One of my favourite Podcasts to listen to is called Films to be Buried With in which artists, actors & musicians are asked film-related questions that tell the story of their life. It really is fascinating stuff, and that in part is down to the host Brett Goldstein. Obviously, the answers are more in-depth on the podcast and there is back and forth between guest and host…but I thought I’d give it a go myself. So sit back, relax and when you’ve finished reading mine, head on over to your favourite Podcast provider and give the real deal a listen to here.

What was the first ever film you saw?

My mum always told me she took me to see The Care Bears Movie when I was tiny…but I fell asleep during it apparently, and I certainly don’t remember seeing it (I would have been 2 years old) But what I do remember vividly (back when Dewsbury had a cinema) was going to see The Little Mermaid and Indian Jones. Based on the dates they where released, it would have been Indiana Jones. Though I definitely enjoy The Little Mermaid more, which says a lot about me.

What was the film that scared you the most?

Now, like most of these questions I think you have to take the time and your age into consideration (when answering them) I was 16 when The Blair Witch Project came out and I remember telling my dad that (I read in The Daily Mirror) audiences in America where running out of the cinema absolutely terrified because they didn’t know if it was real or not, and it was scary as hell. Guess what? it WAS scary as hell! That last scene (again, 16/17 years old) where he’s just stood against a wall and then she drops and the camera drops and continues to roll, and you STILL don’t know if it’s real or not. Terrifying!

What was the film that made you cry the most?

There is a long list of films for this (I’m not shy when it comes to expressing myself) but Inside Out just kills me. I don’t want my babies to grow up. I don’t want these magical days to end. It’s so beautiful and so sad…and it’s inevitable. Brilliant storytelling & a legitimate classic in my books.

What film is TERRIBLE but you love it?

Easy…Freddy Got Fingered! 18 years later and I STILL quote it! ‘got my fingers crossed! Hope I get a jobby’. It’s SO dumb and Tom Green is at his height of ridiculous, it’s just amazing. Even now in 2019. Well, at least I think so.

What is the film you once loved but watching it now you realise it’s terrible?

Another easy one (& ironically features Tom Green again!) Road Trip. I literally watched it at the end of last year and it’s just awful! It would not be made in 2019 that’s for sure! (Sexism being the key crime) it’s creepy, it’s not funny, it’s just awful.

What is the film that means the most to you? Not because of the film it’s self, but because of the memories, you have of it.

Tough one this, because a lot of my happy memories have been shattered. My wife and I had a Labyrinth ‘themed’ wedding as we are both huge Bowie fans (& that film is easily top 3 of all time) but sadly, we are no longer together.

What is the sexiest film?

Again, super easy because I was the perfect target audience at the time…American Pie 2. That lesbian scene…say no more! What’s interesting is, that film still holds up. I know I berated Road Trip for being sexist and dumb, but the writing & characters in this are way better written. It also plays both ways; if you remember the scene in question you’ll remember that the boys have to show that they are willing too, and in the end, Stifler becomes comfortable with his own sexuality. So as dumb and as sexist as it seems, it actually delving feeling into the characters (especially the men) & getting them to open up & question love, life and sexuality.

Which film do you most relate to?

Into the wild. It’s based on a true story in which Christopher McCandles just wants to escape the stress & BS of life. He wants to live off the grid, and just live alone in the middle of nowhere. It’s SUCH a good film, and the fact that it’s true (ending with an actual photo of him before he died) blows my mind. I suffer with anxiety and depression & intrusive thoughts, I know exactly what it feels like to want to disappear. If you haven’t seen it, go do so now. You won’t be disappointed.

Which film is objectively the greatest ever?

I think I’d say Shawshank Redemption. The story, characters, the vibe of the film…everything about it is just perfect. I’ve never met a single person who thinks it’s a crap film. Can’t say more than that really because I can’t think of anyone under the age of 20 who hasn’t seen it. It’s a masterpiece (especially when he is escaping to the ‘sound’ of thunder and lighting) a visually stunning film too.

Which film is the one you’ve watched the most?

Another easy one…Labyrinth. It was my childhood, my wedding was based on it and even Layla (my 6-year-old daughter) loves it. Never get tired of watching it or singing along. Most definitely the most watched by a country mile.

What’s the worst film you’ve ever seen?

A friend and I went to see the 2011 midnight release of Conan the Barbarian…dear lord almighty. Awful. What a letdown. There’s really not much else to say other than its well and truly forgettable.

(Finally) What is the film that’s literally made you laugh out loud the most?

It was a toss-up between Jackass and Bruno…but I have to give it to the latter. When he jumped out of the window after being whipped by a dominatrix…honest to god, I couldn’t breathe! It makes me laugh just thinking about it! So much cringe and shock. Amazing.

Massive props to Brett for creating such a wonderful show. Please go check it out for yourself, and maybe give some o your own answers in the comments.

Jo