In 2002, a graphic novel about fathers and sons in Depression-era Chicago became Sam Mendes' haunting follow-up to American Beauty. Road to Perdition transformed Max Allan Collins' crime saga into a meditation on legacy, violence, and the impossible task of protecting your children from the world you've created - all while delivering one of cinema's most visually stunning tales of revenge.

We're exploring two intertwined stories behind this masterpiece: First, the remarkable creative journey - from the source material to David Self's screenplay that captured the essence whilst reimagining the structure, to Mendes' decision to follow his Oscar-winning debut with a genre film that nobody expected. Second, we dive into the technical revolution that brought 1930s Chicago to life - Conrad L. Hall's final, Oscar-winning cinematography that painted every frame like an Edward Hopper illustration dipped in blood, Thomas Newman's melancholic score, and the production design that created a world both beautiful and brutal.

Through segments like The Director, The Cast, and The Crew, we examine how a story about a mob enforcer's one last job became a profound exploration of American mythology, the weight of legacy, and whether redemption is possible when your hands are stained with blood - proving that sometimes the most personal films emerge from the most unlikely genres, and that true artistry can transform pulp into poetry.

Telling the story of Hollywood, one movie at a time.

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Winner of eight Academy Awards including Best Picture, Miloš Forman's masterpiece tells the story of Mozart through the envious eyes of his rival Salieri. But how did a Czech director come to make a classic Viennese tale? And what's the real story behind "too many notes"?

Join John, Westy, and Matt as they dive deep into the making of a theatrical triumph turned cinematic classic. From Peter Shaffer adapting his own stage play to Tom Hulce's rock-and-roll approach to playing Mozart (yes, really), we explore how Forman transformed a Broadway hit into one of cinema's great achievements.

We uncover the fascinating production history, including the painstaking recreation of 18th-century Vienna, the decision to film in Prague during the Cold War, and which Hollywood legends (plus a Rolling Stone) were originally considered for the lead roles. Plus, discover how F. Murray Abraham's performance as Salieri became the perfect embodiment of jealousy and genius, and why this film makes you simultaneously want to compose a symphony and maybe poison your neighbour (we don't recommend the latter).

This is the story of how one of history's greatest composers became the subject of one of cinema's greatest films—told the way only All The Right Movies can tell it.

Telling the story of Hollywood, one movie at a time.

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On the latest episode of A Life In Movies, the movie interview podcast by All The Right Movies, we're talking to acclaimed novelist David Morrell.

David is the esteemed author of over 30 novels, short stories and comics, including the creation of pop culture icon John Rambo in his groundbreaking novel "First Blood". Originally an academic who taught American literature, David balanced his writing career with university life before becoming a full-time author.

Speaking to us from Santa Fe, David takes us behind the scenes on the incredible journey of First Blood from page to screen - a process that took years and went through multiple studios, with potential stars including Steve McQueen and Paul Newman before Sylvester Stallone ultimately brought Rambo to life. We discuss the differences between his novel and the film adaptation, his work on the novelizations for the sequels, and his experiences on set during the filming of Rambo III.

David also shares fascinating insights into his academic influences, particularly Joseph Campbell's "The Hero with a Thousand Faces", and how the Rambo phenomenon helped bring awareness to PTSD and the treatment of Vietnam veterans. A truly captivating conversation about one of cinema's most enduring action heroes.

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