Reading Between the Reels: Film analysis with snark and heart

RBR #134: “Dunkirk: Nolan’s 3 Timelines, Zero Chill”

In this episode, we dive into Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk—the movie that weaponizes sound design, disorientation, and narrative chaos to make you feel like you’re drowning in tension even when the characters aren’t in the water (yet).
We break down the film’s infamous three timelines, why Nolan thinks clocks are a personality trait, and how the movie somehow maintains zero chill for 106 minutes straight. We also talk about Hans Zimmer’s “I hope you like panic attacks” score, Tom Hardy acting exclusively with his eyeballs, and Nolan’s ongoing war against traditional storytelling.
If you’ve ever wondered why Dunkirk feels like a cinematic escape room run by a sadistic genius, this is your episode.

RBR #133: “Interstellar - Part Two: Love, Lies & the 5th Dimension of Confusion”

We’re back on the other side of the black hole — emotionally and maybe spiritually. In Part Two of our deep dive into Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, we unpack Cooper’s bookshelf breakdown, the emotional math of Murph’s ghost, and whether “love” was actually the answer or just Nolan trolling us all. Expect equal parts awe, analysis, and exasperation. Bring tissues… and maybe a physics degree.
And as a bonus, we are joined by Jeff McGee and Pam Johnston. They share their insights on Interstellar – as well as exciting news about their new podcast: “The Audio Advent Calendar.”

RBR #132: “Interstellar - Part One: Time Is a Flat Circle (And So Is Your Brain)”

Strap in and don’t forget your helmet — we’re launching into Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, where science meets sentimentality and somehow both cry. In this episode, we begin to tackle wormholes, relativity, and why Nolan seems to hate linear storytelling. Expect theories, sarcasm, and just enough pseudo-physics to make Neil deGrasse Tyson sigh audibly.

RBR #131: “The Dark Knight Rises - Part Two: Capes, Catwoman, and Cappuccinos”

Part 2 of our The Dark Knight Rises analysis dives into the details that make (or break) Nolan’s finale: body language, costuming, set design, and character arcs. Anne Hathaway slinks her way through as Catwoman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt maybe-becomes Batman, and Batman trades his cape for a cappuccino in Florence. We’ll pull apart the visual storytelling, the prison pit metaphors, and the way Gotham itself becomes a character. Finally, we’ll ask: does Nolan’s trilogy conclusion rise above the rubble—or just collapse under its own weight?

RBR #130: “The Dark Knight Rises - Part One: Nolan’s Epic Vision vs. Bane’s Mumbled Monologues”

In Part 1 of our two-part The Dark Knight Rises breakdown, we dig into Christopher Nolan’s favorite toys: IMAX spectacle, chest-rattling sound design, and dialogue that makes you wonder if Bane swallowed a CB radio. We’ll unpack the film’s big themes—fear, pain, hope, and rebirth—before diving into the performances and the script’s endlessly quotable (and sometimes laughable) lines.
Is Nolan a master of operatic storytelling, or just a guy who cranked the subwoofers and hoped Christian Bale’s whisper-growl would carry the day? Let’s find out.

RBR #129: "Inception - Part Two: Spinning Tops Don’t Lie (Or Do They?)”

Inception isn’t just a movie—it’s Christopher Nolan’s ultimate brain prank. In the conclusion of our two-part deep-dive on Nolan’s mind-bending epic, we dissect dream heists, confusing layers, and that infamous spinning top. Did you really understand it—or are you just pretending? We break down every twist, turn, and “what just happened” moment so you can finally feel smug about your cinematic IQ. Spoilers included, patience not guaranteed.

RBR #128: "Inception - Part One: Genius Heist or Overhyped Headache?”

Inception promised answers, but instead gave us spinning tops, folding cities, and Leonardo DiCaprio screaming into the void of his own trauma. In this first episode of our two-part dissection of Christopher Nolan’s ‘dream heist masterpiece,’ we begin to discuss why the film is equal parts brilliant, pretentious, and meme-worthy. From Hans Zimmer’s foghorn symphony to Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s gravity-defying hallway brawl, we’re digging into the subconscious chaos that made Inception the internet’s favorite ‘explain this movie’ clickbait for over a decade.

RBR #127: "The Dark Knight: Why So Perfect?”

This week, we return to our series on the films of Christopher Nolan by diving headfirst into The Dark Knight — the movie that convinced an entire generation that growling equals gravitas. From Heath Ledger’s chaos-icon Joker to a Batman so serious he makes taxes look fun, we’re dissecting the film’s themes, IMAX spectacle, and how Hans Zimmer’s score is a nerve-shredding symphony of dread. 
Is it a superhero movie? A crime epic? A two-and-a-half-hour TED Talk on moral ambiguity? Maybe all of the above. One thing’s clear: The Dark Knight isn’t just another cape flick — it’s a cinematic flex that made critics panic, rewrote Oscar history, and left us all quoting a clown in face paint like he was Shakespeare.