The Izzy and Murtada Picture Show

This week Murtada and Izzy talk about some of the films they have been watching at the New York Film Festival. They offer brief discussions of May December, The Zone of Interest, Evil Does Not Exist, The Taste of Things and deeper dive into this week’s release; Pedro Almodovar’s Strange Way of Life. They also tease a few Oscar categories where they think some of these films might compete. Plus The Lost Boys and All the Fires which are playing at NewFest.

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The show is back after a summer hiatus. And on a new day, catch now on Wednesdays. In this episode Murtada and Izzy talk about what movies they loved this summer including the phenomenon that is Barbenheimer. They look forward to the fall slate of awards ready movies like Poor Things, May December, All of Us Strangers and many more. These will play at the New York Film Festival and at NewFest New York’s LGBTQ+ film festival and will be discussed right here. (This was recorded last week so congrats to WGA on getting what they asked for and solidarity with SAG.)

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What makes a female character unlikeable? What does unlikeable mean anyway? To Anna Bogutskaya, everything and nothing. Bogutskaya unpacks these questions in her book “Unlikeable Female Characters: The Women Pop Culture Wants You to Hate” and this week on the podcast, Izzy and Murtada ask her all about it. From the mad woman, to the shrew, to the trainwreck, they talk about their favorite flawed women and why society has trouble understanding them. 

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Matt Baume stops by to chat with Izzy and Murtada about his book, “Hi Honey, I’m Homo: Sitcoms, Specials, and the Queering of American Culture.” You may recognize Matt from his wonderful YouTube channel where he breaks down episodes of The Golden Girls, All in the Family, Friends, and more to examine how the media has portrayed LGBTQ+ issues throughout American history. His latest book offers this and more— “Hi Honey, I’m Homo! is the story not only of how subversive queer comedy transformed the American sitcom, from its inception through today, but how our favorite sitcoms transformed, and continue to transform, America.”

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Izzy and Murtada discuss Wes Anderson’s latest film, Asteroid City, which Paul Schrader described as “the most Wes Anderson film Wes Anderson has made.” In today’s episode, the co-hosts ask the question—is that a good or a bad thing? Controversially underwhelmed by the film’s hodgepodge of neurotic misfits navigating a story-within-a-story, Izzy and Murtada unpack Anderson’s quasi-European take on the American West, his apolitical approach to filmmaking, and why they think a film can have too many characters. Asteroid City is (probably) playing in a theater near you. 

Further Reading:

Murtada on the Actors in Wes Anderson Films.

Murtada's review of Asteroid City.

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, Izzy and Murtada welcome Manuel Betancourt, film critic and author of “The Male Gazed.” This book of essays helps us reframe how we talk about desiring men through deep dives into thirst traps, drag queens, Antonio Banderas, telenovelas, and more. The trio explores Betancourt’s guiding question for the book—do I want him or do I want to be him?—while thinking through the conflicting feelings of shame and attraction in queer desire.

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, Izzy and Murtada take a look at Nicole Holofcener’s latest micro-melodrama, "You Hurt My Feelings." Julia Louis-Dreyfuss stars as a novelist who accidentally overhears her husband confess that he does not like her debut novel, despite the fact that he’d told her again and again that he loved it. The “betrayal” causes a crisis of confidence in the marriage, and forces her to reflect on the role of white lies and delusion in keeping the peace between two people who love each other. Izzy and Murtada think about YHMF in the context of Holofcener’s filmography and give semi-controversial takes on the widely-beloved film. 

For donations to the Sudan crisis go to this link: Keep Eyes On Sudan

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Izzy and Murtada discuss HBO’s latest Sydney Sweeney vehicle, “Reality.” Sweeney stars as Reality Winner, the whistleblower accused of leaking classified intelligence documents about Russian interference in the 2016 election to the press. The film’s dialogue is sourced directly from transcripts of Winner’s interrogation by the FBI, forming a simultaneously tedious and thrilling chamber drama. Murtada compares the film to the stage play upon which it is based, while Izzy reflects on the film’s political goals. The duo also discuss Sweeney's rise to stardom and her celebrity persona. You can watch “Reality” right now on HB—sorry, MAX.

For donations to the Sudan crisis go to this link: Keep Eyes On Sudan

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Izzy and Murtada gush about this year’s Sundance sensation, PAST LIVES. Celine Song’s film directorial debut tells the story of childhood friends Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) who are separated when Nora’s family immigrates from South Korea to Canada. Decades later, they reconnect, which prompts both of them to question the role that they play in each other’s lives and what their potent chemistry really means. Both Izzy and Murtada fawn over the film’s attention to detail, the deeply human, complicated characters Song creates, and its poetic exploration of relationships. See Past Lives in theaters starting June 2. 

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Izzy and Murtada welcome Isaac Butler, author of "The Method: How the Twentieth Century Learned to Act.” The trio discusses the scourge of biopics, how the standards of what is considered “good” or “bad” have changed over time, and how the Method redefined masculinity and what’s considered “fuckable” on screen but still gets such a bad wrap. Some of the actors discussed (though not all are Method) include Marlon Brando, Kim Stanley, Joan Crawford, John Garfield, Sally Field, Daniel Day Lewis, Nicholas Cage, Joanne Woodward, Al Pacino, Jennifer Garner and Robert De Niro. Butler brings his vast knowledge of the history of acting and, needless to say, Izzy and Murtada wish the conversation could have gone on forever. 

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Izzy and Murtada talk about the latest entry in their favorite subgenre (older actresses accepting roles to take vacations with their friends)...BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER. Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen, and Candice Bergen star as friends for life who, inspired by Paul Coelho’s The Alchemist, travel to Italy for a Bachelorette extravaganza. Izzy simultaneously fawns over and cautions against the positive fantasy of a 4K pandemic experience while Murtada wishes he’d had some wine during the screening. Is this film the escapism we need in 2023? (Yes). 

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, New Yorker staff writer Michael Schulman joins the podcast to discuss his latest book, Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat and Tears. In a conversation that spans from the union-busting origins of the Academy to Halle Berry’s landmark win to the possibilities of the awards ceremony’s future, Izzy and Murtada seek to find out: who are the Academy Awards for?

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Izzy and Murtada are on different coasts this week. In New York Murtada spoke to Lisa Cortés, the director of 'Little Richard: I Am Everything,' about how she brought Little Richard’s big queer personality to life in her entertaining film. Cortés also talks about her process and how she set out to “decolonize” the documentary form. In Los Angeles, Izzy spoke to Alicia Malone, author and host at Turner Classic Movies. They talked about the future of the channel, how to persuade younger audiences to try classic films, and women in film. Cortés interview starts at 11:35 and Malone at 35:20.

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Izzy and Murtada discuss Kelly Reichardt’s latest film, Showing Up! Michelle Williams stars as a sculptor who works tirelessly to finish works for her upcoming show, despite having no hot water, an injured pigeon, and escalating family drama. Murtada notes how Hong Chau steals the show (again), while Izzy admires the film’s intimacy and pace. Both raise the question…Could this be Kelly Reichardt’s best film to date?

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kristen Lopez, film editor at The Wrap, joins the podcast to discuss her book, “But Have You Read the Book?: 52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films,” a collaboration with TCM that explores some of the most famous book to film adaptations in American cinema. Izzy interviews her about her favorite and least favorite adaptations, what makes an adaptation successful, and the challenges screenwriters face when turning a novel into a miniseries. Murtada joins for the first half of the episode to chat with Izzy about some of their favorite adaptations and why they think they work so well as films!

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Todd Flaherty and Wyatt Fenner drop by to talk about their new film, Chrissy Judy—an examination of queer friendship that asks “What do you do when your chosen family no longer chooses you?” Flaherty plays Judy, an ambitious New York drag queen who must reinvent himself and his act when his best friend and collaborator, Chrissy (Fenner), chooses a relationship in another city over their act. Izzy and Murtada ask them about the influence of Provincetown on their work, the inspiration they drew from divas of yesteryear, and Flaherty’s decision to film his debut feature in black and white.

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow.

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles” was voted by the participants in Sight and Sound’s Greatest Films of All Time poll as #1. To get to the bottom of what makes this film resonate so deeply with viewers almost 50 years after its initial release, we spoke with Professor Catherine Fowler from the University of Otago, whose book on the film positions it as a ‘contrary classic’ that encourages ‘slow looking.’

Purchase Professor Fowler’s book here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/jeanne-dielman-23-quai-du-commerce-1080-bruxelles-9781839022821/ 

Learn more about her work here: https://www.otago.ac.nz/mfco/staff/otago052275.html 

Watch Jeanne Dielman on the Criterion Channel or HBO Max

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (Twitter: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (Twitter: @ME_Says, IG: murtada_e)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the 80th anniversary of its release, the show revisits the classic film Casablanca. Izzy becomes mesmerized by Ingrid Bergman’s glow while Murtada is firmly team Humphrey Bogart’s Rick and has no time for Paul Henried’s Laszlo. Joining the conversation is film professor Noah Isenberg, author of the book We’ll Always Have Casablanca, who talks about the film’s enduring legacy and the immigrants and refugees who made it.

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram: @IMPictureShow

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (TW: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (TW: @ME_Says, IG:murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Izzy and Murtada mourn TÁR’s total lack of Academy recognition, they delight in Everything Everywhere All at Once’s cultural resonance and its actors’ triumphant end of the Oscars season. Murtada questions the uncritical gaze of Navalny, while Izzy wonders why Bette Davis wasn’t featured in the Warner Bros centennial tribute. Plus favorite speeches and other moments from the Oscars show!

Follow the show on Twitter andInstagram: @IMPictureShow

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (TW: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (TW: @ME_Says, IG:murtada_e).

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In their second podcast episode EVER, Izzy and Murtada discuss the acting nominees for the 2022 Academy Awards! Murtada succumbs to biopicitis, and Izzy actively tries not to award everyone in The Banshees of Inisherin. Both unequivocally, yet again, support Ms. Blanchett but try not to be annoying about it. And it all starts with Angela Bassett, of course.

Things we mention in the podcast: 

Murtada’s review of The Whale and Brendan’s Fraser’s performance @ AV Club 

Murtada’s review of Aftersun and Paul Mescal’s performance @ AV Club 

Murtada's interview with Emily Watson @ AV Club

Follow the show on Twitter andInstagram: @IMPictureShow

To hear more from Izzy and Murtada check them out on social media: Izzy (TW: @bkrewind, IG: @bk_rewind); Murtada (TW: @ME_Says, IG:murtada_e)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.