‘This Is Spinal Tap’: Rob Reiner On 41 Years Of Amplified Genius & Rock ‘N Roll Lore, and ‘Spinal Tap II’ [The Discourse Podcast]
There are few comedies more universally beloved or endlessly quotable than "This Is Spinal Tap", the 1984 mockumentary that redefined musical satire. Directed by Rob Reiner, who also appears as fictional documentarian Marty DiBergi, the film follows a hilariously inept British metal band on a disastrous American tour. It's a film so committed to authenticity that real-life rock stars, from Ozzy Osbourne to Sting, famously thought it was real.With the 41st anniversary of "This Is Spinal Tap" around the corner, Reiner joined The Discourse to reflect on the film’s origins, legacy, and long-gestating sequel. “What we did with this film—we tried to be as honest as we could about what really happens on rock and roll tours,” Reiner says. “Every band that we’ve ever run into, every rock star, comes up and says it’s a staple on their tour bus.”READ MORE: ‘Bring Her Back’: Michael & Danny Philippou Discuss Their Horror Evolution, Crying With Sally Hawkins, ‘Street Fighter,’ & ‘Talk 2 Me’ [The Discourse Podcast] That commitment to truth, even in absurdity, is what gives the film its staying power. “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers got lost backstage. Van Halen had the crazy rider. We used it all,” Reiner adds. “That’s why I think it works.”
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Beau Willimon On Writing The ‘Andor: Star Wars’ Revolution, The Costs Of Rebellion & More [The Rogue Ones Podcast]
Beau Willimon, one of the writers on the “Star Wars” series “Andor” joins our The Rogue Ones podcast for a long and in-depth chat about “Star Wars,” the period of unrest, rebellion and revolution that “Andor” is set in and helping create this immense tapestry of beings trying to live their lives, maintain relationships, and survive during the upheaval of wartime. Willimon spoke about his favorite character to write for, Saw Gerrera, the “Star Wars” movie he is co-writing with James Mangold, the possibility of staying longer in the “Star Wars” galaxy on a potential “Andor” spin-off show and more.
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‘Materialists’: Celine Song On Love, Capitalism, & The Commodification Of Dating [The Discourse Podcast]
Celine Song made waves with her semi-autobiographical debut "Past Lives," a gentle gut-punch of a romance about fate, longing, and the people we could have become. With her follow-up, "Materialists," Song trades whispered regrets for sharp banter, high-end fashion, and the ruthless calculus of the New York City dating scene. But beneath the couture and comedy lies another deep dive into the contradictions of modern love.In this episode of The Discourse, Song discusses the journey from her first film to her second, and how a real-life stint working as a matchmaker in her twenties inspired the biting, beautiful love triangle at the center of "Materialists." “I worked as a matchmaker for six months in my twenties,” Song says. “And that was what really inspired the whole story. I just feel like I learned so much in those six months that I will carry with me for all of my life.”“It really is about what it's like to live and love in New York City,” she continues. “And it's also personal in that, you know, love is one of the great mysteries. It's the thing I’m most fascinated by.”READ MORE: ‘Materialists’ Review: Celine Song Crafts A Soulful Drama About The Romantic Capital Of Being Valued
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Dan Gilroy Talks ‘Andor,’ Tyranny, The Potential Of More ‘Star Wars’ Writing A New ‘Miami Vice’ & More [ The Rogue Ones]
Screenwriter Dan Gilroy talks about working with his brother Tony Gilroy and 'House Of Cards' writer Beau Willimon on crafting the nuts-and-bolts revolution story of the acclaimed 'Star Wars' series 'Andor.'Gilroy also talks about the possibility of doing more 'Star Wars,' and the upcoming 'Miami Vice' remake he is writing for 'Top Gun: Maverick' director Joseph Kosinski.
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David Dastmalchian On ‘Murderbot,’ ‘The Life Of Chuck,’ Writing ‘Creature Commandos,’ ‘Dexter: Resurrection’ & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]
David Dastmalchian is having one hell of a year. Whether you know him as Polka-Dot Man from "The Suicide Squad," Piter from "Dune," or Jack Delroy from last year’s sleeper horror hit, "Late Night with the Devil," the actor/writer/comic book creator has made a habit of stealing scenes and bringing unhinged yet human characters to life. And in 2025, that streak continues across a dizzying lineup of passion projects.In this episode of Bingeworthy, David Dastmalchian joins the show to dig into his wide-ranging work, starting with the new Apple TV+ series "Murderbot," where he plays Gorathen, an augmented human struggling with control, jealousy, and a deep need to protect his crew—even when they don’t listen. The show, created by Paul and Chris Weitz and based on the beloved comedic sci-fi book series by Martha Wells, stars Alexander Skarsgård as the titular security unit: a rogue robot just trying to live and watch its stories in peace.
Home to The Playlist Podcast Network and all its affiliated shows, including The Playlist Podcast, The Discourse, Be Reel, The Fourth Wall, and more. The Playlist is the obsessive's guide to contemporary cinema via film discussion, news, reviews, features, nostalgia, and more.
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