September 12, 2016

EP. 93 — The Blair Witch Project

“Blair Witch” writer Simon Barrett joins Devin and Amy as a special guest this week to discuss the found-footage classic “The Blair Witch Project.” He describes the struggle of living up to the gold standard set by the original and learning how to beat the curse of motion sickness in shaky-cam cinema. Later, we hear about the dramatic power of a character keeping a secret for good reasons, how the people of Burkittsville, Maine reacted to their town’s newfound popularity, and the best way to build an enduring original mythology. Does “The Blair Witch Project” belong in the Canon? Head to the Earwolf forums to cast your vote!

Recent Episodes

August 12, 2018

Amy announces the winner of the final Canon call-in showdown, before presenting an episode of Unspooled, all about 1998’s Titanic. Don’t forget to subscribe to Unspooled on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts!

July 15, 2018

We asked, and you nominated! For the final episode of the season, Amy and Engineer Sam take listener calls to hear arguments as to which of these films should enter The Canon: David Fincher’s 2007 thriller “Zodiac;” the first film in the Cornetto trilogy, 2004’s “Shaun of the Dead;” or the 1999 Paul Thomas Anderson drama “Magnolia.” Which film will round out this edition of The Canon? Head over to the Earwolf forums now to cast your vote!

July 2, 2018

Vox film critic Alissa Wilkinson joins Amy this week to discuss the 1975 documentary “Grey Gardens.” They break down the film’s more difficult moments, examining the relationship between Big Edie and Little Edie as well as the undercurrent of latent sadness. Plus, they consider the direction and vision of Albert and David Maysles, themes of capitalism and decay, and how “Grey Gardens” encapsulates the central question of documentary. Should “Grey Gardens” enter The Canon? Cast your vote on the Earwolf forums now!