Ross Melnick

Ross Melnick

Author: Edward Havens July 11, 2022 Duration: 1:23:28
On this episode, we speak with film historian, author and UCSB professor Ross Melnick about his new book, his 80s cinema class, and five films from the decade he thinks you should watch again. Ross Melnick was also named as a 2017 Academy Film Scholar, one of only two film scholars who were bestowed this honor by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. His new book, Hollywood Embassies: How Movie Theatres Projected American Power Around the World, has just been released by Columbia University Press, and it has been a great honor to have him guest on the show.

Edward Havens, a film historian and former critic, hosts The 80s Movie Podcast, offering a deep and curated exploration of cinema from that decade. This isn't just a surface-level recap of famous blockbusters, though those certainly have their place. Instead, the podcast serves as a guided tour through the entire ecosystem of 1980s filmmaking. Listeners will hear episodes dedicated to the obscure distribution companies that once shaped what played in theaters, and rediscover movies that have slipped from popular memory. The conversation naturally expands to profile the iconic stars and visionary directors who defined the era's unique aesthetic. Havens draws on his background to provide context and insight, treating each film as a piece of a larger historical tapestry. Tuning into this podcast means gaining a richer understanding of why the 1980s remain such a distinct and influential period in visual storytelling. It’s for anyone who loves the texture of film history, from the forgotten gems to the cultural touchstones, all examined with a knowledgeable and engaging perspective. The show carefully balances nostalgia with revelation, ensuring every episode reveals something new about a seemingly familiar landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The 80s Movie Podcast
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