Movie Memory Machine

"Have you ever really, really, really loved a movie? This one sure tries to make you love it—and seduces you in the process."
 
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman unravel the enigmatic charm of Don Juan DeMarco (1995). They explore the film's fantastical storytelling, Johnny Depp’s portrayal of the world’s greatest lover, and Marlon Brando’s impish performance, while discussing the fine line between romance, seduction, and pure camp.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Jeremy Leven
Main Cast:
Johnny Depp as Don Juan DeMarco
Marlon Brando as Dr. Jack Mickler
Faye Dunaway as Marilyn Mickler
 
Film Synopsis
After claiming to be the world’s greatest lover, Don Juan DeMarco (Johnny Depp) finds himself under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Jack Mickler (Marlon Brando). During ten days of therapy, Don Juan recounts his fantastical tales of romance and passion, rekindling the spark in Dr. Mickler’s marriage to Marilyn (Faye Dunaway). But is Don Juan’s story true, or just a seductive fiction?
 
Episode Highlights
The theatricality of Don Juan’s character and his connection to Lord Byron’s poem.
Johnny Depp’s over-the-top performance: earnest or eccentric?
Marlon Brando’s playful approach to the role of Dr. Mickler.
A debate on the movie’s blend of seduction, romance, and 90s nostalgia.
Why Bryan Adams’ “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” became an earworm for decades.
 
What’s your take on Don Juan DeMarco? Is it a misunderstood romantic masterpiece or just quirky fluff? Let us know on social media or in the comments!
Enjoyed the episode? Share your thoughts with us in a review or on social media!
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🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Don Juan DeMarco podcast, Johnny Depp movies, Marlon Brando, Faye Dunaway, Bryan Adams Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman, romantic comedy films, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

In this Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman dive into five movies that explore memory, identity, and reality with more precision, elegance, or weirdness than Reminiscence managed. Whether you're craving memory-altering noir (Dark City), elliptical love stories (2046), or the very real terror of a dystopian mall (Minority Report), we've got you covered with sci-fi that's smart, stylish, and—most importantly—not narrated entirely in metaphor.
Films Discussed:
Dark City (1998)
2046 (2004)
Inception (2010)
Vertigo (1958)
Minority Report (2002)
Topics Covered:
Alex Proyas’s gothy memory-swapping metropolis in Dark City
Wong Kar-wai’s dreamlike, elliptical meditation on memory in 2046
Nolan’s multi-layered dream logic and hallway fights in Inception
Hitchcock’s haunting vision of obsession and identity in Vertigo
Spielberg’s predictive-policing thriller Minority Report and how its tech is already here
Key Takeaways:
Reminiscence wishes it had Dark City’s vibe, Inception’s logic, and Vertigo’s beauty
Tommy Lee Jones’s poetry may or may not be the missing link between metaphors and meaning
Sci-fi doesn’t need more narration—it needs better ideas
Every film on this list handles memory better than Reminiscence, and most have fewer drowning metaphors
Listener Prompt:Which sci-fi film reshaped your sense of memory, identity, or city infrastructure? Tell us using #MovieMemoryMachine.
Support the Show!Help keep Movie Memory Machine ad-free and artist-owned! Here’s how you can support us:
Become a Patreon supporter – For as little as $1/month, you get access to bonus content for all shows on the Grunt Work Podcast Network. Join at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.
Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.
Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.
Follow Us: 🌐 Website: https://www.moviememorymachine.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieMemoryMachine🎞️ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/moviememorypod/

"When the future is wet and memories are drier than Hugh Jackman's frown, what could possibly go wrong?"
 
Episode Description
Join Landen and Truman as they wade through the murky waters of Reminiscence (2021), a movie that feels like a video game missing its "restart from checkpoint" option. They tackle Hugh Jackman’s frown game, the baffling existence of Frances on the Ocean, and why drowning people in eel tanks might be a metaphor for this film’s plot. Plus, they pitch Reminiscence: The Game (customizable triangle boobs included).
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Lisa Joy
Writer: Lisa Joy
Main Cast:
Hugh Jackman as Nick Bannister
Rebecca Ferguson as Mae
Thandiwe Newton as Watts
Cliff Curtis as Cyrus Boothe
Daniel Wu as Saint Joe
 
Film Synopsis
In a dystopian future where Miami is submerged under water, Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) runs a memory-retrieval business. His world is turned upside down when a mysterious woman, Mae (Rebecca Ferguson), walks into his office searching for lost keys but leaves with his heart. When Mae vanishes, Nick uses his memory machine to unravel a conspiracy involving drug lords, corrupt cops, and wealthy elites, all while navigating a watery noir landscape.
 
Episode Highlights
"Video Game Logic": Why Reminiscence should have been a PlayStation 5 launch title.
Frances on the Ocean: Who is she? What’s her deal? And can we get her spin-off movie, please?
The eel tank scene: Drowning in tropes and maybe Hugh Jackman too.
Landen and Truman design Reminiscence: The Game, complete with customizable triangle boobs.
Breaking down why Hugh Jackman’s frown deserves its own IMDb credit.
 
What was your favorite unintentionally hilarious moment in Reminiscence? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your feedback in future episodes.
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
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🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Reminiscence mini-episode, Hugh Jackman movies, dystopian Miami, Frances on the Ocean, Lisa Joy direction, Rebecca Ferguson femme fatale, Movie Memory Machine podcast, sci-fi noir breakdown
 

"Hugh Jackman dives deep into a sea of memories, but can he rescue this plot from drowning? Spoiler alert: Nope."
 
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman plunge into Lisa Joy's Reminiscence (2021), a film where noir meets sci-fi and the result is... moist confusion. With Hugh Jackman brooding underwater, Rebecca Ferguson channeling femme fatale energy, and a flooded Miami trying to make sense of it all, the duo dissects whether this movie's vision of the future is anything more than a mirage.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Lisa Joy
Writer: Lisa Joy
Main Cast:
Hugh Jackman as Nick Bannister
Rebecca Ferguson as Mae
Thandiwe Newton as Watts
Cliff Curtis as Cyrus Boothe
Daniel Wu as Saint Joe
 
Film Synopsis
In a dystopian future where Miami is submerged under water, Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) runs a memory-retrieval business. His world is turned upside down when a mysterious woman, Mae (Rebecca Ferguson), walks into his office searching for lost keys but leaves with his heart. When Mae vanishes, Nick uses his memory machine to unravel a conspiracy involving drug lords, corrupt cops, and wealthy elites, all while navigating a watery noir landscape.
 
Episode Highlights
Hugh Jackman’s uncanny knack for underwater scenes and whether he’s Hollywood’s amphibious MVP.
The poetic nonsense of the film’s dialogue—how many metaphors are too many metaphors?
Exploring Reminiscence as a love letter to film noir, sci-fi, and Hugh Jackman’s jawline.
The baffling economics of dystopian Miami: clean floodwaters, questionable footwear, and flawless hair.
Landen’s and Truman’s heroic battle to stay awake through an endurance test of monologues.
 
What did you think of Reminiscence? Do you remember watching it? Do you wish you could forget? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. We might feature your thoughts in future show notes—unless, of course, we forget.
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
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YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Reminiscence podcast, Hugh Jackman movies, Lisa Joy sci-fi, Rebecca Ferguson noir, Thandiwe Newton, dystopian Miami, Movie Memory Machine podcast, flooded city thriller
 

In this Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman dig into five films that handle hostage standoffs, media critique, and moral panic with more precision, depth, and directorial vision than Money Monster. Whether it's Ned Beatty yelling about the gods of commerce or Denzel outwitting a hostage scenario in style, these films ask big questions about what media shows, what it hides, and who gets hurt in the process.
Films Discussed:
Network (1976)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Inside Man (2006)
Little Fish (2020)
Medium Cool (1969)
Topics Covered:
Live TV as a weapon, prophecy, and punchline (Network)
Al Pacino’s iconic standoff in Dog Day Afternoon and its gritty realism
Spike Lee's sleek social heist in Inside Man
Jack O’Connell’s emotional intensity in the underseen Little Fish
Haskell Wexler’s cinéma vérité masterpiece Medium Cool and its confrontation with media complicity
Key Takeaways:
Money Monster is a 2010s Hollywood remix of better 70s thrillers
Sidney Lumet remains the gold standard for confined tension and character realism
Denzel could outdance Clooney any day
Little Fish proves Jack O’Connell’s talent wasn’t a fluke
Sometimes, media ethics are better tackled in experimental cinema than mainstream thrillers
Listener Prompt:What’s your favorite movie about media, money, or moral standoffs? Let us know using #MovieMemoryMachine.
Support the Show!Help keep Movie Memory Machine ad-free and artist-owned! Here’s how you can support us:
Become a Patreon supporter – For as little as $1/month, you get access to bonus content for all shows on the Grunt Work Podcast Network. Join at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.
Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.
Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.
Follow Us: 🌐 Website: https://www.moviememorymachine.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieMemoryMachine🎞️ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/moviememorypod/

"Between George Clooney's dance moves and Julia Roberts' Sacagawea code, we're not sure if Money Monster is a financial thriller or a weird rom-com about stock tips."
 
Episode Description
In this mini-episode, Landen and Truman take a lighter look at Money Monster (2016), diving into its quirks, the infamous Sacagawea catchphrase, and why the film’s end-credits rap might be the most baffling cinematic decision since Cats. Plus, they cast a fictional 1990s version of the movie with Kurt Russell, Johnny Depp, and a young Brad Pitt. The verdict? The fake movie might be better.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Jodie Foster
Writers: Jamie Linden, Alan DiFiore, Jim Kouf
Main Cast:
George Clooney as Lee Gates
Julia Roberts as Patty Fenn
Jack O'Connell as Kyle Budwell
Dominic West as Walt Camby
Caitríona Balfe as Diane Lester
Giancarlo Esposito as NYPD Captain Powell
 
Film Synopsis
Financial TV host Lee Gates (George Clooney) and his producer Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts) face a life-or-death situation when disgruntled investor Kyle Budwell (Jack O'Connell) storms their live broadcast with a gun and an explosive vest. Fueled by the mysterious collapse of a "can't-miss" stock, Kyle demands answers while the world watches. As secrets unravel, Lee and Patty work against the clock to uncover a corporate conspiracy and save their own lives.
 
Episode Highlights
Landen and Truman unravel Julia Roberts' mysterious use of "Sacagawea" as a code word.
Comparing Money Monster's end-credits rap to their own ill-fated rap projects.
Imagining Money Monster as a 1990s action thriller—with way more explosions.
Why the film’s tonal shifts feel like a rollercoaster designed by someone afraid of heights.
Breaking down why every movie cop is apparently related to Vasquez from Aliens.
 
What’s your favorite bizarre movie ending? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your feedback in future episodes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
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🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Money Monster mini-episode, George Clooney dancing, Julia Roberts financial thriller, Jack O'Connell hostage movie, Jodie Foster direction, 1990s action movie recasts, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

"Somewhere between George Clooney's dance moves and Julia Roberts' headset, we found a thriller that tries hard but never quite cashes out."
 
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman uncover the volatile world of finance and live television with Jodie Foster's Money Monster (2016). With George Clooney as a Jim Cramer-esque TV host and Julia Roberts as his long-suffering producer, the film spirals into chaos when Jack O'Connell's working-class vigilante takes a live broadcast hostage. Together, our hosts dive into the implausibilities, missed opportunities, and undeniable star power of this financial thriller.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Jodie Foster
Writers: Jamie Linden, Alan DiFiore, Jim Kouf
Main Cast:
George Clooney as Lee Gates
Julia Roberts as Patty Fenn
Jack O'Connell as Kyle Budwell
Dominic West as Walt Camby
Caitríona Balfe as Diane Lester
Giancarlo Esposito as NYPD Captain Powell
 
Film Synopsis
Financial TV host Lee Gates (George Clooney) and his producer Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts) face a life-or-death situation when disgruntled investor Kyle Budwell (Jack O'Connell) storms their live broadcast with a gun and an explosive vest. Fueled by the mysterious collapse of a "can't-miss" stock, Kyle demands answers while the world watches. As secrets unravel, Lee and Patty work against the clock to uncover a corporate conspiracy and save their own lives.
 
Episode Highlights
Breaking down George Clooney's "Jim Cramer meets Dennis Miller" performance.
The implausible financial mechanics behind the film's central conspiracy.
Julia Roberts' standout turn as the glue holding it all together.
How Money Monster reflects (and avoids reflecting) the anger of the Occupy Wall Street era.
The movie's baffling tonal shifts—boner cream jokes meet high-stakes hostage drama.
 
What’s your favorite financial thriller? Let us know on social media or in the comments—we might feature your thoughts in a future episode!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
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🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Money Monster podcast, Jodie Foster movies, George Clooney financial thriller, Julia Roberts producer role, Occupy Wall Street films, Jack O'Connell, corporate conspiracy thrillers, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

In this week’s Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman unpack five films that more meaningfully—and sometimes more messily—explore marriage, communication, and relationship evolution than Hope Springs ever dared. From cozy golden pond chats to sci-fi couples therapy gone wrong, this list offers everything from prestige Swedish drama to 1930s slapstick divorce. Hope might spring eternal, but these movies bring the nuance.
Films Discussed:
On Golden Pond (1981)
The One I Love (2014)
Scenes from a Marriage (1973 or 2021)
The Awful Truth (1937)
Before Midnight (2013)
Topics Covered:
Sunset vibes and legacy pairings in On Golden Pond
The One I Love and the lo-fi sci-fi spin on relationship repair
Bergman’s emotionally devastating take on marriage in Scenes from a Marriage
Slapstick meets sincerity in the classic The Awful Truth
Before Midnight as the most honest depiction of midlife marriage ever captured on screen
Key Takeaways:
Hope Springs may have opened the door, but these films walk through it (and sometimes slam it)
Scenes from a Marriage is therapy before therapy
Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke prove love isn’t always quiet sunsets—it’s arguments in Greece too
The Awful Truth showed us that Hollywood’s been flirting with divorce for nearly a century
Listener Prompt:Which movie got marriage right—or hilariously wrong? Tag us with your picks using #MovieMemoryMachine.
Support the Show!Help keep Movie Memory Machine ad-free and artist-owned! Here’s how you can support us:
Become a Patreon supporter – For as little as $1/month, you get access to bonus content for all shows on the Grunt Work Podcast Network. Join at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.
Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.
Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.
Follow Us: 🌐 Website: https://www.moviememorymachine.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieMemoryMachine🎞️ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/moviememorypod/

"Wine, awkward silences, and Borat impressions—this mini-episode might have it all."
 
Episode Description
Join Landen and Truman for a playful recap of Hope Springs (2012) in this mini-episode, where serious therapy sessions give way to banana-related metaphors and theater proprietor grudges. They examine the bizarre Twin Peaks-esque undertones of small-town life, the perils of bringing your therapist’s advice to the movies, and why the trailer game is their favorite thing ever—even when they get it wrong.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: David Frankel
Writer: Vanessa Taylor
Main Cast:
Meryl Streep as Kay Soames
Tommy Lee Jones as Arnold Soames
Steve Carell as Dr. Bernard Feld
Jean Smart as Eileen
Elisabeth Shue as Karen
Mimi Rogers as Carol
 
Film Synopsis
Kay Soames (Meryl Streep) and her husband Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) head to Maine for an intensive week of couples therapy with the unflinching Dr. Bernard Feld (Steve Carell). What follows is a journey filled with awkward exercises, emotional breakthroughs, and some very sticky situations—literally and metaphorically.
 
Episode Highlights
Landen’s wine pairings for movies and why Hope Springs calls for nothing less than a cabernet sauvignon.
The banana scene: comedy gold or high-fiber therapy advice?
How Hope Springs subtly channels Twin Peaks vibes.
"The Trailer Game": Why Tommy Lee Jones definitely did not make it into the horny part of the trailer.
Exploring how therapy and cinema collide in the most unexpected (and sticky) of ways.
 
What’s your favorite awkward therapy moment in film? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Tell us what you think by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your feedback in future episodes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
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🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Hope Springs mini-episode, Meryl Streep therapy movie, Tommy Lee Jones romantic comedies, Steve Carell films, couples therapy in movies, romantic comedy podcasts, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

"Hope Springs eternal, but this movie's intensity springs from its painfully real portrayal of a struggling marriage."
 
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman explore David Frankel's Hope Springs (2012), a film that blends humor and pathos to depict the journey of a couple (played by Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones) rekindling their marriage through therapy. With Steve Carell as the therapist, we unpack the emotional weight, the awkward laughs, and the overall message of this overlooked dramedy.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: David Frankel
Writer: Vanessa Taylor
Main Cast:
Meryl Streep as Kay Soames
Tommy Lee Jones as Arnold Soames
Steve Carell as Dr. Bernard Feld
Jean Smart as Eileen
Elisabeth Shue as Karen
Mimi Rogers as Carol
 
Film Synopsis
Kay Soames (Meryl Streep) is desperate to revive the intimacy in her 31-year marriage to Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones). Despite his reluctance, they embark on an intensive week-long couples therapy retreat with the renowned Dr. Bernard Feld (Steve Carell). Through therapy sessions filled with both breakthroughs and setbacks, the couple attempts to rediscover the spark that brought them together.
 
Episode Highlights
The standout performances of Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones.
Steve Carell's unexpected role as a therapist and whether it worked.
The challenges of depicting intimacy in film for older couples.
A comparison of Hope Springs to other dramedies of its time.
Why this film resonated with older audiences but struggled to find wider appeal.
 
What are your favorite films that explore marriage and intimacy? Share your thoughts and reviews on our socials or website!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: Movie Memory Machine
Instagram: @MovieMemoryMachine
Threads: @MovieMemoryMachine
Bluesky: @MovieMemoryMachine
YouTube: @MovieMemoryMachine
🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Hope Springs podcast, Meryl Streep movies, Tommy Lee Jones films, Steve Carell roles, David Frankel director, marriage and intimacy in film, Movie Memory Machine podcast