Review It Yourself

Inside the mind of a Nazi—and the psychiatrist who studied him.

In this powerful episode of Review It Yourself, Sean sits down with acclaimed author and journalist Jack El-Hai to discuss his gripping and deeply researched book, The Nazi and the Psychiatrist.
This is not just another Second World War/World War II book review. It’s a psychological investigation into evil, power, ego, and moral reckoning at the aftermath of history’s darkest chapter.

A Psychological Duel at Nuremberg
In The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, Jack El-Hai explores the extraordinary relationship between Hermann Goering, the highest-ranking Nazi captured alive, and Douglas M. Kelley, the U.S. Army psychiatrist tasked with evaluating him during the Nuremberg Trials.

During our conversation, we unpack:
How Kelley psychologically assessed leading Nazi defendants
Why Goering fascinated and manipulated those around him
The concept of the “banality of evil” in practice
The absence of a single psychiatric diagnosis to explain atrocity
The moral and professional toll the Nuremberg experience took on Kelley
Why these questions still resonate today
Jack reveals how Kelley’s pioneering psychological work challenged simplistic narratives about madness and evil — and how America struggled to process the uncomfortable conclusions.

Why The Nazi and the Psychiatrist Matters Now
With the upcoming 2025 film Nuremberg renewing interest in this story, El-Hai’s book has never been more relevant.
In a world still grappling with extremism, ideology, and the psychology of power, this episode asks:
Are monsters born—or made?
Can ordinary individuals commit extraordinary evil?
What responsibility does psychology bear in interpreting history?

About Our Guest: Jack El-Hai
Jack El-Hai is an award-winning author and journalist specialising in narrative non-fiction, medical history, crime, and ethics.

📘 Featured Book
The Nazi and the Psychiatrist: Hermann Goering, Dr. Douglas M. Kelley, and a Fatal Meeting of Minds
Originally published in 2013, the book examines the psychological chess match between Goering and Kelley — and its tragic aftermath.

🔎 Learn More & Connect
🌐 Website: https://www.jackelhai.com
🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jackelhai
Jack also discusses his ongoing commitment to telling stories rooted in justice, ethics, and the darker corners of history.
If you’re interested in World War II history, the Nuremberg Trials, forensic psychology, or the moral complexity of historical biography, this book is essential reading.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode
This episode of Review It Yourself delivers:
A thoughtful, in-depth author interview
Insight into the psychology of Nazi leadership
Historical analysis grounded in primary research
A discussion on how history is interpreted — and misinterpreted
Reflection on how the past informs our present

Perfect for listeners interested in:
World War II history
Holocaust studies
Nuremberg Trials
Psychology and ethics
Historical biographies

Follow, Contact & Support Review It Yourself
If you value independent, honest book and film reviews without corporate spin:
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Support the Podcast
Review It Yourself is proudly independent.
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Your support keeps independent podcasting alive.

Listen now to this compelling discussion with Jack El-Hai — and decide for yourself what The Nazi and the Psychiatrist reveals about evil, responsibility, and the human condition.
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Violence escalates, loyalties fracture, justice turns brutally personal.

In Part Two of their deep dive into The Untouchables, Sean and co-host Sarah break down the explosive second half of Brian De Palma’s Prohibition-era crime classic. If Part One explored myth-making and morality, this episode tackles consequence, sacrifice, and the film’s unforgettable climax.

From the emotional weight of Sean Connery’s Oscar-winning performance to the operatic violence that defines De Palma’s directing style, we analyse how the story of Eliot Ness versus Al Capone reaches its dramatic peak.

We explore the tension between justice and revenge, the cost of incorruptibility, and whether the film earns its legendary status among gangster cinema greats.
Starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Robert De Niro, this 1987 crime epic blends Hollywood spectacle with historical myth.

But does the courtroom finale deliver? Does the violence feel operatic or excessive? And does The Untouchables still hold up for modern audiences?

In this episode, we discuss:
The emotional impact of Malone’s arc
The morality of Ness’s final choices
The famous Union Station sequence and De Palma’s visual storytelling
The balance between historical fact and cinematic legend
Whether The Untouchables deserves its classic status

If you’re searching for:
The Untouchables 1987 review
The Untouchables podcast discussion
Brian De Palma film analysis
Sean Connery Oscar performance breakdown
Gangster movie deep dive podcast
…this episode delivers sharp film criticism, humour, debate, and honest takes.
Sarah returns as co-host for this two-part breakdown. (No external projects to plug this week—just pure film conversation and classic cinema appreciation.)

Why Listen?
Whether you’re a long-time fan of The Untouchables or revisiting it decades later, this episode will make you rethink its themes, performances, and cultural legacy. Expect passionate disagreement, strong opinions, and thoughtful analysis of one of the most iconic crime films of the 1980s.
If you enjoy deep-dive movie reviews, classic film discussion, and spirited debate — this is the podcast for you.

Please Note: There are direct quotes used in this review, which include the use of contextual slurs/stereotypes. These are used purely as quotes from the film and to aid discussion, as the film's dialogue reflects the bigoted, harsh atmosphere of 1930's Prohibition-Era Chicago. There is no intention to cause offence or distress.

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Your support helps the show reach new listeners and continue producing in-depth film reviews every week.

Listen now and decide for yourself: is this crime epic truly untouchable?
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Corruption, crime, and Connery—diving deep into De Palma’s classic.

In this episode of Review It Yourself, we break down the first half of The Untouchables—the iconic Prohibition-era crime thriller directed by Brian De Palma. Joined by co-host Sarah, we explore the film’s powerful opening act, its larger-than-life characters, and why this stylish gangster epic still commands attention nearly four decades later.

From the tense cat-and-mouse battle between federal agent Eliot Ness and Chicago crime boss Al Capone, to the unforgettable performances by Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Robert De Niro, we unpack what makes this film such a standout in the gangster genre. Is it the script? The score? The mythologising of law enforcement? Or Connery’s scene-stealing gravitas?

Expect thoughtful film analysis, sharp opinions, historical context around Prohibition-era Chicago, and a discussion about how Hollywood reshapes real-life events into cinematic legend. Whether you’re a long-time fan of classic crime dramas or discovering this film for the first time, this episode offers insight, debate, and plenty of appreciation for one of the 1980s’ most celebrated gangster movies.

We discuss:
The film’s themes of justice, morality, and myth-making
The dynamic between Ness and Malone
De Palma’s directorial style and use of tension
Performances that elevate the material
How The Untouchables compares to other mob classics

If you love deep-dive movie reviews, classic cinema breakdowns, and honest film discussion, this episode is for you.

Please Note: There are direct quotes used in this review, which include the use of contextual slurs/stereotypes. These are used purely as quotes from the film and to aid discussion, as the film's dialogue reflects the bigoted, harsh atmosphere of 1930's Prohibition-Era Chicago. There is no intention to cause offence or distress.

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Support the Podcast:
If you enjoy Review It Yourself, please:
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform
Leave a 5-star rating and written review on Apple Podcasts to help boost visibility
Share this episode with fellow film fans
Follow us on social media for updates and future episodes
Your support helps the podcast grow, reach new listeners, and continue producing in-depth film reviews.

Part Two of our The Untouchables discussion available now—where we continue analysing the film’s most iconic sequences and its lasting legacy in crime cinema.

Listen now and decide for yourself… is The Untouchables truly untouchable?
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Travel millions of years into the future with this classic sci-fi review

In this episode of Review It Yourself, we jump into one of the most influential science-fiction films ever made: The Time Machine (1960). Inspired by the legendary novel by H.G. Wells, this classic movie helped shape the way audiences imagine time travel on screen.

Sarah returns to the podcast after her holiday (and a memorable rant about the state of air travel), joining the discussion as we explore the timeless ideas behind this iconic film. From the eerie future world of the Eloi and the Morlocks to the ground-breaking practical effects that brought time travel to life, this episode dives deep into why The Time Machine (1960) still matters today.

We also talk about the themes beneath the surface:
The film’s commentary on class division and humanity’s future
The fascinating design of the Morlocks and Eloi societies
The enduring appeal of practical effects and classic sci-fi filmmaking
Whether the story still resonates with modern audiences
Comparisons with the later Time Machine adaptations, including the 2002 version starring Guy Pearce
If you love classic science fiction, time travel stories, or thoughtful film discussions, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a fresh perspective on a genre-defining movie.

In This Episode
Why The Time Machine (1960) became a sci-fi classic
The influence of H.G. Wells’ original novel
The disturbing future vision of the Eloi and Morlocks
How the film’s special effects were ahead of their time
A discussion of the story’s deeper social commentary
Why time travel stories continue to fascinate audiences

Recommended Reading
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the original novel:
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells – the ground-breaking sci-fi story that inspired the film and shaped the time-travel genre.

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Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast platform
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Your support helps more listeners discover the show and keeps new episodes coming.
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Evil never dies: deep dive into Halloween’s legacy and lore!

In this electrifying episode of Review It Yourself, we explore the terrifying brilliance and enduring cultural impact of the Halloween franchise — from Halloween (1978) to Halloween Ends (2022), and every film in-between!— with journalist and author Andrew Graves, author of 'Horror in Haddonfield: The Untold Stories of Halloween'.

If you’re a horror fan, a lover of film history, or fascinated by long-running movie franchises, this episode is essential listening.

A passionate deep dive into the Halloween franchise
Andrew Graves, author of Horror in Haddonfield, joins Sean for an unfiltered, in-depth conversation about one of the most iconic horror series, Halloween.
We explore:
The psychology and legacy of Michael Myers
Why Dr. Loomis (played by Donald Pleasence) is just as essential as The Shape himself
The evolution of Laurie Strode, immortalised by Jamie Lee Curtis
The highs, the controversies, and the reinventions across the entire Halloween timeline
Honest thoughts on Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills (2021), and Halloween Ends (2022).
The Nights He Never Came Home: Unrealised Halloween films

This isn’t just a review — it’s a celebration and critical examination of horror cinema, franchise storytelling, and what keeps audiences returning to Haddonfield decade after decade.

About the Guest: Andrew Graves
Andrew Graves is a journalist and horror author whose book Horror in Haddonfield serves as a comprehensive love letter to the Halloween series. The book dives into untold stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and deep franchise analysis — essential reading for fans of slasher cinema and horror history.

📖 Get the Book
Search Horror in Haddonfield by Andrew Graves on major book retailers including Amazon and independent bookstores.

🎙 Follow Andrew Graves
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.grevas/
Twitter/X: @AndrewGrevas
Contact: [email protected]

Why This Episode Matters
The Halloween franchise isn’t just a horror series — it’s a blueprint for modern slasher films. From its minimalist score to its atmospheric tension, its influence can still be felt across contemporary horror.

In this episode we explore:
The importance of Dr. Loomis as the moral and psychological anchor of the franchise
How franchise storytelling survives actor changes and timeline resets
What makes Michael Myers such an enduring symbol of evil
Whether later sequels honour or undermine the original vision

Whether you agree, disagree, or just love hearing horror fans passionately debate — this is the kind of conversation you’d have if you ran into your mates at the pub after a Halloween marathon.

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Your support keeps Review It Yourself independent, growing, and proudly faff-free.

If you’re searching for:
Halloween franchise analysis
Horror film deep dives
Michael Myers character breakdown
Dr. Loomis appreciation
Halloween book recommendations
Horror podcast discussions
— this episode delivers all that and more.

Press play… because evil doesn’t die tonight — or any night.
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