Shame List Picture Show S9E18 - The Grifters feat. Mack Bates

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Season 9, Episode 18 (Originally released on December 9th, 2025)

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Shame List Picture Show. Today, I’m joined by journalist, critic, and actor Mack Bates to talk about Stephen Frears’ neo-noir classic The Grifters.

In this episode, we dig into the incredible chemistry between the cast, Mack’s personal history with both the film and the novel it’s based on, and take a deep dive into all the gritty, razor-sharp details that make this story endure.

Be sure to check out our Patreon at www.patreon.com/shamelistpictureshow

Edited by: Austin Proctor
Produced by: Michael Viers
Theme Music by: Austin Proctor
Opening Narration by: Nick Richards
Credits Music by: Ten-Speed
Logo Design by: Amanda Viers

Tags: anjelica huston, annette bening, criterion, criterion collection, film, film podcast, john cusack, michael viers, movie podcast, Podcast, shame list, shame list picture show, slps, stephen frears, the grifters

About Michael Viers

Michael Viers is an independent filmmaker, podcaster, and editor from Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee's prestigious film program with a BFA. While attending UWM Michael directed the award-winning short film From the Darkness Theatre which won awards at various festivals and played at the Short Film Corner at Cannes. Since then he's made music videos and directed two other films, Love You Still for Milwaukee Film and Do You Love Me which was written by Milwaukee musician Valerie Lightheart when she was still in High School. Michael is also a Producer and Co-Host of the film podcast the Shame List Picture Show. Michael likes to brag that he used to edit videos for Troma Entertainment and is texting buddies with Lloyd Kaufman, but no one really cares.