Truth vs Hollywood

Truth vs Hollywood

Truth vs Hollywood is a critical look at the real story behind popular films that are Based on a True Story. From the tragedy of Munich to the fun of Goodfellas, our film-loving hosts David Chen and Joanna Robinson will explore the films as well as What Really Happened. Aided by interviews with writers, journalists, and the people who were really there. In exploring the true story and how it was portrayed in the film, Truth vs Hollywood examines the larger theme of film vs real life.

Episodes

12: American Gangster, Part 2

August 28, 2020 • 44 mins
In the conclusion of American Gangster, Frank and Richie finally meet and join forces. Joanna and Dave talk about the fun of gangster movies’ obtuse language, Ruby Dee being awesome, and the FBI trying to sue this film for some reason. Plus, where are they now! 

This episode is sponsored by:
Pretty Litter (Code: TVH)

Tr...
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11: American Gangster, Part 1

August 21, 2020 • 50 mins
Dave and Joanna talk about this fast-paced but very long film with so many cameos but maybe too many characters. Denzel gives a stellar performance as real-life gangster Frank Louis, but how much is real is up for debate . . . after all, gangsters aren’t known for being entirely truthful. 

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10: Munich, Part 2

August 14, 2020 • 44 mins
In the second part of the Munich discussion, Dave and Joanna talk about the strange arc this story takes and the theme of going home after changing. Plus we’ll hear what really happened in the assassination attempts of Ali Hassan Salameh, and yes, we’ll talk about that weird scene at the end of the film.

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Introducing: Even the Rich

August 12, 2020 • 6 mins
Wondery’s Even the Rich gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the stories of some of the greatest family dynasties in history. This season, three siblings — Gianni, Donatella, and Santo Versace — built one of the greatest fashion labels the world has ever seen. But when Gianni is murdered on the front steps of his Miami Beach mansion, the label loses its visionary. Can the House of Versace survive?

On this four-episo...
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9: Munich, Part 1

August 7, 2020 • 66 mins
Dave and Joanna talk about Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed and controversial film Munich, starring none other than Eric Bana for some reason. How many people does it really take to do a years-long intelligence operation? Is six enough? Why are there still no women in this film? Plus we hear from journalists and athletes about what really happened at the Munich Olympic village and why so many things went wrong. 

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8: Argo, Part 2

July 31, 2020 • 42 mins
It’s part 2 of the Argo discussion. Dave and Joanna discuss Ben Affleck’s performance, plot points that lead to nowhere, and the importance of pocket litter; and we’ll hear from some of the six diplomats about what actually happened during the big airport scene. And no film would be complete without a “Where are they now” segment! 

This episode is sponsored by:
Pretty Litter (Code: TVH)
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7: Argo, Part 1

July 24, 2020 • 52 mins
Joanna and Dave talk about Ben Affleck’s somewhat goofy take on a heavy and complicated political situation that led to almost 90 people being held hostage for over a year. They’ll talk about the heavy Canadian criticism of this movie, the weirdness of 1970s Hollywoodland, and hear from some of the six diplomats who were saved on what exactly they did for three months holed up in a mansion.

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6: Zodiac, Part 2

July 17, 2020 • 46 mins
As the characters in Zodiac follow one specific lead, Joanna and Dave tell us about many of the other leads in this case, famous houseboats, more lack of female characters, more cipher trouble, and of course, what actually happened to everyone after the events of the film?

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Truth vs Hollywood’s ...
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5: Zodiac, Part 1

July 10, 2020 • 53 mins
Dave and Joanna discuss the much-loved but Oscar-snubbed film Zodiac, based on the book by Robert Graysmith/Jake Gyllenhaal. What characters actually never met in real life? What clues to the Zodiac did the cops make up in the film? And Joanna brings her California expertise about basements.

This episode is sponsored by:
Mint Mobile

Truth vs Hollywood’s theme is “Temples” by Six Umbrellas. Music in this...
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4: The Social Network, Part 2

July 3, 2020 • 53 mins
The second half of The Social Network has a lot of surprises, including lighting scarves on fire, the strange depiction of a Napster co-founder, and cannibal chickens. Plus a look at where Facebook went between the film and now - it's social media for your parents to post weird things on.

Truth vs Hollywood’s theme is “Temples” by Six Umbrellas. Music in this episode is “Under Suspicion," by Lee Rosevere; and “Thinki...
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3: The Social Network, Part 1

June 26, 2020 • 52 mins
Dave and Joanna talk about The Social Network, with its jarring Aaron Sorkin dialogue known for being clever but inaccruate. We'll hear from journalsits who have a softer take on Zuckerberg's motivations, a harsher take on how important the Winkelvoss twins actually were, and hear about Facebook's OTHER founders. Also, are there any women in this movie at all? 

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2: Goodfellas, Part 2

June 19, 2020 • 55 mins
Hit jobs, heists, and strange music choices galore! In this second part of the Goodfellas discussion, David Chen and Joanna Robison talk about the film’s time trip through fashion, the best trip to prison ever, and we hear what happened to the real Henry Hill after the film ends.  

This episode is sponsored by:
Care/Of (Code: TVH50)

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1: Goodfellas, Part 1

June 12, 2020 • 42 mins
Welcome to Truth vs Hollywood! In the inaugural episode, David Chen and Joanna Robison start a deep dive into Scorsese's Goodfellas, based on the life of gangster Henry Hill. Hear from experts about the cut heist scenes, real-life Karen's background, and the accuracy of Joe Pesci's portrayal of Tommy De Simone. 

This episode is sponsored by:
Mint Mobile

Truth vs H...
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1: Introducing Truth vs Hollywood

April 27, 2020 • 1 min
David Chen and Joanna Robinson are the hosts of brand new show Truth vs Hollywood. Launching June 12th, Truth vs Hollywood will take a critical look at the real story behind popular films that are Based on a True Story. From the tragedy of Munich to the fun of Goodfellas, our film-loving hosts will explore the films as well as What Really Happened. Aided by interviews with writers, journalists, and the people who were really t...
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