Episode 134. Material World: They Live (1988)

11/26/24 • 74 min

1 Listener

In this episode Andrea and Alex deep-dive into John Carpenter’s cult-classic exploring the ways that materialism, Marxism, and maximalism have driven us to the edge of consumption.

Check out our Class of 2024 merch! Artwork by the incredible Candice Purwin.

REQUIRED READING

They Live. Dir. John Carpenter, 1988.

EXTRA CREDIT

“Eight O’Clock in the Morning.” Ray Nelson’s short story that inspired They Live. The Politics of Gender Presentation – Why what we buy to wear matters. The Films of John Carpenter. John Kenneth Muir’s examination of Carpenter’s filmography.

LISTEN

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In this episode Andrea and Alex deep-dive into John Carpenter’s cult-classic exploring the ways that materialism, Marxism, and maximalism have driven us to the edge of consumption.

Check out our Class of 2024 merch! Artwork by the incredible Candice Purwin.

REQUIRED READING

They Live. Dir. John Carpenter, 1988.

EXTRA CREDIT

LISTEN

Right click or option-click here and choose “Save Target As”

Previous Episode

Episode 133. Missionary Position: The Conjuring (2013)

James Wan’s blockbuster horror offering The Conjuring thrilled audiences and created a cinematic universe but for Andrea and Alex it left an icky feeling that has nothing to do with demonic possession. By investigating the politics, means and ideology behind the film, they’ll uncover the true villains behind this narrative.

Check out our Class of 2024 merch! Artwork by the incredible Candice Purwin.

REQUIRED READING

The Conjuring. Dir. James Wan, 2013.

EXTRA CREDIT

War Over ‘The Conjuring’: The Disturbing Claims Behind a Billion-Dollar Franchise. Hollywood Reporter’s Investigation into the claims made about the real-life Warrens. Scared Sacred: Idolatry, Religion and Worship in the Horror Film. The essay collection featuring Alex’s chapter on The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2. Screenwriters Chad and Carey Hayes, interviewed by The Christian Broadcasting Network.

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Next Episode

Fack Flash! Robert Eggers’ NOSFERATU

Christmas came early for the profs this year, with an advance screening to Robert Eggers’ hotly anticipated adaptation of Nosferatu! We recorded our immediate reaction at the cinema for our Patreon, but we wanted to spread the good cheer for the film’s wide release.
Hear our raw reactions – but beware spoilers if you don’t want details!
Join our Patreon community for more content and exclusive perks!
(Membership makes a great gift, just sayin’)

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