Cows in the Field

24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE (2002)

“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, how the film’s blend of fact/fiction/and legend reflects the mythmaking of its protagonist, and, of course, the music duh!

We’re all equal in the grave. Except Martin, obviously, who was a huge character. So huge that his coffin wouldn’t fit in his grave. I remember thinking: Martin Hannett, too big for death.
Tony Wilson

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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 in allegorical and punishingly literal ways… and so much more. GAME OVER MAN! GAME OVER!

My mommy always said there were no monsters – no real ones – but there are.
Newt

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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

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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 & Mighty, Action Boyz, 101 Places to Party Before You Die) to unpack this forgotten mid-aughts classic from Antoine Fuqua!

Ahhh, finally, a man worth killing.
Cerdic

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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’s a squishy, gooey, fun time, so jump on this one way rocket to Klendathu with us, folks!

I’m from Buenos Aires, and I say kill em’ all
Johnny Rico

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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, lightsaber battles, Jedi Stoicism, ineffectual bureaucracy, and the allure of fascism. Stay with us to the end for a blast of 1999 nostalgia!

Meesa Jar Jar Binks.
Jar Jar Binks

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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. But I drowned in a storm. The waves were huge!
Pepe

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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 are poorly developed.

Genius is no guarantee of wisdom. How could this man who saw so much be so blind?
Lewis Strauss

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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 feeling of a memory. After you listen, you should check out Daniela’s podcast, ⁠Hollywood Gold⁠, a series of interviews with Hollywood producers about the stories we know and love.

I’d give you a couple of pointers, but I doubt that the Jacobean Tragedy that was our relationship would apply to the farce that you two guys are playing out.
Beale

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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’s talent can be reduced to his gender, birth country, religion, sexuality, and so on, then so can yours.
Lydia Tár

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