The Sleepless Cinematic Podcast

If podcasting be the food of love, record on!  Continuing with their cycle of "Oscar Worthy Rom Coms", Madeline, Emilio and Julian fire up 1998's Best Picture winning 'Shakespeare In Love', directed by John Madden, starring the likes of Joseph Fiennes, Colin Firth, and Geoffrey Rush, with performances by Gwyneth Paltrow and Dame Judi Dench that also won them Oscars.  It's a Mise-Unseen episode, so this is the main hosts' first time seeing this movie, but it's a rewatch for their guest Anna Stone, she of the delightful movie podcast Stone's Top Tens.  Together the group digs into the historical "fan" fiction conceit of the story, speculate as to why this movie was so well-received when it was first released, turn to an oft-consulted non-fiction book to provide context for its controversial Oscars awards campaign,  discuss the many engaging performances, enjoy the film's many nods to modernity, and much more.  Anna leaves with some new additions to her watchlist, and everyone leaves with some appreciation for one of the more decorated romantic comedies of the last thirty years. 
Anna Stone is the host of the always enjoyable movie podcast Stone's Top Tens.  You can follow her and keep up with the podcast on the socials @stonestoptens  
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It's a new year, and Emilio, Madeline, and Julian kick off a new episode cycle of "Oscar Worthy Rom Coms" with 'Amelie', Jean-Pierre Jeunet's 2001 film starring Audrey Tautou that is as well-crafted as it is refreshing and life-affirming.  They are joined by a guest that, like the film itself, blends meaningful personal connection with great insight and sincerity - Anu Valia, film/TV writer and director extraordinaire, and a dear friend of Emilio's through high school and college.  The group discusses this film's reputation and influence on film students in the 2000s, its delightful focus on small personal quirks and sensory input, how the film deviates from more traditional romantic comedies, the way it feels both timeless and very rooted in the moment and setting it depicts, the film's messages about optimism and human goodness, and so much more!   
Anu Valia is a wonderful human and talented filmmaker whose work on shows like Shrill, And Just Like That, Interior Chinatown, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Shrinking can be streamed and enjoyed, and her feature film 'We Strangers' can currently be streamed on Amazon Prime and rented digitally where ever you get your movies.  
If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice. This really helps us find new listeners and grow!
Follow us on YouTube, IG and TikTok: @sleeplesscinematicpod
Send us an email at [email protected]
On Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats

Madeline, Emilio, and Julian wrap up their cycle of Unorthodox Holiday Movies with a film befitting of a Christmas Eve episode - Sean Baker’s “Tangerine”, released in 2015. Joining Emilio as a first-time-watcher is Edo Choi, Film Programmer at the beloved NYC independent theater, Metrograph. The group reflects on the way this film catapulted Sean Baker to prominence in the cinematic world, and discusses the unique style that comes through via Baker’s use of iPhone cameras. They also take time to appreciate the variety of performances in this film, from newcomers to Baker regulars to social media stars. And, of course, they attempt to answer the question on everyone’s minds: why is this film titled “Tangerine”?
**Programming note: This conversation was recorded approximately ten days before the news of James Ransone’s passing. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this time.
If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice. This really helps us find new listeners and grow!
Follow us on YouTube, IG and TikTok: @sleeplesscinematicpod
Send us an email at [email protected]
On Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats

This week, Emilio, Madeline and Julian make good on something that has been in works for over two years - a conversation about the movies they gifted each other back in 2023!  To be specific, these were discs from The Criterion Collection, acquired during Barnes and Nobles summer 50% Criterion sale.  Madeline gifted Emilio 'House', Nobuhiko Obayashi's wild inventive horror/comedy from 1977.  Julian gifted Madeline 'Being John Malkovich', Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman's breakout film from 1999.  Emilio gifted Julian 'Ikiru' from 1952, Akira Kurosawa's influential meditation on life and imminent mortality.  The group gets a chance to talk spolier free about these three films, what motivated their decision to give what they did, some details and themes that stick out to them about each film, and what kind of cinephile would be ideal recipient of these films.  They also take a moment to reflect on their year in podcasting, and gift each other a new Criterion disc to discover in 2026!  
Happy holidays listeners, thanks for a great year!
If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice.  This really helps us find new listeners and grow!
Follow us on YouTube, IG and TikTok: @sleeplesscinematicpod
Send us an email at [email protected]
On Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats

Bangarang!  Emilio, Madeline, and Julian fly, fight, and crow their way through this next "Unorthodox Holiday Movie" suggestion, and this is a special one, a movie suggested to them by multiple guests - "Hook", Steven Spielberg's take on the story of Peter Pan, released in 1991 starring Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts and more.  The group welcomes back Tony-nominated performer, teacher, father, and "Hook" enthusiast and suggester Rob McClure to discuss this film from all angles.  How do you square your experiences with the film as a kid versus revisiting it as an adult?  Does Spielberg have good reason to dislike it?  How much Peter Pan background is needed to fully enjoy 'Hook', or does it stand alone?  The group discusses Spielberg's knack for getting great performances from children, Robin Williams' incredible range, Rufio's undeniable appeal, the elaborate sets, John Williams' underrated score, and its messages related to parenthood.  Rob even brings a robust background in the J.M. Barrie's original text (and a collectible trading card) to the conversation, and even pulls out his highlighted copy to try to get to bottom of a pressing question.  It's a great discussion about one of the 1990s most rewatched VHS tapes, and more beloved childhood favorites.        
Rob McClure has earned Tony nominations for his roles in the Broadway productions of Mrs. Doubtfire and Chaplin, and has also appeared in Something Rotten!, Mary Poppins, Hello Dolly, Beetlejuice, and many more productions On- and Off-Broadway. You can follow him on Instagram @mcclurerob
If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice.  This really helps us find new listeners and grow!
Follow us on IG and TikTok: @sleeplesscinematicpod
Send us an email at [email protected]
On Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats