Movie Memory Machine

In this Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman attempt to recover from Simone (aka S1M0NE) by spotlighting five films that do a better job exploring fame, technology, artificial intelligence, and the surreal nightmare of modern media. From the precision of The Truman Show to the spiraling ego of Synecdoche, New York, these picks offer richer commentary, stronger characters, and (most importantly) more compelling digital women.
Films Discussed:
The Truman Show (1998)
Synecdoche, New York (2008)
Frankenstein (1931)
Being There (1979)
The Player (1992)
Topics Covered:
Jim Carrey’s earnest turn and how Truman Show aged like fine satire
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s artistic self-destruction in Kaufman’s meta masterpiece
Frankenstein as a proto-AI cautionary tale (and union icon!)
Being There’s commentary on projection, media, and perceived intelligence
Altman’s The Player and why Simone couldn’t touch its Hollywood cynicism
Key Takeaways:
Simone isn't about AI—it’s about Al Pacino making excuses
The Truman Show actually follows through on its premise, unlike Simone
Frankenstein walked so Simone could... trip over its own concept
Being There proves how we project meaning onto blank slates
The Player exposes Hollywood without needing a fake digital actress
Listener Prompt:Which movie better captures our current relationship with fame, technology, and projection: Truman Show or Being There? 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/

"Al Pacino creates the perfect virtual actress, but the real illusion? Convincing us this 2002 satire isn’t still relevant."
 
Episode Description
Landen and Truman continue their exploration of Simone (2002) in this mini-episode, analyzing its take on virtual stardom and Hollywood’s obsession with perfection. From Sharon Stone gum anecdotes to Al Pacino’s foreshadowing of deepfake culture, they discuss the absurdity and foresight of this Andrew Niccol film. Plus, they revisit moments that left them questioning: Did Simone invent influencer culture?
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director & Writer: Andrew Niccol
Main Cast:
Al Pacino as Viktor Taransky
Catherine Keener as Elaine Christian
Evan Rachel Wood as Lainey Christian
Rachel Roberts as Simone
Jay Mohr as Hal Sinclair
Winona Ryder as Nicola Anders
 
Film Synopsis
After a temperamental actress storms off his set, director Viktor Taransky (Al Pacino) creates Simone, a virtual actress who becomes an overnight sensation. As Simone’s fame grows, so does Viktor’s struggle to conceal the truth, blurring the lines between real and artificial in this biting satire of celebrity culture.
 
Episode Highlights
Landen’s Hollywood anecdote: Sharing gum with Sharon Stone during an extra gig.
Why Simone’s commentary on AI and authenticity feels more relevant in 2024.
Truman’s Eurovision tangent: What virtual ABBA and Simone have in common.
AI actors vs. the real deal: Predicting which stars might live on digitally forever.
The “trailer guessing game” returns: How much of the film’s absurdity made it into its marketing?
 
What’s your favorite movie about artificial intelligence? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Drop us a review on your favorite podcast platform—we’d love to feature your feedback in future episodes!
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🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Simone mini-episode, Al Pacino AI satire, Andrew Niccol films, early 2000s tech movies, virtual celebrity culture, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

"Al Pacino gets meta in Simone, a movie about creating the perfect virtual star, proving Hollywood really can build a woman better, faster, and more agoraphobic."
 
Episode Description
In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman delve into Andrew Niccol's Simone (2002), a satirical take on Hollywood, technology, and our obsession with image. From Al Pacino’s megalomaniacal director to the eerily prescient questions about AI actors, they debate whether Simone is a misunderstood gem or just another movie best left in 2002.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director & Writer: Andrew Niccol
Main Cast:
Al Pacino as Viktor Taransky
Catherine Keener as Elaine Christian
Evan Rachel Wood as Lainey Christian
Rachel Roberts as Simone
Jay Mohr as Hal Sinclair
Winona Ryder as Nicola Anders
 
Film Synopsis
After temperamental actress Nicola Anders (Winona Ryder) walks off his latest project, struggling director Viktor Taransky (Al Pacino) uses cutting-edge technology to create Simone, a fully virtual actress. Simone becomes a sensation, skyrocketing Viktor to fame, but he soon struggles to keep her true identity secret as Hollywood and the world obsess over his digital star.
 
Episode Highlights
The satirical bite of Simone and its uncanny relevance in today’s AI debates.
Al Pacino’s Viktor Taransky: brilliant auteur or insecure megalomaniac?
Why Simone is the Hudsucker Proxy's evil twin.
The film’s striking aesthetic: minimalist backlots and surreal visuals.
Landen’s hot take: Did Simone invent influencer culture?
 
What’s your take on Simone? Misunderstood satire or clunky Hollywood oddity? Let us know in the comments or on social media! And if you’re enjoying the show, leave a review—your feedback could make its way into future episodes!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
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🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
SEO Keywords
Simone podcast episode, Andrew Niccol movies, Al Pacino 2002, Hollywood AI satire, virtual actors in film, Rachel Roberts Simone, Movie Memory Machine podcast.
 

In this week's Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman conjure up five hauntingly memorable films that connect thematically or spiritually to the 2015 Poltergeist remake (and its vastly superior 1982 predecessor). From analog tech horror and haunted houses to emotionally resonant ghost stories, this list bridges spectral dread and storytelling depth—plus a little Dan Harmon chaos and a found-footage gem that’ll leave you quietly unnerved.
Films Discussed:
Poltergeist (1982)
Pulse (2001)
One Missed Call (2003)
Lake Mungo (2008)
Monster House (2006)
Topics Covered:
Why Poltergeist (1982) still hits harder than any remake
Japanese horror's early warnings about tech-induced soul erosion
Lake Mungo as one of the quietest, most devastating ghost stories ever filmed
The tonal whiplash and cursed animation era of Monster House (but it works!)
Horror as a genre of emotional resonance vs. haunted house theme park rides
Key Takeaways:
The 1982 Poltergeist is about characters. The 2015 one is about jump scares and... squirrels?
Pulse remains one of the only films that still scares Landen
One Missed Call proves Miike can do horror restraint when he wants to
Lake Mungo is found-footage meets emotional sucker punch
Monster House is the most thematically faithful Poltergeist remake—and it’s animated
Listener Prompt:What’s the scariest movie you’ve ever watched? And do you think haunted house movies need more vibes or more jump scares? 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/

"Is it still a haunted house if the only thing scaring you is the remake itself?"
 
Episode Description
This week, Landen and Truman revisit Poltergeist (2015) in a quick debrief, pondering why Hollywood thought a beloved classic needed a remake. From haunted closet doors to awkward dinner parties, they break down the film’s failed attempts at capturing the magic of the 1982 original. Plus, the trailer guessing game returns—this time with more clown content than anyone wanted.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Gil Kenan
Writers: David Lindsay-Abaire (screenplay), Steven Spielberg (original story)
Main Cast:
Sam Rockwell as Eric Bowen
Rosemarie DeWitt as Amy Bowen
Jared Harris as Carrigan Burke
Jane Adams as Dr. Claire Powell
Saxon Sharbino as Kendra Bowen
Kyle Catlett as Griffin Bowen
Kennedi Clements as Madison Bowen
 
Film Synopsis
A suburban family discovers their new home is built on a former cemetery and that their youngest daughter has been abducted by malevolent spirits. With the help of a paranormal investigator, they fight off CGI clowns, ghostly TV hands, and a complete lack of narrative tension.
 
Episode Highlights
The lost art of haunted house tension: What this remake forgot about subtlety.
A deep dive into the ridiculous closet door scene and other baffling moments.
Sam Rockwell’s journey from Oscar-worthy to "Why is he here?"
The film’s inexplicable obsession with ropes and their supernatural importance.
The return of the trailer guessing game—and why we totally missed the clown content.
 
What’s your favorite haunted house trope? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Drop us a review on your favorite podcast platform—we might even feature your thoughts in our next episode!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
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🎵 Theme Song by Porky's Groove Machine: https://porkysgroovemachine.com/
 
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"The scariest thing about this Poltergeist remake? Realizing Sam Rockwell starred in it and doesn’t even remember."
 
Episode Description
This week, Landen and Truman venture into haunted suburban basements to tackle the 2015 remake of Poltergeist. From Sam Rockwell’s detached performance to the film’s baffling creative choices, they dissect how this remake compares (spoiler: not well) to the original 1982 classic. Along the way, they unpack horror’s obsession with suburbia, the legacy of haunted house tropes, and the real villain—2015’s CGI.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Gil Kenan
Writers: David Lindsay-Abaire (screenplay), Steven Spielberg (original story)
Main Cast:
Sam Rockwell as Eric Bowen
Rosemarie DeWitt as Amy Bowen
Jared Harris as Carrigan Burke
Jane Adams as Dr. Claire Powell
Saxon Sharbino as Kendra Bowen
Kyle Catlett as Griffin Bowen
Kennedi Clements as Madison Bowen
 
Film Synopsis
A financially struggling family moves into a foreclosed suburban house, only to discover their youngest daughter has been abducted by malevolent spirits. With the help of a TV ghost hunter and his paranormal team, the family faces haunted trees, creepy clowns, and questionable CGI to rescue their child before she’s lost forever.
 
Episode Highlights
Why the 2015 remake lacks the charm and depth of the original Poltergeist.
Sam Rockwell’s bizarrely disengaged performance as a haunted suburban dad.
The haunting suburban isolation of foreclosed neighborhoods.
How the film’s CGI turned terrifying concepts into comedy.
Why the original Poltergeist remains a haunting masterpiece.
 
What’s your favorite haunted house movie? Share your pick in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Drop us a review on your favorite podcast platform—we might even feature your thoughts in our next episode!
💡 Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
🌐 Visit our website: http://www.moviememorymachine.com/
📱 Follow us on Social Media:
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SEO Keywords
Poltergeist 2015 review, Poltergeist remake podcast, Sam Rockwell haunted house, modern horror remakes, suburban horror tropes, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

In this week’s Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman take the barn door off its hinges and run wild through five films that share DNA with Barnyard—whether through animated anarchy, animal allegories, or vibes of chaos barely contained. From Orwellian pigs to vengeful foxes, they reflect on how kids’ movies used to get weird (and sometimes disturbingly real), how barn animals became cartoon icons, and why Kevin James’s cow son might not be built for leadership.
Films Discussed:
Animal Farm (1954, animated)
Babe (1995)
Cars (2006)
Chicken Run (2000)
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Topics Covered:
CIA-funded animation and anti-fascist farm allegories
George Miller’s journey from Fury Road to Pig in the City
The existential crises of the Cars and Barnyard universes
Chicken Run as a claymation Great Escape with poultry
Whimsy and wolf energy in Wes Anderson’s animal ensemble
Key Takeaways:
Barnyard’s tonal whiplash is unmatched: dead dads, dance parties, and cow-on-cow milk theft.
Animal Farm was propaganda—but it still slaps.
Babe proves you can be gentle and iconic.
Sometimes the best way to critique society is with talking chickens.
Listener Prompt:Which animated animal film scarred or shaped you the most? Is Wild Mike cinema? 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/

"Barnyard isn’t just a movie—it’s an existential crisis with udders. Also, where’s Shaggy when you need him?"
 
Episode Description
In this mini-episode, Landen and Truman milk Barnyard (2006) for all it’s worth. From dissecting the physics of cow-tipping to imagining a hypothetical Barnyard remaster, they delve into the movie’s weirdest moments. Plus, they tackle burning questions like: Why does this movie feel like an Animal Farm parody gone wrong? And how did Nickelodeon greenlight a Barnyard video game?
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Steve Oedekerk
Writer: Steve Oedekerk
Main Cast:
Kevin James as Otis
Sam Elliott as Ben
Courteney Cox as Daisy
Danny Glover as Miles
Andie MacDowell as Etta
Jeffrey Garcia as Pip
 
Film Synopsis
Otis the cow (Kevin James) loves to party, but his fun-filled days are interrupted when he’s called upon to defend the barnyard from coyotes. With help from his animal friends and his late father’s guitar, Otis learns about responsibility, courage, and how to milk a joke (literally).
 
Episode Highlights
The physics of cow-tipping: science or cinematic liberty?
Why Shaggy’s music could have saved the Barnyard trailer.
Speculating on a 20th-anniversary Barnyard remaster (with wild new CGI dancers).
The Barnyard video game: Grand Theft Auto, but for cows.
Comparing Barnyard’s chaotic tone to Orwell’s Animal Farm.
 
What’s your favorite weird animated movie moment? Drop your answer in the comments or on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Share your thoughts 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/
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SEO Keywords
Barnyard mini-episode, Kevin James Otis, Nickelodeon animated movies, cow-tipping in cinema, Barnyard video game, Animal Farm parody, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

"This week, we dive into a surprisingly Orwellian comedy where animals party harder than humans, and Kevin James is a cow with an identity crisis. Welcome to Barnyard."
 
Episode Description
This week, Landen and Truman take on Barnyard (2006), Nickelodeon’s animated spectacle about anthropomorphic farm animals. From Kevin James’ surprisingly introspective cow to Sam Elliott’s guitar-strumming patriarch, we unpack this film’s unholy combination of slapstick humor, existential undertones, and questionable design choices. Is Barnyardmisunderstood brilliance or just udderly forgettable? Let’s find out.
 
Major Cast and Crew
Director: Steve Oedekerk
Writer: Steve Oedekerk
Main Cast:
Kevin James as Otis
Sam Elliott as Ben
Courteney Cox as Daisy
Danny Glover as Miles
Andie MacDowell as Etta
Jeffrey Garcia as Pip
 
Film Synopsis
On a quiet farm, Otis the cow (Kevin James) loves partying with his animal friends, but his carefree lifestyle is upended when his father, Ben (Sam Elliott), passes away after defending the farm from coyotes. Now, Otis must learn the meaning of responsibility while balancing his inner party animal. Featuring singing animals, a wild Mike, and inexplicably gender-bending cows, this movie is truly one of a kind.
 
Episode Highlights
Why Barnyard feels like Animal Farm meets Looney Tunes on a caffeine binge.
The curious case of male cows with udders: What was Nickelodeon thinking?
A dive into Steve Oedekerk’s career, from Jimmy Neutron to thumb-based parodies.
How Barnyard set the stage for a Nickelodeon TV series—and why we’re afraid to watch it.
Kevin James’ blues performance: comedy or cultural appropriation?
 
What’s the weirdest animated movie you’ve ever watched? Drop your answer in the comments or hit us up on social media!
Enjoyed the episode? Share your thoughts 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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SEO Keywords
Barnyard podcast, Kevin James animated movies, Nickelodeon CGI films, talking animals in movies, Steve Oedekerk animation, 2006 animated movie reviews, Movie Memory Machine podcast
 

In this week’s Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman sashay into the glittery chaos of 54with five more films that capture the highs, lows, and polyester-drenched parties of music, nightlife, and subculture. From Boogie Nights to Velvet Goldmine, we discuss the intersection of vibes, identity, and dance floors as cinematic crucibles for fame, transformation, and fabulous outfits. Bonus: a historical tangent about invented journalism that led to a disco classic.
Films Discussed:
Boogie Nights (1997)
Party Monster (2003)
24 Hour Party People (2002)
Velvet Goldmine (1998)
Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Topics Covered:
The shadow cast by Boogie Nights over late-90s ensemble dramas
Club kids, queer identity, and Macaulay Culkin’s turn in Party Monster
Steve Coogan’s music-scene swagger in 24 Hour Party People
Todd Haynes' glam rock dreamscape Velvet Goldmine and the bisexual lighting it rode in on
Saturday Night Fever as a misunderstood, mythologized portrait of 70s angst
Key Takeaways:
Club movies don’t just dance—they document cultural tipping points.
The vibe shift from disco glam to post-punk grit tells us more than the plot does.
54 wanted to be Velvet Goldmine but ended up Studio Interference: The Movie.
Disco never died; it just turned into biopics, glam fantasies, and Steve Coogan vehicles.
Listener Prompt:What’s your favorite club-set movie, and what music would play when you entered? 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/