This week’s episode is a two-parter. Part 1: Writer-director Richard Shepard is certainly NOT the kind of director that insists upon himself. He rejects the idea of being labeled an auteur and chooses the path of the journeyman — splitting his time between directing for television, while quietly chipping away at a filmography that is no more insistent than he is. Are you a fan of GIRLS, UGLY BETTY or HANDMAIDEN’S TALE? Then you’ve seen Richard’s work! Do you have a history of stalking around arthouse movie theaters since the halcyon indie-cinema days of the ‘90s? Then you’ve DEFINITELY seen Richard’s work: THE MATADOR, DOM HEMINGWAY, THE LINGUINI INCIDENT, THE PERFECTION. Do you have a weakness for essayistic documentaries about the equally halcyonic cinema of the ‘70s? Then you LOVE Richard’s work. His seminal documentary on John Cazale (I KNEW IT WAS YOU: REDISCOVERING JOHN CAZALE) is a must for anyone wanting to know more about the late-great character actor. But if you want to know anything at all about Richard Shepard — look no further than Richard’s wonderful recent essay film, now showing on HBOMax: FILM GEEK. But first listen to our conversation with him, he’s got a great David Bowie story for you. Part 2: 2025 Was a really great year for movies, if not the movie business. Grab a pencil and take notes as Scott, Ben and Richard discuss their favorite films of the past year. It’s an informal What’s The Best that will give you some great ideas about what you’re watching next. Also, Gabe coughs a lot and sometimes uses the mute button.