The Freshman Fifteen

Special Episode: OSCARS 2026 (with Jeff Jensen & Friends)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear, Daniel Long, Jeff Jensen) — Mon, 9 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

It's our 10th Oscars Special! Jeremy, Daniel and Jeff return for a spoiler-free discussion of the year's Best Picture nominees and this time we've invited a few friends to join in. At the end of this longest-ever episode, we submit our personal ranking of each nominated film, from least to most deserving of the coveted award for the year's Best Picture.

Special Episode: The Top 10 Greatest Freshman Films of the 21st Century (with Jeff Jensen)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear, Jeff Jensen, Daniel Long) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:30:00 +0000

Jeremy, Daniel and Jeff Jensen reconvene, New York Times-style, to count down the 10 greatest freshman films of the 21st Century (so far). They've conferred and collaborated and they're presenting their findings to you. Who will take the top spot?

Special Episode: OSCARS 2025 (with Jeff Jensen)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeff Jensen, Jeremy Bear) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Oscars 2025! Once again, Jeremy and Jeff Jensen take to the mics for a spoiler-free discussion of the year's Best Picture nominees. Following a lengthy deep-dive into the 10 films in question, the three hosts submit their personal ranking of each film nominated, from least to most deserving of the ultimate prize.

Bonus: Jeff Jensen's Holdovers Essay

freshman15film@gmail.com (Daniel Long, Jeff Jensen, Jeremy Bear) — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 09:30:00 +0000

In a bonus discussion cut from our 2024 Oscars Special, Jeff Jensen reads a prepared essay comparing Alexander Payne's nominated film The Holdovers to the 1970s films that inspired it.

Special Episode: OSCARS 2024 (with Jeff Jensen)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear, Jeff Jensen, Daniel Long) — Mon, 4 Mar 2024 09:30:00 +0000

In the 2024 edition of the Freshman Fifteen Oscar Specials, Jeremy and Daniel are once again joined by Jeff Jensen for a spoiler-free discussion of the year's Best Picture nominees. Following a lengthy deep-dive into the 10 films in question, the three hosts submit their personal ranking of each film nominated, from least to most deserving of the ultimate prize.

Episode 36: Adam McKay's ANCHORMAN

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear, Daniel Long) — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 08:30:00 +0000

F15 is back with our SECOND October episode and the final entry in our comedy block. This time, we turn our focus to SNL alumn and Academy Award winner Adam McKay and his 2004 freshman film, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Daniel muses on the parallels between an artist's approach to making art and their approach to living life, while Jeremy reveals both the right and the wrong way to direct actors. Also, how are legendary characters created?

Episode 35: Taika Waititi's EAGLE vs SHARK

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear, Daniel Long) — Sun, 1 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Proving themselves the most unreliable podcast ever, The Freshman Fifteen stumbles back in for part two of a no-longer summer series focusing on comedy directors. This time: New Zealand actor/writer/director Taika Waititi and his 2007 indie, Eagle vs Shark. Jeremy ponders how one considers the styles and trends of any given decade of film while Daniel delves into the ways in which the attitudes in which a filmmaker approaches their own life and relationships inevitably inform the art they create.

Episode 34: Judd Apatow's THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN

freshman15film@gmail.com (Daniel Long, Jeremy Bear) — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 08:30:00 +0000

After a lengthy hiatus, The Freshman Fifteen is back to kick off a new summer series focusing on comedy directors. First up: legendary writer/director/producer Judd Apatow and his 2005 film, The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Jeremy discusses how many cameras it takes to shoot a comedy scene while Daniel credits Apatow as one of the few filmmakers everyone in his house can enjoy. Also, are stand-up comedians the greatest actors of all?

Special Episode: OSCARS 2023 (with Jeff Jensen)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Daniel Long, Jeremy Bear, Jeff Jensen) — Mon, 6 Mar 2023 09:30:00 +0000

In the seventh of their annual Oscar Specials, Jeremy and Daniel are, as always, joined by author and pop entertainment maven Jeff Jensen for a spoiler-free discussion of the the 2023 Best Picture nominees. Following a lengthy deep-dive into the 10 films in question, the three hosts submit their personal ranking of each film nominated, from least to most deserving of the ultimate prize.

Conversation: THE APOLOGY with director Alison Star Locke

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear) — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000

A Freshman Fifteen exclusive conversation with director Alison Star Locke about her freshman film, The Apology (a dark thriller starring Anna Gunn, Linus Roache and Janeane Garofalo). Jeremy speaks with Alison about the freedoms of within a darker genre, writing psychologically complex characters and the value of a smart, committed crew. Also, Alison discusses the need for more female creative leadership in the film industry.

Special Episode: OSCARS 2022 (with Jeff Jensen)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear, Daniel Long, Jeff Jensen) — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 08:30:00 +0000

In this longest-ever episode, Jeremy and Daniel take a break from their podcast break to talk Academy Awards with the ever-faithful, ever-brilliant pop culture maniac Jeff Jensen once again. As always, it's a spoiler-free dive into the Best Picture nominees for Oscars 2022! True to tradition, the three co-hosts end the discussion with their rankings of each film nominated, from least to most deserving.

Interview: WHY DID YOU KILL ME? with director Fred Munk

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear) — Mon, 31 May 2021 08:30:00 +0000

A Freshman Fifteen exclusive interview with director Fred Munk about his freshman documentary, the 2021 Netflix Original 'Why Did You Kill Me?' Jeremy speaks with Fred about the artform of documentary, the responsibility of telling a true crime story and how a germ of an idea can grow into a successful film streaming all over the world. Also, Jeremy speaks with the film's cinematographer (and longtime collaborator with Jeremy's own film work), Douglas Brian Miller.

Special Episode: OSCARS 2021 (with Jeff Jensen)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Daniel Long, Jeff Jensen, Jeremy Bear) — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 08:30:00 +0000

It's not a fake-out, it's true: Daniel is back to talk Oscars! He and Jeremy sit down with longtime friend and entertainment guru Jeff Jensen for a spoiler-free discussion of the 2021 Academy Awards nominees in the category of Best Picture. As always, your faithful hosts wrap up this uber-length special episode by giving their personal rankings of each film, from least to most deserving.

Episode 33: Alexander Payne's CITIZEN RUTH

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear, Daniel Long) — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 08:30:00 +0000

Director Alexander Payne takes center stage in this episode's conversation as we take a look at his 1996 freshman film comedy, Citizen Ruth.

Episode 32: John Lasseter's TOY STORY

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear, Daniel Long) — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 08:30:00 +0000

In our first animated feature entry, we focus our virtual cameras on Pixar's Toy Story, the 1995 freshman film of director and animator John Lasseter. Jeremy digs into the cinematography side of 3D-animated storytelling while Daniel pontificates on Pixar's ability to evoke a sense of nostalgic familiarity inside a cartoon environment. Also, what are the best and worst Pixar films?

Bonus: Who Shot Nice Guy Eddie?

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear) — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 09:30:00 +0000

In a bonus discussion cut from the Reservoir Dogs episode, Daniel and Jeremy close the book on one of the enduring mysteries surrounding the end of the film: Who shot Nice Guy Eddie? Also, some thoughts about reasonable gangsters and the psychotic Lawrence Tierney.

Episode 31: Quentin Tarantino's RESERVOIR DOGS

freshman15film@gmail.com (Daniel Long, Jeremy Bear) — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 09:30:00 +0000

After an indefensibly long hiatus, The Freshman Fifteen returns to kick off a new volume of freshman films with Quentin Tarantino's legendary 1992 film, Reservoir Dogs. Daniel is conflicted about how to respond to directors who insist on reminding their audiences that they're watching a movie while Jeremy weighs the benefits of shifting your style of storytelling mid-film. Also, should some filmmakers get a pass when it comes to racially charged language?

Special Episode: OSCARS 2020 (with Jeff Jensen)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Wed, 5 Feb 2020 16:30:00 +0000

Jeremy once again sits with longtime friend/guest/honorary co-host of the podcast, award-winning Watchmen writer Jeff Jensen with a spoiler-free discussion of the Best Picture nominees in the 2020 Oscar race. The two rank the films from least to most deserving of the grand prize.

Special Episode: OSCARS 2019 (with Jeff Jensen)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Jeremy sits with longtime friend of the podcast, entertainment guru Jeff Jensen with a spoiler-free discussion of the Best Picture nominees in the 2019 Oscar race. The two weigh in on who most deserves the grand prize.

Special Episode: CINEMATOGRAPHY (with Jeff Jensen)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 18:45:00 +0000

Jeremy sits down with former EW journalist and current HBO writer Jeff Jensen to discuss recent developments concerning the slighting of cinematography and other categories from the upcoming 2019 Oscars telecast.

Episode 30: Martin Scorsese's WHO'S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 09:00:00 +0000

In Episode 30, the finale of The Freshman Fifteen’s second volume, the boys take to their mics with their biggest, boldest, most elaborate episode yet. Up for discussion: master craftsman and filmmaking legend Martin Scorsese and his 1967 film, Who’s That Knocking at My Door. Jeremy declares Scorsese and Schoonmaker to be the Lennon and McCartney of film, while Daniel wrestles with outdated views of masculinity and what they might still have to teach us. Also, pop music. And finding the film in editing. And producing partnerships. And film curating. And documentaries as side projects. And everything else that is Martin Scorsese.

Episode 29: Guillermo del Toro's CRONOS

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000

It took 29 episodes to get to our very first foreign language freshman film: 1993's Cronos, directed by cinematic legend Guillermo del Toro. Daniel delves into the how Mexican culture translates to films for non-Mexican audiences while Jeremy explores the psychology of subtitles. Also, how does color tell a story?

Episode 28: Darren Aronofsky's PI

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Episode 28 takes us to the 1998 freshman film of director Darren Aronofsky, the mind-bending, mathematical thriller Pi. Jeremy breaks down the mechanics of the SnorriCam while Daniel makes the case for artistic limitations. Also, what’s the relationship between film, religion and myth?

Special Episode: JAMES GUNN

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 15:10:00 +0000

Breaking from the norm, the boys go current-events-crazy to weigh in on the recent misdoings of space-hero-action-flick director James Gunn. What’s more important, art or the artist? Where’s the line between appropriate humor and punk rock free speech? Jeremy and Daniel examine and wrestle with Hollywood’s latest scandal in their most personal special episode yet.

Episode 27: Zack Snyder's DAWN OF THE DEAD

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 15:05:00 +0000

In Episode 27, the third in our summer blockbuster trilogy, we visit the freshman film of comic book action director Zack Snyder and his freshman film, 2004’s zombie remake: Dawn of the Dead. Daniel dissects the philosophical implications of zombie-inspired nihilism while Jeremy fantasizes about murdering his coworkers. Also, are superheroes our culture’s modern mythology?

Episode 26: J.J. Abrams' MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE III

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Episode 26! It’s Mission: Impossible III time, the 2006 freshman film of blockbuster director J.J. Abrams. Daniel attempts to decipher the magic of Tom Cruise, while Jeremy caustically plants a flag in what he considers the the greatest movie opening of all time and builds his case in defense of (gasp) the Abrams Lens Flare. Also, what’s the secret to building a better action franchise?

Episode 25: Michael Bay's BAD BOYS

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Sun, 1 Jul 2018 08:00:00 +0000

With Episode 25, it’s the arrival of three summer blockbuster directors, and there's no better candidate to get us started than bombastic director Michael Bay and his 1995 freshman film, Bad Boys. After a long-time listener crashes the recording session, Jeremy details the mechanics of Michael Bay’s signature shot, the “Bay Swirl,” while Daniel wonders if every director is an artist. Also, what can indie films learn from summer tentpole mega-hits?

Episode 24: Spike Lee's SHE'S GOTTA HAVE IT

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Tue, 15 May 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Episode 24 brings us to She’s Gotta Have It, the 1986 freshman joint of the original b-boy provocateur director, Spike Lee. In their most open and raw discussion yet, Jeremy breaks down what it takes to film a great sex scene while Daniel ponders the consequences of making regrettable art. Also, why do white people prefer white films?

Episode 23: James Cameron's PIRANHA PART TWO: THE SPAWNING

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 08:00:00 +0000

It’s Episode 23, which means it’s time to deep-dive into the freshman film of mega-budget director James Cameron, 1981’s Piranha Part Two: The Spawning. Jeremy compares Cameron films to avocados, while Daniel wonders if it’s possible for filmmakers to forego the messy matter of dealing with human beings. Also, can bad films contribute to making good films even better?

Episode 22: Robert Cummings' HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES

freshman15film@gmail.com (John Nelson and John Longino) — Sun, 1 Apr 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Episode 22! The freshman film of oft-lauded maestro Robert Cummings, 2003's House of 1000 Corpses is up for discussion this time around. Nelson explores the divide between suspense and horror while Longino advocates for this episode's film as a prelude to collegiate ménage à trois . Plus, what's the recipe behind the cinema of cruelty?

Episode 21: Christopher Nolan's FOLLOWING

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Episode 21 brings us to Following, the no-budget 1998 freshman film of mega-director Christopher Nolan. Daniel wonders if limitations can sometimes be the secret sauce to great directing, while Jeremy, big surprise, has more to say about Batman. Also, what makes a film rewatchable?

Special Episode: OSCARS 2018 (with Jeff Jensen)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 09:00:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again and The Freshman Fifteen is back with this year’s Oscars Special. Sitting in for Daniel is returning guest Jeff Jensen, weighing in with spoiler-free thoughts and opinions on this year’s Best Picture nominees. Which films deserve the award the most? Jeff and Jeremy separate the good from the great.

Bonus Episode: Jeff Jensen Defends DUNE

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 18:15:00 +0000

Special guest Jeff Jensen makes his case for Lynch's biggest flop, DUNE, in a conversation deleted from Episode 20: David Lynch's ERASERHEAD.

Episode 20: David Lynch's ERASERHEAD

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 09:00:00 +0000

The Freshman Fifteen's 20th episode visits pioneer artist David Lynch and his first feature film - 1977's Eraserhead. Daniel sermonizes on the virtues of great sound design, Jeremy decides that Lynch is better suited to Hannibal Lecter than Jabba the Hutt and returning guest Jeff Jensen connects the dots between Eraserhead and The Simpsons. Also, what's an "art film?"

Episode 19: Terry Gilliam's MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 09:00:00 +0000

Episode 19: The Freshman Fifteen takes a look at the 1975 freshman film of director Terry Gilliam, the comedy perennial Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Jeremy declares his favorite Holy Grail scene to be the ultimate comedy recipe while Daniel ponders whether confrontational artists are born or self-made. Finally, what does it mean for a filmmaker to be truly fearless?

Bonus Episode: Tim Burton's BATMAN

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Extended and uncut, Jeremy and Daniel's Batman discussion (recorded for Episode 18: Tim Burton's PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE) is presented here as a special for faithful listeners.

Episode 18: Tim Burton's PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Episode eighteen! Jeremy and Daniel take a swirly, bug-eyed trip through the freshman film of the inimitable Tim Burton, 1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. Daniel describes how the guy from Oingo Boingo changed the way we listen to movie music while Jeremy tries to wrap his mind around an aesthetic powerful enough to rewrite the rules of genre. Also, are remakes and sequels actually cinema’s riskiest game?

Special Episode: HANUKKAH

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Confirmed Gentiles Daniel and Jeremy choose a couple of films celebrating Jewish history, tradition, people and culture in a special episode to kick off the week of Hanukkah. From anti-kosher childhood meals to doubling down on the "H" spelling of Hanukkah, our hosts get their dreidel on by recommending two must-see classics focusing on all things Semitic.

Episode 17: Ridley Scott's THE DUELLISTS

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 09:00:00 +0000

In Episode Seventeen, Daniel and Jeremy sit down with the freshman film of director Ridley Scott, 1977's The Duellists. Jeremy declares Ridley Scott filmmaking's Renaissance man while Daniel wrestles with the storytelling differences between a wide angle and a closeup. Finally: casting. Our hosts go head to head on the topic of Hollywood whitewashing.

Episode 16: Terrence Malick's BADLANDS

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 08:00:00 +0000

The Freshman Fifteen returns at last! Episode Sixteen takes a look at Terrence Malick’s Badlands. Daniel digs into the good and the bad of waiting for the editing room to decide what sort of film you're making while Jeremy submits that Terrence Malick characters tend to either burn or flow. Also, what's the difference between filming a plot and filming an idea?

Special Episode: SUMMER KIDS MOVIES

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 08:00:00 +0000

Proud papas Daniel and Jeremy recommend and discuss two films to entertain your little ones during these hazy summer months. Daniel goes dark while Jeremy goes obscure, but both co-hosts keep their feet planted firmly in the category of animated features. Also, what is contemporary children's entertainment doing to our kids?

Special Episode: JULY 4TH

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 08:00:00 +0000

Stars 'n garters! In their July 4th celebration, Jeremy and Daniel return to the mics after a much-needed hiatus to discuss a couple of patriotic movie picks for American film lovers everywhere. Whether you take your hot dogs vegetarian or meaty, the boys' Independence Day picks have something for everyone - from childlike wonderment to hard-hitting political intrigue. Grab your earbuds, sparklers and a cold domestic brew and enjoy.

Episode 15: Stanley Kubrick's FEAR AND DESIRE

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 08:00:00 +0000

For their bonus-sized fifteenth episode, The Freshman Fifteen examines the first feature film of visionary director Stanley Kubrick, 1953's Fear and Desire. While Daniel ponders what it takes to push the boundaries of genre, Jeremy describes the rarest type of director of all: the dangerous filmmaker. Finally, what's next for The Freshman Fifteen?

Special Episode: OSCARS 2017 (with EW's Jeff Jensen)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 09:00:00 +0000

It's Oscar Season! Join Daniel, Jeremy and special guest, Entertainment Weekly's Jeff Jensen, as they weigh in with their personal picks of the nine Best Picture nominees. Jeff gives listeners a peek inside the inner workings of the Academy Awards while Daniel and Jeremy make their case for the films that most deserve to take home film's highest honor.

Episode 14: Errol Morris' GATES OF HEAVEN

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 09:00:00 +0000

In their fourteenth episode, our hosts take a look at the freshman film of documentarian Errol Morris, 1978's Gates of Heaven. Jeremy blows apart any remaining illusions about "reality" television while Daniel grapples with the technological oddity known as The Interrotron. Finally, what does the art form of documentary have to teach a society who's forgotten how to listen?

Special Episode: Valentine's Day

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 09:00:00 +0000

In their Valentine's Day Special, Daniel and Jeremy defer to their wives to recommend two (and a half) romantic films. That's amoré! While Jeremy's wife throws some unexpected grit and carnage into the mix, Daniel's wife prefers to stick to a tried-and-true classic. Plus, the boys make a case to their fellow men to take a chance on romance movies.

Episode 13: Spike Jonze's BEING JOHN MALKOVICH

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Wed, 1 Feb 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Episode 13. This time around, it's the 1999 film Being John Malkovich from director Spike Jonze. Jeremy breaks down the visual recipe of a traditional science fiction film, while Daniel attempts to solve the mystery of which Spike Jonze is the real Spike Jonze. Also, what's with these filmmakers that insist on reinventing the concept of filmmaking with every film they make?

Episode 12: Sofia Coppola's THE VIRGIN SUICIDES

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Episode twelve's discussion focuses on 1999's The Virgin Suicides, the freshman film of director Sofia Coppola. Jeremy ponders the possibility that, in film, "who?" "what?" and "why?" are sometimes less important questions than "where?" while Daniel suggests that people of privilege need purpose too. Finally, the boys wonder if filmmakers who aren't interested in respecting your attention span sometimes have the best ideas to share.

Special Episode: THE TOP 10 GREATEST FRESHMAN FILMS (Part 2)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Fri, 6 Jan 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Jeremy and Daniel count down their ten favorite freshman films of all time in part two of this special event episode. It's down to this: the final five. In the most personal episode of The Freshman Fifteen yet, the boys compare notes on what they consider to be the best of the best.

Special Episode: THE TOP 10 GREATEST FRESHMAN FILMS (Part 1)

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Thu, 5 Jan 2017 09:00:00 +0000

Jeremy and Daniel count down their ten favorite freshman films of all time in part one of this special event episode. From the classic to the obscure, the boys discuss their #10-#6 picks and why those films should be watched and rewatched by all.

Episode 11: Paul Thomas Anderson's HARD EIGHT

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 09:00:00 +0000

Episode eleven. Daniel and Jeremy are back to talk about the freshman film of auteur director Paul Thomas Anderson, 1996's Hard Eight. Jeremy describes what it's like to sit next to P.T. Anderson at a Tarantino film while Daniel recounts chasing PTA through Long Beach in the hopes of scoring a hug. Also, the boys ask one of the fundamental questions of art: how much interpreting should an artist expect an audience to do on their own?

Special Episode: CHRISTMAS

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Wed, 7 Dec 2016 09:00:00 +0000

Ho ho ho! In their wassail-flavored Christmas Special, Daniel and Jeremy each recommend a yuletide film best enjoyed during the holiday season. From Christmas dishes gone sideways to the anti-consumerist hypocrisy of Charlie Brown, our hosts go full mistletoe before sharing two films sure to spark a little holiday cheer. Or paranoia. Or creative solitude.

Episode 10: Wes Anderson's BOTTLE ROCKET

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Thu, 1 Dec 2016 09:00:00 +0000

Episode 10! It's Wes Anderson's turn for the Freshman Fifteen treatment as Daniel and Jeremy discuss his very first feature film, 1996's Bottle Rocket. Jeremy describes the crew-punishing hardships of shooting in a "Wes Anderson style," while Daniel pleads with cynical Anderson detractors to let Wes tear their hearts out. Finally: is Anderson the filmmaker the world needs most right now?

Episode 09: Kevin Smith's CLERKS

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 09:00:00 +0000

It's Episode 9 and this time around, Jeremy and Daniel scrape the bottom of the discount bin to ring up Clerks, the 1994 freshman film of the always-controversial Kevin Smith. Daniel questions whether every life story is film-worthy while Jeremy struggles to stay measured and rational while discussing a film he despises so deeply. Also, the boys ponder the relationship between artist and audience. Do they need each other at all?

Special Episode: ELECTION 2016

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Mon, 7 Nov 2016 09:00:00 +0000

For this Election Special, Daniel and Jeremy each recommend films with a political bent to soothe and distract from the stress and intensity of this season's Presidential Election. If you can't wait for this unending race to be over and done with, you're not alone. So why not take in a film or two before (or after) you head to the polls?

Episode 08: George Lucas' THX 1138

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Tue, 1 Nov 2016 08:00:00 +0000

Up for discussion in Episode 8: the king of the sci-fi franchise, George Lucas (and his 1972 freshman film, THX 1138). Jeremy warns listeners that, once heard, DVD director commentaries can never be unheard, while Daniel wrestles with the definition of "completist." Finally, at what age does an artist create his or her best, most essential work? And while we're at it, what's the purpose of film?

Special Episode: HALLOWEEN

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 08:00:00 +0000

For their spooktacular Halloween Special, Daniel and Jeremy each recommend a film best enjoyed during the Halloween season. From severed limbs on front lawns to homemade costumes gone awry, the hosts with the most discuss all things bump-in-the-night before eventually getting around to recommending two dark and creepy classics.

Episode 07: Danny Boyle's SHALLOW GRAVE

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 08:00:00 +0000

In episode seven, the boys are keen to discuss the macabre, 90s-pop freshman film of director Danny Boyle: Shallow Grave. Daniel makes the case that sometimes effective filmic violence is more about what you hear and less about what you see, while Jeremy laments his outcast status in his own generation. Also: are the brightest, most colorful stories sometimes secretly the darkest?

Episode 06: Baz Luhrmann's STRICTLY BALLROOM

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Sat, 1 Oct 2016 08:00:00 +0000

For the sixth episode, our hosts take a glamorous, sparkle-laden look at Baz Lurhmann's first film, 1992's Strictly Ballroom. Jeremy admits his own wedding turned out to be a Bazmark Production while Daniel wrestles with the conundrum of The Hemingway Boner and the risk of staying true to one's personal artistic expression. Finally, the boys explore the question of cynicism: how helpful is it when approaching the work of a filmmaker like Baz Luhrmann?

Episode 05: David Fincher's ALIEN 3

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 08:00:00 +0000

It's episode five, and our hosts fix their gaze on the franchise sequel Alien 3, the freshman feature of director David Fincher. Daniel opens the floodgates with a discussion of contemporary feminism while Jeremy plumbs the depths of cinematic theology. It's an anything-goes grab-bag of Fincher fanaticism, best-of lists and Sequel Theory 101. Also, the big question: is Ellen Ripley the embodiment of sci-fi feminism the world has been waiting for?

Episode 04: Sam Mendes' AMERICAN BEAUTY

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Thu, 1 Sep 2016 08:00:00 +0000

The fourth freshman film up for discussion is Sam Mendes' 1999 award winner, American Beauty. Our hosts break with tradition with a no-holds-barred criticism of its questionable themes and message. Jeremy sows seeds of marital discord in his own home while Daniel offers thoughts on what not to do after narrowly avoiding coital contact with a minor. Also, the boys ask the most confounding question of all: how did a film so wobbly win the hearts of so many?

Special Episode: BACK TO SCHOOL

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:00:00 +0000

For their special Back to School episode, Daniel and Jeremy each recommend a beloved school-themed film. Pencils, erasers, Trapper Keepers and the magic of John Hughes pervade the spirit of this particular F-15 discussion, even if neither of our hosts' recommended school flicks happen to be freshman films.

Episode 03: Steven Spielberg's DUEL

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 08:00:00 +0000

The third episode finds Jeremy and Daniel discussing Steven Spielberg's freshman film, Duel. How did a made-for-tv movie about a hapless salesman and a murder-crazed trucker launch the career of the most successful filmmaker of all time? True to form, Jeremy romanticizes his Spielberg-saturated childhood while Daniel shares his approach to dealing with freeway harassment. Finally, our hosts offer their thoughts on the legacy of the man called Spielberg.

Episode 02: Rob Reiner's THIS IS SPINAL TAP

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Mon, 1 Aug 2016 08:00:00 +0000

Jeremy and Daniel discuss Rob Reiner's freshman film, This is Spinal Tap: what worked about the film, what didn't and why it went on to be one of the most influential comedies of all time. Jeremy waxes on about his youth, misspent trying to understand what makes something "funny," while Daniel pulls no punches when it comes to his thoughts on late-period Rob Reiner. Also, our hosts tackle the big question: What Is Comedy?

Episode 01: The Coen Brothers' BLOOD SIMPLE

freshman15film@gmail.com (Jeremy Bear and Daniel Long) — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 13:00:00 +0000

In the first episode, Jeremy and Daniel discuss The Coen Brothers' freshman film, Blood Simple. What's great (which is a lot), what's not (which isn't much) and how the Coens fared as filmmakers on their very first feature. Our hosts explore themes and techniques employed by the Coens throughout their oeuvre and eventually ask the age-old question "How do artists do what they do?"