On this episode, we return to the 'conspiracy classic' genre in looking at the 1989 Sci-Fi B-movie 'They Live' by John Carpenter. 

The film introduces 'John Nada', a drifter working manual labour in LA, as he stumbles across a special pair of sunglasses which allow him to see a very different version of reality than the 'American Dream' he is accustomed to. As it is ultimately revealed that humanity's perceptions are being controlled by a camouflaged alien race; Nada tries to convince those around him of the truth, thus alerting the aliens to his existence. 

Despite being pursued by the authorities on a vigilante rampage, Nada manages to recruit one of his co-workers, whereby the two work to expose the aliens and reveal their system of control to the world. 

We talk about the film as it relates to both popular and conspiracy culture, looking at how the sentiments and motifs found in the film were used and referenced so frequently in the early days of the 'truth movement'. Despite being a deliberately silly film, many of the key quotes and memes are as relevant today as they were some 30 years ago. 

We also discuss the wider metaphors of the film, in terms of how the struggles of 'Nada' represent that of the truth seeker; trying in vain to 'wake up' those around them to a vastly different interpretation of reality. We look at the symbolism of the prolonged fight scenes as representing the battle between the 'truther' and the 'sheeple', and the degree of resistance Nada faces in his quest to raise awareness.

We finish up by touching on the truth movement and wider conspiracy culture, and how the predominant ideas and attitudes have changed over the years, noting the sense of nostalgia that these films can elicit. We look at how films like 'They Live' can influence perceptions of reality, along with the pitfalls of extremist interpretations, where elements of fiction or fantasy are perceived on a literal basis.  

Topics discussed include: John Carpenter, Roddy Piper, Podcasting, Truth Movement, Network, Conspiracy Culture, Science Fiction, Silliness, Social Commentary, Pro-Wrestling, Los Angeles, Labour, Construction, Tent Cities, Skid Row, Church, Soup Kitchen, Police Brutality, Sunglasses, Appropriation, Shepherd Fairey, Obey Meme, Hollywood Hills, Mind Control, Aliens, Propaganda, Symbolism, Metaphor, Waking Up, Global Warming, Environmentalism, Collaborators, Evangelism, Christianity, Humanitarianism, Preacher, Underdog, Disenfranchised, Victims, Elitism, Agendas, Population Control, Subliminal Messages, New Age, David Icke, Reptilians, Artificial Constructs, Popular Narratives, Reality vs Fiction, Literal Interpretations, Fantasy, Alt-Right, Trutherising, Conspiracy Town, Social Critiques, Changing Attitudes, Escapism, Motifs, Anger, Extremist Ideology, Exploitation, Will to Power, Alex Jones, Joe Rogan, Nostalgia, Hope, Sentimentality, Sadness, Continuity, Case Study, Simpler Times.

As promised, we return in our 33rd episode to look further at the deeper meanings of Stanley Kubrick's conspiratorial magnum opus 'Eyes Wide Shut'. We discuss the esoteric initiation of Dr Bill Harford into the world of hidden forces that shape his reality, and his ignorance of the occult principals that are guiding his journey. Delving deeper into the artful deception of the mystery tradition, we examine how both protagonist and audience are willingly fooled into a base interpretation of esoteric truth, and how these themes of occult signalling are incorporated into Kubrick's other works. Finally, we look at the untimely death of Kubrick shortly after the film was shot, touching on questions of intrigue surrounding these events. 

Topics discussed include: Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick's Filmography, Running Themes, Complexity of Material, Attention to Detail, Layers of Relevance, Dr Bill Harford, Tom Cruise, Alice Harford, Nicole Kidman, Marital Problems, Argument, Jealousy, Affairs, Flirtation, Propositions, Provocations, Triggering Impulses, Prostitute 'Domino', Moral and Social Hypocrisy, Denial of Temptation, Social Masks, The Willing Fool, Double Meaning, Egotistical Ignorance vs Philosophical Ignorance, Esoteric Traditions, Mystery Schools, Deception, Psychological Control, NLP, Sexual Tension, Sexual Liberation, False Dialectics, Higher Truths, Deeper Meaning, Gnosticism, 'Dr Strangelove', 'The Shining', '2001 A Space Odyssey', Hidden Messages, Water Fluoridation, Base Understandings, Exoteric vs Esoteric, Supernatural Possession, Cremation of Care, Seeing Everything and Understanding Nothing, 'Domino'='Sandy'=Alter-Ego, Professionalism, Politeness, Gentleman, Scientology, Esoteric Casting of Tom Cruise, Dr Bill=William=Will-I-Am, Hierarchy of Names, Temporal Power and Control, Stanley Kubrick Death, Conspiracy Culture, Alex Jones, Philosophical Death, Purposeful Evocation of Mystery. 

In our 32nd episode of Themes & Memes, we take a look at the conspiracy-cult-classic 'Eyes Wide Shut', by Stanley Kubrick. Neither the high praise or ongoing deconstruction of this film within conspiracy culture are unwarranted, as the film blends edgy social critique with a highly esoteric storyline; using sexual tension to reveal the existence of a powerful and arcane secret order. We start by outlining the exoteric journey of protagonist Dr Bill Harford, before discussing the esoteric initiation that both him and the willing audience are manoeuvred through via symbolism and suggestion. Be sure to stay tuned, as in our next episode we continue our analysis of both the film and its director; looking at occult philosophy and ritual with eyes wide open.  

Topics discussed include: Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick, Significance in Conspiracy Culture, Attention to Detail, Multiple Layers of Meaning, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, New York Elite, Flirtation, Marital Problems, Affairs, Fantasy, Masks, Somerton Elite Mansion, Paganism, Wicca, Occult Rituals, Sex Magick, Naked Supermodels!, Magic Circle, Ritual Drama, Dream States, High Society, Social Critique, Wannabe Culture, Lack of Sophistication, Western Religion, Traditionalism vs Sexual Liberalism, Heathenism, Human Condition, Monogamy, Sexual Tension, NLP, Suggestion, Inciting Conflict, Provocation, Masonic Symbolism, Yachin & Boaz, Solomon's Temple, Goddess Disrobing, The Willing Fool, Initiatory Ritual, Eyes Wide Shut=In The Dark, Esoteric Process, Revelation of The Method, Black & White, Dark & Light, Male & Female, Masonic Chessboard, Opposing Principals, Set Design, Lighting, Rothschild Party, Free Will, Exoteric vs Esoteric Storylines, Lack of Understanding, Celebrity Culture, Voyeurism, Titillation, Moral Judgement, Hypocrisy of The Audience, Mind Control, Connection to Regenerative Impulses, Initiation into Occult Philosophy & Culture, Eyes Wide Open. 

The Doors film from 1991 is a very important film. Here, Adam and Aaron point out its significance as they give the movie another look decades after its release.

topics include: biopics, Jim Morrison, Oliver Stone, 1960s, generations, culture creation, Dave McGowan, Laurel Canyon, military intelligence, self destructive behavior, biographies, occult, ceremony, stage, theater, Dionysus, Dionysian Cult, God of the Vine, alcoholism, sexual promiscuity, shaman, solar god, drugs, acid, Kurt Cobain, Ray Manzarek, change, making the myths, Aldous Huxley, Doors of Perception, William Blake, blood ritual, witch, Whisky A Go Go, Sunset Strip, cults, Los Angeles, Transcendental Meditation, Hollywood, Charles Manson, murder, JFK film, conspiracy theory, counterculture, Navy, Gulf of Tonkin, healer, spirituality, Wayne’s World 2, Hippies, Haight Ashbury, extreme stage antics, music industry, pushing boundaries, Woodstock, Elvis Presley, cultural icons, god of rock, immortality, fake hero, tortured artist, conflict

In this episode of Themes and Memes Adam and Aaron take a trip down memory lane as they talk about a number of films that they watched in their younger days. Many classics from the 80s and 90s are looked at in terms of predicitive programming and culture creation.

topics include: Short Circuit, MIC, occult, lightning, alchemy, gold, Terminator, Terminator 2, James Cameron, machines, transhumanism, Ai, film franchises, Aliens, Transformers, Optimus Prime, cartoons, trauma, arrested development, independent films, color, Top Gun, Navy, Tony Scott, suicide, homosexuality, Jurassic Park, genetic engineering, remakes, Total Recall, Judge Dredd, changing morality, Lion King, caste system, Social Darwinism, Disney, mind control, 1993, Jacques Ellul, propaganda, ideas as resources, subconscious