The Gates Of Cimino

The Gates Of Cimino

The dive bar of cinema podcasts! Unscripted. All things movies. Each show is dedicated to an interesting backstory in the history of film. We'll be talking about films, actors, books on films, moments in film history, etc. So pull up a seat and join us! Warning: We spoil everything!

Episodes

June 27, 2025 37 mins

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Join filmmaker Mark Bessenger and me as we discuss one of the most audacious cult films of the 1970s—INSERTS (1975). From taboo topics to underground Hollywood grit, we’re peeling back the layers of this bold, bizarre time capsule. 

Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or just curious about the strange corners of film history, you won’t want to miss this! Join us for the ride.

Warning: Spoilers as always!  🎙️🎧 


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Step into the shadowy, surreal world of 1930s Hollywood! Join writer/producer Armando Chapman and me as we unpack John Schlesinger's haunting 1975 masterpiece, The Day of the Locust.

Warning: Spoilers abound!

Let's dive in. Lights, camera, chaos! 🎙️🎧



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May 15, 2025 67 mins

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Today, we're diving into a topic that satisfies both the stomach and the soul: food in film! From the sizzling tension of a well-prepared meal to the quiet intimacy of a shared dinner, food isn't just a prop—it’s a storytelling powerhouse!

So grab a snack, settle in, and join Joe, Ron and me as we explore how director's use flavor to craft unforgettable moments on screen.

 Join us!  🎙️🎧🥩🍤🍜

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April 18, 2025 37 mins

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Join me and my returning guest Mark Bessenger as we discuss his 1992 8mm classic NINJA ZOMBIE! One of the most fun times you'll have watching a movie. We also discuss other 8mm films of the era.

 Join us!  🎙️🎧  

Rent Ninja Zombie here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42zFK4-dyc4

Mark's Alamo Drafthouse Q&A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFVW546JriI

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March 21, 2025 40 mins

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Welcome to today's episode, where I'm joined by Joe Trabucco to unpack one of true crime's most underwhelming efforts—Chaos: The Manson Murders. Despite being helmed by the legendary Errol Morris, this documentary feels like an experiment in not trying. We'll share our thoughts on the film's shortcomings, revisit the infamous Helter Skelter saga, and dive deep into the chaos surrounding th...

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March 9, 2025 67 mins

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Join actor and writer Vince Cusimano and me as we pay tribute to one of the greatest actors and icons of 20th-century Hollywood, Gene Hackman! We'll delve into his illustrious career, discussing his most memorable roles, his unique acting style, and the impact he has had on the film industry. From his early days in Hollywood to his Academy Award-winning performances, we celebrate the legacy of a true cinemati...

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February 25, 2025 39 mins

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The title says it all. Join me and writer/producer Armando Chapman as we go over this year's nominee list!

Date and Venue: The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Host: Conan O'Brien will be hosting the Oscars for the first time.

Top-Nominated Films: "Emilia Pérez" leads with 13 nominations, followed by "The Brutalist" and &quo...

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February 13, 2025 69 mins

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Join actor/writer Vince Cusimano and me as we talk about the greatest sequel in movie history, The Godfather Part II.  🎙️🎬 

We compare the themes and the characters to the original.  Vince will also share his intriguing insights into "The Fredo Theory," shedding light on one of the most complex characters in the saga. 

This episode promises to offer fresh perspectives and a lively discussion!

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January 22, 2025 37 mins

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Join writer/producer Armando Chapman and me as we discuss the new Sean Baker film, ANORA.

In this episode, we share our thoughts on the film and discuss the impact it has on the cinematic landscape of 2024.

Join us!  🎥✨🎙️

WARNING: Slight spoilers ahead.

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Find me on X (Twitter) and Instagram @vitophone or thegatesofcimino.com

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January 9, 2025 76 mins

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Join actor/writer Vince Cusimano and me as we journey back over 40 years to 1984! We discuss our favorite films of the year as well as draw comparisons to 2024.

We continue with our breakdown of the decade that is the 1980s on TGOC

Sorry to any film we forgot. We only had an hour!

Warning: spoilers as always. Join us!

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December 20, 2024 36 mins

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Join filmmaker/actor Chris Staviski and me (along with Elvis and JFK) as we delve into Don Coscarelli's 2002 classic BUBBA HO-TEP!

We discuss the short story written by Joe R. Lansdale to Brian Tyler's music. Not to mention the unbelievable cast lead by Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis.

Come join us at the retirement home!

WARNING: Spoilers as always!

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Join me and writer/producer Armando Chapman as we talk about the opening number of the 61st Annual Academy Awards produced by Allan Carr.

Keep the Cameras Rolling performed by Rob Lowe and Snow White (Eileen Bowman) will go down as one of the most notorious opening sequences performed at the Oscars.

Come to the Ambassador Hotel and join us at the Cocoanut Grove!

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November 15, 2024 19 mins

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Join me today as I talk about the life and tragic end of one of the most iconic child stars - Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer.

I go into his early days with Hal Roach, and his untimely death over a dog and $50. A sad end to an eventual Hollywood legend.  

Give it a listen!

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October 22, 2024 37 mins

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Join writer/producer Armando Chapman and me as we discuss Francis Ford Coppola's new film MEGALOPOLIS!

Find out why I loved the film and why Armando didn't as we talk through our separate theater experiences.

Join us! We don't spoil it too bad!

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Find me on X (Twitter) and Instagram @vitophone or thegatesofcimino.com

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October 11, 2024 29 mins

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Join director/cinematographer Craig Railsback and me as we discuss the new film The Substance starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.

We talk about our experience at the Los Angeles premiere at the DGA Theater and the crazy experience of the movie itself. Join us!

This time no spoilers!!


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October 2, 2024 67 mins

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Since Los Angeles has been shaking a lot lately...

We stay current with the times as actor/writer Vince Cusimano and me delve into Charlton Heston and one of the all-time great disaster films - EARTHQUAKE!

Warning: Spoilers as always!

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Find me on X (Twitter) and Instagram @vitophone or thegatesofcimino.com

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This episode bro...

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September 11, 2024 72 mins

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Join me along with Ron Meyers and Joe Trabucco as we delve into the cinematic wonderland known as 1987.

We go through the great and the not so great films of one of the biggest years in the history of Hollywood. At least if you're an 80s kid!

Note: We refer to the top grossing films worldwide, not domestic. Also we discuss the Oscars that took place in 1988, but honoring the '87 films.<...

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August 22, 2024 36 mins

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Join writer/producer Armando Chapman and me as we journey back to Rust! 

Hear our thoughts as we go through the case and its conclusion which sent one person to jail and another free.

Join us!


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Find me on X (Twitter) and Instagram @vitophone or thegatesofcimino.com

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This episode brought to you by Vitophone.

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One of Los Angeles' most iconic theaters... that you probably have never been to. Join writer/producer Armando Chapman and me as we discuss the infamous Silent Movie Theater on Fairfax.

We dive into the history of the theater from its humble beginning to the murder of Lawrence Austin to the sexual harassment case that ended an era.

Join us!!

Note: I refer to the documentary Palace o...

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July 24, 2024 62 mins

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Some of Hollywood's biggest stars...

Join actor/writer Vince Cusimano and me as we go through the history of Hollywood's great big funny people!

We discuss everyone from Roscoe Arbuckle to Chris Farley so grab something sweet to eat and join us!


Support the show

Find me on X (Twitter) and Instagram @vitophone or thegatesofcimino.com

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