Main content

Housewives on Screen

Ellen and Mark take a turn into the exclusive gated community of housewives in cinema and television, ahead of the release of new film Don't Worry Darling.

Ellen and Mark take a turn into the exclusive gated community of housewives in cinema and television, ahead of the release of new film Don't Worry Darling.

Ellen investigates why we're so drawn to housewives on screen, from original housewife satire The Stepford Wives to global reality TV phenomenon The Real Housewives, with the help of critic Anna Bogutskaya and Real Housewives exec producer Andy Cohen.

And Mark celebrates director Todd Haynes' cult 1995 film Safe, starring Julianne Moore in her first lead role, as a housewife suffering from a mysterious ailment. He speaks to pioneering independent film producer and long-time Haynes collaborator Christine Vachon about the making of Safe, and hears from composer Gazelle Twin and director Desiree Akhavan about the personal and emotional responses both had to the film.

This week's Viewing Note is courtesy of Olivier-nominated Ö÷²¥´óÐã, I'm Darling star Katherine Parkinson.

Producer: Jane Long
A Prospect Street production for Ö÷²¥´óÐã Radio 4

Available now

42 minutes

Last on

Fri 16 Sep 2022 19:15

Broadcast

  • Fri 16 Sep 2022 19:15

Which films and TV inspired Netflix hits Bridgerton and Squid Game?

Which films and TV inspired Netflix hits Bridgerton and Squid Game?

Screenshot explores the connections between today’s streaming hits.

Why did the erotic thriller run out of steam?

Why did the erotic thriller run out of steam?

Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode explore cinema's steamiest genre.

How did method acting become so extreme?

How did method acting become so extreme?

A historical timeline of the sometimes bizarre technique.

Why going to the cinema is good for you

Why going to the cinema is good for you

Going to the movies isn’t just for fun – it benefits your mind, body and soul. Here’s why

Podcast