Movies In Focus

#78. Ernesto Díaz Espinoza Talks Making DIABLO With Scott Adkins

Ernesto Díaz Espinoza, the filmmaker behind the stylish and brutal new thriller Diablo joins this latest episode of the Movies In Focus podcast.

Espinoza has been flying the flag for genre cinema in Chile for nearly 20 years—serving up everything from hard-hitting martial arts action to offbeat exploitation throwbacks. With Diablo, he’s crafted something lean, atmospheric, and incredibly well acted. Think Man on Fire by way of Terminator 2.

We discuss making Diablo, working with actors like Scott Adkins, and delivering an old-school film with limited resources.

If you like stylish and punchy action movies, you’ll want to hear this.

#77. James Kenney On Brian De Palma & His Lost Screenplay AMBROSE CHAPEL

Film scholar and returning guest James Kenney has a knack for uncovering lost and forgotten cinematic treasures. You can listen to episodes 18 and 32 of the Movies In Focus podcast to learn about his headline-making work on Peter Bogdanovich’s Squirrels To The Nuts and the rediscovery of the original version of the Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas film, God’s Daughter.

James now returns to discuss his latest find: Brian De Palma’s ‘lost’ film script, Ambrose Chapel. The now-published screenplay features an introductory essay from James, which examines De Palma’s fascinating and stylish career as a master of suspense.

Written by De Palma in the 1990s between Carlito’s Way and Mission: Impossible, audiences can finally catch sight of De Palma’s 'screwball noir'. Virtual reality, mind control, and De Palma’s famed voyeurism are the order of the day for this Hitchcock-inspired, Mexico City-set thriller. James digs into the origins of Ambrose Chapel, exploring how it fits within many of De Palma’s signature themes.

The conversation takes a broader look at De Palma’s legendary career, tracing his evolution as a filmmaker and examining how Ambrose Chapel fits into the director’s cinematic legacy - ultimately offering a look at one of Hollywood’s most misunderstood auteurs.

AMBROSE CHAPEL - A screenplay by Brian De Palma is out now from Sticking Place Books

www.stickingplacebooks.com

#76. Adam Cesare On The Film Adaptation Of CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD

Acclaimed horror author Adam Cesare joins this bite-sized episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about the recording breaking film adaptation of his novel Clown In A Cornfield.

Known for his mastery of slasher thrills and sharp social commentary, Adam Cesare's book - and its film adaptation - charts the chilling story of Kettle Springs-a town divided and terrorised by the homicidal killer clown, Frendo.

Adam explores the transformation of this bloody, original tale from page to screen, discusses the challenges and creative choices behind adapting a young adult horror novel that balances gore, suspense and small-town tensions.

#75. Sherice Griffiths, Alfie Scattergood & Nancy Xu On DAKOTA STONE

Short films are difficult. It’s easy to tell a story across 90 minutes or a couple of hours, where plot and characterisation can expand and grow. However, it takes real skill to deliver something short, punchy (and more importantly) narratively cohesive within a couple of minutes. This takes us nicely along to Dakota Stone, a new short from director Sherice Griffiths and writer Alfie Scattergood (aka Paul Knight).

Clocking-in at just nine minutes, the film features professional dancer, choreographer, and star of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, Nancy Xu as an ass-kicking ‘fixer’. Offering-up action and characterisation, Dakota Stone is an entertaining little flick that works well within its own confines, while also feeling like an amuse-bouche to a much larger story.

Sherice Griffiths, Alfie Scattergood and Nancy Xu joined the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about Dakota Stone. During the course of the conversation, they discuss how the project came together, the logistics of making a short film in a limited timeframe - as well as teasing the future of the Dakota Stone character in a larger format.

#74. Writer/Director Torsten Ruether Discusses Boxing Drama UPPERCUT Starring Ving Rhames

Writer-director Torsten Ruether joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss his boxing drama, Uppercut. The film marks Ruether's English-language debut, adapted from his 2021 film Leberhaken, and features an impressive cast, including Ving Rhames, Luise Grossmann, Joanna Cassidy and Jordan E. Cooper.

Uppercut tells the story of Toni, a determined female boxer, and her journey with Elliott, a tough ex-boxing champion played by Rhames.

Torsten Ruether talks about making Uppercut, working with Ving Rhames and how the film developed and evolved from its early origins.

Uppercut is out now in U.S. cinemas, On Demand and On Digital.

#73. Directors Martin Campbell & Simon West Talk About Their Movies CLEANER & OLD GUY

First-up there's Martin Campbell, the director of the acclaimed James Bond films Goldeneye with Pierce Brosnan and Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig. This is followed by a chat with Simon West, the director of the iconic ’90s Nicolas Cage pic, Con Air and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie.

Martin Campbell discusses his new film, Cleaner, a high-rise action pic starring Star Wars star, Daisy Ridley and Clive Owen. We not only talk about the practicalities of making an action film, but we also cover 30 years of Goldeneye, the legacy of the James Bond franchise, as well as why we haven’t had a belated second sequel to his brilliant 1998 film, The Mask Of Zorro, starring Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

This was my third time interviewing the great Simon West, so we had great fun talking about keeping interviews fresh, as well as his new comedic action film, Old Guy. Shot and set in Belfast, the film stars the eclectic combination of Christoph Waltz, Cooper Hoffman and Lucy Liu. Simon talks about filming in Belfast and why he was so eager to ditch the stereotype of Northern Ireland’s violent past and shoot the province as a contemporary European location.

#72. Michael Polish Talks About ALARUM Starring Sylvester Stallone, Scott Eastwood & Willa Fitzgerald

Director Michael Polish joins the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about his latest action thriller, Alarum. Fresh off the heels of its January 17th release, this high-octane spy flick stars Sylvester Stallone, Scott Eastwood, and Willa Fitzgerald.

The film sees two married spies - Joe and Laura Travers - who find themselves hunted by intelligence agencies after discovering a mysterious flash drive

This conversation covers Polish's motivations for the project, his collaboration with Scott Eastwood, the intricate character dynamics that elevate this film beyond a typical spy pic - and the joys of online interviews. 

#71. HIPPO Star & Co-writer Kimball Farley On The Quirky Indie Comedy

Kimball Farley, the star and co-writer of the new off-beat indie film Hippo joins this episode of the Movies In Focuspodcast.

Directed by Mark H. Rapaport, Hippo is a black-and-white coming-of-age story set in the 1990s that explores the lives of two step-siblings. The film's quirky tone - reminiscent of the films of Wes Anderson - is complemented by Eric Roberts' excellent voice-over, which adds depth to the narrative's stylised storytelling.

Kimball discusses the creative process behind Hippo, its unique storytelling approach, and uncovers what makes this film a standout in modern indie cinema

#70. Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sanchez On THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT's Enduring Horror Legacy

Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez, the directors of the iconic horror film The Blair Witch Project join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast.

Released in 1999, the film not only essentially created the found-footage genre but it also left an indelible mark on the landscape of independent cinema. Daniel and Eduardo share their insights on the film's production - everything from its unique marketing strategy to the challenges they faced in bringing their vision to life.

This is a fascinating conversation with two filmmakers who pushed the boundaries of cinema and redefined horror storytelling. It’s an engaging discussion that will illuminate the legacy of a film that continues to inspire filmmakers and frighten audiences around the world 25 years on. that continues to inspire filmmakers and frighten audiences around the world

#69. Scott Adkins Talks TAKE COVER, Action Movies & Batman

Action superstar Scott Adkins joins this bite-sized episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about his latest film Take Cover - a high-octane one-location action flick that’s a real must for fans of the genre.

Known for his athletic turns in films like Accident Man, Undisputed, John Wick Chapter 4 and The Expendables 2, Scott has entertained audiences with his martial arts prowess and charismatic screen presence.

Scott spoke over Zoom to discuss his work in action movies, CGI versus stunt work, his passion for film-making - as well as the potential of him suiting up as iconic superhero, Batman.