A new documentary about Alanis Morissette’s iconic album Jagged Little Pill premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Morissette herself is not happy with director Alison Klayman’s work on Jagged. Ian has seen the doc and finds the whole saga a bit perplexing.

Ian’s review of the documentary from TIFF: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2021/09/tiff-review-jagged/

The Deadline article referenced in the episode: https://deadline.com/video/alanis-morissette-documentary-jagged-director-alison-klayman-interview/

Image courtesy of TIFF

Back on the Island of Sodor! Rusty to the Rescue introduces the narrow gauge engines and Stepney, the Bluebell Engine who’s maybe lying about liking bluebells in order to escape the scrapyard. Some of the new engines we meet receive new names by the end of the tape, a very confusing dynamic for this series’ young target demographic. Ian & Tarabelle dissect the complexities of these small new engines. Ian also does way too many Harold the Helicopter impressions.

This tape includes the following episodes

• Granpuff
• Sleeping Beauty
• A Bad Day for Sir Handel
• Rusty Helps Peter Sam
• Rusty to the Rescue
• Thomas and Stepney
• Gone Fishing (song)

Happy Pride Month everyone! We are joined today by Michelle Handelman, director of the 1995 classic film BloodSisters: Leather, Dykes And Sadomasochism, which follows the vibrant leatherdyke scene in San Francisco.

Michelle talks about the legacy of the film and its continued relevance, especially as the subject of “kink at Pride” causes its annual faux controversy. Michelle also shares plenty of insights from making the film and the evolution of LGBTQ culture in the 25 years since its release.

Check out a trailer for the film, remastered for its anniversary release with newly recorded bonus features. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PLMekZhzBQ&t=41s

The remastered DVD will be released on June 29th. You can pre-order here: https://www.kinolorber.com/product/bloodsisters-leather-dykes-sadomasochism-dvd  

We are delighted to welcome filmmaker Jessica Ellis for an in-depth conversation about her new film What Lies West, a delightful coming of age movie shot in Jessica’s hometown Sonoma County. Jessica shares many insights into indie filmmaking, along with some valuable perspectives on Disneyland and the LA sandwich scene.

What Lies West comes out May 11th on VOD & DVD. You can learn more about the film at https://www.whatlieswest.com/. 

Ian’s review of the film: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2021/05/what-lies-west-is-a-charming-confident-indie-coming-of-story/

New feature at Estradiol Illusions! Take a trip with us back to Downton Abbey for an in-depth look at one of the show’s most fascinating characters. After being introduced as the show’s primary antagonist in season one, Thomas Barrow largely sheaths his villainous inclinations, growing to become a figure with great depth. Ian explores Barrow’s full series arc and the ways he gradually endeared himself to the audience. 

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out Ian’s in-depth review of the Downton Abbey film: https://ianthomasmalone.podbean.com/e/downton-abbey-1569517256/

Please leave a review on Apple or wherever you get your podcasts if you feel so inclined. 

March 31st is International Transgender Day of Visibility. Ian would really like to see the day switched to Transgender Day of Action or Day of Hiring a Trans Person. Trans people are visible. Trans people don’t need additional visibility. Trans people need equity.

More than 80 anti-transgender bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the country in 2021 alone. Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi have passed bills targeting trans healthcare and participation in sports. Trans people deserve more than to be seen, we need a seat at the table.