“The smaller the audience, the bigger the history.” So, at least, said Tony Wilson, co-founder of Factory Records and larger than life character at the center of Michael Winterbottom’s 2002 punk pseudo-music-doc, our topic today! We are joined by Professor of Italian Studies at Boston College to explore the pull of nostalgia, anticipated retrospection, howContinue reading “24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE (2002)”
Author Archives: Justin Khoo
ALIENS (1986)
James Cameron’s terrifying and overwhelming sequel ALIENS is a rollercoaster that Roger Ebert called “absolutely, painfully and unremittingly intense.” We sit down with Brendan Hodges to explore the film’s power over us, what all that goo and slime means, the film’s anti-bureaucratic “strong individualist” conservatism and second wave feminist ideology, its use of space inContinue reading “ALIENS (1986)”
THE VIRGIN SUICIDES (1999)
It’s just us for our one hundredth episode talking Sophia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides! We hit all the good stuff: suburban malaise, fear, control, parenting, childhood, Trip Fontaine’s hair, memory, privacy, the joys of human connection, first loves, and Kathleen Turner! Obviously, Doctor, you’ve never been a 13-year-old girl. Cecilia
KING ARTHUR (2004)
Have you ever wanted to know the TRUE story that inspired King Arthur? Did you know that Arthur was a freedom fighter battling for the independence of Britannia? Wait until you see what armor Guinevere preferred to wear into battle! And don’t forget Tristan and his faithful falcon! Join us and Jon Gabrus (High &Continue reading “KING ARTHUR (2004)”
STARSHIP TROOPERS (1997)
Liam Billingham (Die Hard on a Blank / OuevreBusters) joins us to discuss Paul Verhoeven’s meta-propaganda Brechtian war film Starship Troopers. We discuss the film’s odd mixture of big budget VFX with soap opera stars, how it’s three movies in one, the nature of meaning in a world devoid of conflict, and art that risks embarrassment. It’sContinue reading “STARSHIP TROOPERS (1997)”
STAR WARS EP. 1 – THE PHANTOM MENACE (1999)
The Phantom Menace has weathered the highs and (mostly) lows of fan appraisal. Once derided, then reclaimed, where does it stand in 2023? We issue the definitive assessment: it is good (kind of). Matt Teichman (Elucidations Podcast) brings his colleague Jar Jar Binks along for the ride, as we discuss pod racing, queen wardrobes, lightsaberContinue reading “STAR WARS EP. 1 – THE PHANTOM MENACE (1999)”
ROMA (2018)
We sit down with my colleague Agustín Rayo (Professor of Philosophy, Dean of SHASS at MIT, and winner of the big number duel) to discuss Alfonso Cuarón’s autobiographical film, Roma. We discuss memory, dreams, guilt, class, background, lenses, digital formats, and, of course, Mexico City. When I was older, I used to be a sailor. ButContinue reading “ROMA (2018)”
OPPENHEIMER (2023)
Join us and Bilge Ebiri (New York Magazine / Vulture) to discuss Christopher Nolan’s deconstructed biopic about the man who birthed a very big bomb. Deconstructed narratives, quantum mechanics, moral dilemmas, subjective inflection, brilliant and sure-handed intercutting… and we set the record straight on whether Nolan’s films are funny and whether his female characters areContinue reading “OPPENHEIMER (2023)”
WHAT MAISIE KNEW (2012)
Joining us to talk about What Maisie Knew (2012) is the film’s producer, Daniela Taplin Lundberg (whose feature credits include The Kids Are All Right, Beasts of No Nation, and Honey Boy)! We talk about the challenges making independent feature films, the film’s portrayal of divorce and new beginnings, and how it captures the feelingContinue reading “WHAT MAISIE KNEW (2012)”
TÁR (2022)
We sit down with Lydia Tár expert Emily St. James to talk about guilt, repression, cancel culture, subjectivity, moral hazards, the Todd Field Cinematic Universe, and… you guessed it… Oklahoma! How is any of this possible? Tune in to find out! The problem with enrolling yourself as an ultrasonic epistemic dissident is that if Bach’sContinue reading “TÁR (2022)”
Cows in the Field 