Talking Pictures

From Turner Classic Movies and Max, Talking Pictures is a podcast about movies, memories, and all the life that happens in between. Join host Ben Mankiewicz as he sits down with some of Hollywood’s most influential actors and filmmakers to discuss the movies that inspired them, touched them, and made them laugh. They swap stories, jokes, surprising moments, and endless movie recommendations then watch some of those very same films on the streaming service Max.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • Loganbestboy
    We cannot get enough
    Love them all. Relaxing conversation about movies and people who love them.
  • Tammy MSW
    Thank you
    I had a terrible day at work yesterday where I was questioning my worth as a person. Today I listened to Bill Hader's episode and remembered that film is not just my way of escaping life stress, but a beautiful pursuit of humanity and a worthy art form that expands our understanding of life and why we are here. I am so grateful for this podcast and its plethora of resources to find purpose and meaning. I can now stop doom scrolling and instead start watching the endless films and shows that add value to our existence. Starting with Barry.
  • Kyyolie
    Love It
    I love everything that Ben does! This is so good and the “Super 8” is always amazing and informing!! What are Ben’s Super 8?
  • hornGuy
    Simple, complex, short, long, a mix of content and reactions
    Had to update because the format went off track. Was enjoying the initial lineup of directors, but then it veered off into actors and sports celebrities. We’ve got plenty of celebrity podcasts already - get back to what makes you unique Ben and TBS. Directors and Producers with industry experience and insight please.
  • %}*%*+
    Ben & Barkley Episode
    I literally couldn’t stop listening to this interview. I usually listen to “Talking Pictures” while I walk the dog. This walk didn’t turn out well for the dog, she was exhausted because these guys were such a hoot to listen to and I just kept walking! Love this podcast cause I love movies.
  • projectgirl
    I had been enjoying it
    Perhaps it is hard to find A List directors to interview. The show is now basically a chat show of random celebrities instead of the original intent of interviewing directors.
  • Merrimack-Kid
    Number 1 Podcast
    This podcast hits everything. It’s the perfect average length. It’s got a great great host. It’s interesting, informative and fun. Nobody is more knowledgable about movies and actors than Ben. And it seems I go to TCM or MAX after each episode and watch something that was mentioned. Please keep this podcast going forever because there is so many more people and movies to talk to and about.
  • Allan247
    Wonderful discussions… any movie fan should listen
    Love this podcast: the host has and extremely conversational tone with the guests, and you hear how the actor (or director, producer) prepared for a role/movie, and a “their side of the story” discussion. I agree with a former commenter: I wish there were more episodes each season. (I DO appreciate that all the movies discussed are listed in the show notes.)
  • Kruegs303
    Great podcast for any film lover!
    The only issue I have is I wish there were more episodes per season and that they were longer
  • emaildaniels
    fine Film pod
    mank is great as always,,Enjoy hearing film makers discuss film, great guests, Mario Cantone, he is too,loud, doesn't understand how a mic works and is not funny. that episode should be left on the cutting room floor. Ben is a fantastic interviewer, excellent guests my favorite film pod.
  • AnxiousJenny
    Highly Recommended
    Fascinating podcast. Ben is a great host. I love the Super 8 questions. I look forward to a new episode every week.
  • Valerie’s gallery
    Bill Murray
    Loved this so very much! Thank you. Your voice is very comforting in every episode.
  • MargaRiter
    Such a fun listen!
    Your choices for subjects and the combined love of movies make all these conversations so enjoyable! Every episode has been a joy and the Reitman was above and beyond!!! Thank you, thank you!
  • Janet2552
    Love it!
    So interesting. So fun. Great conversations.
  • fada1000
    BEN!
    I never get tired of Mr Mankiewicz talking about films, actors, film making. I love this podcast so much, I never want them to end. Thank You
  • QueensYankeeGal
    Absolute Favorite New Podcast
    As a self taught film nerd and longtime TCM fan I love this new addition! The guests are great and Ben does a fantastic job as always. The interviews are fun, informative and I learn a lot.
  • Ginny Violet
    This podcast rocks!
    There are so many bad interview podcasts out there. This one is fab! Ben is a terrific, seasoned host who knows how to draw out interesting stories and insights that keep me coming back. Grab a cup of tea and get ready to be entertained!
  • a2e2p2a
    Magnificence!
    Diggin’ every episode - man, where’ve I been? Would like to hear him interview more people of color, but overall, this is my new can’t-wait podcast.
  • Swage me ts
    Delightful, thoughtful
    Thank you so much for these wonderful conversations. Movies mean so much to me but it is rare to hear people speak about them with this much knowledge and context.
  • Film1980
    Joyful!
    Thank you Ben for bringing these insightful conversations to TCM fans. It is SO fun listening to current Hollywood actors like Margot Robbie discuss their love for old film. I am excited to see where this podcast takes us next.
  • RomComFreak
    Super 8 Super Host
    This is a podcast worth returning to week after week, guest after guest, and guided by the impressive but relatable host Ben Mankowitz. Every time Ben asks the Super 8, my own answers change. New films pop into my mind and I realize how powerful cinema truly is. I also love when a guest answers with one of my own favorites. That always feels like I’m connecting with a new friend. And yes, Ben, absolutely every year, I watch “Out of Sight” and I cannot understand people who don’t love it as much as we do. Keep the goods coming!
  • vesp11
    Fun
    Two thumbs up!
  • ivyeva5
    Love it!
    I enjoy these conversations and learn so much….especially re: the movies I MUST see. Ready for more!! ❤️
  • ltd252
    I love Ben!!!!
    Really enjoy this podcast.
  • rossrobb
    Instant Favorite
    Ben Mankiewicz is surely one of the best interviewers in all of broadcasting. Asking interesting questions and getting out of the way to let the interviewee answer them. Sadly it's been weeks since an episode has dropped and I am in mourning. Please Ben come back.
  • Irish julio
    Fantastic interview with Mario Cantone
    I love the series, but the interview with Mario Cantone at the film festival was fantastic. Ben and Mario are so funny with each other. Marios life story and his career story are also interesting to hear. Funny and heartwarming. His impressions are hysterical and it was just a great interview.
  • Doxma33
    What I’ve been waiting for
    A podcast about movies by someone who actually knows what he’s talking about and has style and a great speaking voice besides. The episode with Bill Hader is revelatory. Can’t wait for next season!
  • Htrostle
    Great show with a great host
    Ben Mankiewicz is SO GOOD at this! The guests are all great and share wonderful insights and that’s wonderful but gosh he is such a good host and interviewer for this format, comfortable and casual while asking in-depth and well-researched questions. Great listen.
  • Christie Cinephile
    Excellent concept
    Thank you so much for making this podcast. The concept is fantastic and very conversational and poignant. I loved all the interviews and episodes this year. Mario Cantone is a treasure. It was very obvious he and Ben are dear friends and they had great chemistry. Can’t wait for Season Two! Well done, TCM!
  • words+pix
    My kinda podcast
    So good. Great guests, intelligent and funny discussions.
  • splme2
    Re Damien Chazelle episode
    Haven’t listened to every episode yet. As a TCM and Ben fan of course I will. But I love First Man so much (and Hurwitz’s score makes me cry every time) and they didn’t even talk about it. Ouch
  • Lemon oil 426
    more please
    Can’t get enough!
  • FrankTampa
    Awesome!
    What a fun podcast. Movie lovers of all eras will enjoy this podcast and smile the whole time.
  • InnerRevolution7
    This is great!
    We need more episodes now! :)
  • what about Tiff
    Keep these movies alive!
    Not your usual interview session. It’s fun to hear what movies struck them and why. I also enjoy the subject matter is someone who isn’t for front but know movies inside and out. They are part of these huge movies and it’s nice to meet them. Always good to hear Ben!!
  • ZWAlice
    Illuminating Podcast
    I’ve listened to four of these so far and there hasn’t been one yet that I haven’t learned something about that individual or their films that I hadn’t known before. There’s something almost Zen like about the format, Ben has a way of making his guests feel so comfortable that the experience is a relaxing one for me as a listener. There is much to outright love in the series, the thoughtful questions, Ben allowing the guests to simply talk, the Super 8 and listing below all the films discussed in the podcast episode. If I have one big complaint it’s the limited time for each guest, if possible I’d love some “Part 2” segments, for guests like Alexander Payne or Steven Soderbergh it’s hard to even scratch the surface of all the films they’ve directed in an hour. If the guest is willing to sit for a longer interview please allow them to and give us the delight of spending more time learning about their craft and artistic decisions making films. Given how unforgivingly short the one with Mel Brooks podcast was we definitely need a Part 2 please!
  • GameSetMatch4Fed
    So good!! 😊
    I love this podcast so much!! I could listen to Ben all day long. So much interesting information.
  • Mckaeighla 💕✨
    Absolute favorite podcast
    Learning about the journeys of these artists is a welcomed respite from the news of the day. I’m addicted to this podcast.
  • Birk Shmilby
    Great!
    Haven’t even begun to listen and I am already prepared to say I love this show. As a host on TCM, Mr Mankiewicz has introduced me to more great movies than I can remember and I’ve always enjoyed his insights and humor. One of the best to talk movies! Ok, time to start listening.
  • AndyGettys
    Perfect combo for all film lovers
    Can’t express how much I love this podcast and look forward to it. Talking about new films and old films alike while also hearing about an artist’s memories of their film experience is a great blend. Perfect combo for all film lovers. Thank you Ben!!
  • Tank0610
    Wonderful!
    I absolutely love this series. It is so fun to hear these interviews and get a list of the movies to watch. My movie list is growing. Thank you TCM, MAX & Ben!
  • Stephen Hartwell
    Great Job !
    Fabulous show! Thanks Ben. You and Bill Hader episode was The Best!
  • agitjack
    more please
    some of the most inspiring and insightful conversations on film anywhere
  • Twopaperhearts
    5 Stars
    I absolutely love this show. I’m so happy it exists. Thank you Ben.
  • Buffalo Ed
    Best TCM Podcast Series
    Ben has presented some excellent TCM podcasts, but the Talking Pictures series is the best yet. Delving into a director’s career paths, their motivations, who influenced them, and what they enjoy or dislike about movies we see them as people and not just a name on a film’s credit. I know my wife and I come away from these podcasts wanting to explore more the films by the director as well other films they discuss with Ben. A very entertaining and enjoyable podcast series.
  • CiscoFran33
    Excellent
    Almost always interesting and revealing discussions.
  • misssally123
    More Errol Morris, please
    I have thoroughly enjoyed every episode of this podcast, but this one was my favorite. Such a fascinating man, great show, I only wish it was 6 hours long. ‘There is hope, just not for us.’ Brilliant. Nice job, Ben!
  • iliketolaugh54321
    10/10
    Just listened to the Damien Chazelle episode and thought it was a great introduction to the podcast for me. Will listen to previous episodes.
  • LBakula
    Love it already
    You had me at episode 1. Love it. My favorite podcast by far. Ben is a terrific interviewer! Very conversational.
  • Fadidden
    Movie heaven
    Ben has a wonderful facility with the guests that is only getting better with each episode. The seamless weaving of personal histories with the history of film makes this pod quite special.
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