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Behind The Lens

Behind The Lens

Written by: btlradioshow
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JoinTomatometer-approved, veteran film critic debbie lynn elias and a line-up of talented and informed guests as she goes BEHIND THE LENS and below the line with movie reviews and interviews with an in-depth look at the filmmaking process from producing to performance to production design, directing, cinematography, costuming, scoring, editing, scripting, casting and more.Copyright 2019 All rights reserved. Art
Episodes
  • BTL Radio Show - 06/29/2026 with director DERRICK BORTE talking about THE GET OUT

    BTL Radio Show - 06/29/2026 with director DERRICK BORTE talking about THE GET OUT
    Jun 29 2026
    Another fun week on BEHIND THE LENS! Another terrific film and filmmaker! That's right! This week, it's all about THE GET OUT with director/co-writer DERRICK BORTE. But first. . . Dances With Films has come to a close in Hollywood. Some fantastic films this year. You’ve heard some of my interviews the past couple of weeks with DWF filmmakers, and I still have a few more that you’ll be reading and/or hearing this coming week. I have some definite DWF fave films that I hope we’ll see with distribution deals in the coming months, notably YALE starring Kevin Dunn, the oh-so-fun documentary CABALI AND THE TIKI MUG OBSESSION, TENDER co-written and directed by Adam Hoelzel and starring Jess Weixler and Jesse Garcia, a wonderful short film GOOD VIBES ONLY, the high octane BANDIT, and one of my top picks at DWF this year, the incredibly powerful documentary THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH which spans a nine-year journey into the heart of Sumatra’s Leuser Ecosystem from writer/director David Booth Gardner as we follow a group of extraordinary wildlife activists as they risk everything to save one of Earth’s last untouched wildernesses from the devastation of the illegal palm oil industry. Deforestation, animal poaching, and global warming. When you think animal poaching, most think about Africa. When you think deforestation, most think about the Amazon. But Sumatra is a complex convergence of everything and Gardner lays it all out for you here. Keep your eye out for this documentary, people. The World Premiere was at DWF, so I anticipate maybe some more festivals or a savvy distributor snapping it up quickly. This week we’re talking about the fantastic THE GET OUT with co-writer/director DERRICK BORTE! What a fun ride! Wow! I laughed. I was entertained. I love the story. I love the third-act twist. The cast, led by Russell Crowe, is phenomenal. The production values are top-notch. Of course, how could they not be with Brendan Galvin as your DP and Mark Warner as your editor? And the film is in limited release in select theatres right now and hits digital tomorrow, Tuesday the 30th! Directed by Derrick Borte with screenplay by Derrick and Daniel Forte, based on the novel STRIP by Thomas Perry, THE GET OUT stars Russell Crowe, Luke Evans, Teresa Palmer, with the scene-stealing duo of Nina Dobrev and Aaron Paul. A fun premise, nightclub owner Manco (Russell Crowe) is on the verge of leaving his dangerous past behind for retirement with his girlfriend Sunny (Teresa Palmer). When masked gunmen Carrie and Jeff (Nina Dobrev, Aaron Paul) rob him and he finds himself squeezed by ruthless cartels, a mysterious newcomer, Joe Carver, (Luke Evans) arrives with an interest in buying Manco’s business - money laundering and all. With danger closing in from all sides, Manco must navigate a deadly web of deception, power, and survival - where escape may no longer be an option. I have long admired Derrick Borte and his films, going all the way back to “The Joneses” and most recently, his last outing with Russell Crowe, “Unhinged”. In this comprehensive look at the creative process behind THE GET OUT, from adaptation and casting to visual style, editing, and music, and let’s not forget humor, Derrick showcases the collaborative efforts that contributed to the film's success. Digging into the adaptation process, which is something we don’t talk about enough, you’ll hear Derrick talk about working with Russell Crowe and co-writer Daniel Forte. Borte explains that the film was adapted from Thomas Perry's book, and yes, they took creative liberties to better connect the ensemble of characters around the central figure of Manco. Interesting are Derrick’s thoughts on the importance of weaving supporting characters like Joe Carver, Jeff, Carrie, and Manco’s assistant Spence into the narrative, building toward an explosive climax. Of course, casting is king, and there’s a lot to be said about Nina Dobrev and Aaron Paul as Carrie and Jeff, respectively, who steal the show. Structurally, I love that although this is an ensemble, each character within the ensemble believes that they are the main character, which adds a fun level of absurdity and depth to the story. And how about Russell Crowe, who plays Manco, as kind, gentle, and morally complex, bringing humanity and likability to the role. He makes Manco endearing. And yes, we break down the film’s visual style and the visual grammar on the whole with Derrick and Brendan Galvin opting for practical effects, especially in car chase sequences, which were shot almost entirely in-camera to enhance realism and engagement. Plus, Derrick explains the reasons for wider shots and longer takes, and treating Los Angeles as a character, even though the film was shot in Australia. The editing process with Mark Warner was collaborative and dynamic, with Warner's experience and objectivity helping to shape the film's pacing and narrative ...
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    45 mins
  • BTL Radio Show - 06/22/2026 with MICHAEL GLOVER SMITH talking HEKLA and DOUG BREMNER discussing THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG

    BTL Radio Show - 06/22/2026 with MICHAEL GLOVER SMITH talking HEKLA and DOUG BREMNER discussing THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG
    Jun 22 2026
    It’s another week of BEHIND THE LENS shining a spotlight on DANCES WITH FILMS and a couple of the wonderful films and filmmakers in this year’s festival, namely HEKLA and w/d MICHAEL GLOVER SMITH and THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG and w/d DOUGLAS BREMNER. First up - MICHAEL GLOVER SMITH and HEKLA! HEKLA is a comedy/drama about the emotional cost of pursuing a creative life. Set over one hectic day in Chicago, it explores how ambition, identity, and vulnerability collide when you’re chasing something as personal – and uncertain – as an acting career. Hekla Gudmunsdottir (Elizabeth Stam), a determined actress, races through auditions, breakups, and self-doubt, risking her heart and career to claim her voice and step fully into the artist and woman she’s meant to be: Hekla goes on four auditions, gets new headshots, and plays Lady Macbeth in a dive bar, all while attempting to keep intrusive thoughts of a recently ended relationship at bay. Beneath the humor and dramatic momentum lies a story about the importance of showing up for yourself, even when the world isn’t clapping for you yet. Written and Directed by MICHAEL GLOVER SMITH and co-written by Elizabeth Stam, HEKLA stars Elizabeth Stam, Wendy Robie, Mary Tilden, Brookelyn Hebert, and Sadieh Rifai. And let me put these folks on your artisans' radar right now because their work in HEKLA is beyond outstanding - cinematographer Jose Perez, editor Eric Marsh, production designer Heather Kuhlmann, and composer Trev Gibb. These magicians give HEKLA the visual textures and excitement that it has. In this exclusive interview, Michael and I break down HEKLA and all of its production elements. There’s much to see and much to unpack with this film, starting with its unique structure of five acts, each with distinct titles and styles, inspired by both classic cinema and personal experiences with casting. The film follows a day in the life of HEKLA, an actress navigating multiple auditions, with each act able to stand alone as a short film. Michael collaborated closely with lead actress Elizabeth Stam, who co-wrote the script, and credits the film’s visual impact to cinematographer Jose Perez and production designer Heather Kuhlmann. The movie uses mostly black-and-white visuals with bursts of vibrant color to reflect HEKLA’s inner world, drawing inspiration from classic Hollywood and the French New Wave. Editing by Eric Marsh and a pre-recorded, dreamlike score by Trev Gibb further enhance the film’s tone. The interview also touches on the film’s open, ambiguous ending and the collaborative, fast-paced production process. Shifting gears, and I do mean shifting, we move into a medical legal tale told from a very unique perspective - that of the medical expert. THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG is inspired by a true story involving writer/director DOUG BREMNER. In addition to being a filmmaker, Doug is also a professor of psychiatry and a medical researcher. He did brain imaging research on the effects of an acne medication, isotretinoin (Accutane), on the brain, and as a result became an expert witness in multi-district litigation related to depression and suicide in teenagers who had taken the drug. The research was funded by private donations from affected families. THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG is a fictionalized story with elements of truth. In reality, the plaintiffs settled with the drug manufacturer, and part of the settlement was a confidentiality clause that precluded them from talking about the settlement. In the film, we meet Amanda Bellaconda, a mother grieving the death of her son as the result of suicide, who seeks the help of Dr Jack Forteo to understand why teenagers are suddenly taking their own lives after taking a medication for acne. Carinaderm (the fictional drug in the film) is the goose that keeps laying golden eggs, an acne medication bringing in a billion dollars a year for the Renzon Pharmaceutical Company. When Dr. Forteo sees a potentially lethal side effect of their blockbuster acne pill, Renzon doesn’t hesitate to pull out the stops with personal attacks and accusations of fraud, bringing Forteo’s marriage and career to the brink of destruction. With nothing left to lose, Forteo goes on a journey to revisit a tragedy from his own past. When he unearths painful secrets and deceptions that parallel those he has discovered in the pharmaceutical company, his voyage of self-discovery gives him the strength to resume his struggle, leading to the ultimate conclusion. THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG is written and directed by DOUG BREMNER and stars Andy Evans as expert witness Dr. Jack Forteo, David de Vries, Hannah Fierman, Shaan Sharma, Caroline Avery Granger, and Nisey Woods. In this exclusive conversation with writer/director DOUG BREMNER discussing THE GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG, we start with the film’s very unique perspective - that of an ...
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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • BTL Radio Show - 06/15/2026 with special guest director JAY SILVERMAN discussing YALE

    BTL Radio Show - 06/15/2026 with special guest director JAY SILVERMAN discussing YALE
    Jun 15 2026
    Last week was all about Tribeca Film Festival and some wonderful animated short films that had their premieres there. This week it’s all about Dances With Films, which starts this week on June 18 and runs through June 28 at the TCL Chinese Theatre complex in Hollywood. And there are some great films for you to look forward to seeing, starting with the opening night film - the world premiere of YALE from director JAY SILVERMAN. I love this film! YALE is based on a true story about screenwriter Van Billet’s maternal grandfather. When he first learned about his family lore as a young teen, he couldn’t believe it was true and knew he had to write about it. YALE is directed by Jay Silverman and written by Van Billet and stars Kevin Dunn, Caitlin McGee, Kathleen Gati, Rachael Harris, Dominic Leeder, Nene Nwoko, and Benjamin Mackey. Abandoned by her beloved father, Yale Parker, when she was nine, Mackenzie (MAC) Mitchell’s adult life has been consumed with alcohol and run-ins with the law, causing a deep rift with her son, Ryan, 12. When Ryan needs an emergency kidney transplant, his only chance at survival might be the last person Mac wants to ask for help — her father, whom she hasn’t seen for thirty years. Their reunion is complicated when Yale reveals a jaw-dropping secret that he has eight other families that he kept hidden from her all her life…and one of them might be a match to save her son. As this odd couple set off on an epic road trip to track down her half-siblings, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, ultimately both learning that ‘genes’ run deep. I spoke with director JAY SILVERMAN the other day about YALE. This is our fourth interview together chatting about his films. He is always a joy and is so generous of spirit. And he loves storytelling and making movies. I will always have time for Jay and his films. Setting YALE head and shoulders above the crowd starts with Kevin Dunn, who plays Yale Parker. When was the last time you got to see Kevin Dunn - a cinematic and television institution - with a leading role where he got to showcase drama, comedy, and lots and lots of heart? Beyond the heartfelt script, Kevin is one of the main reasons that make Yale so special. As you’re about to hear in this exclusive interview with Jay, and forgive the roundaboutness of our conversation as we kind of hit everything backwards and sideways, we cover all the aspects and elements of YALE. We start by chatting about Kathleen Gati, who plays Bunny, an ex-stripper and current wife of Yale. Being a die-hard Kathleen Gati fan thanks to her years on “General Hospital”, knowing that she was in the cast was one of the reasons I was excited for YALE, as I know what she brings to the table. And for all you GH fans and Kathleen Gati fans, do not look to see Mutter, aka Dr. Liesl Obrecht, anywhere in Bunny. This is another side to Kathleen’s talents that she delights us with as she brings her unique qualities to YALE, including her versatility and comedic talent. And I’ll be honest with you. Normally, I don’t excise any part of my conversations with talent unless it’s something off the record or very personal and not to be shared, but I did trim this interview and cut out about 7 minutes of Jay and me discussing “General Hospital.” Seriously. As we dove into YALE, Jay shared insights into the casting process, noting that both Kathleen and Rachael Harris (another winner in my book who I will see in anything), though in smaller roles, are crucial to the film's impact. As we moved into discussion on Kevin Dunn, who plays Yale Parker (also known as Hymie Hymowitz), Jay explained that the story, written by Van Billet, attracted Kevin because of its complexity and blend of comedy and drama, rooted in real-life experiences. We also discussed the challenge and reward of working with child actors, specifically Benjamin Mackey, who plays Ryan, and how his authentic, non-precocious performance adds depth to the film. The casting process was further detailed, with Jay explaining how Kevin was cast only two months before filming, and how the chemistry between the actors led to the addition of new scenes. And how about Caitlin McGee as Yale’s daughter Mac? The dynamic between Kevin and Caitlin McGee is fantastic. It is the father-daughter relationship you didn’t know you needed! And then there’s the comedic chemistry between Nene Nwoko as Dr. Ekubo and Kevin, which just soars. And of course, Dominic Leeder as Ryan’s father and Mac’s ex-husband Josh, does plenty of emotional heavy-lifting and has some very touching scenes with Benjamin Mackey. Jay emphasizes the organic approach to diversity in the overall casting and the importance of genuine on-screen relationships. When it comes to the technical aspects of the film, Jay is once again working with cinematographer Andrew Jeric. Jay and Andrew opted for a ...
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    1 hr and 1 min
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