World Cinema History

Eric Trommater

The movies of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Latin and South America (and an occasional North American movie we like) discussed by a panel of (mostly) American wankers. Season One focuses on cinema of The UK. Help us stay Advertising Free by giving a one-time tip or by joining the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club. Benefits include: * Bonus Episodes * Attending Live Recordings of the Show * Our Love and Appreciation * Whatever Else We Think of in The Future To join just go to https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory and make a recurring monthly payment for any amount.

  1. Bergman's "Passion (1969):" Silence, Color, and Liv Ullmann

    5 HR AGO

    Bergman's "Passion (1969):" Silence, Color, and Liv Ullmann

    Ingmar Bergman’s "The Passion of Anna" In this episode, we dive into the stark, psychological landscape of Ingmar Bergman’s 1969 masterpiece, The Passion of Anna. As we transition from our Road to Godard series into the new Adaptation era, we explore a film that marks a pivotal moment in Bergman's career—an island of isolation, truth, and structural experimentation. In this roundtable discussion: The Liv Ullmann signed poster: Panelist Koom Kankesan shares the incredible story of how he secured an autograph from Ullmann herself on the vintage poster featured in today’s episode art. Technical Artistry: We break down the experimental use of color and Sven Nykvist’s cinematography, examining how the film's palette mirrors the internal rot of its characters. The Final Scene: A deep dive into the meaning, technical processing, and the haunting, handheld execution of the film's final moments. Atmospheric Recording: Recorded in the "Pirate Podcast" tradition, featuring Sila Blume contributing via a train journey through the Southeast United States, adding a unique, transient texture to the conversation.The Panel: Hosted by Eric Trommater, featuring Erin Brown, Jennifer Trujillo, Sila Blume, and first-time guest Koom Kankesan. Chapters 0:00 Celebrating 100 Episodes: Unpacking Bergman's Personal Demons 5:37 The Incredible Story Behind Koom's Liv Ullmann Autograph 15:56 Unraveling The Passion of Anna's Animal Cruelty Mystery 21:39 How Bergman Mastered New Wave Cinema and Challenged Audiences 34:12 Is The Passion of Anna Misogynistic? Exploring Trauma and Guilt 53:32 Bergman's Control: The Truth Behind The Film's Interview Segments 1:01:06 Sven Nykvist's Experimental Color: The Film's Visual Disintegration 1:12:23 Analyzing The Passion of Anna's Powerful Ending and Bergman's Legacy 1:25:07 Where to Find Our Panelists and What's Next Week Clips used: https://youtu.be/9fQ7wmlxDno?si=Kgn1bF_eZZy3PHpI https://youtube.com/shorts/OHrSRXPtNZs?si=tCfEE3s-tqKM-CUS https://youtu.be/Oa16grXuK1g?si=rG_qhbG6pZAPLyYu https://youtu.be/UlEQzzIRlmU?si=XGl4NirbXyitoVhd https://youtu.be/_J8t6q2EL7k?si=ZAVAxfFiklF5yD_L https://youtu.be/73vw4xVCPEM?si=gOMJaGllPJtNcFsz https://youtu.be/r7zDsVZcHg0?si=SlIoBmXr9ei4OaeN https://youtu.be/Z4VSvlLsOP4?si=mSKdHmakwvRNcI12 https://youtu.be/6YzbFVnY9Nk?si=hexEDm9yS8hazvvR Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance)Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)

    1hr 29min
  2. "Weekend" (1967): Cars, Cannibals and The End of Cinema

    5 DAYS AGO

    "Weekend" (1967): Cars, Cannibals and The End of Cinema

    ​"A Podcast Found in a Garbage Dump." ​The journey is complete. In the final installment of our Road to Godard series, we tackle Jean-Luc Godard’s 1967 scorched-earth satire, Weekend. We have traveled from the poetic realism of Grand Illusion to the revolutionary "End of Cinema," navigating a landscape of endless traffic jams and the collapse of the social contract. ​In this episode, we discuss: ​The High Concept: Why Weekend might actually be Godard’s most "High Concept" film, surprisingly borrowing the narrative DNA of Road to Zanzibar. ​The Death of Narrative: How Godard tears up the traditional rules of filmmaking to create something confrontational, sarcastic, and new. ​The Great Traffic Jam: Breaking down one of the most famous tracking shots in history and its scathing critique of bourgeois consumerism. ​The Series Wrap-Up: Reflecting on the evolution of film language across our four-film journey—from Grand Illusion, Children of Paradise, and Orpheus to this final destination. ​Host: Eric Trommater Panel: Erin Brown, Jennifer Trujillo, and Sila Blume Chapters: 0:00 Podcast Opening and Panel's Initial Reactions to Weekend 5:20 Analyzing Godard's Iconic Traffic Jam and French Cultural Critique 12:24 Is Godard's Weekend Funny, Satirical, or Simply Mean-Spirited? 25:01 From Nihilism to Maoism: Understanding Godard's Political Evolution 31:48 Weekend's Unexpected Link to Road to Zanzibar and Cannibalism 43:30 Panelists' Personal Struggles and Weekend's Enduring Cinematic Impact 54:10 Reflecting on the Road to Godard: Connecting Influential Films 1:00:42 Where to Find Us and What's Coming Next on the Podcast Clips used: https://youtu.be/aM5z0XLRdXc?si=utq9OwLLKLqMRWoZ Nouth Jazz B. White (1920) https://youtu.be/w7e-TTRQHMs?si=VAtn3RgwWZC9QUUy Road to Zanzibar Trailer https://youtu.be/4F7sdy2rZws?si=4sRiepWig58Okj6z https://youtu.be/OFXmVSEVa7Y?si=dHF1ONW8sONF5Gk2 https://youtu.be/CwbYnGhZ2pU?si=2cM3pll3_VoQNxTZ https://youtu.be/2xaQu3uP6VA?si=zhJkza01jYBlPd_n Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)

    1hr 5min
  3. Children of Paradise (1945): A Beautiful Corpse?

    1 APR

    Children of Paradise (1945): A Beautiful Corpse?

    ​ In the penultimate installment of our Road to Godard series, we dive into the 1945 epic that the Cahiers du Cinéma crowd famously dubbed a "beautiful corpse." ​Filmed under the extreme constraints and constant surveillance of the Nazi occupation of France, Marcel Carné and Jacques Prévert managed to construct a work of staggering scale—complete with massive sets and a cast of thousands. Host Eric Trommater and panelists Erin Brown, Sila Blume, and Jennifer Trujillo examine how this pillar of poetic realism functions as both a defiant act of French culture and a meditation on the elusive nature of love and the stage. We discuss why this film remains a vital touchstone for understanding the cinematic world that Godard would eventually inherit and challenge. Episode Chapters 0:00 Welcome to Children of Paradise: Initial Reactions 8:46 Unpacking Love, Sincerity, and Character Complexity 14:27 Jacques Prévert's Poetic Vision on Screen 16:50 Cinematic Resistance During Nazi-Occupied France 20:37 The Rich Literary Dialogue and Love's Complexities 24:16 Exploring Character Borders and the Nature of Love 30:13 Garance's True Love and the Nuances of Romance 38:57 Wartime Choices and Troubling Character Stereotypes 45:22 Lacenaire's Identity and Prévert's Artistic Rebellion 49:59 Godard's "Beautiful Corpse" and Political Backlash 53:13 The People's Theater and the Film's Title 58:27 The Controversial 4K Restoration: A Visual Debate 1:09:00 Final Thoughts on Garance and Film Appreciation 1:11:03 Join the Discussion and Next Week's Episode Godard's "Weekend." Clips Used.  https://youtu.be/81J56YChYo4?si=pU8ccBbm_Bz-uwt0 https://youtu.be/jKorhmX5IDo?si=rWoKjCU9pvCuMosc https://youtu.be/wNl9ksUI-bU?si=nCQ6VMQwcVv3DSwo https://youtu.be/co52GGV1SYc?si=-8EDa8W6CeD8Zv4V https://youtu.be/2a-VL1VoHJ0?si=_pfOoPiDjTJo6CCd https://youtu.be/rpMvf4Gdn-4?si=8jPi_lxKBa5wp03V https://youtu.be/KZBdgRR85sw?si=y8aCRsDm1RlhGyKC https://youtu.be/0RRWCxfkmtA?si=qAK4_OENas2QpIQ3 Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include: Bonus Episodes Attending Live Recordings Our Love and Appreciation Future exclusive perks Having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance) Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory (Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a huge difference!)

    1hr 15min
  4. Cocteau’s Orpheus Trilogy: WTF is This?

    21 MAR

    Cocteau’s Orpheus Trilogy: WTF is This?

    Cocteau’s Orpheus Trilogy | WTF is This? Host: Eric Trommater Panel: Erin Brown, Sila Blume, and Jennifer Trujillo In this episode, we step through the mirror into the cinematic life of Jean Cocteau. We examine the foundational trilogy—The Blood of a Poet (1930), Orphée (1950), and The Testament of Orpheus (1960)—not as technical exercises, but as a shared space where the image carries a specific, undeniable weight. We’re moving past the usual "film school" vocabulary to discuss how Cocteau demands a unique kind of recognition from his audience. From the post-war static of the car radio to the literal thresholds of death, we explore how these films function when we stop treating them as "social commentary" and start treating them as a lived, theological reality. We also place Orpheus ('50) in its proper sequence on our "Road to Godard," between the elegance of Grand Illusion ('37) and the eventual collapse of Weekend ('67). ​YouTube Chapters: Cocteau’s Orpheus Trilogy ​00:00 John Simon's Challenge: Try Harder for Cocteau 04:00 Jean Cocteau: Poet, Painter, Filmmaker, Surrealist 10:00 The Poet's Struggle: Art, Self-Portrait, and Discomfort 14:00 Through the Mirror: Cocteau's Evolving Symbolism of Mortality 22:00 Cocteau's Practical Effects and Filmmaking Legacy 28:00 Eric's Journey: Cocteau's Films and Digital Restoration 34:00 The Uncomfortable Truth: Punishment and Fetish in Art 41:00 From Myth to Modernity: Orpheus and the Burden of Celebrity 44:00 Orpheus's Obsession: Radio Signals and the Nature of Addiction 56:00 Jean Cocteau's Controversial Wartime Conduct and Queer Aesthetic 1:03:00 Unpacking Power Dynamics: From Nazis to Modern Political Parallels 1:16:00 The Final Film: Cocteau's Confession and Technical Decline 1:20:00 Recurring Motif: Eyes, Perception, and Artistic Cameos 1:27:00 Unstuck in Time: Immortality, Death, and Evolving Perceptions 1:34:00 Cocteau's Complex Legacy: Confession, Narcissism, and Horses 1:42:00 Children of Paradise: Next Week's Film and Podcast Wrap-up Clips and Music Featured: ​Archival Resonance: German troops marching (1939) and the BBC’s 1945 broadcast of the crossing of the Rhine, grounding the Orphic myth in the shadow of history. ​Sonic Texture: The surrealist "horse-sense" of the Mr. Ed theme, the precision of Saint-Saëns' Violin Sonata No. 1, the ethereal "Space Ambience" by Alexander Nakarada, and Philomena Cunk’s vital inquiry: "What the f*** is this?" Links: ​German Troops Marching: https://youtu.be/cQXS6yWuyWw ​1945 BBC Broadcast: https://youtu.be/67m3jOU94Pw ​Mr. Ed Theme: https://youtu.be/6GAbc5uQXJo ​Saint-Saëns Violin Sonata: https://youtu.be/qdmz1PjC1oM ​Space Ambience: https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQ ​Cunk (What is this?): https://youtu.be/2ek8WvBI48w ​Orpheus Clip 1: https://youtu.be/c4CeP3tuHVU ​Orpheus Clip 2: https://youtu.be/2a-VL1VoHJ0 ​Orpheus Clip 3: https://youtu.be/m5NHeauBtTM Connect With Us: ​YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist ​Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 ​Spotify: http://spotify.com ​X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include bonus episodes, attending live recordings, and having your name mispronounced on the podcast (our sincerest apologies in advance). Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory

    1hr 45min
  5. Jethro Waters Exclusive Interview: "Gunfighter Paradise" (2025)

    5 MAR

    Jethro Waters Exclusive Interview: "Gunfighter Paradise" (2025)

    A Conversation with Jethro Waters. In this episode, our panel—Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, Jennifer Trujillo, and Sila Blume—sits down with a true polymath of modern film: Jethro Waters. Jethro serves as the writer, director, editor, and cinematographer for his debut feature, Gunfighter Paradise. He even steps in front of the lens as the film’s lead actor under the nom-de-plume Braz Cubas. Together, we explore the grueling yet rewarding journey of bringing a first feature to life, the intentionality behind the film's striking visual language, and the technical artistry of the lenses and camera techniques used to capture it. We also engage in a broader dialogue on the future of independent cinema as it navigates the shifting tides of a streaming-dominated world. ​Music Featured in This Episode: ​Sci-Fi Music for YouTube Videos (No Copyright) – https://youtu.be/2a-VL1VoHJ0 ​Sid Hemphill: Complete Library of Congress Recordings 1941-1942 – https://youtu.be/cTjA1a1CjQs ​Muddy Waters: Field Recordings 1941-1942 – https://youtu.be/co52GGV1SYc ​Nouth Jazz - B. White (1920) – https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQ ​Chapters: ​0:00 Eric's Provocative Godard Comparison and Erin's AI Test ​2:36 The Story Behind Jethro's Alias and Nancy Buirski 's Influence ​8:58 Exploring Gunfighter Paradise's Religious Themes and Dark Humor ​16:40 Geeking Out and Unpacking Gunfighter Paradise's Layered Visuals and Narrative Structure ​27:52 Jethro Waters on Gun Culture and Southern American Identity ​41:25 A Technical Dive into Gunfighter Paradise's Cinematography ​59:35 Navigating the Independent Film Landscape and Building Community ​1:10:58 The Film's Emotional Impact and the Mummified Cat Story ​1:20:50 Jethro Waters' Future Projects and Podcast Preview for The Road to Godard ​Connect With Us: ​YouTube: World Cinema History ​Apple Podcasts: World Cinema History on Apple ​Spotify: Listen on Spotify ​X (Twitter): @etrommater ​Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club ​Support the show and get closer to the booth! Your contributions through Ko-fi help us keep the film history conversation alive. Recurring monthly payments of any amount make a massive difference. ​Member Benefits Include: ​Exclusive Bonus Episodes ​Access to attend Live Recordings ​Future exclusive perks ​The high honor of having your name mispronounced on air (our sincerest apologies in advance!) ​Join the club here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory

    1hr 27min
  6. Oscar Winner Kevin Willmott on "CSA: Confederate States of America" (2004)

    27 FEB

    Oscar Winner Kevin Willmott on "CSA: Confederate States of America" (2004)

    We are joined by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott (Best Adapted Screenplay for Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman) to discuss his 2004 mockumentary, C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America. Alongside our panel—Eric Trommater, Erin Brown, Sila Blume, and Jennifer Trujillo—we explore Willmott’s searing speculative history that imagines a world where the North lost the Civil War. We dive into the film’s use of satire to expose the enduring reality of white supremacy., We examine how the film’s fictional advertisements and the underlying structures of American identity remain uncomfortably close to the present day. Content Warning: This episode contains a candid discussion of systemic racism and features the use of racial slurs in the context of analyzing the film’s satirical and historical themes. Chapters ​0:00 Chasing the EGOT: Oscar Winner Kevin Willmott . ​7:16 Kevin's Filmography: Unearthing the Houston Riot of 1917 ​13:14 Hollywood's Slavery Problem and Confederate Flags ​17:24 Uncomfortable Truths in CSA's Satirical Ads ​24:52 Blending Formats for Historical Mockumentary Realism ​35:30 Why America Struggles with Slavery's Emotional History ​45:02 USA vs. CSA: Expanding or Limiting Freedom ​54:54 How Society Changes and Racism is Taught ​1:07:06 Voting Against Self-Interest and Racial Prejudice ​1:16:53 The Lost Cause Narrative and Modern America ​1:20:27 Why Modern Society is More Stupid and Divided ​1:34:13 Out-Satirizing Reality and Closing Discourse ​1:39:30 Social Media and Next Episode Preview Music in this Episode Space Ambience by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com She Has Freckles on Her But, She is Nice | https://youtu.be/pNcjs30BZTs Lead Belly - Midnight Special | https://youtu.be/zIC2hVvKzVQ Elmer Bernstein - Appointment with Destiny Theme | https://youtu.be/Qt6eKU3v1XE Nouth by Jazz B White https://youtu.be/sB6jXSr7_wQ?si=5N4jm7bNgvfV-8-8 Connect With Us: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist?si=z8Yay0W0I-6APEZz Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club Support the show and get closer to the booth! Benefits include bonus episodes, attending live recordings, and our sincere apologies in advance for mispronouncing your name on air. Join here: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory

    1hr 42min
  7. Is Ralph Bakshi's "Coonskin" (1975) Racist? (Explicit)

    19 FEB

    Is Ralph Bakshi's "Coonskin" (1975) Racist? (Explicit)

    Is Ralph Bakshi's Coonskin (1975) Racist? Spoiler: Yes. In 1975, Ralph Bakshi’s Coonskin—a jagged, mixed-media parody of Song of the South—sparked massive protests for its depictions of Harlem, the Mob, and the LGBTQ community. Decades before Roger Rabbit, Bakshi was already blending live-action and animation to create a disturbing, distorted lens of Black America. Host Eric Trommater, joined by Erin Brown, Sila Blume, and Jennifer Trujillo, examines a film that has been a personal touchstone for Eric since childhood. We move past the simple binary of "is it racist?" to ask: Why did Bakshi make this, and what can we learn about race today? In this Episode: The Cast: Dual roles from Scatman Crothers, Charles Gordone, and Philip Michael Thomas. The Controversy: Why CORE protested the film and its near-erasure from history. The Satire: Evaluating Bakshi’s "hidden message" against the weight of his stereotypes. Episode Timestamps 0:00 — The Panel's Unanimous Verdict on Bakshi's Controversial Film 2:37 — Ralph Bakshi's Intentions and the 'White Tourist' Aesthetic 5:32 — Erin's Dislike vs. Sila's 'Bleak Beauty' in Coonskin's Art 7:36 — Jennifer's Take on Coonskin's Blended Reality and Shocking Elements 9:38 — Sila's Deep Dive into Coonskin's Intellectual Depth and Poetic Scenes 16:37 — Bakshi's Tape Recorder Tour and the Miss America Metaphor 19:22 — Panel Debates Ralph Bakshi's Authority to Create Coonskin 23:11 — Suppressed by CORE, Defended by NAACP, and Erik's Unironic Love 26:05 — Coonskin's Portrayal of Italian Mafia and Homosexual Stereotypes 29:03 — Jennifer's Critique of Coonskin's Queer Characters and Lack of Depth 37:30 — Sila Questions the Depth of Coonskin's Satire and Its Intent 42:44 — How Bakshi Amplifies the Voices of His Characters in Coonskin 46:47 — The Symbolism of Miss America and Its Disturbing Parallels to Racism 53:12 — The Role of Black Collaborators and the 'Deliberately Ugly' Art Style 57:27 — Defending Coonskin's Visuals as Intentional and 'Punk Rock Beauty' 1:05:30 — Questioning Bakshi's Intelligence and the Validity of His Satire 1:13:58 — Sila's Argument for Experiencing Art Beyond Pure Intellectual Analysis 1:17:17 — Malcolm the Cockroach, Awkward Interactions, and the Satisfaction of Otherness 1:26:05 — Unexpected Penises, Film's Message, and Next Week's Episode Connect & Support: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@worldcinehist Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-cinema-history/id1744483892 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4YkCJSJvngtDMhey0CNsWj?si=i143kCA8RQKhQauUICLrmA X (Twitter): @etrommater Join the DVD Extras Club on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory

    1hr 34min

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About

The movies of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Latin and South America (and an occasional North American movie we like) discussed by a panel of (mostly) American wankers. Season One focuses on cinema of The UK. Help us stay Advertising Free by giving a one-time tip or by joining the World Cinema History DVD Extras Club. Benefits include: * Bonus Episodes * Attending Live Recordings of the Show * Our Love and Appreciation * Whatever Else We Think of in The Future To join just go to https://ko-fi.com/worldcinemahistory and make a recurring monthly payment for any amount.