Beyond the Big Screen

Stephen Guerra
Beyond the Big Screen

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. 2 DAYS AGO

    Mafia Moviemaking: The High-Stakes Gamble of The Godfather (1972)

    The Untold Story Behind the Making of The Godfather In today’s episode, Steve, Mustache Chris and Frank dive back into the fascinating pre-production history of the classic film, The Godfather. Discover how Paramount Studios was on the brink of bankruptcy due to a series of box office failures before The Godfather came into play. We explore the casting choices, including Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola's insistence on Al Pacino, and how Marlon Brando transformed into Don Corleone. Learn about the studio's initial resistance to Brando and Pacino's casting and how the involvement of real mob figures like Joe Colombo influenced the film's production. This episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and decisions that led to one of the greatest films in cinema history. 00:00 Introduction to the Making of The Godfather  00:10 Paramount's Struggles and the Stakes 02:54 Mario Puzo and the Screenplay Challenge 10:35 Mafia Involvement and Joe Colombo 23:53 Production Controversies and Filming Locations 31:16 Casting Choices: The Don Himself 32:14 Alternate Casting Choices for Vito Corleone 32:37 Brando's Screen Test and Studio Concerns 38:00 The Perfect Fit: Diane Keaton as Kay Adams 39:28 The Controversial Casting of Al Pacino 52:11 Robert De Niro's Connection to The Godfather 54:44 Lenny Montana: From Wrestler to Luca Brasi Transcript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/7zxe2Fy6hyD  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 6m
  2. DEC 5

    From Chaos to Classic: The Godfather’s (1972) Creation Saga

    Unraveling 'The Godfather': Origins and Influences Join Steve, Mustache Chris and Frank as we delve into the fascinating beginnings of 'The Godfather,' exploring the crucial elements that led to the creation of this iconic classic. We take a deep dive into Mario Puzo's background, the making of the book, and its transformation into a film. Discover the real-life inspirations behind the characters, myths perpetuated by the story, and the key players including Albert Ruddy, Robert Evans, and director Francis Ford Coppola. As we start this exciting mini-series, we unravel the intersecting paths of literature, cinema, and real-life Mafia history. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes stories and surprising connections! 00:57 The Cultural Impact of The Godfather  02:08 Debunking Myths About the Mafia 03:40 The Mythology of The Godfather 09:15 Mario Puzo: The Man Behind The Godfather  31:03 Albert Ruddy and the Making of The Godfather 38:10 Francis Ford Coppola: The Man Behind The Godfather  49:42 The Making of The Godfather 01:04:29 Mafia's Influence on The Godfather  Transcript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/2HG8R13anS5 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 16m
  3. NOV 28

    Total Recall (1990) Revisited: Dream or Reality?

    Join hosts Mustache Chris and Steve, along with special guest Frank, as they revisit their dive deep into the classic sci-fi film Total Recall. This episode explores the essence of reality, memory manipulation, and the impact of Philip K. Dick's visionary storytelling. Delve into Paul Verhoeven's mastery of pacing, his use of practical effects, and the strategic ambiguity that keeps audiences theorizing. Tune in for a fresh take on an iconic movie with insights, debates, and nostalgia, offering a comprehensive analysis of what makes a Verhoeven film so impactful and enduring. 00:34 Frank's First Encounter with Total Recall 01:55 The Appeal of Arnold Schwarzenegger 03:59 Paul Verhoeven's Unique Style 08:16 Philosophical Themes in Total Recall  21:13 Ethical Implications of Memory Manipulation 38:23 Reality vs. Dream Debate  41:37 Exploring the Recall Theory 42:55 Debating the Reality of Recall 48:36 Philip K. Dick's Influence on Sci-Fi  54:45 The Nature of Reality and Memory 01:10:43 Favorite Moments and Final Thoughts Transcript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/Dwuo2mxJlen  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 31m
  4. NOV 21

    Gangsters and Mercenaries: The Parallel Lives of Joe Gallo and Yevgeny Prigozhin

    In the final episode of an unconventional series on Mobster Crazy Joe Gallo, the Steve and Mustache Chris draw striking parallels between Joe Gallo and Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group. Spanning decades and continents, the episode explores their tumultuous lives, with major conflicts like the Russian-Ukrainian war serving as a backdrop. From Gallo's battles within the American Mafia to Yevgeny  Prigozhin's deadly involvement in recent global affairs, the discussion delves into their complex legacies and why they both had scores of enemies. The episode also reflects on the idea of being a disruptor in different systems, comparing both men’s motivations and ultimate downfalls. 00:00 Introduction to the Unconventional Series Finale 01:01 Comparing Crazy Joe Gallo and Yevgeny Prigozhin  04:21 Yevgeny Prigozhin's Early Life and Criminal Beginnings 06:33 Prigozhin's Rise in Business and Organized Crime  20:22 The Wagner Revolt and Parallels to Joe Gallo 32:28 The Center of the Universe: Joe Gallo and Prigozhin 's Impulsiveness 39:25 Theories and Speculations: Who Killed Joe Gallo and Prigozhin?  41:23 The Rebellion and Its Aftermath 43:36 The Futility of Prigozhin 's March  51:11 System Disruptors: Joe Gallo and Prigozhin's Motivations  Transcript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/SPxcxYuYU17 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 10m

Trailers

4.6
out of 5
34 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!

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