Rob Reiner: An Overview

Rob Reiner: An Overview

From Why Theory by Why Theory

March 15, 2026 · 1h 28m

About this episode

Ryan and Todd discuss the first seven films of filmmaker Rob Reiner and explore his unique qualities as a director.

On this episode, Ryan and Todd take a short break from their Kant Odyssey to discuss one of the podcast's most admired filmmakers: Rob Reiner. Coincidentally being released on Oscar's Sunday, the hosts dedicate their time to Reiner's first seven films-- This is Spinal Tap, The Sure Thing, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally..., Misery, and A Few Good Men. While discussing each film individually, the pair articulate and build upon the following claim: the same things that made Reiner unique as a filmmaker were the exact same things that made him easy to overlook as an auteur.

People in this episode

Hosts: Ryan, Todd

Topics covered

  • Rob Reiner
  • filmmaking
  • film analysis
  • Oscar Sunday
  • auteur theory

Keywords

  • Rob Reiner
  • This is Spinal Tap
  • The Princess Bride
  • film analysis
  • auteur theory
  • Oscar Sunday
  • Misery

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: This is Spinal Tap, The Sure Thing, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally..., Misery, A Few Good Men

More episodes of Why Theory

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Why Theory podcast page.