Left of the Projector

Two Verhoeven in a row! This week we are joined by Lily Eagla to discuss Verhoeven's notorious cult classic "Showgirls," a movie that stalled the career of Saved By The Bell alum Elizabeth Berkley before going on to be recognized as an important piece of satire ahead of its time. We discuss the uncompromising examination of Las Vegas, the way in which it represents the predatory and exploitative nature of the capitalist system, the dehumanization of sex workers, and try to understand the nature of the film's failure when it was released and why it has gone on to become an important piece of cultural criticism.
Guest Links
Lily on Instagram
Lily on Tiktok
Lily on Youtube
Lily on Substack
Left of the Projector Links
Official Website
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Left of the Projector on Patreon
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Host Links
Evan's Letterboxd
Bill's Instagram
Bill's Letterboxd
Ward's Instagram
Ward's Letterboxd

In episode two of The Projection Booth, Bill and Evan get the upcoming films for 2026, what's most and least anticipated (spoiler, we don't care about the MCU). We also break down the impact of reality TV and the absolute failure of media literacy (nope, no ever said that before). Check it out!
Left of the Projector Links
Official Website
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Left of the Projector on Patreon
Left of the Projector on Threadless
Host Links
Evan's Letterboxd
Bill's Instagram
Bill's Letterboxd
Ward's Instagram
Ward's Letterboxd

This week we are joined by a true and original friend of the show, Farhad, to continue the exploration of the Paul Verhoeven action satire trilogy with 1990's "Total Recall". Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Robby Cox, and Rachel Ticotin alongside others, this 90s classic adapts Phillip K. Dick's short story, "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale." We discuss Verhoeven's repeated misinterpretation by conservative viewers, the progressive levels of complexity his movies achieve, and the metaphorical power of overcrowded aquariums.
Left of the Projector Links
Official Website
Left of the Projector on Letterboxd
Left of the Projector on Instagram
Left of the Projector on Patreon
Left of the Projector on Threadless
Host Links
Evan's Letterboxd
Bill's Instagram
Bill's Letterboxd
Ward's Instagram
Ward's Letterboxd

Here are the top ten films nominated for Best Picture. Oh, wait, there are only ten. Anyway, Bill and Evan are joined by Nathan to discuss our snubs, the ten nominees and some predictions.
Guest Links
https://www.instagram.com/schizophrenicreads/
https://schizophrenicreads.substack.com/
Left of the Projector Links
Official Website
Left of the Projector on Instagram
Left of the Projector on Patreon
Left of the Projector on Threadless
Host Links
Evan's Letterboxd
Bill's Instagram
Bill's Letterboxd
Ward's Instagram
Ward's Letterboxd

This week we cover Ari Aster's "Eddinton". Released in 2025 and starring Pedro Pascal, Joaquin Phoenix, Luke Grimes, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Deirdre O'Connel and Michael Ward, and set in Aster's hometown during 2020 at the height of COVID-19. We discuss how timing is everything, Phoenix might not be a great person in real life, and how this movie stands out as a director trying to say something without saying anything at all.
Guest Links
Left of the Projector Links
Official Website
Left of the Projector on Instagram
Left of the Projector on Patreon
Left of the Projector on Threadless
Host Links
Evan's Letterboxd
Bill's Instagram
Bill's Letterboxd
Ward's Instagram
Ward's Letterboxd