Categories: Podcasts

Director Watch Podcast Ep. 27 – ‘The Boys in the Band’ (William Friedkin, 1970)

Published by
Share

Welcome to Director Watch! On this AwardsWatch podcast, co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter attempt to breakdown, analyze, and ultimately, get inside the mind of some of cinema’s greatest auteurs. In doing so, they will look at their filmographies, explore what drives them artistically and what makes their decision making process so fascinating. Add in a few silly tangents and a fun game at the end of the episode and you’ve got yourself a podcast we truly hope you love. On episode 27 of the Director Watch Podcast, the boys are joined by AwardsWatch contributor Josh Parham to discuss the first film in their William Friedkin series, The Boys in the Band (1970).

Early in his career, director William Friedkin started out unlike most directors, making studio for hire work like Good Times starring Sonny Bono and Cher. After a couple of other moderate to unsuccessful films, Friendkin was brought onto a project that would change his career, as he helmed one of the most influential LBGTQ+ films of all time, The Boys in the Band. Centered around a group of friends celebrating one of their owns birthday, the movie unravels into a look at the regrets and unspoken truths gay men were and still are feeling to this day. In this episode, Ryan, Jay, and Josh break down the film’s themes, if it holds up, the over the top performances, if Friedkin’s style and voice is found in the project, the 2020 Netflix remake, and if they would nominate this movie for any Oscars for the 1971 ceremony.

You can listen to the Director Watch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

This podcast runs 1h54m. The guys will be back next week to continue their series covering the films of William Friedkin with a review of his next film, The French Connection. You can stream the film on Max. You can rent it via iTunes and Amazon Prime rental in preparation for the next episode of Director Watch. Till then, let’s get into it.

Music: MUSICALIFE, from Pond5 (intro) and “B-3” from BoxCat Games Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack (outro)

Ryan McQuade

Ryan McQuade is the AwardsWatch Executive Editor and a film-obsessed writer in San Antonio, Texas. Raised on musicals, westerns, and James Bond, his taste in cinema is extremely versatile. He’s extremely fond of independent releases and director’s passion projects. Engrossed with all things Oscars, he hosts the AwardsWatch Podcast. He also is co-host of the Director Watch podcast. When he’s not watching movies, he’s rooting on all his favorite sports teams, including his beloved Texas Longhorns. You can follow him on Twitter at @ryanmcquade77.

Recent Posts

‘A Real Pain’ Review: Kieran Culkin Shines in Jesse Eisenberg’s Triumphant and Thoughtful Dramedy

It can sometimes be worrying when a film is directed by one of its stars,… Read More

November 8, 2024

Interview: Danielle Deadwyler (‘The Piano Lesson’) on Protecting Berniece’s Legacy and the Power of August Wilson’s Work

Over the last couple of years, the world has gotten to know Danielle Deadwyler, thanks… Read More

November 8, 2024

67th Grammy Nominations: Beyoncé Leads with 11, Now Most-Nominated Artist in History

Nominations for the 67th annual Grammy Awards have been announced with Beyoncé in a familiar… Read More

November 8, 2024

Director Watch Podcast Ep. 71 – ‘The Double Life of Veronique’ (Krzysztof Kieślowski, 1991)

Welcome to Director Watch! On this AwardsWatch podcast, co-hosts Ryan McQuade and Jay Ledbetter attempt… Read More

November 7, 2024

Mikey Madison (‘Anora’) to Receive Breakthrough Performance Honor from Palm Springs International Film Awards

The Palm Springs International Film Awards has announced that Mikey Madison will receive the Breakthrough Performance Award,… Read More

November 7, 2024

Critics Choice Association (CCA) Announces Full Slate Celebration of Black Cinema & Television Honorees, Jay Pharoah to Host

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the full slate of honorees for the 7th annual… Read More

November 7, 2024

This website uses cookies.