59 min
The American Astronaut • The Next Reel The Next Reel Film Podcast
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- Film Reviews
“I’ve never understood this joke, but then I’ve never been to Earth.”Shooting for the Stars on a Shoestring Budget
In 1996, writer/director Cory McAbee set out to make a wholly unique film that blended elements of science fiction, Western, comedy and musical genres. With a background in music and short films, McAbee threw everything he had into crafting the world of The American Astronaut. Shot on stark black and white 35mm film, this low-budget labor of love caught the attention of the Film Independent Spirit Awards, earning a Best Cinematography nomination. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off the 2002 Film Independent Spirit Awards Best Cinematography Nominees series with a conversation about McAbee’s 2001 film The American Astronaut.
Traversing the Quirky Universe of The American Astronaut
Our discussion launches into the film's fascinating blend of genre tropes and cinematic influences. The lo-fi special effects, particularly in depicting space travel, somehow work perfectly in the established universe. We marvel at the creative framing and cinematography that elevate the low-budget production design. The memorable musical numbers get us singing along. At the heart of the story, we explore how this space Western playfully taps into themes of masculinity and loneliness across the cosmos.
Further Points of Discussion
Appreciating the authentic, understated performancesNoting the film's multitude of cinematic influencesStruggling with the underdeveloped antagonist storylineReveling in the earworm-inducing soundtrackComparing The American Astronaut to other quirky genre-bendersA Flawed but Ambitious Debut
The American Astronaut is a testament to the power of a singular creative vision. While the ending stumbles a bit in its execution, the totality of Cory McAbee's debut feature is an undeniably striking and inventive piece of independent filmmaking. The cinematography rightfully earns its place among the Film Independent Spirit Awards nominees. Despite the budgetary limitations, this is a film that sticks with you long after the credits roll. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
Watch this on Amazon or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerLetterboxdThe Next Reel’s Family of Film Podcasts
Cinema ScopeThe Film BoardFreely Adapted (coming soon!)Movies We LikeThe Next ReelThe Next Reel Shorts (retired)One Minute for Old Men (coming soon!)The Saturday Matinée (retired)Silver Linings (retired)Sitting in the DarkThree of a Kind (retired)Trailer Rewind (retired)
Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!
Become a Member Today! $5 monthly or $55 annually
Visit our WATCH PAGE to rent or purchase movies we've talked about on the shows that are part of The Next Reel’s family of podcasts. By doing so, you get to watch the movie and help us out in the process as a portion comes back our way. Enjoy!
Build your own website (or one for your granny!) with Squarespace. Try it today!
Here’s where you can find us around the internet:
The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWe spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?
Become a Member here: $5 monthly or $55 annually
What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!
You can buy TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with o
“I’ve never understood this joke, but then I’ve never been to Earth.”Shooting for the Stars on a Shoestring Budget
In 1996, writer/director Cory McAbee set out to make a wholly unique film that blended elements of science fiction, Western, comedy and musical genres. With a background in music and short films, McAbee threw everything he had into crafting the world of The American Astronaut. Shot on stark black and white 35mm film, this low-budget labor of love caught the attention of the Film Independent Spirit Awards, earning a Best Cinematography nomination. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off the 2002 Film Independent Spirit Awards Best Cinematography Nominees series with a conversation about McAbee’s 2001 film The American Astronaut.
Traversing the Quirky Universe of The American Astronaut
Our discussion launches into the film's fascinating blend of genre tropes and cinematic influences. The lo-fi special effects, particularly in depicting space travel, somehow work perfectly in the established universe. We marvel at the creative framing and cinematography that elevate the low-budget production design. The memorable musical numbers get us singing along. At the heart of the story, we explore how this space Western playfully taps into themes of masculinity and loneliness across the cosmos.
Further Points of Discussion
Appreciating the authentic, understated performancesNoting the film's multitude of cinematic influencesStruggling with the underdeveloped antagonist storylineReveling in the earworm-inducing soundtrackComparing The American Astronaut to other quirky genre-bendersA Flawed but Ambitious Debut
The American Astronaut is a testament to the power of a singular creative vision. While the ending stumbles a bit in its execution, the totality of Cory McAbee's debut feature is an undeniably striking and inventive piece of independent filmmaking. The cinematography rightfully earns its place among the Film Independent Spirit Awards nominees. Despite the budgetary limitations, this is a film that sticks with you long after the credits roll. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
Watch this on Amazon or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerLetterboxdThe Next Reel’s Family of Film Podcasts
Cinema ScopeThe Film BoardFreely Adapted (coming soon!)Movies We LikeThe Next ReelThe Next Reel Shorts (retired)One Minute for Old Men (coming soon!)The Saturday Matinée (retired)Silver Linings (retired)Sitting in the DarkThree of a Kind (retired)Trailer Rewind (retired)
Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!
Become a Member Today! $5 monthly or $55 annually
Visit our WATCH PAGE to rent or purchase movies we've talked about on the shows that are part of The Next Reel’s family of podcasts. By doing so, you get to watch the movie and help us out in the process as a portion comes back our way. Enjoy!
Build your own website (or one for your granny!) with Squarespace. Try it today!
Here’s where you can find us around the internet:
The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWe spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?
Become a Member here: $5 monthly or $55 annually
What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!
You can buy TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with o
59 min