Faculty of Horror | Podcasting from the Horrored Halls of Academia

Nov 26 2024

Episode 134. Material World: They Live (1988)

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

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tagged John Carpenter, They Live!

Oct 30 2024

5 Comments

Episodes, Uncategorized

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.

LISTEN

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tagged James Wan, The Conjuring

Sep 19 2024

5 Comments

Episodes, Uncategorized

Episode 132. Mother May I?: Suspiria (2018) with Stacie Ponder

For this very special back-to-school episode, Andrea and Alex are joined by the one and only Stacie Ponder to dig into the depths of Luca Guadagnino’s remake of Dario Argento’s classic. From the dance of politics to the dance of sexuality, there’s more under the floorboards of the Markos Dance Academy than meets the eye.

For more Stacie, check out her blog Final Girl, her column Devil’s in the Details in Rue Morgue, and her Twin Peaks recap podcast series with Mike Muncer, The Detective and the Log Lady.

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

REQUIRED READING

Suspiria. Dir. Luca Guadagnino, 2018.

EXTRA CREDIT

40 Years of German Autumn. An overview of the left-wing terrorist attacks that rocked the nation.

Gaylords of Darkness podcast – ep 82

Hannah Arendt’s challenge to Adolf Eichmann. The banality of evil, in context.

LISTEN

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tagged Luca Guadagnino, stacie ponder, Suspiria

Jul 30 2024

2 Comments

Episodes, Uncategorized

Episode 131. Clever Girl: Island of Lost Souls (1932) and Jurassic Park (1993)

Pack your bags and leave your conception of the social fabric that binds us behind because we’re going to two private islands in this episode! From the darkness of Dr. Moreau’s experiments to John Hammond’s capitalist enterprise, these journeys into the human desire for control rarely end well for anyone involved.

REQUIRED READING

Island of Lost Souls. Dir. Erle C. Kenton, 1932.

Jurassic Park. Dir Steven Spielberg, 1993.

EXTRA CREDIT

The Man Who Hated Moms: Looking Back on Philip Wylie’s “Generation of Vipers” – Island of Lost Souls‘ co-writer has some serious mommy issues.

Dinosaurs as a Cultural Phenomenon – Why have dinosaurs gained such a hold on the public’s imagination?

Of Fossils and Androids: (Re)Producing Sexual Identity in “Jurassic Park” and “Blade Runner” – An essay on how sexual identity anxiety is explored in sci-fi.

The Devil in Our DNA: A Brief History of Eugenics in Science Fiction Films. David A. Kirby’s deep dive into how one of the darkest chapters in modern science was utilized on the big screen.

Kathleen Burke Wins Nationwide Contest! The Road to Panther Woman in Island of Lost Souls. An overview of promotional materials for the Panther Woman contest.

Marx for Cats. The history of cats big and small as viewed through a Marxist lens.

The story of amusement parks is the story of America. A look at how the history of amusement/theme parks reflects America.

Dead Blondes and Bad Mothers. Jude Doyle’s excellent book about female power and monstrosity.