Love Jones • The Next Reel

“Romance is about the possibility of the thing.”Love Jones hit theaters in 1997 as writer/director Theodore Witcher’s acclaimed debut. With an eclectic jazz soundtrack and romantic story filled with poetry slams, complex relationships, and career passions, the film earned praise and award nominations. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1998 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture Nominees series with a conversation about Witcher’s 1997 film Love Jones.We Are at Odds With These Characters and Their Messy RelationshipsIn our lively chat, we dive into the characters and their relationships. We discuss how Andy connect’s with Nina and Darius’ messy, on-again-off-again romance and the realistic motivations behind their poor decisions – whereas Pete does not. Though we don’t always agree, we explore their complex connection and the miscommunications and betrayals that plague their path to love. Their story represents one filled with the universal relationship struggles we all face on the road to maturity. But does the script work? A Few Additional Areas of Conversation Regarding Love JonesPassionate debate on the casting, particularly of lead actor Lorenz Tate – too young and naive or just right?Our differing views on the authenticity of the script and dialogueExamining the photography backdrop and Nina's career motivationsThe interesting social commentary within the group of friendsOther Notable Discussion PointsAppreciation for the supporting cast like Isaiah Washington and Lisa Nicole CarsonThe effectiveness of the melancholy jazz score and hip soundtrackOur thoughts on the photography capturing life in 1990s ChicagoThe timeless nature of relationship struggles depictedFor a look at the origins of a modern black romance classic, tune in to hear our in-depth conversation on all aspects of Love Jones. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Film SundriesWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerLetterboxd Start your own podcast journey with the best host in the business. Try TRANSISTOR today!Become a Member Today! $5 monthly or $55 annuallyWant to upgrade your LETTERBOXD account? Use our PROMO CODE to get a DISCOUNT and help us out in the process!Find source material for The Next Reel’s family of podcasts – and thousands of other great reads – at Audible! Get your free audiobook and 30-day free trial today.Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWe spend hours every week putting this show together for you, our dear listener, and it would sure mean a lot to us if you considered becoming a member. When you do, you get early access to shows, ad-free episodes, and a TON of bonus content. To those who already support the show, thank you. To those who don’t yet: what are you waiting for?What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy TNR apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.