What Went Wrong covers Hollywood’s most notoriously disastrous movie productions, digging into the behind-the-scenes insanity of everything from massive flops to record-breaking blockbusters. In each episode, hosts Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer dive into a new film to explore the mind-blowing (and sometimes numbing) reasons why making a movie is nearly impossible (especially a good one). Produced by David Boman.
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This is a rebroadcast episode of 'What Went Wrong' featuring James McAvoy discussing his directorial debut, 'California Schemin'.' The film tells the true story of two young Scottish rappers who reinvent themselves as Americans to escape ridicule and find success in the music industry. McAvoy joins hosts Chris and…
Worth it if you're interested in James McAvoy's directorial approach, the film 'California Schemin',' or want insider perspective on first-time directing from an established actor.
In this episode of 'What Went Wrong,' hosts Chris and Lizzie examine James Wan and Leigh Whannell's 2004 horror breakthrough 'Saw,' exploring how a low-budget indie project became an unexpected franchise juggernaut. The episode frames the film's creation as a case study in creative compromise and unintended success.…
Worth it if you're interested in how creative constraints and commercial success intersect, enjoy casual film discussion, or want to understand the origins of the 'Saw' franchise beyond the films themselves.
This episode of 'What Went Wrong' examines the life and death of Hollywood actress Lana Turner, focusing on her relationship with mobster Johnny Stompanato and the homicide that resulted from it. Host Lizzie is joined by guests Desi and Rachel from the podcast 'Hollywood Crime Scene' to explore Turner's rise from…
Worth it if you're interested in Old Hollywood scandals, true crime stories, or the darker side of celebrity culture in the mid-20th century.
In this episode of 'What Went Wrong,' hosts Chris and Lizzie examine Brian De Palma's 1976 adaptation of Stephen King's 'Carrie,' marking the film's 50th anniversary. The episode explores the production history and challenges behind bringing King's debut novel to the screen. Key topics include why the novel initially…
Worth it if you're interested in classic horror filmmaking, Stephen King adaptations, or Brian De Palma's directorial approach rather than thematic film analysis.
In this episode of "What Went Wrong," hosts Chris and Lizzie examine Paul W.S. Anderson's 2002 Resident Evil film, exploring how a movie widely regarded as flawed became a commercial success that revitalized Anderson's career, strengthened his relationship with Milla Jovovich (whom he later married), and boosted…
Worth it if you're interested in film adaptation failures, video game movies, or the personal drama behind Hollywood productions.
What Went Wrong examines the 1998 film 'Practical Magic,' which arrived with an impressive cast (Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman) but flopped at the box office and with critics—a particularly painful outcome for director Griffin Dunne, who invested personal demons into the project. Hosts Chris and Lizzie investigate the…
Worth it if you're a 'Practical Magic' fan, interested in how films find second lives, or enjoy detailed production stories and Hollywood anecdotes.
What Went Wrong's 'Witches! A Primer' is a 49-minute survey of witches across folklore, literature, and entertainment, hosted by Chris and Lizzie. The episode traces the evolution of witch depictions from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' through classic film ('The Wizard of Oz'), contemporary media ('Weapons'), and into modern…
Worth it if you want a casual, accessible overview of witch tropes in entertainment timed for Halloween season, but not if you're seeking rigorous analysis or surprising cultural criticism.
What Went Wrong examines Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, exploring the apparent paradox of why the master director followed his most expensive production with a low-budget black-and-white film adapted from a gritty novel that seemed incompatible with the Motion Picture Production Code. Hosts Chris and Lizzie investigate…
Worth it if you're a Psycho enthusiast, Hitchcock fan, or interested in how creative constraints drive innovation in filmmaking.
What Went Wrong brings in Andy Beckerman and Naomi Ekperigin from the Couples Therapy podcast to examine famous creative partnerships and rivalries that went spectacularly wrong in Hollywood. The episode promises to explore "chaotic creative partnerships and rivalries," with specific examples including Tom Cruise vs.…
Worth it if you enjoy celebrity feuds, relationship dynamics, and lighthearted pop-culture discussion with a therapeutic lens.
