Left of the Projector

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: Evan, Bill, Ward

On Left of the Projector we discuss from film from a leftist perspective. Episodes will feature guests who will offer their thoughts on films from a shared interest in class consciousness and personal experience. While everyone can take something different from a movie, LotP will provide discussion and analysis from an anti-capitalist and Marxist point of view. Support this podcast: Patreon

✂️ Clip this podcast
Box Office Drop: Digger (2026) with HungryRye
Box Office Drop: Digger (2026) with HungryRye episode artwork
#273
Today at 7:00 AM

**Spoilers**

Guest Links

www.instagram.com/hungryrye/

https://linktr.ee/Hungryrye

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/literary-liberation/

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's Letterboxd


Suspiria (1977 & 2018) with Eleanor Johnson
Suspiria (1977 & 2018) with Eleanor Johnson episode artwork
#273
Last Tuesday at 6:00 AM

Guest Links

Monstrous Bitch: A History of Terrifying Women

Scream With Me

Substack - Eleanor's Horrors

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's Letterboxd


The Cell (2000) with SmirkGently
The Cell (2000) with SmirkGently episode artwork
#271
10/13/2026

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's Letterboxd


Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) episode artwork
#270
10/06/2026

Guest Links

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's Letterboxd


National Treasure (2004)
National Treasure (2004) episode artwork
#269
09/29/2026

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's Letterboxd


Nightcrawler (2014)
Nightcrawler (2014) episode artwork
#268
09/22/2026

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's Letterboxd


Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) episode artwork
#267
09/15/2026

Evan and Bill discuss one of the greatest adventure films of all time, Steven Spielberg's 1981 classic, Raiders of the Lost Ark.

We promise we didn't ruin it!

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's...


{Best of LotP - A Spooky Preview} Ghostbusters (1984) w/ Horror Vanguard
{Best of LotP - A Spooky Preview} Ghostbusters (1984) w/ Horror Vanguard episode artwork
09/08/2026

Ghostbusters is just a silly little comedy about why the EPA is actually the villain. Come hear Ash and Jon from Horror Vanguard podcast say why this is flawed and so much more.

Horror Vanguard

https://bsky.app/profile/thelitcritguy.bsky.social

https://bsky.app/profile/darrowvania.bsky.social

https://bsky.app/profile/horrorvanguard.bsky.social

https://bookshop.org/p/books/capitalism-a-horror-story-gothic-marxism-and-the-dark-side-of-the-radical-imagination-jon-greenaway/20692080?ean=9781914420887&next=t

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the...


Box Office Drop! The End of Oak Street (2026)
Box Office Drop! The End of Oak Street (2026) episode artwork
#266
09/01/2026

***Spoilers***

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's Letterboxd


O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) episode artwork
#265
08/25/2026

This week we are joined by Mike from the MDX Podcast to discuss the greatest adaptation of the Odyssey ever put to film. Not that bloated 7MM IMAX ego stroking project of Christopher Nolan of course, but the Coen Brothers' 2000 film, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?". We discuss why this is a truer and closer adaptation of the epic poem, the difference between fantasy and myth, what it means to be a dapper Dan man, and the politics of depression era US.

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector...


{Best of LotP} Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
{Best of LotP} Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) episode artwork
#264
08/18/2026

Guest Links

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's Letterboxd


Box Office Drop! The Odyssey (2026)
Box Office Drop! The Odyssey (2026) episode artwork
#263
08/11/2026

Guest Links

Brooke Obie:

https://substack.com/@blackgirlwatching

https://www.threads.com/@brookeobie

https://www.instagram.com/brookeobie/

Bring Out Your Dead Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bring-out-your-dead-latin-america-vs-the-british-empire/id1706697539

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

<...


{Best of LoTP} Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
{Best of LoTP} Wet Hot American Summer (2001) episode artwork
#262
08/04/2026

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's Letterboxd


Escape From New York (1981)
Escape From New York (1981) episode artwork
#261
07/28/2026

Join us as we return to John Carpenter, this time earlier in his career, with 1981's "Escape from New York." Starring Kurt Russel (the first time they worked together), Lee Van Cleef, Isaac Hayes, Adrienne Barbeau, Ernest Borgnine and Harry Dean Stanton, the movie transports us to the bleak future of....1997. As a group of millennials we can't disagree. We discuss the muddled politics of Carpenter in comparison to some of his later films, its misanthropic underpinnings, and how Snake Plissken doesn't count as an anti hero because he doesn't count as a hero at all.

Left...


Okja (2017) with Andorks Podcast
Okja (2017) with Andorks Podcast episode artwork
#260
07/21/2026

This week we are joined by Alex and Rusteen of the Andorks Pod, a weekly Andor pocast, to discuss Bong Joon Ho's "Okja." We discuss the shortcomings of releasing movies straight to streaming, how veganism is a liberal ideology and of course a little bit of Andor.

Honestly, there was a way more in depth show description but the internet ate it and I had to rewrite it and I just don't have the brain power to remember what I wrote last time. It's a good episode though!

Guest Links

<...


Obsession (2026)
Obsession (2026) episode artwork
#259
07/14/2026

The highest grossing film made for under 1 million dollars since 1973's "Enter The Dragon", Curry Barker's directorial debut "Obsession," starring Inde Navarrette, Michael Johnston, Cooper Tomlinson, and Megan Lawless (as well as a special appearance by Andy Richter), has proven that people still want to go to the movies. As long as the movie is worth watching. Join us as we discuss the breakout hit's comprehensive dismantling of the "nice guy", incels, the importance and reality of consent, and the seemingly innumerable viewers that missed the point of this film entirely.

Left of the Projector...


Two Weeks Notice (2002)
Two Weeks Notice (2002) episode artwork
#258
07/07/2026

Something a little lighter this week for everyone. Evan, Ward and Bill discuss the 2002 rom-com "Two Weeks Notice." Starring Sandra Bullock at the height of her popularity alongside Hugh Grant, with appearances by Alicia Witt, Dana Ivey, Robert Klein and Heather Burns this is the tale of a "radical leftist" who joins a corporate real estate conglomerate and helps them destroy neighborhoods and ruin lives all because a bumbling oaf of a pretty boy charmed her into his limo. Seriously, at least one of the hosts may have some fondness for this film but it is the height of...


{July 4th Special} The Patriot (2000)
{July 4th Special} The Patriot (2000) episode artwork
#257
07/02/2026

Buckle up folks as we delve into the three hour bedtime story for the US, 2000's "The Patriot." Starring Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Joely Richardson, Jason Isaacs, Chris Cooper, Tcheky Karyo, Rene Auberjonois and Tom Wilkinson alongside many more, this $110 million dollar "historical war film" tells a very special version of the Revolutionary war that makes the fever dreams of Ben Shapiro seem more realistic. One of the rare movies we implore listeners to not watch prior to listening, join us as we discuss the film's loose grasp on reality, the propaganda of films like this, the review scandal...


Donnie Darko (2001) with Kendra Dawsey
Donnie Darko (2001) with Kendra Dawsey episode artwork
#256
06/29/2026

We are discussing for a millennial movie that's all about vibes: Donnie Darko, with comedian Kendra Dawsey.

Guest Links

Kendra's Instagram

Kendra's Official Website

Kendra's Linktree

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

...


Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) with Proles Pod
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) with Proles Pod episode artwork
#255
06/23/2026

The second in our series on "non adult films," we are joined again by Rae of Proles Pod alongside their co host Jeremy to discuss the 1971 live action animated musical comedy "Bedknobs and Broomsticks." Starring Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, Roddy McDowall, Same Jaffe, John Ericson, Ian Weighill, Cindy O'Callaghan and Roy Smart, the film was meant to recapture the success of "Mary Poppins," which was released 7 years earlier. Unfortunately for us it did not come close to capturing the charm of "Mary Poppins" though it did turn a profit for Disney. Join us as we examine the post World...


PATREON PREVIEW ~ The Projection Booth: Episode 3
PATREON PREVIEW ~ The Projection Booth: Episode 3 episode artwork
#254
06/18/2026

If you want to listen to the full episode, head to our patreon

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's Letterboxd


Sheep Detective (2026)
Sheep Detective (2026) episode artwork
#253
06/16/2026

Joined this week by friend of the show, Smirkgently, Evan and Ward talk about 2026's "Sheep Detective" loosely inspired by the book, "Three Bags Full" and starring Hugh Jackman, with Nicholas Braun, Ncholas Galitzine and Emma Thompson. Evan and Ward ride handle Smirk's cutting wit and brilliant discourse without Bill this week (which is why there isn't a more detailed description of the episode since he wasn't there and now you know who to blame when synopsizes aren't written and art isn't uploaded).

Guest Links

Smirkgently on Threads

Left...


Inception (2010) with John Barker
Inception (2010) with John Barker episode artwork
#252
06/09/2026

Is this week a dream? Find out as we chat with John Barker, Host of All The Right Movies and author of the upcoming book All the Right Movies: The Stories and Secrets Behind the Making of 25 of Hollywood's Greatest Films .

Guest Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-barker-atrm/

https://alltherightmovies.com/

https://www.amazon.com/All-Right-Movies-Hollywoods-Greatest-ebook/dp/B0GQ5HNJVT

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

<...


Metropolis (1927)
Metropolis (1927) episode artwork
#251
06/02/2026

Our guest this week is Ayesha of Every Single Sci-Film Ever* where we discuss the legendary film Metropolis. Released in 1927, this science fiction masterpiece of the silent film era was directed by Fritz Lang and based on the 1925 novel by Thea von Harbou. Join us as we discuss the conflicting messages of the film and debate whether Rotwaang was the original tech bro and did Lang intend to make bourgeois propaganda?

Guest Links

Official Website

Every Sci Fi Film on Threads

Every Sci Fi Film on Instagram

Every Sci...


EPISODE 250! The Hunt for Red October
EPISODE 250! The Hunt for Red October episode artwork
#250
05/26/2026

Guest Links

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's Letterboxd


Gareth Edwards Films: Rogue One (2016)
Gareth Edwards Films: Rogue One (2016) episode artwork
#249
05/19/2026

Rogue One is a Star Wars story, but really it's a Jyn and Andor story.

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's Letterboxd

Ward's Instagram

Ward's Letterboxd


Dredd (2012)
Dredd (2012) episode artwork
#248
05/12/2026

This week are joined by Mike from The MDX Podcast to talk about 2012's "Dredd," starring Karl Urban, Lena Headey, Olivia Thirlby and Wood Harris. Directed by Pete Travis (not really, as you will find out), this film brings the gritty, dystopian, comic classic Judge Dredd to life on the big screen that Sylvester Stallone should be envious of. We discuss the unchanging reality of the police state from now to the not so far future world of Dredd, total alienation and dehumanization of the working class, and the merits of a drug that slow your perception of reality...


Mulan (1998) with Proles Pod
Mulan (1998) with Proles Pod episode artwork
#247
05/05/2026

This week we are joined by Rae and Tony of the esteemed Proles Pod to discuss 1998's "Mulan," the animated one,(not that live action crap) starring Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong, Miguel Ferrer, June Foray, James Hong, Pat Morita and George Takei. We ruin the childhood memory of this movie for everyone listening as we discuss how racist "Mulan" is relative to the rest of the Disney canon, demonstrate that Mulan herself as the original drone pilot girlboss of imperialism, debate animation fidelity, and threaten to beat up any seven year old that still thinks this is...


They Live By Night (1948) with Jason Christian
They Live By Night (1948) with Jason Christian episode artwork
#246
04/28/2026

We are joined by Cold War Cinema's Jason Christian to discuss 1948's "They Live By Night," credited as one of the earliest noir films and an example of the "socially conscious cinema" of its day. The directorial debut of Nicholas Ray, the film stars Cathy O'Donnell and Farley Granger alongside Howard da Silva and Jay C. Flippen. Based on Edward Anderson's Depression-era novel Thieves Like Us, the film follows a young fugitive who falls in love with a woman and attempts to begin a life with her and clear his name even as the system denies them anything resembling...


Being John Malcovich with Cut Off the Spigot
Being John Malcovich with Cut Off the Spigot episode artwork
#245
04/21/2026

This week we are joined by friend of the show Alexa, from Cut Off The Spigot, to discuss 1999's "Being John Malkovich" directed by Spike Jonze and starring John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, Orson Bean, and of course, John Malkovich. We discuss one of our favorite topics, alienation, how chimpanzees should not be kept as pets, and the way in which this system makes people incapable of knowing themselves or being comfortable in their own bodies.

Guest Links

Official Cut Off the Spigot Site

Cut Off the Spigot on Instagram

...


American Pie (1999) with Willz Talks
American Pie (1999) with Willz Talks episode artwork
#244
04/14/2026

This week we are joined by Willz Talks to discuss the 90s raunchy comedy classic American Pie, the defining fill of Jason Biggs' career. It may seem like there isn't much to say, but upon examination it turns out there is a lot lurking beneath the surface of this incel predicting pie.

Guest Links

Official Website

Will on Threads

Will on Instagram

Will on Tiktok

Will on Twitter

Will on Youtube

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

<...


Bugonia (2025)
Bugonia (2025) episode artwork
#243
04/07/2026

We are joined by Dawson to talk about "Bugonia", Yorgos Lanthimos's English-language remake of the 2003 South Korean film "Save the Green Planet!" by Jang Joon-hwan. Starring Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone, we discuss the muddled message of the film from a Marxist perspective, the outstanding performances by everyone involved and Ward lets everyone else know how it compares to the original.

Guest Links

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

<...


Melania (2026)
Melania (2026) episode artwork
#242
04/01/2026

It's April Fools listeners and we are all being played by fools. We prove just how foolish we are by choosing to watch Brett Ratner's biopic of Melania Trump. There really isn't that much else to say here folks, you'll just have to listen and find out how we fared.

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

...


Showgirls (1995) with Lily Eagla
Showgirls (1995) with Lily Eagla episode artwork
#241
03/24/2026

Two Verhoeven in a row! This week we are joined by Lily Eagla to discuss Verhoeven's notorious cult classic "Showgirls," a movie that stalled the career of Saved By The Bell alum Elizabeth Berkley before going on to be recognized as an important piece of satire ahead of its time. We discuss the uncompromising examination of Las Vegas, the way in which it represents the predatory and exploitative nature of the capitalist system, the dehumanization of sex workers, and try to understand the nature of the film's failure when it was released and why it has gone on to...


PATREON PREVIEW ~ The Projection Booth: Episode 2
PATREON PREVIEW ~ The Projection Booth: Episode 2 episode artwork
03/20/2026

In episode two of The Projection Booth, Bill and Evan get the upcoming films for 2026, what's most and least anticipated (spoiler, we don't care about the MCU). We also break down the impact of reality TV and the absolute failure of media literacy (nope, no ever said that before). Check it out!

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Letterboxd

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links<...


Total Recall (1991)
Total Recall (1991) episode artwork
#240
03/17/2026

This week we are joined by a true and original friend of the show, Farhad, to continue the exploration of the Paul Verhoeven action satire trilogy with 1990's "Total Recall". Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Robby Cox, and Rachel Ticotin alongside others, this 90s classic adapts Phillip K. Dick's short story, "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale." We discuss Verhoeven's repeated misinterpretation by conservative viewers, the progressive levels of complexity his movies achieve, and the metaphorical power of overcrowded aquariums.

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the...


Academy Award Special: With Nathan Shuherk (Schizophrenicreads)
Academy Award Special: With Nathan Shuherk (Schizophrenicreads) episode artwork
#239
03/13/2026

Here are the top ten films nominated for Best Picture. Oh, wait, there are only ten. Anyway, Bill and Evan are joined by Nathan to discuss our snubs, the ten nominees and some predictions.

Guest Links

https://www.instagram.com/schizophrenicreads/

https://schizophrenicreads.substack.com/

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

<...


Eddington (2025)
Eddington (2025) episode artwork
#238
03/10/2026

This week we cover Ari Aster's "Eddinton". Released in 2025 and starring Pedro Pascal, Joaquin Phoenix, Luke Grimes, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Deirdre O'Connel and Michael Ward, and set in Aster's hometown during 2020 at the height of COVID-19. We discuss how timing is everything, Phoenix might not be a great person in real life, and how this movie stands out as a director trying to say something without saying anything at all.

Guest Links

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the...


Episode 1: The Projection Booth
Episode 1: The Projection Booth episode artwork
03/03/2026

If the preview wasn't enough, and we admit it probably wasn't, you can hear the full first episode of our Patreon only series, The Projection Booth here! If you like what you hear join us in The Projection Booth and help support the podcast by supporting us on Patreon!

Left of the Projector Links

Official Website

Left of the Projector on Instagram

Left of the Projector on Patreon

Left of the Projector on Threadless

Host Links

Evan's Letterboxd

Bill's Instagram

Bill's...


PATREON PREVIEW ~ The Projection Booth: Episode 1
PATREON PREVIEW ~ The Projection Booth: Episode 1 episode artwork
02/27/2026

Welcome to the first installment of our new Patreon exclusive series, the Projection Booth! This week we start things off with the Left of the Projector Movie Challenge as Evan and Bill challenge each other to watch 2 movies the other has not seen each month and be ready to return in a month to discuss them!

This won't be the only thing you can expect to hear in the Projection Booth, we have lots of things planned for the future and we want to hear any ideas you have as well! Be sure to let us know...