Ben Mankiewicz is surely one of the best interviewers in all of broadcasting. Asking interesting questions and getting out of the way to let the interviewee answer them. Sadly it's been weeks since an episode has dropped and I am in mourning. Please Ben come back.
I love the series, but the interview with Mario Cantone at the film festival was fantastic. Ben and Mario are so funny with each other.
Marios life story and his career story are also interesting to hear. Funny and heartwarming. His impressions are hysterical and it was just a great interview.
Mel Brooks is so open and loving here, it's pure joy to listen in on his chat with Ben, who he clearly adores. There's no pretense, no smarty-pants snark. Just flat-out joy. Never change, Mel Brooks!
A podcast about movies by someone who actually knows what he’s talking about and has style and a great speaking voice besides. The episode with Bill Hader is revelatory. Can’t wait for next season!
Ben Mankiewicz is SO GOOD at this! The guests are all great and share wonderful insights and that’s wonderful but gosh he is such a good host and interviewer for this format, comfortable and casual while asking in-depth and well-researched questions. Great listen.
Thank you so much for making this podcast. The concept is fantastic and very conversational and poignant. I loved all the interviews and episodes this year. Mario Cantone is a treasure. It was very obvious he and Ben are dear friends and they had great chemistry. Can’t wait for Season Two! Well done, TCM!
Haven’t listened to every episode yet. As a TCM and Ben fan of course I will. But I love First Man so much (and Hurwitz’s score makes me cry every time) and they didn’t even talk about it. Ouch
Not your usual interview session. It’s fun to hear what movies struck them and why. I also enjoy the subject matter is someone who isn’t for front but know movies inside and out. They are part of these huge movies and it’s nice to meet them. Always good to hear Ben!!
I’ve listened to four of these so far and there hasn’t been one yet that I haven’t learned something about that individual or their films that I hadn’t known before. There’s something almost Zen like about the format, Ben has a way of making his guests feel so comfortable that the experience is a relaxing one for me as a listener. There is much to outright love in the series, the thoughtful questions, Ben allowing the guests to simply talk, the Super 8 and listing below all the films discussed in the podcast episode.
If I have one big complaint it’s the limited time for each guest, if possible I’d love some “Part 2” segments, for guests like Alexander Payne or Steven Soderbergh it’s hard to even scratch the surface of all the films they’ve directed in an hour. If the guest is willing to sit for a longer interview please allow them to and give us the delight of spending more time learning about their craft and artistic decisions making films. Given how unforgivingly short the one with Mel Brooks podcast was we definitely need a Part 2 please!
Haven’t even begun to listen and I am already prepared to say I love this show. As a host on TCM, Mr Mankiewicz has introduced me to more great movies than I can remember and I’ve always enjoyed his insights and humor. One of the best to talk movies! Ok, time to start listening.
Can’t express how much I love this podcast and look forward to it. Talking about new films and old films alike while also hearing about an artist’s memories of their film experience is a great blend. Perfect combo for all film lovers. Thank you Ben!!
I absolutely love this series. It is so fun to hear these interviews and get a list of the movies to watch. My movie list is growing. Thank you TCM, MAX & Ben!
Ben has presented some excellent TCM podcasts, but the Talking Pictures series is the best yet. Delving into a director’s career paths, their motivations, who influenced them, and what they enjoy or dislike about movies we see them as people and not just a name on a film’s credit. I know my wife and I come away from these podcasts wanting to explore more the films by the director as well other films they discuss with Ben. A very entertaining and enjoyable podcast series.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every episode of this podcast, but this one was my favorite. Such a fascinating man, great show, I only wish it was 6 hours long. ‘There is hope, just not for us.’ Brilliant. Nice job, Ben!
Already enjoy Ben Mankiewicz to the max on TCM, but here he has the time to enjoy and share filmmakers and their lives with us in more depth.
The give and take between Ben and his guests is superb and moves alongside so quickly you’re left waiting impatiently for the next episode.
A triumph of the podcasting art.
Ben has a wonderful facility with the guests that is only getting better with each episode. The seamless weaving of personal histories with the history of film makes this pod quite special.
This is my favorite podcast. I love Hollywood history and the story behind the movies, people and the places! Ben has the ease and knowledge to bring a good vibe to the interviews. I really like that the movies that are discussed in the podcast are listed in the description. Wonderful!
Love this show so much! Each week, gets better & more juicy, each guest highlighting such beautiful aspects of film. I am excited to see where this show goes!! 🥰
I am thrilled to find this podcast because as of right now I am a film school student in Georgia. The interviews so far have been informative, but they also help give insight to the culture of cinema and its inner workings. Recommend it for movie buffs, critics, and students of the craft.
I love this podcast so much! If you are a film buff, you will also love it. The only negative comment I can give is that I wish they came out more frequently. I just want more!
Thus far, this podcast is phenomenal. I find myself excited to hear the interviews, the guest, and the subject matter of the art filmmaking. I also take notes, watch the recommended movies, and books sprinkled in the interview. Plus they add clips of movie scenes!! Amazing and insightful. Can’t wait for the next interview. 🤩 🎥 🎞️ ✨♥️
First of all, the host’s voice is perfect for a podcast! So fun to listen to the behind the scenes stories of these filmmaking legends. Two episodes in and I have quite a list of movies to watch.
This podcast is just not my cup of tea. I find “The Plot Thickens” much more interesting and entertaining. So far the interviews in Talking Pictures are long and boring. Whereas The Plot Thickens had a much more story-telling feel to it. I hope you revive the former podcast.
