"We're sorta like 7-Eleven. We're not always doing business, but we're always open." For Gary’s pick for a movie from 1999, he went with an infamous film that’s thre true definition of a “cult film.” When THE BOONDOCK SAINTS was (barely) released in theaters, it had practically no impact at all, but months later, when the movie hit home video, it b…

We’ve decided to wrap up 2024 with a look at a few films that are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. 1999 has become known as one of the best movie years of all time. While we’ve already touched on some of the biggest films of that year (THE MATRIX, FIGHT CLUB), there are a handful of films from that year that may not fit into one of our…

"I'm twelve. But I've been twelve for a long time." For the latest radomly chosen Cinema Shock Roulette entry, the wheels of fate have taken us to Sweden, where we’ll explore the story behind Tomas Alfredson’s LET THE RIGHT ONE IN. Based on the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN was almost instantly recognized as a modern day horr…

After working on the short first season of TWIN PEAKS, David Lynch felt the pull back to feature length filmmaking when he was given a book called Wild At Heart by Barry Gifford. The book seemed ripe for a big screen adaptation and David Lynch immediately began work on it. Within a couple of months, he found himself in New Orleans with stars Nicola…

"Diane, 11:30 AM, February 24th. Entering the town of Twin Peaks, five miles south of the Canadian border, twelve miles west of the state line. I’ve never seen so many trees in my life. As W. C. Fields would say, I’d rather be here than Philadelphia." While BLUE VELVET's success (and its Academy Award nominations) helped to cement David Lynch as a …

"I'm seeing something that was always hidden. I'm in the middle of a mystery and it's all secret." DUNE, David Lynch's first (and only) foray into big budget studio filmmaking was an unmitigated disaster, both critically and commercially, and in the wake of its failure, his career as a film director was in question. But thanks to his own inability …

For this special BONUS episode, we sat down for a chat with Max Evry, author of A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch's Dune - An Oral History, one of the most comprehensive behind-the-scenes books that we've come across, and one that was a major resource for our episode covering the making of DUNE. In this interview, we chat with Max about all th…

After the critical and commercial success of THE ELEPHANT MAN, David Lynch was suddenly a hot commodity in Hollywood, although it soon became clear that, although many studios were seeking out the idiosyncratic director, what they wanted was another ELEPHANT MAN, and not another ERASERHEAD. While Lynch would pass on many of the projects offered to …

ERASERHEAD’s success on the Midnight Movie circuit didn’t suddently thrust David Lynch onto Hollywood’s A-list but it did turn some heads. Some of those who were impressed by his debut feature included producer Stuart Cornfeld (THE FLY) and legendary filmmaker Mel Brooks (BLAZING SADDLES), who recruited Lynch to direct a biopic of a disfigured man …

After spending his youth pursuing "the art life," David Lynch dipped his toe into the medium of film with his shorts THE ALPHABET and THE GRANDMOTHER. With THE GRANDMOTHER, he received attention from the American Film Institute, who invited him to move to the West Coast, where he'd spend a whopping five years working on what would become his featur…

In our new series, David Lynch: Absurd Encounters, we'll be taking a deep dive into the first chapter of David Lynch's career, covering everything from his early short films through his success on the midnight circuit, his disastrous attempt to film Frank Herbert's Dune, his controversial Palm d'Or win, and everything in-between. (And not to worry,…

When we started our Alejandro Jodorowsky series last year, we began a loose exploration of the history of the Midnight Movies phenomenon of the 1970s (as documented in J. Hoberman and Jonathan Rosenbaum's iconic book on the subject). Before we wrap up that discussion with David Lynch's ERASERHEAD (coming soon!), we couldn't skip past what is probab…

In this standalone episode, we're discussing Richard Kelly's modern cult classic DONNIE DARKO! DONNIE DARKO's journey to the screen was one fraught with difficulties from the very beginning: Few studios were willing to take a chance on a young, unproven director, and once the film did finally get made, getting it released at all was nearly impossib…

For the final episode in our series David Fincher: Rules of the Game, we're taking a look at the story behind his 2007 true crime drama ZODIAC. For his follow-up to the crowd-pleasing popcorn thriller PANIC ROOM, David Fincher went in a far different direction with a meticulously researched look at the investigation into the real life Zodiac Killer…

FIGHT CLUB had been a grueling shoot for David Fincher and, at least upon first release, had alienated both audiences and critics alike. So when it was time for Fincher to move on to his next film, he sought out something a little simpler, something that wouldn't involve the hundreds of locations that he'd dealt with on FIGHT CLUB and one that was …

After back-to-back successes with SE7EN and THE GAME, David Fincher found himself at the top of Hollywood's A-list, proving that he could produce hit films without abandoning his dark sensibilites. His next project, however, would put his reputation to the test. Although it's now considered a classic — and may very well be Fincher's most widely-see…

After the success of SE7EN, David Fincher returned to a film that he'd started developing before deciding to prioritize the serial killer film that would put him on the map. That film was THE GAME, a twist-filled thriller that's often overlooked and underappreciated during discussions of the director's filmography, but one that still features all o…

After his disastrous experience on ALIEN 3, David Fincher retreated back into the world of music video and commercials, vowing to never again direct a feature film. That is, until a script by a young, first-time screenwriter named Andrew Kevin Walker crossed his desk. That script — about a serial killer who chooses his victims based on the Seven De…

After spending years in Development Hell, the production of ALIEN 3 finally moved forward once first-time feature director David Fincher came on board. But it wasn't smooth sailing from there. The story of ALIEN 3's production is one of a legendary disaster, one where studio interference turned the film into one that was so compromised that its dir…

"People will say, 'There are a million ways to shoot a scene', but I don't think so. I think there're two, maybe. And the other one is wrong." — David Fincher David Fincher has a reputation for being an exacting, meticulous director, one who sees an entire film in his head and who will do whatever it takes to get that vision onscreen. While that wa…

For our next series here on Cinema Shock, we're going to be taking a look at the films of David Fincher, including his feature film debut ALIEN3. Since ALIEN3's history — which includes years spent in development hell, multiple directors and multiple screenwriters — is so tightly weaved into the history of the films in the franchise that preceded i…

For our next series here on Cinema Shock, we're going to be taking a look at the films of David Fincher, including his feature film debut ALIEN3. Since ALIEN3's history — which includes years spent in development hell, multiple directors and multiple screenwriters — is so tightly weaved into the history of the films in the franchise that preceded i…

In this special bonus episode, Justin, Gary and Todd take a look at every sequel to ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA! Theme Song: "There's Still a Little Bit of Time, If We Hurry and I Mean Hurry" by Slasher Film Festival Strategy. This episode was written, produced and edited by Gary Horne, and Justin Bishop. For episode archives, merch, show notes, and …

For the final entry in our Cinema Shock Roulette Extravaganza (but certainly not our last Cinema Shock Roulette episode), we're headed to Hong Kong to take a deep dive into the production of Tsui Hark's seminal martial arts film, ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA. In this episode, we'll discuss not only the production of ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA, but the …

In this Cinema Shock Rewind episode, we're re-publishing our episode covering THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN! As was the case with GAME OF DEATH, our previous Rewind episode, the history of THE 36TH CHAMBER OF SHAOLIN has some significant ties with the history of martial arts cinema in Hong Kong, which directly influences the creation of Tsui Hark's O…

In this Cinema Shock Rewind episode, we're republishing our episode covering Bruce Lee's GAME OF DEATH. The story of Bruce Lee ties in directly to our upcoming episode covering the production of ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA, so we're providing a refresher here for new listeners or longtime listeners who may want to revisit it. GAME OF DEATH was origin…

In this Extras episode, Justin and Gary break down some reviews of POSSESSION from various corners of the internet! Be sure to give us YOUR thoughts on POSSESSION by hitting us up on social media @cinema_shock!Av Cinema Shock

In this bonus episode, Justin and Gary sit down to discuss their picks for films that would make a great companion piece to Andrzej Żuławski's POSSESSION! Have a great idea for a film that'd work great as a double feature with POSSESSION? Let us know by sending us a message on social media! You can find us @cinema_shock on most social platforms! Th…

In this episode, Justin & Gary take a look at Andrzej Żuławski's controversial 1981 cult film POSSESSION! This existential relationship drama (slash body horror?), inspired by the director's own painful divorce, is an acting showcase for its stars, Sam Neill and Isabelle Adjani, and up until the last few years, was almost impossible to find in the …

Gary and Justin sit down and talk with professional wrestler 'Thrillbilly' Silas Mason about being in the ring with Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White for A24's new film THE IRON CLAW - In theaters now! Check out this interview and let us know what you think! Should we try to do more interviews? Also let us know if you've seen The Iron Claw yet! You …

In this very special Further Viewing episode, we're going to take a good look at one of the weirdest horror franchises to ever exist. After a controversial first offering and a so-bad-its-good sequel, the SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT series inexplicably still managed to produce an additional three films, all released straight-to-video. While the firs…

"Garbage day!" Merry Christmas from Cinema Shock! For this week's episode, we're doing something special and taking a break from our Roulette Extravaganza to give you a holiday-focused deep dive into not one but two of our favorite cult Christmas movies. First up is one of the most controversial slashers of the 80s, one that was so immediatley infa…

In this Extras episode, Mr. Todd A. Davis dives into the careers and filmographies of the cast of EVENT HORIZON.Av Cinema Shock

Did you enjoy EVENT HORIZON? Wondering what movies to watch next? Join Gary and Justin as they discuss their picks for films to watch alongside EVENT HORIZON in this Extras episode! Got a Further Viewing recommendation of your own? Be sure to send it our way on Instagram, X or Threads at @cinema_shock!…

In this bonus episode, Gary and Justin scour the internet to see what online armchair critics think of Paul W.S. Anderson's EVENT HORIZON! Turns out, plenty of people don't like it! (Yep, this is the same feature that we previously called "Somebody Needs A Nap," just retitled for the feed!)Av Cinema Shock

As we continue our Cinema Shock Roulette Extravaganza, our next randomly-selected film is Paul W.S. Anderson's 1997 sci-fi horror flick EVENT HORIZON! In this episode, we take a look at the best film of Anderson's career (it's a low bar, folks) and track its tumultuous journey to the big screen, from the earliest versions of its ALIEN-inspired scri…

In this bonus episode, Justin and Gary break down some of the best reviews of HEATHERS that the internet has to offer!Av Cinema Shock

In this bonus episode, Mr. Todd A. Davis breaks down the cast of HEATHERS.Av Cinema Shock

If you liked HEATHERS and are wondering what other similar movies you should watch, well you're in luck! In this bonus episode, Justin and Gary discuss a few of their picks for Further Viewing after HEATHERS! Let us know YOUR picks for movies to pair with HEATHERS by hitting us up on social media! Find us at @cinema_shock on Instagram, X, and Threa…

Our Roulette Extravaganza continues on this week's episode with a look at Michael Lehmann's 1989 cult classic HEATHERS! Synopsis: A girl who halfheartedly tries to be part of the "in crowd" of her school meets a rebel who teaches her a more devious way to play social politics: by killing the popular kids. In this deep dive into the making of HEATHE…

For the 100th (!!) episode of Cinema Shock, we sat down to discuss one of the most insane cult films ever made, Nobuhiko Ôbayashi 1977 spook-a-blast haunted house flick HOUSE! In this episode, we take a deep dive into the story behind the production of HOUSE, how it all came to be in an uncertain time during Japan's film history, and the career of …

Welcome to the CINEMA SHOCK HALLOWEEN SPECIAL! A few weeks ago, we were invited by our friends at GUTPUNCH asked us to co-host a live screening of NOSFERATU for the first ever Cinema Shock live event! While we were able to discuss a lot of the film's backstory at that screening, the history of NOSFERATU is so rich that we felt it deserved a true, C…

While our look at the collaborations between John Waters and Divine may be over, we felt that the story of Waters' journey from the underground to the mainstream wasn't complete without a discussion of the Broadway show inspired by one of his films and subsequent musical that followed. So instead of discussing a John Waters film proper, we're inste…

After unsuccessfully trying to get a PINK FLAMINGOS sequel off of the ground, John Waters revisited an idea that he'd been batting around since the late 1970s, about a teenage girl growing up in early 1960s Baltimore. That film, HAIRSPRAY, would prove to be John Waters' unintentional ticket to mainstream recognition. By far his most popular and suc…

On the heels of DESPERATE LIVING — and its disappointing box office — John Waters knew that he needed a hit, and that he needed his leading lady back. Once again teaming with Divine, Waters set out to make a film that was a little more palatable to mass audiences, one that wouldn't rely on shock value to get its laughs. The resulting film was POLYE…

After FEMALE TROUBLE, Divine — John Waters' muse — found his off-screen career beginning to flourish. When it was time for Waters to make his follow up to that film, that meant that Divine was unavailable, due to prior commitments. So for the first time in his career, Waters set out to make a film without his regular leading lady in the lead role. …

"Without all of you, my career could never have gotten this far. Ha ha ha ha ha! It was you that I burn for, and it is you that I will die for. Please remember, I love every fucking one of you!" After PINK FLAMINGOS' runaway success on the Midnight Movie circuit, it was time for John Waters to create his follow-up. He reconvened with his regular cr…

"The filthiest people alive? Well, you think you know someone filthier? Watch as Divine proves that not only is she the filthiest person in the world, she's also the filthiest actress in the world! What you are about to see is THE REAL THING!" While John Waters MULTIPLE MANIACS was mildly successful during its small theatrical run, it was with his …

"One must remember that there is such a thing as good bad taste and bad bad taste." — John Waters In our new series, John Waters: Divine Filth, we'll be exploring the stories behind Waters' early films, specifically the films made during the years when he collaborated with his muse, the legendary drag performer Divine. During the nearly two decades…

Spin the wheel, pick a movie, it's time for another Cinema Shock Roulette episode! This time, the randomly-chosen film is a 1987 thriller starring a pre-stardom Terry O'Quinn and directed by genre workman Joseph Ruben: THE STEPFATHER! In this episode, we'll not only trace the production of the film itself, but we'll also recount the story of the re…