This episode delves into the life and legacy of Louis B. Mayer, the influential figure behind MGM and the architect of Hollywood's studio system. It explores his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a powerful mogul, the control he exerted over stars, and the darker aspects of the industry he helped create. The conversation highlights the manipulation, abuse, and the lasting impact of Mayer's practices on Hollywood and its culture

• Judy Garland, Me and My Shadows
• Neal Gabler, An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood
• BBC, “Louis B. Mayer: The Man Who Invented Hollywood”: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20191014-louis-b-mayer-the-man-who-invented-hollywood
• Vanity Fair, “Judy Garland and the Dark Side of the Rainbow”: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2011/02/judy-garland-201102
• The Guardian, “Hollywood’s Original Kingmaker: The Rise and Fall of Louis B. Mayer”: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/dec/07/louis-b-mayer-mgm-hollywood-history
• PBS, “MGM: When the Lion Roared”: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/mgm-when-the-lion-roared-about-the-mgm-studios/651/
• Turner Classic Movies, “Louis B. Mayer Biography”: https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/124553%7C102899/Louis-B-Mayer#biography

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Real Reel Talk is your weekly home for unfiltered deep dives into the world of film. Hosts Josh breaks it all down — from fresh releases to old-school favorites — with sharp insight, real opinions, and sharp trivia. Whether you're into Oscar bait, popcorn flicks, or everything in between, this is your go-to stop for real talk about reel stuff.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Real Real Talk, host Josh delves into the tumultuous career of Kevin Spacey, exploring his rise to fame and the subsequent allegations of sexual misconduct that led to his downfall. Spacey, once a celebrated actor and power broker in Hollywood, became a cautionary tale as the industry grappled with the consequences of silence and complicity. The episode highlights how Spacey's charm and talent masked decades of alleged abuse, ultimately forcing Hollywood to confront its own failures in protecting vulnerable individuals within the industry. Through a detailed timeline of events, Josh examines the cultural shift brought about by the Me Too movement and the ongoing repercussions for Spacey and his accusers.

Real Reel Talk is your weekly home for unfiltered deep dives into the world of film. Hosts Josh breaks it all down — from fresh releases to old-school favorites — with sharp insight, real opinions, and sharp trivia. Whether you're into Oscar bait, popcorn flicks, or everything in between, this is your go-to stop for real talk about reel stuff.

Follow and join the conversation with Dave and Josh on social media!

• Twitter / X: @RealReelTalkPod
• Instagram: @RealReelTalk
• Threads: @RealReelTalk
• YouTube: @RealReelTalk
• 
  

Subscribe to Real Reel Talk on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Real Real Talk, host Josh delves into the complex and controversial life of Roman Polanski, a renowned director whose legacy is marred by a history of criminal conviction and allegations of sexual misconduct. The discussion begins with an overview of Polanski's early life, marked by trauma from the Holocaust, and his rise to fame in Hollywood with iconic films like "Rosemary's Baby" and "Chinatown." However, the narrative quickly shifts to the darker aspects of his life, particularly the 1977 sexual assault case involving a 13-year-old girl, which led to his flight from the United States and subsequent status as a fugitive. Josh explores the industry's complicity in enabling Polanski's continued success despite his criminal past, highlighting the ongoing debate over the separation of art from the artist.

As the episode progresses, Josh examines the cultural implications of Polanski's story, discussing how it serves as a Rorschach test for society's views on talent, trauma, and accountability. The conversation touches on the reactions of the film industry, the media's relentless coverage of Polanski's case, and the voices of survivors who have sought to reclaim their narratives. Ultimately, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the power dynamics within Hollywood and the need for accountability, emphasizing that genius should never excuse harm.

Real Reel Talk is your weekly home for unfiltered deep dives into the world of film. Hosts Josh breaks it all down — from fresh releases to old-school favorites — with sharp insight, real opinions, and sharp trivia. Whether you're into Oscar bait, popcorn flicks, or everything in between, this is your go-to stop for real talk about reel stuff.

Follow and join the conversation with Dave and Josh on social media!

• Twitter / X: @RealReelTalkPod
• Instagram: @RealReelTalk
• Threads: @RealReelTalk
• YouTube: @RealReelTalk
• 
  

Subscribe to Real Reel Talk on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.