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Houselights: A Film Director Podcast
If you’re looking for the best movie podcast for everyone who appreciates movies, subscribe to “Houselights” today!
Each week, hosts Darren Moser, John Mills, and Tristan Riddell share what they see as a movie director’s signature approach and how it shaped the movies you love. Join them as they unpack the works of some of the most prominent directors - and the lost works of the most masterful auteurs.
Weekly episodes comprise series featuring works of different directors approached in…
Episodes
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThey Live (1988) - John Carpenter | Houselights #299
(00:00:00) They Live (1988) - John Carpenter | Houselights #299 (00:00:03) Welcome to the Nerd Party (00:00:25) Setting the Stage for They Live (00:01:17)…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBig Trouble in Little China (1986) - John Carpenter | Houselights #298
Big Trouble in Little China continues our House of Carpenter series with John Carpenter's 1986 kung fu, ghost, and monster mashup set in the underworld beneath…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastChristine (1983) - John Carpenter | Houselights #297
John Carpenter's Christine continues our House of Carpenter series with a 1958 Plymouth Fury that loves her owner a little too much. Adapted from Stephen…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Thing (1982) - John Carpenter | Houselights #296
Our House of Carpenter series continues in the frozen isolation of an Antarctic research station, where a team of American scientists takes in a sled dog…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastEscape from New York (1981) - John Carpenter | Houselights #295
Kicking off our House of Carpenter series, we head to the far-flung future of 1997, where Manhattan is a walled-off maximum security prison and Air Force One…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastArsenic and Old Lace (1944) - Frank Capra | Houselights #294
Arsenic and Old Lace, Frank Capra’s dark comedy, is both a beloved classic and a surprisingly divisive film. We explore Cary Grant’s frantic performance, the…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastMr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) - Frank Capra | Houselights #293
Continuing the House of Capra, Darren, Tristan, and John dig into Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, the movie that taught a generation what a filibuster was…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastIt Happened One Night (1934) - Frank Capra | Houselights #292
House of Capra opens with the one that started it all. Frank Capra's 1934 road comedy put a runaway heiress and a broke reporter on a cross-country bus and…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Batman (2022) - Matt Reeves | Houselights #291: Wing of Batman
Matt Reeves' The Batman is a bold, moody reinvention of the Caped Crusader that leans hard into noir, atmosphere, and a version of Gotham that feels grimy…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Lego Batman Movie (2017) - Chris McKay | Houselights #290: Wing of Batman
The Lego Batman Movie shouldn't work as well as it does. A feature-length gag reel built out of plastic bricks has no business landing a real Batman character…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBatman v Superman: UE & ZS's Justice League - Zack Snyder | Houselights #289: Wing of Batman
Zack Snyder's DCEU Batman gets its due on this episode of Houselights, as Tristan, John, and Darren tackle Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Zack Snyder's…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Dark Knight Trilogy - Christopher Nolan | Houselights #288: Wing of Batman
The Dark Knight trilogy didn’t just redefine Batman on screen, it reshaped what superhero movies could be. In this episode, the hosts dig into how Christopher…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBatman Forever and Batman & Robin - Joel Schumacher | Houselights #287: Wing of Batman
A thoughtful look at Joel Schumacher’s Batman films, this episode revisits Batman Forever and Batman & Robin as bold, colorful, and endlessly debated entries…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBatman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) - Eric Radomski & Bruce Timm | Houselights #286: Wing of Batman
This episode explores Batman: Mask of the Phantasm - a darker, deeper, and more emotional Batman story that nearly never reached theaters - and uncovers how…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBatman '89 and Batman Returns - Tim Burton | Houselights #285: Wing of Batman
Tim Burton’s Batman and Batman Returns are explored here as two sides of the same dark, imaginative vision, tracing how Burton’s signature style shaped Gotham…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBatman: The Movie (1966) - Leslie H. Martinson | Houselights #284: Wing of Batman
Batman: The Movie (1966) is a campy, quotable time capsule that helped turn a modest TV show into a pop culture icon. Adam West’s earnestness, the film’s…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Holiday (2006) - Nancy Meyers | Houselights #283
Nancy Meyers’ The Holiday is the kind of movie that knows exactly what it’s doing: it’s polished, sentimental, and very aware of its own charm. It’s not…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastSomethings Gotta Give (2003) - Nancy Meyers | Houselights #282
Something’s Gotta Give is one of Nancy Meyers’ most polished fantasies, and this episode gets into both why it works and why it doesn’t. The conversation…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastWhat Women Want (2000) - Nancy Meyers | Houselights #281
As we continue your Nancy Meyers retrospective, we arrive at What Women Want (2000). It was a box office hit that doesn't quite hold together, and this episode…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Parent Trap (1998) - Nancy Meyers | Houselights #280
This episode dives into The Parent Trap, highlighting its storytelling and technical achievements. We explore Nancy Meyers' direction, Lindsay Lohan's…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Whole Nine Yards (2000) - Jonathan Lynn | Houselights #279
(00:00:00) The Whole Nine Yards (2000) - Jonathan Lynn | Houselights #279 (00:00:03) Welcome to Houselights (00:00:20) The Whole Nine Yards: A Suburban Farce…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastSgt. Bilko (1996) - Jonathan Lynn | Houselights #278
Revisiting Sergeant Bilko brings nostalgic charm despite its outdated humor. Steve Martin's antics as a scheming con man still entertain, though some jokes…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastMy Cousin Vinny (1992) - Jonathan Lynn | Houselights #277
Discover why My Cousin Vinny remains a beloved classic as we delve into its clever storytelling and standout performances. Explore Marissa Tomei's…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastClue (1985) - Jonathan Lynn | Houselights #276
Clue blends a stellar ensemble cast, razor-sharp wit, and a revolutionary triple-ending format. This episode explores the genius of director Jonathan Lynn, the…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastKagemusha (1980) - Akira Kurosawa | Houselights #275
We close House of Kurosawa with Kagemusha (1980), where a thief becomes body double for a dying warlord and learns pretending to be powerful is harder than…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastYojimbo (1961) - Akira Kurosawa | Houselights #274
This week, we discuss Kurosawa's "Yojimbo," a film that blends Western grit with Japanese flair, redefining genre boundaries with sharp humor and raw action…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Hidden Fortress (1958) - Akira Kurosawa | Houselights #273
This episode tracks into the film’s storytelling, pacing, and visual style, revealing its impact on George Lucas and the potential for Mifune in the Star Wars…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastSeven Samurai (1954) - Akira Kurosawa | Houselights #272
Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa is a classic film that has shaped cinema worldwide. This episode explores its themes of responsibility and heroism, along with…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastRashomon (1950) - Akira Kurosawa | Houselights #271
This episode kicks off our Kurosawa retrospective with Rashomon, examining its innovative storytelling through multiple perspectives and its impact on cinema…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastMr. Holmes (2015) - Bill Condon | Houselights #270: Wing of Sherlock
In this episode, we step into Mr. Holmes, a film that explores Sherlock Holmes in his twilight years, portrayed by Ian McKellen. The movie, directed by Bill…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastSherlock Holmes (2009) - Guy Ritchie | Houselights #269: Wing of Sherlock
Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes is a thrilling reimagining of the classic detective tale, blending high-octane action with sharp wit. Robert Downey Jr. delivers…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastYoung Sherlock Holmes (1985) - Barry Levinson | Houselights #268: Wing of Sherlock
In this episode of Houselights, we explore "Young Sherlock Holmes," a 1985 film that offers a fresh take on the legendary detective's youth. Directed by Barry…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Seven-Per-Cent Solution (1976) - Herbert Ross | Houselights #267: Wing of Sherlock
Discover a new side of Sherlock Holmes in "The Seven-Per-Cent Solution," where the legendary detective encounters Sigmund Freud and faces his own addictions…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Hound of the Baskervilles '39 and '59 - Sidney Lanfield | Houselights #266: Wing of Sherlock
Explore the fascinating differences between the 1939 and 1959 adaptations of The Hound of the Baskervilles, where Basil Rathbone's stage-influenced Holmes…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastWe're No Angels (1955) - Michael Curtiz | Houselights #265
In this episode of Houselights, we turn our attention to Michael Curtiz's 1955 curiosity, "We're No Angels." We look at how this stagey, talky comedy-drama…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastCasablanca (1942) - Michael Curtiz | Houselights #264
Intricate storytelling, unforgettable characters, and the cultural impact that has cemented Casablanca's status as one of the greatest films of all time…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) - Michael Curtiz | Houselights #263
In this episode of Houselights, we swing into the vibrant world of Michael Curtiz's 1938 classic, "The Adventures of Robin Hood." We explore how this film set…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastPredator: Badlands (2025) - Dan Trachtenberg | Houselights #262: Wing of Predator
On this week's Houselights, we explore "Predator Badlands," where Dan Trachtenberg's direction impresses with a seamless blend of CGI and practical effects…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastPredator: Killer of Killers (2025) - Dan Trachtenberg | Houselights #261: Wing of Predator
This week is the animated anthology "Predator: Killer of Killers." We debate the merits of its storytelling, animation style, and character development, while…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999) - Luc Besson | Houselights #260
In this episode, we explore Luc Besson's "The Messenger," a film that ambitiously tackles the story of Joan of Arc. While Mila Jovovich shines in her role, the…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Fifth Element (1997) - Luc Besson | Houselights #259
The Fifth Element is loud, strange, and completely confident in its own weirdness. This review looks at why the movie still works decades later: the energy…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastLéon: The Professional (1994) - Luc Besson | Houselights #258
We continue our Luc Besson retrospective with Léon: The Professional (1994), a film that turned a hitman into a pop-culture archetype and remains one of the…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastLa Femme Nikita (1990) - Luc Besson | Houselights #257
In this episode of Houselights, we begin our retrospective of Luc Besson's work from the 90s with "La Femme Nikita." We examine the film's stylistic impact and…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Hurt Locker (2008) - Kathryn Bigelow | Houselights #256
In this episode, we walk slowly but carefully into Kathryn Bigelow's Oscar-winning film, "The Hurt Locker." We explore the film's gripping portrayal of the…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastK-19: The Widowmaker (2002) - Kathryn Bigelow | Houselights #255
In this episode of Houselights, we navigate through Kathryn Bigelow's "K-19: The Widowmaker," focusing on its technical brilliance and narrative challenges. We…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastStrange Days (1995) - Kathryn Bigelow | Houselights #254
Wire into the dystopian world of Kathryn Bigelow's "Strange Days" with our latest review. We explore the film's ambitious narrative, technical wizardry, and…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastPoint Break (1991) - Kathryn Bigelow | Houselights #253
Join Houselights as we explore "Point Break," Kathryn Bigelow's 90s cult classic that blends extreme sports with high-stakes heists. With Keanu Reeves and…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBlue Steel (1989) - Kathryn Bigelow | Houselights #252
In this episode, we review Kathryn Bigelow's 1990 thriller, "Blue Steel," where Jamie Lee Curtis shines as a rookie cop entangled in a psychological battle…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastNear Dark (1987) - Kathryn Bigelow | Houselights #251
In this episode of Houselights, we explore Kathryn Bigelow's "Near Dark." Join hosts John, Darren, and Tristan as they delve into the film's unique blend of…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Ten Commandments (1956) - Cecil B. DeMille | Houselights #250: Special
A towering classic of Hollywood’s Golden Age, The Ten Commandments (1956) remains one of the greatest epics ever made. In this episode, we explore Cecil B…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastCast Away (2000) - Robert Zemeckis | Houselights #249
In this episode of Houselights, we explore Robert Zemeckis' "Cast Away." Join hosts John, Darren, and Tristan as they discuss Tom Hanks' remarkable portrayal…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastContact (1997) - Robert Zemeckis | Houselights #248
Join us on Houselights as we dive into the sci-fi wonder of Robert Zemeckis's 1997 film, "Contact." With a story by Carl Sagan, this episode explores the…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastForrest Gump (1994) - Robert Zemeckis | Houselights #247
This week we spring into Robert Zemeckis' Forrest Gump and discuss Tom Hanks' iconic performance, the film's innovative visuals, and its powerful themes of…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastDeath Becomes Her (1992) - Robert Zemeckis | Houselights #246
Join John and Darren as they revisit Robert Zemeckis’ Death Becomes Her, unpacking its groundbreaking visual effects, sharp Hollywood satire, and the…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBack to the Future Part III (1990) - Robert Zemeckis | Houselights #245
In this episode of Houselights, we journey back to the Old West with "Back to the Future Part 3." Join hosts Tristan, Darren, and John as they explore the…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Equalizer (2014) - Antoine Fuqua | Houselights #244
In our final entry our the Antoine Fuqua retrospective, "The Equalizer," we break down the film's key scenes and discuss its impact on the action genre. Tune…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastTraining Day (2001) - Antoine Fuqua | Houselights #243
In our second look at Antoine Fuqua's work, we explore the gritty world of "Training Day," the film that redefined cop dramas. Join us as we discuss Denzel…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Replacement Killers (1998) - Antoine Fuqua | Houselights #242
Explore Antoine Fuqua's directorial debut, "The Replacement Killers," as we discuss its homage to Hong Kong action cinema, the star-studded cast, and the…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastHer (2013) - Spike Jonze | Houselights #241
In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between technology and intimacy as depicted in Spike Jonze's visionary film, 'Her.' Join us as we examine…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastWhere the Wild Things Are (2009) - Spike Jonze | Houselights #240
Spike Jonze’s 2009 film Where the Wild Things Are is an ambitious adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s book, but despite its stunning visuals and…