Episode 42. French Kiss: Calvaire (2004) and Martyrs (2008)

09/21/16 • -1 min

Diving into the depths of France and Belgium, Alex and Andrea examine the politics and borders of New French Extremity. Confronting the complex historical narrative that France has created for itself, all is not as it appears as these films bring the repressed to light.

REQUIRED READING

Calvaire. Dir Fabrice Du Welz, 2004. Martyrs. Dir Pascal Laugier, 2008.

EXTRA CREDIT

Films of the New French Extremity: Visceral Horror and National Identity – Alex’s book on things French, filmic and extreme. Saint Joan of Arc’s Trials – a fascinating morbid legal procedural. Flash sale – Get your limited edition Faculty of Horror “Class of 2016” t-shirts! Available for pre-order until September 30th, 2016.

COURSE NOTES

Intro song: Nail Ballet from Nightmare Picture Theatre, courtesy of James Zirco Fisher.

LISTEN

Right click or option-click here and choose “Save Target As...” to download the mp3.

REQUIRED READING

Calvaire. Dir Fabrice Du Welz, 2004. Martyrs. Dir Pascal Laugier, 2008.

EXTRA CREDIT

COURSE NOTES

Intro song: Nail Ballet from Nightmare Picture Theatre, courtesy of James Zirco Fisher.

LISTEN

Right click or option-click here and choose “Save Target As...” to download the mp3.

Previous Episode

Episode 41. Ghost Girls: Ghostbusters (2016)

After some spectacular “pre-lash” (preemptive backlash) from the online community, Paul Feig’s all-women Ghostbusters has finally hit the screens. Alex and Andrea take a break from their summer sabbaticals to reflect on their love of the original films, what this reboot means to them in terms of representation and why safety lights are for dudes.

REQUIRED READING

Ghostbusters. Dir. Paul Feig, 2016. Ghostbusters. Dir. Ivan Reitman, 1984. Ghostbusters II. Dir. Ivan Reitman, 1989.

EXTRA CREDIT

Reminders That Representation Really Is Important – A handy, dandy visual guide to the argument for representation. Was ‘Ghostbusters‘ Too Expensive to Launch a New Franchise? Variety’s article on Ghostbusters‘ budget.

Why Being Honest about Ghostbusters is Important – Comic Book Girl 19‘s theory on Sony’s strategic marketing of the film.

Your Face is Tanking – An examination of the reporting of Ghostbusters box office numbers versus other tentpole offerings.

COURSE NOTES

Intro song: Nail Ballet from Nightmare Picture Theatre, courtesy of James Zirco Fisher.

LISTEN

Right click or option-click here and choose “Save Target As...” to download the mp3.

Next Episode

Episode 43. Compendium of Fear: Creepshow (1982) and Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

The possibilities are endless when it comes to a good scare. The horror anthology is a rarity in the genre but when executed successfully they are beloved. Andrea and Alex do a deep dive into two infamous cult classics which deal in a variety of stories taking place around everyone’s favourite holiday.