Podcasts from The Top Ten

Vicky Sayers is joined by film critic and broadcaster, James Cameron-Wilson, to discuss some of the greatest scenes in cinema history. They discuss the different ways in which these scenes have become so memorable; from ground-breaking use of camera techniques, to spectacular performances, and the use of specific pieces of music to accompany certain scenes. James also shares some more of his favourite film scenes that just missed the cut. In this episode: Battleship Potemkin (1925), King Kong (1933), Singin’ in the Rain (1952), North by Northwest (1959), Psycho (1960), Alien (1979), Chariots of Fire (1981), When Harry Met Sally (1989), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), La La Land (2016).

Vicky Sayers is joined by film critic and broadcaster, James Cameron-Wilson, to explore the complex world of the documentary film. James shares his top ten picks of what he feels is a neglected genre, offering them up as a challenge to anyone who might think of documentaries as “boring”. In this episode: Man With a Movie Camera (1929), Triumph of the Will (1935), Shoah (1985), Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), Man on Wire (2008), Senna (2010), Searching for Sugar Man (2012), Citizenfour (2014), They Shall Not Grow Old (2018), The Cave (2019).

Vicky Sayers is joined by film critic and broadcaster, James Cameron-Wilson, to discuss some of the most memorable male icons of cinema. They talk about unlikely heroes of the silver screen that have become household names, and explore a little of what their lives were like behind the camera – as well as why a lot of James’ choices come from the “Golden Age” of Hollywood. In this episode: Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Rudolph Valentino, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, John Wayne, James Stewart, Marlon Brando, Clint Eastwood, Tom Cruise.

Vicky Sayers is joined by film critic and broadcaster, James Cameron-Wilson, to talk about the most memorable female icons of the silver screen; and how the ever-changing nature of cinema has altered the way we view the Hollywood A-List. In this episode: Lillian Gish, Clara Bow, Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence.

Vicky Sayers is joined by film critic and broadcaster, James Cameron-Wilson, to discuss the best male filmmakers to date. In this episode: D.W. Griffith, Buster Keaton, Alfred Hitchock, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, Satyajit Ray, David Lean, Francois Truffaut, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro, Alejandro González Iñárritu.

Vicky Sayers is joined by film critic and broadcaster, James Cameron-Wilson, to discuss the best female filmmakers to date. In this episode, James chooses a grand total of 21 female directors: from Dorothy Arzner, the very first woman ever to direct a film with sound; to Kathryn Bigelow, the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Director in 2010. They also talk about why Hollywood still has a lot of work to do when it comes to providing equal opportunities to women behind the camera.

Vicky Sayers is joined by film critic and broadcaster, James Cameron-Wilson, to take a trip down memory lane as they discuss some of the most formative children’s films in cinematic history. In this episode: The Wizard of Oz (1939), Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Mary Poppins (1964), The Railway Children (1970), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), The Goonies (1985), Home Alone (1990), Babe (1995), Millions (2004).

Vicky Sayers is joined by film critic and broadcaster, James Cameron-Wilson, to talk all things quirky. They discuss what makes a “quirky” film, and Vicky reveals a particular favourite of hers. In this episode: O Lucky Man! (1973), How to Get Ahead in Advertising (1989), The Truman Show (1998), Being John Malkovich (1999), Raising Arizona (1987), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), Amélie (2001), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Stranger Than Fiction (2006), The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014).

Vicky Sayers is joined by film critic and broadcaster, James Cameron-Wilson, to discuss his favourites in the Biopic genre. They talk about the recent trend for Oscars going to Biopic actors and actresses, and discover an interesting trend in Australian actresses playing English monarchs – some on multiple occasions! In this episode: The Life of Emile Zola (1937), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Serpico (1973), Raging Bull (1980), Shine (1996), Elizabeth (1998), Erin Brockovich (2000), Lincoln (2012), I, Tonya (2017), Vice (2018).

Vicky Sayers is joined by film critic and broadcaster, James Cameron-Wilson, to discuss some of the most influential “Rom Com” films ever made. Plus, Vicky shares an unpopular opinion on Four Weddings and a Funeral, and some strong feelings about Tom Hanks. In this episode: It Happened One Night (1934), Bringing up Baby (1938), The Philadelphia Story (1940), The Apartment (1960), Annie Hall (1977), Gregory’s Girl (1981), When Harry Met Sally (1989), Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), There's Something About Mary (1998), Notting Hill (1999).