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Nignorance from across the diaspora. We discuss politics and pop culture from a left perspective. Enjoy and tell a friend.
Episodes
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Welcome to the Champagne Room, a unique space where music and politics intertwine. In this episode, we explore the dynamics of creating the perfect club atmosphere, characterized by music and a selection of drinks that ranges from Bud Light to top-shelf scotch. The host reflects on the experience of hosting an early show, discussing the turnout and the challenges of scheduling guests.
We delve into the intricacies of identifying a 'whale' in the club scene, while also addressing the political landscape post-election. The conversation shifts to the cultural shifts in America, touching on issues like the public's reaction to elections, the influence of reality TV on perceptions, and the ongoing debates surrounding social issues.
The episode also critiques the portrayal of success and reality in media, drawing parallels between political figures and the entertainment industry. With engaging anecdotes and reflections, this episode provides a thought-provoking look at how culture and politics shape public perception and behavior.
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Introduction: Horror Tropes and the Legacy of "Teens in the Woods"
Welcome back to *THIS IS REVOLUTION* where we never apologize for our taste! At TIR, we reject the concept of “guilty pleasures.” Whether it’s low-budget films, DIY music, or bootleg swap meet finds—we embrace it all. And if there’s one genre that pulls us in, it’s horror. Today, we're diving into perhaps the most enduring horror trope: the “teenagers camping in the woods” genre, a setup that begins with ordinary characters and quickly descends into terror and survival.
This genre arguably gained its iconic standing with the *Friday the 13th* franchise, where a vengeful, silent figure haunts unsuspecting teens for their “sins” or simply for being there. What began with an act of vengeance in the original *Friday the 13th* became something far darker—a formula that ultimately evolved into a chilling commentary on innocence, power, and punishment. With sequels piling up, Jason Voorhees’ motive shifts from vengeance to something closer to a ritualistic bloodlust, a reflection of the franchise's own bloodthirsty popularity.
But what do these stories reveal about our society’s anxieties and about the "rules" that horror fans know all too well? Films like *The Cabin in the Woods* take this trope further, using it as a meta-commentary on the genre itself—introducing archetypal characters and scenarios as intentionally manipulated constructs, while weaving in a dark critique on our endless hunger for violence as entertainment. Today, we’re taking a closer look at these “teen slasher” tropes and what makes this genre so unforgettable. Let’s dissect the horror, the satire, and the complex politics of punishment and voyeurism that keep audiences coming back for more.
This exploration into horror classics and their archetypal characters isn’t just about scares—it’s about understanding our collective psyche. The “teens in the woods” trope reveals as much about our cultural anxieties and contradictions as it does about our cinematic tastes.
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Ben is back and discussing with Stefan some strange features of Libertarian faux-metaphysics
Read Ben's Substack here:https://substack.com/@benburgis
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Introduction
The exorcism genre holds a unique place in horror, often drawing on themes of innocence, spiritual warfare, and patriarchal power structures. While its narratives are typically formulaic, revolving around a “possessed” figure (often a young girl) and priests arriving to cast out the demon, the genre also reflects broader societal anxieties about bodily autonomy, religious authority, and family dynamics. Many exorcism films lean heavily on cultural tropes, with a few standing out for their engagement with more complex themes or departures from genre norms.
Today, we’ll explore five significant exorcism films, from iconic classics to new interpretations, analyzing how each interacts with the genre’s conventions and challenges them to varying degrees. Here’s our list:
- The Exorcist
William Friedkin’s The Exorcist (1973) is the foundational work of exorcism horror, causing a stir for its visceral portrayal of demonic possession and controversial religious imagery. The infamous production faced numerous setbacks, often seen as reflecting the turmoil depicted onscreen. This film’s critical reception and lasting impact reveal how effectively it tapped into societal anxieties of the 1970s.
- Exorcist III
Written and directed by The Exorcist author William Peter Blatty, Exorcist III (1990) continues the narrative with a fresh perspective, emphasizing psychological horror over shock value. Blatty’s direction draws on philosophical themes, creating one of the genre’s most introspective entries. Many consider it a more layered and, in some ways, superior work to Friedkin’s original.
- The Exorcism of Emily Rose
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) marks a genre revival that experiments with the "based on a true story" approach. This film combines courtroom drama with horror, exploring themes of faith, science, and institutional power. It questions societal definitions of sanity and the legitimacy of religious experiences in a secular world, creating a nuanced discussion on mental health and belief.
- Late Night with the Devil
The newest on our list, Late Night with the Devil (2023), departs from genre norms by framing possession within the setting of a fictional 1970s talk show. This film is a genre-bending take, blending exorcism horror with cultural satire on sensationalized media, reminiscent of the era’s late-night television programming. It plays with the exorcism format while commenting on the media as a modern “exorcist,” claiming to expose dark secrets.
- Il Demonio (The Demon)
As one of the earliest entries in exorcism horror, Il Demonio (1963) is an Italian film often overlooked. It visualizes the exorcism genre’s gendered dynamics, with a narrative that intersects spousal abuse, mental illness, and patriarchal control. The film uses demonic possession as a metaphor for the internalized violence faced by women under societal and marital oppression, offering a critical lens on traditional power structures.
These films offer a window into not only horror but broader social and cultural anxieties. Each one engages with themes of power, authority, and the societal “other,” reminding us of the genre’s unique capacity to critique and unsettle dominant narratives.