MUBI Podcast
Film, TV & Pop Culture
About
The MUBI Podcast is an audio documentary series about how great cinema happens, and why it matters. Every season’s a deep dive into a different corner of movie culture — from classic needle drops, to movie theaters that changed the world. Plus, between seasons: intimate interviews with some of the best filmmakers alive. Nominated for multiple Webbys, Ambies, and British Podcast Awards. Hosted by veteran arts journalist Rico Gagliano. “It’s like This American Life for filmmaking stories” — Matt Wallin
Episodes
- 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY — Stanley Kubrick finds heavenly music on vinyl (rewind)
This MUBI Podcast episode revisits Stanley Kubrick's controversial choice to score 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY with classical music, a decision that affected composers and was made despite expert advice. The episode includes insights from Kubric…
- WHISPER OF THE HEART — Hayao Miyazaki takes “Country Roads”
This episode of the MUBI Podcast explores the influence of John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" on the anime film WHISPER OF THE HEART, with insights from the song's co-writer and Studio Ghibli cofounder Toshio Suzuki. It is part of…
- MY FATHER'S SHADOW — Akinola Davies Jr. dreams of 90s Nigeria
Director Akinola Davies Jr. joins guest host Simran Hans to discuss his BAFTA-winning short film MY FATHER'S SHADOW, which explores childhood memories and working with young first-time actors in 90s Nigeria.
- THE SECRET AGENT — Kleber Mendonça Filho & Wagner Moura on memory and manguebeat
Director Kleber Mendonça Filho and actor Wagner Moura join the MUBI Podcast to discuss the political context of the film The Secret Agent and the influence of manguebeat music. They explore the themes of memory and the film's 1970s Brazili…
- LURKER — Alex Russell's outsider look at the in-crowd
Director Alex Russell discusses his debut thriller LURKER, which follows a superfan who infiltrates a pop star's life, and reflects on his own experiences with similar social circles and his film's unexpected connection to a baseball movie.
- SENTIMENTAL VALUE — Joachim Trier’s different kind of meta-movie (w/ Stellan Skarsgård, Elle Fanning & more)
Joachim Trier, Eskil Vogt, and the cast of SENTIMENTAL VALUE discuss the creation and themes of the film, exploring its meta-thematic narrative and personal resonance. The episode also examines how the movie fits into the tradition of meta…
- Wim Wenders LIVE in Berlin: 50 years of rock-n-road movies
Filmmaker Wim Wenders discusses his five-decade career and the influences of rock 'n' roll and travel on his films, such as Wings of Desire and Paris, Texas, in a live interview recorded in Berlin for the MUBI Podcast.
- SALAAM BOMBAY! & THE LUNCHBOX — Mira Nair & Ritesh Batra deliver realism and romance
Directors Mira Nair and Ritesh Batra discuss their films Salaam Bombay! and The Lunchbox, focusing on how food delivery systems are represented in cinema. This episode is part of the MUBI Podcast's tenth season, A Feast For The Eyes, which…
- Kelly Reichardt: THE MASTERMIND behind some of the best movies of the century
Filmmaker Kelly Reichardt discusses her career, from her debut Rivers of Grass to her Oscar-nominated Meek's Cutoff and her film The Mastermind, in a live recording from MUBIFest Berlin.
- JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI... and David Gelb changes how people eat it
Director David Gelb discusses his documentary JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI and its influence on food filmmaking and the popularity of omakase. The episode is part of the MUBI Podcast's tenth season, which explores the relationship between food and…
- HAL & HARPER — Cooper Raiff comes unstuck
Cooper Raiff, writer, director, and star of HAL & HARPER, joins Simran Hans to discuss the TV series. Raiff shares insights into casting Lili Reinhart as his sister and his process for portraying the character Hal.
- THE TASTE OF THINGS — Alison Roman savors the opposite of a chef movie
Alison Roman joins host Rico Gagliano on the MUBI Podcast to discuss fictional chefs and the film "The Taste of Things." This episode is part of the tenth season, "A Feast For The Eyes," which examines the portrayal of food in film.
- RATATOUILLE — Brad Bird cooks up the ultimate food film
MUBI Podcast returns for its tenth season,
- DIE MY LOVE — Lynne Ramsay unleashes the beast
Lynne Ramsay discusses her film DIE MY LOVE, featuring Jennifer Lawrence as a new mother experiencing psychological distress. The director speaks with guest host Simran Hans about the movie, described as feral, frightening, and funny.
- ARTISTS VS. AUTOCRACY: Istanbul cinema crosses the bridge
Host Rico Gagliano discusses filmmaking under censorship in Istanbul with directors Emin Alper and Özcan Alper. The episode also features a look at the city's historic cinemas and recent political events.
- MUSSOLINI: SON OF THE CENTURY — Joe Wright gazes into the abyss
Director Joe Wright discusses his series MUSSOLINI: SON OF THE CENTURY, detailing the rise of the Italian dictator and drawing parallels to contemporary politics. The episode also touches on Wright's personal experiences and the series' av…
- MULHOLLAND DRIVE in the rearview, with Deborah Levy
Award-winning author Deborah Levy discusses David Lynch's distinctive storytelling style and the impact of his films, particularly MULHOLLAND DRIVE, on her own writing. The episode, part of the LADIES OF LYNCH series hosted by Simran Hans,…
- Debbie Zoller drives LOST HIGHWAY
Make-up artist Debbie Zoller discusses her two-decade friendship with David Lynch and her work designing femme fatale looks for Lost Highway and Twin Peaks. The episode is part of the LADIES OF LYNCH series, exploring female characters and…
- Heidi Bivens outfits INLAND EMPIRE
Costume designer Heidi Bivens discusses her work on David Lynch's film INLAND EMPIRE, detailing how wardrobe choices contribute to character development in this episode of LADIES OF LYNCH.
- Sabrina Sutherland guides TWIN PEAKS’ RETURN
Producer Sabrina Sutherland shares insights on collaborating with David Lynch for over 30 years and translating his visual concepts for screen, as discussed in the LADIES OF LYNCH podcast.
- Jennifer Lynch writes THE SECRET DIARY OF LAURA PALMER
Jennifer Lynch discusses her novel "The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer" and her father David Lynch's interest in "women in trouble." The episode, part of the LADIES OF LYNCH series, features conversations with individuals who worked with Dav…
- Mark Frost founds TWIN PEAKS
TWIN PEAKS co-creator Mark Frost joins the MUBI Podcast to discuss the subversive female characters of the series, such as Audrey Horne and Shelly Johnson. The episode, guest hosted by Simran Hans, features insights from individuals who wo…
- Isabella Rossellini wears BLUE VELVET
Isabella Rossellini speaks with Simran Hans about her role in David Lynch's Blue Velvet, exploring how she helped author the complex and divisive character of Dorothy Vallens.
- New Season Trailer: LADIES OF LYNCH (w/ Isabella Rossellini)
The upcoming season of the MUBI Podcast, titled Ladies of Lynch, explores the female characters in David Lynch's work. Guest host Simran Hans interviews Isabella Rossellini, Jennifer Lynch, Sabrina Sutherland, Mark Frost, and Deborah Levy.
- Nothing rhymes with PAVEMENTS
Host Rico Gagliano speaks with director Alex Ross Perry about his documentary on the band Pavement, exploring the film's meta-narrative, the band's music, and their unresponsiveness.
- LA film fades out...and in (w/ THE STUDIO's Evan Goldberg)
Host Rico Gagliano explores the changes in Los Angeles's film and TV industry as it moves abroad, with insights from guests Evan Goldberg, Charles Burnett, and Sean Fennessey. The episode also touches on the global film scene with other gu…
- KNEECAP — Rich Peppiatt on politics and partying
In this episode, host Rico Gagliano interviews writer/director Rich Peppiatt about his film KNEECAP. They discuss working with the film's stars, the growth of the Northern Irish film industry, and Peppiatt's experience in filmmaking.
- AMORES PERROS shakes up Mexico City (w/ Gael García Bernal)
On the MUBI Podcast, host Rico Gagliano explores Mexico City's cinematic landscape, including the film Amores Perros, with guests Gael García Bernal and Eugenio Caballero. The discussion touches on the city's film history and the making of…
- Smashing in the doors of Amsterdam cinema (w/ BABYGIRL director Halina Reijn)
Host Rico Gagliano explores Amsterdam's movie theaters and cinematic culture with guests including director Halina Reijn. This episode is part of Season 8, which features global cinema and filmmakers.
- Ireland tells its own tales (w/ KNEECAP director Rich Peppiatt)
This episode of the MUBI Podcast features host Rico Gagliano exploring Ireland's thriving film scene. Guests include directors Rich Peppiatt and John Crowley, producer Ed Guiney, and actors Fiona Shaw and Carrie Crowley, who discuss the ev…
- GRAND THEFT HAMLET — How Shakespeare’s Danish prince conquered the movies
This episode discusses "Grand Theft Hamlet," a virtual production of Shakespeare's play staged within the game Grand Theft Auto. It delves into the history of cinematic adaptations of Hamlet, featuring insights from the creators and direct…
- THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE — Magnus von Horn on the dark past...and present
Magnus von Horn, director and co-writer of THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE, discusses the film's inspiration from a notorious Danish criminal case and its relevance to contemporary issues with guest host Anna Bogutskaya.
- QUEER — Luca Guadagnino & Justin Kuritzkes take William S. Burroughs on a whole new trip
Director Luca Guadagnino and writer Justin Kuritzkes discuss their adaptation of William S. Burroughs' novel QUEER with host Rico Gagliano. They share insights into their creative chemistry, how they evoke intense emotions in audiences, an…
- SPEED RACER — The Wachowskis go full throttle
The MUBI Podcast discusses the Wachowskis' visually stunning film Speed Racer, examining its production, initial failure, and subsequent cult following. Guests include actor Roger Allam and special effects artist John Gaeta.
- SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK — Charlie Kaufman’s movie of a lifetime
Host Rico Gagliano discusses Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut, Synetic, New York, with actor Daniel London, comedian Jamie Demetriou, and critic Amy Nicholson. The episode explores the film's initial reception as a flop and its current…
- THE HUDSUCKER PROXY — The Coen Brothers fall from a great height
The MUBI Podcast discusses the Coen Brothers' 1994 film 'The Hudsucker Proxy,' a box office flop despite its ambition and visual style. The episode explores the film's story, its failure, and its connection to other Coen works, with contri…
- SYLVIA SCARLETT — Katharine Hepburn pays for her transgressions
The MUBI Podcast episode discusses George Cukor's 1935 film Sylvia Scarlett, starring Katharine Hepburn, which experienced box office failure due to its progressive sexual politics. Host Rico Gagliano explores the film's impact on Hepburn'…
- BABE: PIG IN THE CITY — George Miller makes one for the grownups
This episode of the MUBI Podcast explores George Miller's film BABE: PIG IN THE CITY. Host Rico Gagliano discusses the film's production and reception with guests James Cromwell and E.G. Daily, focusing on its shift from a family-friendly…
- SORCERER — William Friedkin’s heart of darkness
This MUBI Podcast episode discusses William Friedkin's 1977 film SORCERER, its troubled production in South America, and its box office failure due to competition from STAR WARS. The episode includes insights from screenwriter Walon Green…
- SKINAMARINK — The Internet’s own haunted house
Anna Bogutskaya discusses director Kyle Edward Ball's film SKINAMARINK with MaryBeth McAndrews, exploring its origins in a shared childhood nightmare and its rise as the internet's quintessential haunted house movie.
- HOUSE — The Japanese psychedelic masterpiece
The MUBI Podcast's Season 6, "Haunted Homes," examines the cult Japanese film "HOUSE" by Nobuhiko Obayashi, a psychedelic horror movie created with his daughter. The episode delves into the film's bizarre imagery and its connection to broa…
- THE AMITYVILLE HORROR — America’s most haunted home
This episode of MUBI Podcast explores "The Amityville Horror," examining how the story of America's most haunted home evolved into a bestseller, a major film franchise, and a modern folk story, despite being based on a con.
- THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE — Guillermo del Toro’s creative resurrection
Anna Bogutskaya discusses Guillermo del Toro's creative resurgence with "The Devil's Backbone," a film about a haunted Spanish Civil War orphanage. The MUBI Podcast episode, part of the "Haunted Homes" season, examines how horror films ref…
- POLTERGEIST — The first suburban haunted house
The MUBI Podcast episode "Poltergeist" examines the film's groundbreaking shift of haunted house tropes to a suburban setting. Host Anna Bogutskaya discusses its impact on horror with guests JoBeth Williams, Mick Garris, and Vincenzo Natal…
- THE SUBSTANCE — Coralie Fargeat rips beauty standards to gory shreds
Director Coralie Fargeat discusses her Cannes-winning film THE SUBSTANCE, which stars Demi Moore as an aging actress seeking a younger version of herself via a mystery drug. Fargeat explains her use of body horror and metaphor to critique…
- Riz Ahmed channels Yann Mounir Demange in DAMMI
Riz Ahmed and Yann Mounir Demange join host Rico Gagliano to discuss their short film DAMMI, a semi-autobiographical piece about a young man confronting his identity, father, and origins in Paris. The episode touches on the balance between…
- The Flipsides of Cannes — Featuring Wim Wenders and more
Host Rico Gagliano explores the unconventional side of the Cannes Film Festival, sharing stories of spiritual seekers and aspiring filmmakers. The episode includes interviews with Wim Wenders, critic Anna Bogutskaya, and Jane Stranz, along…
- PERFECT DAYS — Wim Wenders cures his post-pandemic blues
Filmmaker Wim Wenders joins host Rico Gagliano to discuss his film PERFECT DAYS, a story about a Tokyo toilet cleaner finding joy in routine. They also explore Wenders' interests including Japan, travel, and Nina Simone.
- HIGH & LOW - JOHN GALLIANO — Kevin Macdonald tackles fashion and forgiveness
Oscar-winning documentarian Kevin Macdonald discusses his new film 'High & Low - John Galliano,' which examines the fashion designer's career, public downfall, and the possibility of a second act. Macdonald speaks with host Rico Gagliano a…
- Sofia Coppola — PRISCILLA, from source to soundtrack
Sofia Coppola details the creation of her film PRISCILLA, covering its inspirations and soundtrack choices in an interview with host Rico Gagliano. This episode is part of MUBI Podcast's Season 5, focusing on films and fashion.