Mocks and Docs

EPISODE 17: Mocks and Docs Neal dives into the delightful chaos of Waiting for Guffman, the cult classic mockumentary by Christopher Guest. He unpacks the absurdly earnest world of small-town community theater, introducing the eccentric Corky St. Clair, Blaine, Missouri’s quirkiest director. With heartfelt anecdotes and laugh-out-loud observations, Neal celebrates the improvised genius of the cast, from Parker Posey’s Dairy Queen dreamer to Fred Willard and Catherine O’Hara’s hilariously misguided stage couple. Neal shares personal memories tied to the film, why it resonates with theater lovers and skeptics alike, and how it brilliantly captures the lovable earnestness of amateur theater. Lauren shifts the spotlight to Paris Is Burning, the groundbreaking documentary chronicling New York’s 1980s drag ball culture. With a blend of reverence and critical analysis, she explores the origins of voguing, the fierce competition of ball culture, and the resilience of LGBTQ+ communities in the face of societal rejection. From the larger-than-life house mothers to the heartbreaking reality of marginalized lives, Lauren celebrates the film’s enduring impact on queer representation, while highlighting its controversies. Together, Neal and Lauren weave personal stories and cultural insights into a vibrant discussion of two cinematic treasures. Episode Prompts: 5014, Jet, Documentary Special Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book Giveaway! Purchase the book and go here: https://www.quarto.com/campaign/Rom-Com-Trivia-Preorder Neal's Topic: Waiting for Guffman (1996) Watch the film here Alternate Epilogue Neal Spoke About Lauren's Topic: Paris is Burning (1990) Watch the film here Criterion Collection Remaster Support Our Show: Love the show? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month! 👉 www.patreon.com/curatedbychance Follow the show and its creators on Instagram: The Show - @curatedbychance Lauren - @paisleylo Neal - @nealefischer E-mail us: [email protected] Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now! Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now! Pre-order Neal’s next two books! Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (out now!) Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Dec 3) Pre-Order Now and Enter the Giveaway! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices