? What’s the history of celebrity sex tapes? And can they make this show without Pamela Anderson’s approval? Let’s dive in and learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: go watch Evan’s film work https://linktr.ee/evanscottrussell sign up for Taylor’s weekly newsletter http://newsletter.podcastgod.net Contact: Reach out on instagram - @illiteratepod Extras: trailer, Pam & Tommy (2022) https://bit.ly/pam-tommy1 article, the original Rolling Sto...

Rom Coms | are they dead…again?

February 11, 2022 08:01 - 38 minutes - 35 MB

Like a twisty true love story, we dive into the ups and downs of the history of romantic comedies. Is it gone for good? Was it ever? What’s next for the genre? Listen and learn along with us! Evan and Taylor’s projects: go watch Evan’s film work https://linktr.ee/evanscottrussell sign up for Taylor’s weekly newsletter http://newsletter.podcastgod.net Contact: Reach out on instagram - @illiteratepod Extras: (We named a ton of films to check out - here they are!) trailer, Marry Me (2022...

The Righteous Gemstones and Tammy Faye | the surprising origins of televangelism

February 04, 2022 08:01 - 33.8 MB

Two big releases this week, all about megachurches and televangelism. Didn’t this fizzle out in the 80’s? The answers to the origins of this media go back to the 1920’s, and has actually just kept growing. Come learn with us! Evan and Taylor’s projects: go watch Evan’s film work https://linktr.ee/evanscottrussell sign up for Taylor’s weekly newsletter http://newsletter.podcastgod.net Contact: Reach out on instagram - @illiteratepod Extras: trailer, The Righteous Gemstones https://bit....

Nightmare Alley | why remake a forgotten noir from the 1940’s?

January 29, 2022 00:02 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MB

Guillermo del Toro’s latest film has nothing to do with monsters, but everything to do with regular ‘ol humans. How did he get into this noir carnival story, based on a book from the 1940’s? And what did the original author (of the book’s) life and work have to say about searching for answers? Come down this twisty, shadowy trail and learn with us! Evan and Taylor’s projects: go watch Evan’s film work https://linktr.ee/evanscottrussell sign up for Taylor’s weekly newsletter http://newslet...

Scream | why the slasher didn’t die off

January 22, 2022 04:15 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MB

It’s been a decade, and here’s another sequel-reboot-remake-hybrid film. What makes Scream different? Where did the original slasher come from, even before filmmaking existed? And what do artists have to say with the genre? Come learn with us! Contact: Reach out on instagram - @illiteratepod Extras: trailer, Scream (2022) https://bit.ly/screamfilm2 trailer, Scream (1996) https://bit.ly/screamfilm1 article, Grand Guignol theatre and original “slasher” plays https://bit.ly/screamfilm3 a...

Euphoria | the unknown origins of the dark teen drama

January 14, 2022 08:01 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MB

The biggest first night of any show on HBO Max…was based on an Israeli miniseries? How did that come to be, and what changed? And is all the controversy on the nudity, sex, violence and drugs truly original, or something we’ve seen before? Let’s find out! Contact: Reach out on instagram - @illiteratepod Extras: trailer, Euphoria Season 2 (2022) https://bit.ly/euphoriashow4 trailer, original Israeli series (2012) https://bit.ly/euphoriashow1 video, Sam Levinson talking about his life at...

Don’t Look Up | what everybody gets wrong about satire

January 08, 2022 00:35 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MB

It’s the third most-watched film on Netflix…and half of everybody hates/loves it. What is a “satire”? Is this doing it right? We’re going back to ancient Greece, the 1960’s, an Animal Farm and a Lottery, all to figure this week’s episode out. Come learn! Contact: Reach out on instagram - @illiteratepod Extras: trailer, Don’t Look Up (2021) https://bit.ly/dontlook1 pew research, climate change attitudes https://pewrsr.ch/3F5OXNe article, NASA DART asteriod redirect mission https://go.na...

Books

Heart of Darkness
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Lord of the Flies
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