Why This Film?

Why This Film?
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 🎬 Exploring the Criterion Collection, one spine at a time. In each episode, I sit down with film historians, critics, filmmakers, and scholars for in-depth conversations about a single film from the Criterion Collection. I'm Ron, and I guide these expert-driven discussions examining the artistry, cultural significance, and historical context of classic and contemporary cinema. From French New Wave masterpieces to American westerns, from experimental shorts to beloved classics, we unpack what makes these films essential viewing. Whether you're a longtime Criterion collector, a film student, or simply curious about cinema history, Why This Film? offers thoughtful analysis and engaging conversations about the movies that shaped filmmaking. New episodes release 1-2 times monthly. Subscribe to join me for deep dives into the Criterion Collection.

  1. Birth (2004, Jonathan Glazer) with Carlos Aguilar - Criterion Collection Spine #1298

    4d ago ·  Video

    Birth (2004, Jonathan Glazer) with Carlos Aguilar - Criterion Collection Spine #1298

    "It captures an uncanny feeling that relates to grief, that there's something after, the hope we could get more time with someone we love." In this episode of Why This Film?, Film critic Carlos Aguilar joins me to explore Birth, Jonathan Glazer's 2004 psychological thriller and Criterion Collection Spine #1298. Birth follows Anna, a widow living a comfortable Manhattan life who has finally agreed to remarry, ten years after the sudden death of her husband Sean. Then a 10-year-old boy appears at her mother's birthday party claiming to be him. What follows is an unsettling exploration of grief, obsession, and the desperate ways we cling to those we've lost, asking whether the person we mourn is ever truly the person who died, or just the story we've constructed in their place. Carlos brings his perspective as a film critic, writer, and member of both the LA Film Critics Association and the National Society of Film Critics. His work has appeared in The Wrap, Vulture, IndieWire, RogerEbert.com, and The Criterion Collection. He's a passionate advocate for representation and the cinematic legacy of Latin America, and his deep connection to the "mystery of the heart" in film makes him the perfect guide for Glazer's haunting formal precision. Together we move through the film scene by scene and discuss: How grief constructs the deadThe role class and wealth in Anna's griefNicole Kidman's devastating performance and why this remains one of her most daring rolesThe concert sceneWhether Anna ever truly completes the grieving processThe bathtub scene's reception in 2004What happens when we lose someone twiceWhether you're discovering Birth for the first time or returning to it, this conversation explores why a film initially dismissed and misunderstood has become recognized as one of the most essential meditations on grief in contemporary cinema. Send us Fan Mail Hollywood ManeStays - Not a pin, not a clip. Just Better. Support the show Follow the Podcast: WhyThisFilm.com Instagram YouTube

    1h 14m
  2. La cérémonie (1995, Claude Chabrol) with Girish Shambu - Criterion Collection Spine #1199

    Jun 5

    La cérémonie (1995, Claude Chabrol) with Girish Shambu - Criterion Collection Spine #1199

    "It's an incredibly rich film." In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by film critic and scholar Girish Shambu to explore La cérémonie, Claude Chabrol's 1995 masterpiece and Criterion Collection Spine #1199. La cérémonie follows Sophie, a withdrawn live-in maid hired by the welcoming Lelièvre family at their country estate. The family is pleasant. The job is fine. And then Sophie meets Jeanne, the local postmistress. Jeanne is sharp, reckless, and already on bad terms with Sophie's new employer. The two women become close. And that friendship, combined with a secret Sophie has been hiding since she arrived, sets the film on a course it can't turn back from. Girish brings his perspective as a critic who has spent years thinking about films that take economic inequality seriously from the works of Ken Loach, the Dardenne brothers, and Aki Kaurismäki. He's currently writing a book about the marginalization of women in the history of auteurism, which gives him a precise eye for how class, gender, and power operate in everyday life. Together, we move through the film scene by scene and discuss: How class war can still operate through politeness and generosityThe role secrets and shame play in shaping Sophie's identityHow critical reception of the film has recently changedChabrol as an underappreciated filmmaker of the French New WaveWhether you're discovering La cérémonie for the first time or returning to it, this conversation explores why a film dismissed for years suddenly became recognized as one of the essential films of its era. You can find more from Girish Shambu below: Girish Shambu The New Cinephilia Send us Fan Mail Hollywood ManeStays - Not a pin, not a clip. Just Better. Support the show Follow the Podcast: WhyThisFilm.com Instagram YouTube

    1h 13m
  3. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022, Guillermo del Toro & Mark Gustafson) with Caleb Tyson - Criterion Collection Spine #1201

    Jun 1

    Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022, Guillermo del Toro & Mark Gustafson) with Caleb Tyson - Criterion Collection Spine #1201

    "It's a perfectly imperfect film." In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by film editor Caleb Tyson to explore Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022), the Academy Award-winning stop-motion feature and Criterion Collection entry that reimagines one of the world's oldest stories through an entirely new lens. Set in Mussolini's fascist Italy, del Toro's Pinocchio follows a grieving woodcarver named Geppetto who, lost in sorrow after losing his son Carlo, carves a puppet from a pine tree grown near his son's grave. When a wood sprite brings the puppet to life, Pinocchio must navigate a world that sees him as either a miracle or a monster - all while Geppetto struggles to accept this strange new creation for what it is, rather than who he wishes it could be.  Caleb Tyson brings his perspective as a working film editor and animator to the conversation. His background in pacing, rhythm, and visual storytelling gives him a uniquely technical eye for how del Toro uses stop-motion, shadow, score, and imperfection to build a world that feels entirely tactile and alive. Together we move through the film scene by scene and discuss: How del Toro uses fascist Italy as a backdrop to ask: who is the real puppet?Guillermo del Toro's craft - his use of lighting, intentional imperfection, and stop-motion animationThe Christ imagery woven throughout the film and what del Toro is saying with itThemes of grief, identity, disobedience, forgiveness, and the father-son dynamic at the heart of the storyThe film's voice cast, including Ewan McGregor, Cate Blanchett, Christoph Waltz, Tilda Swinton, and David BradleyWhy a puppet who refuses to obey is more human than the people around himWhy Pinocchio earns its place in the Criterion Collection as a perfectly imperfect filmSend us Fan Mail Hollywood ManeStays - Not a pin, not a clip. Just Better. Support the show Follow the Podcast: WhyThisFilm.com Instagram YouTube

    52 min
  4. Kagemusha (1980, Akira Kurosawa) with Michael Repsch - Criterion Collection Spine #267

    Apr 25

    Kagemusha (1980, Akira Kurosawa) with Michael Repsch - Criterion Collection Spine #267

    "Is our identity predetermined or something we can create?" In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by Michael Repsch, President of Dark Star Pictures, to explore Kagemusha - Akira Kurosawa's sweeping historical epic and Criterion Collection Spine #267. Released in 1980, Kagemusha follows a thief who is spared execution because of his uncanny resemblance to the powerful warlord Takeda Shingen. When Shingen dies, the thief is forced to assume his identity, and the fate of the entire clan depends on if the illusion can be sustained. Michael brings his perspective as a longtime film distributor who has helped release over 200 films and now leads Dark Star Pictures. He discusses what makes Kagemusha endure not only as a viewer, but as someone who understands how films are preserved and passed on to new audiences. Together, we move through the film scene by scene and discuss: Akira Kurosawa's style and use of color, shadow, and movementHow Kagemusha differs from the traditional samurai epicThemes of identity, power, and successionWhy the film rewards repeated viewingsWhy Kagemusha remains one of the most visually stunning, thought-provoking, and essential films in the Criterion CollectionSend us Fan Mail Hollywood ManeStays - Not a pin, not a clip. Just Better. Support the show Follow the Podcast: WhyThisFilm.com Instagram YouTube

    1h 16m
  5. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001, Wes Anderson) with Chris Cook - Criterion Collection Spine #157

    Apr 7

    The Royal Tenenbaums (2001, Wes Anderson) with Chris Cook - Criterion Collection Spine #157

    "To me, it's a perfect film." In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by assistant director Chris Cook to explore The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), Wes Anderson's meticulously crafted family drama and Criterion Collection Spine #157. Released in 2001, The Royal Tenenbaums follows the once-brilliant Tenenbaum siblings - Chas, Margot, and Richie - whose early promise has long since faded. When their estranged father Royal suddenly re-enters their lives under false pretenses, the family is forced into a reluctant reunion. Chris Cook brings his perspective as an assistant director working across film and television, with credits including The Killer, Ted Lasso, and The Morning Show. He talks about what stands out in The Royal Tenenbaums not just as a viewer, but as someone who understands how a film like this has to come together behind the scenes. Together, we move through the film scene by scene and discuss: Wes Anderson's visual style and early run of filmsThe ensemble castThe film's production design, soundtrack, and use of montageRoyal Tenenbaum as both a deadbeat father and an oddly compelling force within the familyThemes of early success, failure, grief, and reconciliationWhy The Royal Tenenbaums remains one of the most emotionally resonant and distinctive films in the Criterion Collection. Send us Fan Mail Hollywood ManeStays - Not a pin, not a clip. Just Better. Support the show Follow the Podcast: WhyThisFilm.com Instagram YouTube

    1h 17m
  6. The Thin Red Line (1998, Terrence Malick) with Jared Frederick - Criterion Collection Spine #536

    Mar 17

    The Thin Red Line (1998, Terrence Malick) with Jared Frederick - Criterion Collection Spine #536

    "I think of it as Saving Private Ryan for thinkers." In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by historian, author, and educator Jared Frederick to explore The Thin Red Line (1998), Terrence Malick's philosophical World War II epic and Criterion Collection Spine #536. Released in 1998 after a 20-year hiatus from filmmaking, The Thin Red Line marked Malick's long-awaited return to cinema. Adapted from the 1962 novel by James Jones, the film follows soldiers of C Company as they arrive on Guadalcanal during the brutal Pacific Theater campaign of World War II, confronting both the physical violence of war and the deeper questions it raises about human nature, morality, and the natural world. Unlike many traditional war films, The Thin Red Line moves beyond spectacle and patriotism. Through shifting perspectives, poetic voiceover, and sweeping cinematography, Malick turns the battlefield into something closer to a philosophical meditation. Jared Frederick brings both historical expertise and a cinephile's perspective to the conversation. As a World War II historian and the co-creator of the YouTube channel Reel History, Jared examines where the film aligns with historical reality and how Malick pursues something reflective and artistic. Together, we move through the film scene-by-scene and discuss: The Battle of Guadalcanal and the real history behind the events depicted in the filmWhy The Thin Red Line feels different from other WWII films like Saving Private RyanTerrence Malick's use of nature, voiceover, and shifting perspectivesThe film's ensemble cast, including Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Jim Caviezel, Adrien Brody, and George ClooneyThe moral ambiguity of war and the film's empathy for both American and Japanese soldiersWhy The Thin Red Line remains one of the most philosophical and visually ambitious war films ever madeYou can find more from Jared Frederick below: Reel History on YouTube Jared Frederick Send us Fan Mail Hollywood ManeStays - Not a pin, not a clip. Just Better. Support the show Follow the Podcast: WhyThisFilm.com Instagram YouTube

    1h 19m
  7. Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985, Tim Burton) with Jesse Thorn - Criterion Collection Spine #1293

    Mar 5

    Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985, Tim Burton) with Jesse Thorn - Criterion Collection Spine #1293

    “The regular world still has something special for someone who is weird.”  In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by comedian, broadcaster, and Maximum Fun founder Jesse Thorn to explore Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985), the feature film debut of Tim Burton and one of the most unique comedies of the 1980s. Released in 1985, Pee-wee's Big Adventure follows Pee-wee Herman, played by Paul Reubens, as he embarks on a cross-country journey to recover his stolen bicycle. What begins as a simple quest unfolds into a surreal road movie through a hyper-stylized version of America filled with bikers, truck drivers, cowboys, movie sets, roadside attraction dinosaurs, and unforgettable characters (any Large Marge fans out there?).  Jesse Thorn brings his perspective as both a lifelong Pee-wee fan and a comedy writer to the conversation. He helps unpack how Paul built one of the most unusual personas ever to reach mainstream audiences. Jesse wrote the essay for Criterion's release of the film. We discuss: Jesse's experience with the character Pee-wee Herman and the man Paul Reubens.How Tim Burton's first feature film established aesthetics that would define his careerThe film's blend of genresThe morality, sexuality, and ambiguity of Pee-weeWhy Pee-wee's Big Adventure deserves its place in the Criterion CollectionWhether you grew up quoting the movie or are discovering Pee-wee Herman for the first time, this conversation explores how a film that feels completely ridiculous is also surprisingly precise. You can find more from Jesse Thorn below: Maximum Fun Pee-wee's Big Adventure: Why Don't You Take a Picture by Jesse Thorn Follow Jesse Thorn - Instagram Send us Fan Mail Hollywood ManeStays - Not a pin, not a clip. Just Better. Support the show Follow the Podcast: WhyThisFilm.com Instagram YouTube

    1h 23m
  8. Repo Man (1984, Alex Cox) with James Chestnut - Criterion Collection Spine #654

    Feb 9

    Repo Man (1984, Alex Cox) with James Chestnut - Criterion Collection Spine #654

    "Otto is Forrest Gump." In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by assistant director James Chestnut to dive into Repo Man (1984), Alex Cox's punk-rock, sci-fi, anti-Reagan cult classic that refuses to sit still or make sense in a conventional way. Released in 1984, Repo Man follows Otto, a disaffected LA punk who stumbles into a world of car repossession. He soon finds himself caught up in conspiracies, aliens, the government, and the "lattice of coincidence." The film moves with deliberate disorientation, treating genre, narrative, and meaning as things to be challenged. James brings a filmmaker's perspective to the conversation, helping unpack how Repo Man was made, why it looks and feels the way it does, and how its low-budget ingenuity, location shooting, and practical effects reinforce its punk nature. Together, we talk about Los Angeles as a character, the film's embrace of randomness, and why its refusal to explain itself is exactly the point. We discuss: Alex Cox's collaborative approach to filmmakingThe mix of punk culture, science fiction, and political satireHarry Dean Stanton's unforgettable monologues and personal philosophy overlapping with the filmHow Repo Man uses confusion as a feature instead of a flawWhy this film belongs in the Criterion CollectionIf you've ever watched Repo Man and thought, "I don't know what I just saw, but I loved it," this conversation is for you. You can also follow James's new YouTube project, One Man's Trash (linked below), where he documents cleaning up his Los Angeles neighborhood, one block at a time. One Man's Trash Send us Fan Mail Hollywood ManeStays - Not a pin, not a clip. Just Better. Support the show Follow the Podcast: WhyThisFilm.com Instagram YouTube

    1h 14m
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About

 🎬 Exploring the Criterion Collection, one spine at a time. In each episode, I sit down with film historians, critics, filmmakers, and scholars for in-depth conversations about a single film from the Criterion Collection. I'm Ron, and I guide these expert-driven discussions examining the artistry, cultural significance, and historical context of classic and contemporary cinema. From French New Wave masterpieces to American westerns, from experimental shorts to beloved classics, we unpack what makes these films essential viewing. Whether you're a longtime Criterion collector, a film student, or simply curious about cinema history, Why This Film? offers thoughtful analysis and engaging conversations about the movies that shaped filmmaking. New episodes release 1-2 times monthly. Subscribe to join me for deep dives into the Criterion Collection.

Information

  • Creator
    Why This Film?
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Why This Film?
  • Show Website
    Why This Film?

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