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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
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.
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Discourse around the Palestinian genocide suggests that we have a moral obligation to 'not look away' from gory and horrifying images, Stefan assess if these claims have any merit.
Check out our new bi-weekly series, "The Crisis Papers" here: https://www.patreon.com/bitterlakepresents/shop
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Sunday Oct 27, 2024
Sunday Oct 27, 2024
Should private equity help form a super conference? If so what does that mean for college athletics?
Also, should leftists infiltrate law enforcement?
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
LISTEN TO CHAMPAGNE SHARKS HERE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/champagne-sharks/id1242690393
Welcome to another episode of THIS IS REVOLUTION>podcast, where we explore the deeper political and social dynamics behind current events. Today, we’re diving into the recent indictment of once-revered hip hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs on federal racketeering charges. Combs, once celebrated for his entrepreneurial prowess and impact on hip hop culture, is now facing serious accusations of running an elaborate criminal enterprise centered on human trafficking, abuse, and sexual exploitation.
The charges against Combs are shocking but reflect the darker realities lurking behind the glamor of the entertainment industry. As outlined by the justice.gov indictment, Combs is accused of forcing women into "Freak Offs"—elaborate sex performances orchestrated through coercion, violence, and manipulation. He allegedly used narcotics, financial dependency, and physical threats to control his victims, echoing the practices of global human trafficking networks. This brings to mind a broader and more disturbing reality: are we confronting this issue with the seriousness it demands, or are we only shocked when such allegations involve a high-profile celebrity?
While the focus is on Combs now, we must also recognize that these charges are not isolated to one individual. The exploitation of women and their commodification through violence, coercion, and control is a pervasive and deeply entrenched issue in capitalist society—one where power dynamics are exploited to maintain control and assert dominance. These behaviors are happening right now in some corners of the world and for years they’ve been glorified in the hip hop community. It’s just pimping, and as the song says, it ain’t easy.
Is hip hop having a “mask off” moment? With the Combs and Young Thug trials, do these legal proceedings have a negative effect on the genre or the way it’s perceived? Rap music, once thought to embody “realness” in the case of Young Thug, is being challenged on its authenticity. It’s never really been fantasy escapism, but “the unreported news” of the inner city told by the people that lived it. In the case of Young Thug, is this all a lie now? Is it what people like Gerald Horne and Stanley Crouch have viewed? A minstrel show of underclass troupes?
In the case of Combs, the pimp has been a glorified figure for some time in Black urban life. Isn’t Puffy nothing more than a modern iteration of Max Julien in The Mack?
Today, we will discuss the nature of these crimes, the structural realities that enable them, and what this case reveals about our collective attitudes toward abuse, celebrity culture, and power. Are we finally waking up to the harsh realities of human trafficking, or do we still turn a blind eye until a famous name is attached to it?
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Welcome to "Philosophy for the People" with Stefan Bertram. In this episode, Stefan explores the intricate concept of masculinity in the contemporary world. With co-host Ben absent, Stefan takes a deep dive into the evolving identity of men, the diminishing gender gap, and the role of feminism in reshaping male self-perception.
Amidst personal anecdotes and humorous reflections, Stefan addresses the complexities of gender equality and the societal shifts that have brought men and women closer than ever in terms of rights and opportunities. He delves into the historical context of gender roles, highlighting how the past decades have redefined what it means to be a man or a woman.
Stefan also examines the influence of modern movements and ideologies on male identity, touching upon the rise of incels, the impact of feminism, and the psychological introspection prevalent in today's society. With a critical eye, he questions the traditional notions of manhood and the challenges men face in navigating a world where gender dynamics are continuously evolving.
Tune in to gain insight into the philosophical underpinnings of gender identity and the societal forces shaping the modern man's role in a rapidly changing world.
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Welcome to another episode of THIS IS REVOLUTION>podcast, where we go beyond the typical election season chatter to explore the deeper political landscapes shaping our world. As we approach the U.S. presidential election, much of the media will focus on poll numbers, political ads, and electoral horse races. In 2024, politics has become more akin to team sports, where tribal loyalties and spectacle often replace substantive policy debates. But instead of playing the same game, today we’re turning our attention to Latin America, where political struggles reveal more about the urgent global fight for justice and democracy.
Our guest today is Nando Villa, the producer of the documentary The Ecuadorian Candidate, which follows the candidacy of young left-wing economist Andrés Arauz as he runs for the presidency of Ecuador. Arauz faced a formidable opponent in Guillermo Lasso, a wealthy conservative banker. The documentary captures Arauz’s efforts to unite fractured left movements and appeal to the Ecuadorian electorate in the hope of building a progressive future.
This film goes beyond just one election—it highlights the broader struggles of the Latin American left in the face of neoliberal hegemony and the complex political terrain of the region. We’ll dive deep into these themes and ask what lessons can be learned from Arauz’s campaign for those fighting for progressive change around the world.
Sunday Oct 20, 2024
Sunday Oct 20, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Stefan goes on a bit of a rant!
Read Ben's substack here: https://benburgis.substack.com/