Phoenix Cinema Podcast

Welcome to Episode 2 of Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club where we discuss the sci-fi horror classic Alien (1979).

This is a beloved film and an all time classic for a reason. We dive into the impact this film made on genre films throughout the 80's, the incredible performance of the late Ian Holm (and a personal story from Chris about the time he met him), and why the hell someone would take a cat on board a spaceship with them.

We hope you enjoy!

Chris Austin is joined by his brother who is also the composer and editor of the podcast, Stefan Krieger, to discuss the eighth (and last?) movie in the long-running M:I franchise.

Suffice to say it did not go down well considering this is meant to be the final movie of what has been a mostly inconsistent film series.

But the disappointment of the movie resulted in a really fun conversation as we discuss what didn't work for us and why as well as what does work in this movie and the others in the...

Chris Austin and Luke Parker are joined by French film composer Raphaelle Thibaut on the Phoenix Cinema Podcast to discuss her life and career, most notably the recent Disneynature documentary film, Sea Lions Of The Galapagos, which is truly a stunning musical achievement.

Raphaelle was such a blast to talk to and we hope you enjoy this episode as we continue to talk to the best film composers currently working.

Sea Lions Of The Galapagos is available to watch now on Disney+.

Welcome to Episode 50 (!!) and our first official episode of the Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club where Chris and Luke are joined by our favourite guest Ralph D. Apel (Getting LOST) to discuss the final Roger Moore Bond movie, A View To A Kill (1985).

This was a blast to discuss as most Bond movies usually are. Join us as we dive into what (mostly) works as well as a whole lot that doesn't and stay tuned to the end of the episode as Luke reveals what we'll be watching next!

It's time for a new Wes Anderson movie! That means strap in for some amazing production design, a quirky Desplat score, a star-studded cast and Chris and Luke just aren't that into it.

Join us as we discuss why and dig into what makes a Wes Anderson movie work for us and why we'd like to see something different.

Feel free to completely disagree with us but you have to listen first!

The Phoenician Scheme is available to watch in cinemas now.

Our favourite recurring guest Ralph D. Apel rejoins Chris Austin and Luke Parker on the Phoenix Cinema Podcast to discuss his work as a producer on the feature film documentary, Getting LOST which had its UK premiere at Phoenix Cinema in November of 2024.

Ralph is so engaging that it took two episodes to get around to this but the wait was worth it as Ralph reveals how he got involved with the film, his LOST podcast that became so popular Jorge Garcia (Hurley from LOST) would listen to it while making the show, his experience meeting Oscar-winning...

Composer of the podcast, Stefan Krieger, joins Chris and Luke as they discuss Ryan Coogler's latest film, SINNERS, which may be the most entertaining film of the year.

The music by Ludwig Göransson is absolutely fantastic and this is a film that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

Listen in as we travel to Clarksdale, Mississippi, 1932, for the best juke joint in town!

Chris Austin spoke with Oscar-winning film composer Anne Dudley (The Full Monty) about her music inspirations growing up, the power of collaboration with key filmmakers in her life and also about her upcoming film, SIGNS OF LIFE, that she composed and produced.

Anne was a delight to speak to and has had such a prolific and incredible career composing music for films, TV shows and artists.

Do look out for SIGNS OF LIFE set to be released in the UK by end of the year and check out Anne's incredible discography wherever you get your...

Chris and Luke are joined by our favourite cinema manager, Zalan Pall of Phoenix Cinema, to discuss this Oscar-winner for Best Animated Film, Flow, by Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis

In a post-apocalyptic world seemingly devoid of humans, animals still cling on to survival and we follow one black cat's journey in particular as it makes its way across a perilous landscape and the community of different creatures it encounters and the relationships they form along the way.

It's a beautiful film in many ways with no dialogue which enhances every other aspect in so many...

Chris and Luke head to a divided Argentina in 1976 for this warm, heartfelt dramedy starring Steve Coogan and a penguin.

The movie may feel forced at times but its heart is in the right place and, again, the penguin, It makes all the difference.

Listen now!

Welcome to a special Film Club episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast where we dive into the unofficial Bond film, Never Say Never Again, the Thunderball remake starring Sean Connery on his final return to the role!

Ralph D. Apel (Getting LOST) rejoins Chris Austin and Luke Parker and fellow Film Club member Hannah Tavares to dive into this 1983 Irvin Kershner directed film, made to challenge and go head to head with the Roger Moore-starring Octopussy that same year!

This was a fun discussion where we all have our say on the Bond franchise as a...

Fil Freitas is a filmmaker and Duty Manager of the world-famous The Prince Charles Cinema in London and what he's done is he's made a movie called THE REGULARS which is a film set at the PCC and starring the PCC staff (as well as a couple of professional actors) about a day in the life working at the venue and just trying to get through the shift.

Fil was a blast to speak to, clearly so intelligent about film and so generous with his time. This is truly a special achievement and we are so proud...

Veteran film director Barry Levinson teams with veteran producer Irwin Winkler to direct legendary actor Robert De Niro (in dual roles!) in what may very well be De Niro's final say on the gangster genre.

Join Chris and Luke as they dig into this film that has been a box office bomb but is not as bad as the critics have been making it out to be. Your mileage on this one may vary but, hey, you get double De Niro for the price of one!

Film composer Raashi Kulkarni joins Chris and Luke in the PCP studio and reveals her love of music and scoring started at a very early age through to her years spent learning on the job as an assistant composer for hit TV shows to making it on her own and being the sole composer on feature films.

Raashi was an absolute pleasure to talk to and a lesson in what it is to stay humble but incredibly resilient, hard-working and collaborative.

Look out for the upcoming A Nice Indian Boy soon to reach the UK...

Producer and podcaster Ralph D. Apel (Getting LOST) joins Chris Austin and Luke Parker for an epic discussion about Ralph's multiple podcasts stretching back to 2006 as well as their favourite movie scores and composers and favourite Bond movies and everything but the movie we were meant to discuss. But that's the result of a great conversation. Time flew and we hope you enjoy one of our favourite guests so far!

It's the year 2054 and if you need a bit of money you can sign up to be an 'Expendable' someone who gets to join a space colony and if you die, no problem, you just get cloned!

Robert Pattinson stars in dual roles in Bong Joon-Ho's latest sci-fi action comedy, a rollicking good time with some truly off-kilter performances and a quirky tone that can only truly be Joon-Ho's.

Join Chris and Luke as they dive into this strange but wildly entertaining flick currently screening at Phoenix Cinema!

BAFTA-winning film composer Paul Leonard-Morgan (Limitless, Dredd) joins Chris for a chat about his career, musical influences and his upcoming projects.

Paul was a delight to speak to with a wicked sense of humour as you'll hear for yourself in this latest episode of the Phoenix Cinema Podcast.

Make sure to check out the film LAST BREATH at a cinema near you as well as the new Netflix documentary CHAOS: THE MANSON MURDERS to hear the latest scores from Paul Leonard-Morgan.

Travel back to Rio de Janeiro, 1970, with Chris and Luke as they spend time with the Paiva family and the brutal, oppressive forces that storm into their lives and tear them apart.

Spearheaded by a tour-de-force performance by Golden Globe-winning actress Fernanda Torres, this haunting, tense and emotional film speaks to familial love and the connection that binds us even in the face of such despair and horror.

Winner of Best International Film at the Academy Awards, I'm Still Here is still showing at Phoenix Cinema. See it while you can!

Join Chris and Luke as they journey to Poland with David and Benji in this moving and often funny story of the different ways we process pain and how that affects our interactions with the world.

The characters wonderfully portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin reminded us deeply of many different experiences and moments from our own lives making this a truly universal moviegoing experience.

Let's travel by boat to New York in 1947....look up! It's the Statue of Liberty; a symbol of hope and freedom for many.That's how this monumental and epic story begins.

Chris and Luke dive into this sprawling three and a half hour movie that, trust us, you do not feel and into the fantastic performances by its amazing ensemble cast as well as the excellent direction by Brady Corbet.

This is the American Dream....be careful what you wish for.

BAFTA and OSCAR-winning film composer Volker Bertelmann (All Quiet On The Western Front, Conclave) joins Chris and Luke to discuss his career, his musical upbringing and the wonderful ongoing collaborations he has forged with other composers and directors.

Volker is a fascinating and extremely talented individual who was so generous with his time and always open, honest and willing to share his hard-earned wisdom and life experience.

Join us for this insightful conversation and then head to your favourite streaming platform and listen to his music under his full name or as Hauschka. Enjoy!

Make sure you bring a set of tissues with you for this romantic tear-jerker starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield.

Chris Austin and Luke Parker discuss the lead actors excellent performances and great chemistry as well as the effectiveness of the non-linear narrative and Bryce Dessner's moving score.

Adam "Tex" Davis is an Emmy-nominated screenwriter and director best known for his documentary series Brain Games and Brainchild and the classic teen rom-com Just Friends.

Chris and Luke got the opportunity to welcome Adam on to the pod and they touch on Adam's humble origins and beginnings as a screenwriter, his influences and inspirations, and they crazy encounters and journey he's had along the way.

Harvey Weinstein (aka He Who Must Not Be Named) bought one of his scripts, Leonardo DiCaprio produced another and Pharrell Williams produced his Netflix documentary series.

Adam "...

Chris and Luke head back to 1838 for this Gothic horror retelling of the 1922 classic Nosferatu, the latest mood piece by filmmaker Robert Eggers.

This already feels like a classic of the genre and an indication that Chris may be coming around on Eggers as a director.

Dark, horrific, tense, romantic (?), this is a great way to kick off Season Two!

Chris and Luke end Season One with a discussion of Edward Berger's new film, Conclave, with an all star cast of character actors set within the walls of the Vatican as the battle to appoint a new Pope begins.29

We cover the stunning directing and cinematography as well as the brilliant performances of everybody involved. Ever wanted to see a Vatican cardinal vape within the City walls? Well then, this is the film for you!

Chris and Luke reflect on the year and what stood out to them the most from the podcast and beyond!

They also share what they feel is their favourite movie of the year (given there is also so much they have yet to see) and look ahead to what's to come and what they feel excited for.

Join us for a time of reflection and thank you all for listening to our debut year. Onwards and upwards, happy movie-watching and Happy New Year everyone!

Chris and Luke are joined by very special guest, BAFTA nominated actor/director Dexter Fletcher (Rocketman, Ghosted, HBO's Band Of Brothers).

Dexter grew up in North London and used to frequent the Phoenix Cinema when he was younger. He shares with us his movie-going memories at the venue as well as some reflections on the incredible five-decades long career he's had working alongside and directing some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

This is a real treat, join us for a trip to Phoenix Cinema with Dexter Fletcher.

Chris and Luke head back to World War II London for this AppleTV movie directed by British filmmaker Sir Steve McQueen about a young boy trying to get home to his mother across a war-torn landscape.

Our hosts don't feel exactly the same way about this movie but that only makes it a more interesting discussion. One thing they definitely agree on? Saoirse Ronan keeps killing it.

Chris and Luke are joined by Phoenix manager, Zalan, to discuss this quiet, contemplative and subtly powerful gem of a movie.

Join us as we head to New Ross, Ireland in 1985 where the undercurrent of this local society bubbles with a corrupt and sinister force. Cillian Murphy will stare hauntedly into space for long sections of the movie and we love it.

Chris and Luke travel to the Orkney Islands, Scotland, for this raw, heart-wrenching and ultimately triumphant and healing journey of a young woman in the throes of alcohol addiction. Saoirse Ronan's best performance according to someone on this podcast!

Chris and Luke are joined once again by Caroline to discuss Pedro Almodóvar's 1997 Spanish film, "Live Flesh", as part of Phoenix Cinema's 'Almodóvar Season.'

This is a soap opera, lots to digest, with a story that veers off in the most unexpected directions! We had a blast discussing this, join us for a trip to Madrid for this erotic thriller by one of cinema's most unique and vibrant filmmakers.

Chris and Luke are joined in this special episode by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Taylor Morden and composer of the podcast, Stefan Krieger, to discuss the upcoming UK premiere of Getting LOST at Phoenix Cinema on November 2nd!

Chris and Stefan are die-hard LOST fans from day one so to get the opportunity to pick the brain of the fan who made the LOST documentary for the ages was a real treat.

Whether you are already a fan of the hit TV show or this is your first exposure to it, this episode comes highly recommended. <...

Chris and Caroline catch up and discuss the years they met at acting school, their fond memories of the experience and what Caroline has been up to since including her blossoming career as a singer!

Chris and Luke discuss this British classic screened by Phoenix on its 75th anniversary. Join us as we jump back to post-World War II Vienna and mystery surrounding Harry Lime's death. Also, how magnetic was young Orson Welles?

Screened as part of Phoenix Cinema's Second Run Sundays, Chris and Luke are joined by Phoenix Cinema manager Zalan t0 discuss this Czech sci-fi classic that predates Star Trek and 2001: A Space Odyssey while reportedly being a major influence on both.

This comes highly recommended from us and we also encourage you to check out Second Run through their website (secondrundvd.com) who release these mostly unseen and unheard of European gems.

Chris reflects on this action-comedy starring ninety-four (!) year old June Squibb and how the movie conjures thoughts of family and what it is to be lucky enough to have grandparents in your life. Also, getting old seems scary but this is a film that welcomes and embraces it. You're never too old for an adventure!

Chris, Luke and Tad discuss this 1984 Cannes Palm d'Or winning classic from great independent director, Wim Wenders. Phoenix screened this movie as part of its 40th anniversary and we invite you to join us as we dig into it!

Longtime friend of host Chris, actor Tad Cooley touches on his upbringing in Texas, how he fell in love with acting and how he channels that energy in between jobs role playing on video games!

An interesting discussion of a very interesting and endlessly fascinating person.

Chris is joined by fellow Film Geek Luke Parker to discuss this sprawling three and a half hour Turkish film from acclaimed director Nuri Bilge Ceylan full of fantastic performances and genuinely jaw-dropping moments!

Chris and Ian discuss Jeff Nichols' latest movie about motorcycle gangs and the huge charismatic ensemble that leads this one, probably the best reason to see it! Saddle up, slap on your leathers and join us for a cruise around 1960's Chicago.