Snowpiercer + The Favourite

Snowpiercer + The Favourite

Manipulation on a scale from least to most delicious. The podcast episode discusses the themes present in the films Snowpiercer and The Favourite. Snowpiercer follows the story of a rebellion on a train carrying the last remnants of humanity after a failed experiment to stop global warming results in a new ice age. The film explores themes of class struggle and the consequences of greed and power. The Favourite, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a historical drama set in early 18th century England that follows the tumultuous relationship between two cousins, Sarah Churchill and Abigail Masham, as they compete for the favor of Queen Anne. The film delves into themes of manipulation, power dynamics, and the corruption of personal relationships. Both films examine the destructive nature of societal hierarchies and the lengths individuals will go to in order to attain and maintain power.

The Grand Budapest Hotel + The Fall

The Grand Budapest Hotel + The Fall

The signature style. In this podcast episode, we will explore the unique styles of the films The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Fall. The Grand Budapest Hotel, directed by Wes Anderson, is known for its visually striking and meticulously crafted sets, as well as its quirky and unconventional narrative structure. The Fall, directed by Tarsem Singh, is known for its visually stunning and surreal imagery, as well as its unconventional and non-linear storytelling. Plus: the crazy rumor of how The Fall was actually made. Both films showcase the distinct and signature styles of their directors, and demonstrate the potential for cinema to be a visually and narratively innovative art form.

Hardcore + Dogs Don’t Wear Pants

Hardcore + Dogs Don’t Wear Pants

Ah, the common themes of submission and dominance present in the films Hardcore (1979) and Dogs Don’t Wear Pants. Individuals will navigate sexually provocative worlds while struggling with their own personal desires. The family vs the dungeon: watch two people try to find their place within a power dynamic. The episode will delve into how these themes are presented and how they relate to the characters’ personal growth and understanding of themselves. Through a discussion of the films’ style and narrative, the episode will delve into how these themes are explored and how they speak to universal human experiences.

Killapalooza 42: Ringu

Killapalooza 42: Ringu

Ringu films 1-4. What films are even in the Ring franchise? As is pretty well known… the Ringu franchise is a Japanese horror film series that revolves around the theme of cursed videotapes that cause the viewer to die within a week of watching them. The films explore the consequences of technology and media on society, as well as the dangers of curiosity and the supernatural. The franchise explores a variety of themes over the course of its several installments. One of the main themes of the franchise is the concept of death and the unknown beyond, as the central plot revolves around a cursed video tape that kills its viewers after seven days. The films delve into the idea of death as an inevitable and unknowable force, and also explore the lengths that people will go to in order to avoid their own mortality. Additionally, the franchise touches on themes of family and relationships, as many of the characters are driven by their love for their loved ones and the desire to protect them from the curse. As the franchise progresses, the films also delve into themes of identity and self-discovery, as the characters uncover the mystery behind the curse and must confront their own fears and traumas in order to survive. Overall, the Ringu franchise uses horror and suspense to delve into complex and thought-provoking themes about death, family, and the human experience. And is spooky.

Nocturama + Monos

Nocturama + Monos

Kids doing bad. Youth and rebellion, and the consequences of violence and the power dynamics within groups. In Nocturama, a group of young people in Paris plan and execute a series of bombings, examining the ideologies and motivations driving their actions. Monos, set in the Colombian jungle, follows a group of child soldiers and their relationships with one another as they are tasked with guarding a kidnapped American engineer. Both films examine the complexities of group dynamics and the blurred lines between right and wrong, as well as the use of violence as a means of resistance or control. The stylish visuals and unique narrative structures of both films add to their exploration of these themes, creating a thought-provoking and memorable viewing experience.

Klute + Cruising

Klute + Cruising

It’s time for a saucy double feature. The podcast episode takes on the themes and cultural impact of the films Klute and Cruising. Klute, a crime thriller released in 1971, centers around the investigation into a missing person case led by detective John Klute, played by Donald Sutherland. Alongside the mystery, the film explores themes of sexuality, gender roles, and power dynamics in relationships. Cruising, released in 1980, follows the story of a detective, played by Al Pacino, who goes undercover in the gay leather scene to solve a string of murders. The film sparked controversy and backlash for its portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community and themes of sexual fetishization and violence. The episode will explore the ways in which these films address and potentially reinforce or challenge societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality at the time of their release and in the present day.

One Hour Photo + Arrebato

One Hour Photo + Arrebato

Isolation, mental illness, and the dangers of obsession. Two films lost to time – one that’s probably in the back of everyone’s DVD box collection somewhere, and another that is just now being released in the United States (40 years later!) Plus: Alice talks about getting into analogue filmmaking in 2022. One Hour Photo is so much different now that everyone is the main character from One Hour Photo. Arrebato (also called Rapture) and the Janus films and that subtle but not subtle gag. Considering the consequences of allowing oneself to become too focused on one thing to the exclusion of all else, and the dangers of allowing obsession to consume one’s life.

Mondo Cane + Twentynine Palms

Mondo Cane + Twentynine Palms

A tour through exploitation and the new french extremity lands on a definitive world episode. Mondo Cane turns out to be more of the exploitation landscape than many realize. Twentynine Palms is THE film to coin the term New French Extremity – or the movie being talked about, anyways. First up – all around the world, there’s free footage! Take a gander and royalty free documentary clips unlikely to be seen anywhere else! Cutting room floor material too hot for no one! Twentynine Palms brings the new french extremity to America. Everyone talks about the ending of Twentynine Palms, but what actually happens in the runtime of this film? Michael presents his most dubious theory of man. How Twentynine Palms earned the name New French Extremity. Where does the new french extreme go from here? Continue reading

All the Colors of the Dark + Messiah of Evil

All the Colors of the Dark + Messiah of Evil

Deepcuts for giallo-lovers. All the Colors of the Dark, a giallo favorite. Dream-giallo. Everything you can do when you’re not worrying about story. The great Edwige Fenech, cult sensation and absolute icon. The makeup! Two covers that did the job. Messiah of Evil as a hypothetical American giallo-adjacent horror film out of California. After the psychological but before the franchises, there was 1970s horror. Wandering through California grocery stores at 3am. Continue reading

Empire Records + High Fidelity

Empire Records + High Fidelity

Physical media day. A very modern look at Empire Records and High Fidelity. Empire Records, the underdog hero (or at least before the collective delusion that the underdog hero is Blockbuster Video or Tower Records). Found family vs the dicey proposition of working somewhere that asks you to “just think of us like family.” Tower Records as a destination venue. Where were you on Rex Manning day? When the independent record store was too much of a raging success that it just couldn’t stay open. High Fidelity brings everyone to Chicago. The top five listicles that signposted the coming of the end time. Movies about terrible people and the terrible people who misunderstand these movies. Feeling like getting back in touch with music? Explore the music map. Continue reading