Beyond the Big Screen

Stephen Guerra
  • 4.6 (36)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Beyond the Big Screen is a podcast about the true story behind the movies you love. We will talk about history, philosophy, religion, art, sports, literature and much more. Movies and media only tell you a small part of the story. In this podcast we will look into a wide variety of topics on the big screen and beyond!

  1. FEB 13

    Inside L.A. Confidential (1997): Policing, Politics, and Power Plays

    Exploring L.A. Confidential with Frank Scalise: Deep Dive into Neo-Noir This time we feature author and podcaster Frank Scalise, who brings his rich background as a high-ranking police officer into the mix. Together, we dive headfirst into the world of the film and book 'L.A. Confidential.' Released as a book in 1990 and adapted into a film in 1997, 'L.A. Confidential' is a neo-noir crime drama set in 1950s Los Angeles. We discuss everything from the gritty reality and complex characters to themes of police corruption and crime. Frank gives his expert take on the portrayal of law enforcement through the lens of both historical context and modern-day perspectives. Learn how the cultural setting of the time influenced the storyline and character arcs, and hear behind-the-scenes stories about the cast and the making of the movie. Don't miss our speculation on what could have been a groundbreaking TV adaptation!  01:12 Exploring the Neo-Noir Genre 04:06 James Ellroy's Personal Connection 12:34 Themes of Police Corruption 16:07 Historical Context of Police Corruption 21:00 Character Analysis: Bud White 35:27 Character Analysis: Jack Vincennes 44:40 Reinvention in 1950s LA 46:52 Conflict and Growth in LA 51:40 Police Corruption and Crime 59:23 Character Analysis and Themes 01:08:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections Transcript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/wqHDxPxW7H4 You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places: https://atozhistorypage.start.page www.beyondthebigscreen.com Click to Subscribe: https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feed email: steve@atozhistorypage.com www.beyondthebigscreen.com Parthenon Podcast Network Home: parthenonpodcast.com On Social Media:  https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistory https://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypage https://facebook.com/atozhistorypage https://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/ Music Provided by: "Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    1h 35m

  2. FEB 10

    Coming Soon - Ethical or Unethical Cops

    Coming Soon on Beyond the Big Screen! You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places: https://atozhistorypage.start.page www.beyondthebigscreen.com Click to Subscribe: https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feed email: steve@atozhistorypage.com Parthenon Podcast Network Home: parthenonpodcast.com On Social Media:  https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistory https://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypage https://facebook.com/atozhistorypage https://twitter.com/atozhistorypage https://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/ Music Provided by: "Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    5 min

  3. FEB 6

    A Glimpse into the Silence of the Dead with Author Frank Zafiro

    In this captivating episode of Beyond the Big Screen, join host Steve and recurring guest Frank Scalise, a former police officer and crime fiction author. Frank, also known by his pen name Frank Zafiro, dives into his rich career in law enforcement and writing. We explore the intriguing distinctions between true crime and crime fiction, highlighting Frank's latest novel, 'Silence of the Dead' from the Charlie 316 series. They discuss the character nuances, themes of gray ethics, and the evolution of culture and policing showcased in the book. Expect deep dives into the challenges of co-authoring, the complexities of ethical considerations in policing, and much more. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey through the labyrinth of crime storytelling! 02:13 Discussion on True Crime vs. Crime Fiction 13:16 Evolution of Policing and Society 30:22 The Changing Landscape of Law Enforcement 36:01 Exploring Nuance in Character Development 40:44 Ethics and Entitlement in Policing 51:59 Spokane's Unique Character and History Transcript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/9j8A4wrarN8 You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places: https://atozhistorypage.start.page www.beyondthebigscreen.com Click to Subscribe: https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feed email: steve@atozhistorypage.com www.beyondthebigscreen.com Parthenon Podcast Network Home: parthenonpodcast.com On Social Media:  https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistory https://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypage https://facebook.com/atozhistorypage https://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/ Music Provided by: "Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    1h 21m

  4. FEB 3

    Coming Soon - Comfortable Police Corruption

    Coming Soon on Beyond the Big Screen! You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places: https://atozhistorypage.start.page www.beyondthebigscreen.com Click to Subscribe: https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feed email: steve@atozhistorypage.com Parthenon Podcast Network Home: parthenonpodcast.com On Social Media:  https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistory https://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypage https://facebook.com/atozhistorypage https://twitter.com/atozhistorypage https://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/ Music Provided by: "Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    4 min

  5. JAN 30

    Rush (1991): The True Cost of Undercover Policing

    Join us in this exciting installment of our series on police movies and crime fiction, as we dive deep into both the 1990 book and the 1991 film 'Rush'. With us is the remarkable Frank Scalise—crime fiction author, 20-year police veteran, and expert on all things gritty and nuanced. We explore why Frank was captivated by this story, the phenomenal acting, and the realistic sense of place. Learn how the movie delves into the complexities of deep undercover police work, the moral ambiguities, and the tragic endgame for the characters. We also touch on broader issues like the war on drugs and its impacts. All this and more in an episode filled with reflections, critiques, and thoughtful conversation! 00:30 Frank's Attraction to 'Rush' 00:45 The Acting and Characters 02:10 Plot and Setting of 'Rush' 05:33 Character Analysis 32:49 Product Placement in Films 37:26 The Slippery Slope of Corruption 40:25 The Fallout of Corruption 43:02 The Greater Good Dilemma 58:33 A Gutsy Ending 01:07:09 Real-Life Inspirations and Artistic Liberties Transcript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/v5IYe1G2oOT You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places: https://atozhistorypage.start.page www.beyondthebigscreen.com Click to Subscribe: https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feed email: steve@atozhistorypage.com www.beyondthebigscreen.com Parthenon Podcast Network Home: parthenonpodcast.com On Social Media:  https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistory https://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypage https://facebook.com/atozhistorypage https://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/ Music Provided by: "Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    1h 13m

  6. JAN 27

    Coming Soon - Not a Bad Guy Just Makes Bad Choices

    Coming Soon on Beyond the Big Screen! You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places: https://atozhistorypage.start.page www.beyondthebigscreen.com Click to Subscribe: https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feed email: steve@atozhistorypage.com Parthenon Podcast Network Home: parthenonpodcast.com On Social Media:  https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistory https://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypage https://facebook.com/atozhistorypage https://twitter.com/atozhistorypage https://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/ Music Provided by: "Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    7 min

  7. JAN 23

    Into the Alternative: The World of the Yiddish Policemen's Union

    Join Frank Scalise (aka Frank Zafiro) as he takes the driver's seat in this exciting episode of Beyond the Big Screen Podcast! Together with your usual host, Steve Guerra, they dive deep into Michael Chabon's award-winning alternative history novel, the Yiddish Policeman's Union. Discover the rich world of Sitka, Alaska, and its intriguing blend of crime fiction and science fiction elements. Whether you're a fan of intricate world-building, love an engaging mystery, or simply appreciate alternative history, this discussion covers it all. Steve shares why he's revisited this book multiple times, and Frank offers insights into the unique challenges and freedoms of writing crime fiction. Don't miss this engaging episode that promises to delve into the layers of one of the most fascinating blends of genres in modern literature! 03:07 Exploring Alternative History 05:28 The Slattery Report and Its Implications 14:13 The Cultural Impact of Yiddish 32:40 Private Investigator vs. Police Detective 39:14 Exploring Religious and Cultural Themes 44:08 The Power of Science Fiction and Crime Fiction 46:48 The Art of Layered Storytelling 52:32 The Impact of Alternative History 55:38 Reflections on the Book's Ending 57:51 Personal Reading Experiences and Recommendations Transcript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/DtVTBJ6OMfE You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places: https://atozhistorypage.start.page www.beyondthebigscreen.com Click to Subscribe: https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feed email: steve@atozhistorypage.com www.beyondthebigscreen.com Parthenon Podcast Network Home: parthenonpodcast.com On Social Media:  https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistory https://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypage https://facebook.com/atozhistorypage https://twitter.com/atozhistorypage https://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/ Music Provided by: "Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    1h 24m

  8. JAN 20

    BTBS Burial Society

    Coming Soon on Beyond the Big Screen! You can learn more about Beyond the Big Screen and subscribe at all these great places: https://atozhistorypage.start.page www.beyondthebigscreen.com Click to Subscribe: https://www.spreaker.com/show/4926576/episodes/feed email: steve@atozhistorypage.com Parthenon Podcast Network Home: parthenonpodcast.com On Social Media:  https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistory https://www.facebook.com/groups/atozhistorypage https://facebook.com/atozhistorypage https://twitter.com/atozhistorypage https://www.instagram.com/atozhistorypage/ Music Provided by: "Crossing the Chasm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    2 min
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4.6
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Beyond the Big Screen is a podcast about the true story behind the movies you love. We will talk about history, philosophy, religion, art, sports, literature and much more. Movies and media only tell you a small part of the story. In this podcast we will look into a wide variety of topics on the big screen and beyond!

Information

  • Creator
    Stephen Guerra
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    389
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stephen Guerra
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Big Screen

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