In this powerful crossover episode, Christian Taylor joins Rob of MovieRob Minute to introduce a very special guest: Ceo Bauer, a 102-year-old WWII veteran of the 95th Infantry Division, 377th Infantry Regiment, I Company—better known as the “Iron Men of Metz.”

Rob begins by asking Ceo about Saving Private Ryan: what he thought of its accuracy, whether it stirred memories, and how Hollywood compares to the realities of war. From there, Ceo opens up about his experiences in Normandy in 1944, his injury at Metz, and the reasons many veterans choose not to share their stories.

For one of the first times, Ceo speaks candidly about what it was like landing at Omaha Beach 100 days after D-Day, the sign that moved him to tears, and the symbolic “pump handle dance” he’s performed across the world. His reflections are raw, sometimes emotional, and always full of wisdom.

This episode also captures something unique: guests in the room listening in—reminding us that these conversations are not just about history, but about keeping memory alive for future generations.

👉 Tune in for Part 1 of this unforgettable conversation, and stay tuned for Part 2 where Ceo continues sharing stories of bravery, loss, and survival.

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In Part 2 of this special Movie Rob Minute episode, Christian and Corey Johnson continue their conversation with Rob about Saving Private Ryan, diving into the intricacies of Corey's role on set, military bonds, and reflections on the powerful themes of Spielberg’s war epic.

From detailed behind-the-scenes tales to touching insights on military brotherhood and trauma bonding, this episode brings it all.

We explore how Corey's experiences on set—like working with dummies, blood bags, and Tom Hanks—compare to the real horrors of war. Plus, Christian shares her reflections on the connection between veterans’ war experiences and the power of storytelling in her documentary The Girl Who Wore Freedom.

As the conversation shifts to film scores, we jump into Maestro Mondays to share our top 5 John Williams movie scores, dissecting what makes his compositions iconic and unforgettable.

Key Takeaways:

•Corey shares how he worked with Tom Hanks on Saving Private Ryan, revealing behind-the-scenes moments that most viewers don’t know, such as the use of dummies and blood bags in the intense D-Day sequence.

•Christian and Corey dive into the concept of trauma bonding, drawing parallels between military camaraderie and the deep connections shared by actors on set.

•A fascinating discussion on the therapeutic impact of storytelling, both for veterans and filmmakers, and how film scores can evoke deep emotions tied to historical moments.

•In the Maestro Mondays segment, we break down our top 5 John Williams scores, exploring the enduring power of his music to transport audiences into the heart of a story.

Additional Information:

•The Girl Who Wore Freedom is available for viewing in the U.S. on platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check out the trailer and learn more at thegirlwhoworefreedom.com.

•Be sure to listen to Part 3 of this conversation as we continue our analysis of Saving Private Ryan and dive deeper into more movie magic and historical stories.

In Part 2 of this powerful interview, Emmy-winning producer Steve Cohen reflects on his 50-year journey with Billy Joel and the collaborative heart behind the HBO documentary And So It Goes. A masterclass in storytelling, legacy, and the quiet strength of those behind the scenes.

DocuView Déjà Vu:

• The Kid Stays In The Picture, 2002, 93 mins, Watch on Amazon Prime, IMDB Link:The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002) ⭐ 7.3 | Documentary, Biography
• Sinatra: All or Nothing at All, 2015, TV Mini Series, Watch on Netflix, IMDS Link: Sinatra: All or Nothing at All (TV Mini Series 2015) ⭐ 8.0 | Documentary, Biography, Music
• David Foster: Off the Record, 2019, 106 mins, IMDB Link: David Foster: Off the Record (2019) ⭐ 7.0 | Documentary
• Leonard Bernstein Reaching for the Note, 1998, 117 mins, IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0199708/

Chapters:

00:00 The Art of Storytelling Through Music

01:39 Steve Cohen: A Journey Through Lighting and Music

14:49 Expanding Horizons: From Lighting to Documentary Filmmaking

20:45 The Journey of Connection

22:51 The Essence of Struggle and Growth

26:00 Respecting the Audience

28:47 The Collaborative Spirit of Filmmaking

32:41 Reflections on Life and Relationships

34:53 The Legacy of Billy Joel

38:51 The Power of Documentary Storytelling

44:32 DocuView Déjà Vu Segment

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