The B-Side – Peter Hyams (in collaboration with Mike Ryan)

      Happy Valentine’s Day from The B-Side! Today, we focus on movie directors—not the films that brought them fame or kept them relevant, but those they created in between.

      We take a moment to celebrate one of the great yet often overlooked directors in Hollywood, Peter Hyams! Our B-Side picks feature Peeper, Hanover Street, The Star Chamber, 2010: The Year We Make Contact, and Running Scared.

      Joining us is Mike Ryan, an excellent writer, interviewer, and enthusiastic admirer of Hyams’ diverse work. He counts Sudden Death and 2010 among his favorites.

      Our discussion touches on the distinction between auteurs and “workman directors,” why some filmmakers amass devoted audiences while others do not, and the enduring impact of many of Hyams' films on both culture and fellow filmmakers.

      We also highlight Hyams' skills as a cinematographer and how uncommon it is for directors to shoot their own films.

      Mike argues that 2010 is more enjoyable than 2001: A Space Odyssey, Conor grapples with the corrupt nature of Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines' characters in Running Scared, and Dan expresses his admiration for Hyams’ Narrow Margin.

      There’s an in-depth conversation about Robert Blake, who starred in Hyams’ first film Busting, as well as a nod to director John Badham (especially for Blue Thunder), and a contemplation on the vast scope of the production for End of Days.

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