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Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, & Movements

Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, & Movements

By: TruStory FM
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 Cinema Scope charts the interconnected landscape of film genres, subgenres, and movements, revealing how cultural forces, technological advances, and societal shifts shape the evolution of cinema.

Ever wonder how Blaxploitation cinema revolutionized Hollywood in the 1970s? Or what makes Nordic Noir distinctly different from other crime stories? Each episode bridges the connections between film styles that define our favorite movies.

Join filmmaker and host Andy Nelson as he explores:
  • The emergence and evolution of distinctive film movements
  • How historical events spark new genres
  • Cultural impacts that reshape storytelling
  • Technological advances that enable new styles
  • The cross-pollination between genres and subgenres
Each episode features expert guests unpacking:
  • 5 essential films that define the style
  • Members get 5 additional films in extended episodes
  • Deep analysis of techniques and influences
  • Contemporary impact on filmmaking

Whether you're a seasoned cinephile or simply curious about how movies evolve, Cinema Scope offers fresh perspectives on the art of film.

Release Schedule:
  • New episodes release on the second Wednesday of every month
  • Members get exclusive early access plus 30-60 minutes of additional analysis
  • Full episode archive available to members

Listen and learn more at TruStory FM, visit the website, or discover membership benefits.

Part of The Next Reel family of film podcasts© TruStory FM Art
Episodes
  • Found Footage Horror Unearthed: Ryan Verrill on Making Reality Terrifying

    Found Footage Horror Unearthed: Ryan Verrill on Making Reality Terrifying
    Jun 11 2025
    Grab your camera and brace yourself as host Andy Nelson and guest Ryan Verrill dive headfirst into the spine-chilling world of found footage horror—a subgenre that transformed home videos into nightmares and made us forever suspicious of that sound coming from the basement.The Evolution of Found Footage HorrorFrom the shocking cultural impact of The Blair Witch Project to the controversial origins in Cannibal Holocaust, this episode unravels how amateur-style filmmaking became horror's most immersive format. The conversation explores how these films tap into our primal fears by making the impossible feel frighteningly real, all while working with shoestring budgets and creative constraints.When Technology Becomes TerrorThrough deep-dive discussions of genre-defining films like [REC], Paranormal Activity, and Cloverfield, Andy and Ryan examine how found footage horror evolved alongside our changing relationship with technology. Whether it's surveillance cameras capturing supernatural entities or handheld cameras documenting monster attacks, these films transform our everyday devices into windows to the unknown.The terror doesn't stop there! Members get access to an extended conversation exploring five more groundbreaking found footage horror films: Lake Mungo, The Visit, Hell House LLC, Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, and Host. This bonus segment delves into how the subgenre continues to innovate and terrify in the digital age.Don't miss this haunting exploration of how found footage horror makes us question everything we see through our screens. Just remember—sometimes the most terrifying thing isn't what's on camera, but what happens when the camera stops rolling.Visit trustory.fm/join to become a member and access the full conversation.Film SundriesCheck out Sitting in the Dark’s episode Filtered Reality: Found Footage, Screenlife, and the Epistolary TraditionCheck out Movies We Like’s episode Actor Patrick Fabian on The Man Who Would Be KingFind Ryan on his website, Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and PatreonCheck out Ryan’s podcastsCheck out The Physical Media AdvocateWatch our conversation on YouTube!Recommended and Discussed MoviesCannibal Holocaust on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdThe Blair Witch Project on Apple, Amazon, and Letterboxd[REC] on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdParanormal Activity on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdCloverfield on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdLake Mungo on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdThe Visit on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdHell House LLC on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdGonjiam: Haunted Asylum on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdHost on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdOur Letterboxd List
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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Blaxploitation's Empowered Gaze: Odie Henderson on Cinema's Bold Uprising

    Blaxploitation's Empowered Gaze: Odie Henderson on Cinema's Bold Uprising
    May 14 2025
    Join host Andy Nelson and Boston Globe film critic Odie Henderson for an electrifying exploration of Blaxploitation cinema, a revolutionary film movement that burst onto screens in the early 1970s. From its groundbreaking portrayal of Black heroes to its unforgettable soundtracks, this episode dives deep into how Blaxploitation challenged Hollywood's status quo and left an indelible mark on American cinema.The Birth and Impact of BlaxploitationThrough detailed discussion of seminal films like Sweet Sweetback's Baadassss Song, Shaft, and Super Fly, Henderson illuminates how these movies created unprecedented opportunities for Black talent both in front of and behind the camera. The conversation explores how Gordon Parks Jr., Melvin Van Peebles, and other pioneering filmmakers crafted a new visual and narrative language that continues to influence cinema today.Iconic Performances and SoundtracksThe episode highlights how stars like Pam Grier in Coffy and Max Julien in The Mack redefined Black representation on screen, while legendary musicians like Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes created soundtracks that became cultural touchstones. In the member bonus segment, we discuss five additional influential films: Cotton Comes to Harlem, Blacula, Black Caesar, The Spook Who Sat by the Door, and Cornbread, Earl and Me, along with listener questions.Though the movement's peak was brief, its impact on American cinema and popular culture remains profound. Henderson shares insights from his book Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras: A History of Blaxploitation Cinema, offering a thoughtful examination of both the movement's achievements and its controversies. Through engaging storytelling and expert analysis, this episode celebrates how Blaxploitation forever changed the landscape of American film.Film SundriesWatch this episode on YouTubeRead Odie Henderson’s reviews at The Boston GlobeFind Odie on LinkedIn, Instagram and BlueSkyCheck out Odie’s book Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras: A History of Blaxploitation CinemaRecommended and Discussed MoviesSweet Sweetback’s Baadassss Song on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdShaft on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdSuper Fly on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdCoffy on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdThe Mack on the web and LetterboxdCotton Comes to Harlem on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdBlacula on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdThe Spook Who Sat by the Door on YouTube and LetterboxdBlack Caesar on Apple, Amazon, and LetterboxdCornbread, Earl and Me on YouTube and LetterboxdOur Letterboxd ListWatch Bill Duke talk about The Spook Who Sat by the Door on Trailers from Hell
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 2 mins
  • Iranian New Wave's Poetic Reality: Kaveh Askari on Cinema's Social Revolution

    Iranian New Wave's Poetic Reality: Kaveh Askari on Cinema's Social Revolution
    Apr 9 2025
    Embark on a cinematic journey through the Iranian New Wave, a revolutionary movement that transformed Iranian cinema and captivated global audiences. In this episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson welcomes Kaveh Askari, associate professor and director of the Film Studies Program at Michigan State University, to explore this groundbreaking era of filmmaking.The Evolution of Iranian New Wave CinemaFrom its roots in the 1960s through the post-revolution era, the Iranian New Wave challenged traditional storytelling while focusing on the lives of ordinary people. Through a combination of realism, social commentary, and artistic innovation, these films created a unique cinematic language that resonated worldwide. The movement bridged pre- and post-revolution Iran, adapting to changing social landscapes while maintaining its distinctive artistic vision.Five Essential Iranian New Wave FilmsThe conversation explores five significant works: The House is Black (1962), The Brick and the Mirror (1965), The Cow (1969), Taste of Cherry (1997), and At Five in the Afternoon (2003). Each film demonstrates different aspects of the movement, from poetic documentaries to neorealist dramas and meta-cinematic explorations. Members can enjoy an extended discussion of five additional films: Bashu, the Little Stranger (1989); A Moment of Innocence (1996); Children of Heaven (1997); Tales (2014); and Taxi (2015).Legacy and PreservationThe Iranian New Wave presents unique challenges in preservation and accessibility today. However, the movement's emphasis on authentic storytelling, visual poetry, and social consciousness has secured its place in cinema history. Through careful analysis of these groundbreaking films, we discover how Iranian New Wave cinema revolutionized not just Iranian filmmaking, but the global art house scene as well.Join us for this fascinating exploration of one of cinema's most influential movements, and discover how these pioneering filmmakers found beauty and meaning in the everyday lives of ordinary people.Film SundriesWatch our conversation on YouTube!Check out Kaveh Askari’s books:Relaying Cinema in Midcentury IranMaking Movies Into ArtRecommended and Discussed MoviesThe House Is Black on JustWatchThe Brick and the Mirror on JustWatchThe Cow on YouTube and JustWatchBashu, the Little Stranger on YouTube and AmazonTaste of Cherry on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatchA Moment of Innocence on YouTube, Amazon, and JustWatchChildren of Heaven on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatchAt Five in the Afternoon on Amazon and YouTubeTales on JustWatchTaxi on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatchOur Letterboxd List
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 33 mins
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