On this episode, we welcome special guest Pearse Redmond from Porkins Policy Review to discuss the new Netflix Original series, Stranger Things.
Comprising one season of eight episodes thus far, the show is one of many recent productions that are made exclusive to on-demand platforms, and has fast become a sentimental sensation among its thirty-something target audience; thanks to its pastiche of 80's pop culture references and nostalgic plot devices.
We start by establishing the beginnings of the story, where strange events begin to unfold in 1980's small town America. Set against the backdrop of a secretive Cold War experiment at a local government facility, the series blends real world references to geopolitics and conspiracy culture with a heavy overlay of fantasy, horror, and science fiction - staying true to the aesthetic and screenplay of the classic 80's sub-genre.
We also explore one of the most interesting aspects of the series, in looking at the target marketing of customised entertainment, where tools like analytics and meta-data seem to be driving the production of on-demand, niche-marketed TV series. Is a merge between Hollywood and Silicon Valley going to be the next big tech revolution?
Finally, we discuss some of the archetypes, roles, and cultural dynamics being presented in the show, and explore the question of how mass culture can influence our perceptions of history, where memories are continuously filtered through an emotional overlay of sentimental entertainment.
Topics discussed include: Stranger Things, Netflix Original, Duffer Brothers, On Demand, Binge Watching, 1980's, Hawkins Indiana, Children, Dungeons & Dragons, Demagorgon, Upside Down, Akira, Nostalgia, Pop Culture, Homage to classic 80's films, Sentimentality, The Goonies, ET, BMX Bikes, Poltergeist, The Neverending Story, Labyrinth, Stand by Me, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Stephen King, Super-8, J.J Abrams, 11, El, The X-Files, Alphabet Agencies, Shadow Government, Department of Energy, CIA, DOD, Pentagon, NSA, NASA, MK-ULTRA, Project Stargate, Remote Viewing, United Earth Army, Men Who Stare at Goats, Jay Dyer, SRI, Aspen, Esalan, Conspiracy Culture, Cold War, Men in Black, UFO's, Paranormal, Supernatural, Horror, Mind Control, LSD, Surveillance, ESP, Telekinesis, Mainstreaming of Conspiracy, Addictive Nature of TV Shows, Epic Dramas, Nostalgia as Bait, 80's Aesthetic, Graphics, Font, Analog Synth Music, Novelty Factor, Target Marketing of Culture, Silicon Valley, Hollywood, Demographics, Children of the 80's, Meta-Data, Analytics, Synchronicity, Social Norms, Paranoia, Geopolitics, Ronald Reagan, Altering History, Filter of Memory, Innocent Fun, Authority Figures, Government, Gender Roles, Lack of Parenting, Latch-Key Children, Reflections.
We return to the film 'The Wicker Man', looking at themes of manipulation, ritual drama, and staged provocation, before transposing these concepts onto the current metapolitical climate as we see it.
We explore the idea of 'the willing fool' archetype being incited by 'crisis actors' to role-play in dramatic and provocative theatre, from 'terror attacks' to reactionary meme wars; looking at how this alchemical concept of the meta-theatre is being used to advance a strategy of tension. We also look at the conflict between the left and right archetypes in sociopolitical trends, and how different demographics are being lured into base, suicidal ideologies by theatric provocations, ultimately accepting martyrdom.
Finally, we discuss the esoteric aspects of dialectical conflict, and how secret societies like Freemasonry have always used opposing forces to induce tension and create change, touching on concepts of staged terror events, political antagonism, and social malaise.
Topics discussed include: The Wicker Man, Manipulation, Provocation, Terror Attacks, Political Conflict, Dallas Shooting, France Event, Overstimulation, Social Tension, Crisis Actors, 'The Willing Fool', The Clown, Propaganda, Mass Confusion, Conspiracy Culture, Extremism, Alt-Right, Left vs Right, Justice, Religion, Right Wing, Sacrifice, Radicalisation, Reactionary Rhetoric, Strategy of Tension, Racism, Leftism, Popular Attitudes, LGBT, Debates, Triggers, Ritual Dramas, Archetypes, Role Play, Political Demographics, Martyrdom, Alchemy, Meta-Theatre, Operation Gladio, P2 Lodge, Creative Destruction, Dialectics, Secret Societies, Freemasonry, Square & Compass, Opposing Forces, Regeneration, Controlling Narratives, CIA, Political Candidates, Occult Process, Masks, Possession, Anonymous, Crowd Psychology, Global Meta-Theatre, Playing The Fool, The Wicker Man Afterthoughts, Unworthy Sacrifice.
On this episode, we continue looking at themes of occult ritual and esoteric psychodrama via the 1973 mystery/horror film 'The Wicker Man'. Another 'conspiracy-classic', the film follows a Scottish Highlands Police Officer who travels to a remote island community after being tipped off about a missing schoolgirl. After encountering the Heathen rites and traditions of the townsfolk, he eventually deduces that a ritual sacrifice to the Pagan gods is being planned, thus inciting him to infiltrate the ceremony.
We discuss the arcane arts of manipulation and subterfuge, the 'Willing Fool' archetype, and the myopic misunderstandings of the Christian initiate as he wills himself to martyrdom. We also take a look at the dichotomy of psychological principals that are played out through the clash between Paganism and Christianity, and touch on the possibility of a higher Masonic conspiracy on both sides of the religious divide.
Be sure to join us on our next review, as we draw parallels between 'The Wicker Man' and the current sociopolitical climate, where crisis actors and 'willing fools' are fuelling the strategy of tension.
Topics discussed include: 'The Wicker Man', Robin Hardy, Synchronicity, Scotland, Scottish Highlands, Hebridean Islands, Summerisle, Christian Police Officer, Pagan Community, All-Seeing-Eye Symbolism, 'The Green Man' Inn, The Bartender's Daughter, Willow, Sex Magick, Regenerative Rituals, Fertility, Shock and Offence, Maypole, Mayday, Phallic Symbolism, Folk Music, Deception, Manipulation, 'The Willing Fool', Tarot Archetypes, Religious Conflict, Psychological Interpretations, Ego, Force vs Understanding, Masculinity vs Femininity, Monogamy vs Polygamy, Techniques of Subterfuge, Sexual Energies, Temptation, Seduction, Lord Summerisle, Wordplay, Masonic Undertones, Kilts, Aprons, Gloves, Swords, Religion as Social Control, 'Punch, The Fool', Ritual Sacrifice, Pagan Ritual, Hermaphrodite, Hobby Horse, Fish, Myopic Attitudes, 'Willing, Virgin, King-Like Fool' archetype, Irony, Christian Morality vs Pagan Morality, Wicca, Martyrdom, 'King for a Day, Fool for a Lifetime', Patriarchy vs Matriarchy, Hexagonal Sword Ceremony, Passing Through the Gate, Masonic Ritual, Star of David, Opposing Principals, Seal of Solomon, Understanding of Religion, The Crown, Wider Conspiracy, Playing Roles, Ritual Drama, Provocation, Sacrificial Magick, Similarities between Religions.
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.
On this episode, we return to the theme of financial corruption and public indignation via the 2016 siege-drama; 'Money Monster'. Directed by Jodie Foster and starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts; the film follows a financial-affairs based TV crew on Wall Street as a disgruntled investor storms the set and holds them hostage on live TV. Angry and demanding answers over the disingenuous financial advice he has been given, we examine the increasingly predominant themes of anti-Wall St sentiment, popular indignation toward the system, and the theatre of reactionary politics around socioeconomic issues. We also look at the Hollywood A-Listers involved in the film, the symbolic illustration of esoteric concepts, and the broader social messages in relation to justice and moral victory.
Topics discussed include: 'Money Monster', Wall Street, 'Mad Money', Jim Kramer, Goldman Sachs, Ridiculous Cable Shows, Stockmarkets, Fraud, Fiat Currency, Software Glitch, Narrow AI Algorithms, Speed Trading, 'Assault on Wall St', Jodie Foster's History with John Hinckley Junior, Mark David Chapman, Catcher in The Rye, Gun Control, MK-ULTRA, Corruption and Theft in Finance, Rebellion, Indignation, Disenfranchised Everyman, Lack of Journalism, Public Relations, Conflict of Interest, Media Incitement, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, United Nations Messenger of Peace, Council on Foreign Relations, The Sentry Foundation, Philanthropy, Diplomacy, Charities, Clooney Links to CIA, Clooney Being Groomed for Politics, Lee Gates Character, Masonic Coding, 'Money Monster=MM=Master Mason', Sentry=Gatekeeper, Gates to Solomon's Temple, Gatekeeper of The Wealthy, Hundred Dollar Bill, Benjamin Franklin, All Seeing Eye Symbolism, IBIS=Sacred Animal of Knowledge, Bank of International Settlements, ISIS=Public Enemy No.1, Public Outrage, Antagonism, Hypocrisy, Sensationalistic Media, Moral Relativity, Lack of Decisive Victory, 'The Wolf of Wall St', 'The Big Short', Lack of Moral Resolution in Films, U.S Political Divide, Hilary Clinton, Donald Trump, Anti-Establishment Rhetoric, Blending of Reality & Fiction, Strategy of Tension, Orlando Shooting, Frequency of Crises, Despair, Confusion, Masculine 'Right Path' and Feminine 'Left Path' Archetypes, Conflict of Inner Duality, Climate of Anger and Provocation.
On this instalment of Themes & Memes, we return to the subject of converging technologies via the 2015 indie film 'Creative Control'. Directed by Benjamin Dickinson and distributed by Amazon Films, the film casts Dickinson himself as 'David', a hip, NYC based advertising executive tasked with marketing 'Augmenta' glasses; the latest in augmented reality technology. After being given a pair to test out, we follow David's descent into the hedonism of the NYC Hipster scene, as he pursues an affair and drifts further into distractions and escapism.
Topics Discussed Include: Creative Control, Google Glasses, Augmented Reality, Amazon Films, Benjamin Dickinson, Gavin McInnes, Advertising, Music Videos, NYC, 'Augmenta', Autobiographical Story, Hipster Lifestyle, Yoga, New Age, Relationship Dynamics, Sexual Appetites, Affairs, Infidelity, Occult Principles, Promiscuity, Reality Vs Fantasy, Guilty Pleasures, 'Sexting', Distractions, Pandering to Base Desires, Present Moment Awareness, Advertising, Philosophy of Marketing, Lack of Focus, Younger Generation, ADHD, Escapism, Virtual World, Marketing of Converging Technologies, Tailor Made for Hipsters, Devotion to Fashion & Trends, Inability to Escape the System.
On this episode, we take a serious look at a ridiculous film in 'Talladega Nights - The Ballad of Ricky Bobby' from 2006. Being the second instalment in Will Ferrell's 'Mediocre American Male' film trilogy, we deconstruct the ways in which this sub-genre of comedy mocks conservative American culture, most especially the presidency of George W. Bush and the mainstream conservative value system. We also look at the 'Sabido Method' of transposing social norms through screenplay, along with other tricks of stagecraft such as the use of comedic extremes, real-word references, and self-satirical product placement.
Topics discussed include: Talladega Nights, Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Judd Apato, Adam McKay, 'Mediocre American Male', Comedic Actors, Genres of Comedy, Popular Culture, NASCAR, Anchorman, Deconstruction of Conservative Values, Contemporary Morality Play, Risque Humour, Conservatism, Right Wing Politics, Cultural Demographics, Christianity, George W. Bush, DuPont, DynCorp, Halliburton, Carlyle Group, KFC, McDonalds, Product Placement, Self-Satire, Sasha Baron Cohen, Perrier, France, LGBT, Sophistication, Character Archetypes, Frontrunner vs Underdog, Debasement, Degeneracy, Gender Roles, Denigration of the Male, Juvenile Behaviour, Drugs, Homoeroticism, Sexually Inappropriate Themes, Profanity, Sabido Method, Breaking Down Prejudices, Changing Moral Values, Comedic Technique, Lack of Judgement, Identification with Archetypes, Stupidity, Comedic Extremes, Pushing the Envelope, Political Statements, Dialectics, Liberalism vs Conservatism, Toilet Humour, Subversive Impact of Comedies.
On this episode, we are joined by our good friend Tom Secker of Spyculture.com to review the 2016 reboot of the 90's cult-classic; 'The X-Files'. After being reunited with Mulder and Scully, we are thrown headlong into a grand global conspiracy, involving everything from UFO's and lizard-men, to magic mushrooms and martial law. Given that this latest season is obviously designed to reflect modern conspiracy culture, we examine the relevant themes within all 6 episodes, before asking the most important question. Why?
Topics discussed include: X-Files, Mulder, Scully, UFO's, Aliens, Roswell, Changes to the Narrative, 9/11 Truth, False Flag Terror, Martial Law, Alex Jones, Bill O'Reilly, Patriot Movement, Disclosure Project, Steven Greer, Project Bluebeam, Monsters, David Icke, Genetics, Eugenics, JFK, Conspiracy Culture, Telekinesis, ESP, Fringe, J.J. Abrams, Psychedelics, Magic Mushrooms, MK-ULTRA, Reptilian, Lizard Man, Rhys Darby, Burden of Proof, Crisis of Faith, Anti-Establishment Rhetoric, Victimised Minorities, Religious Profiling, Multiculturalism, Security State, Transcendent Experience, Target Audience, Different Responses, Cynicism vs Validation, Possible Next Season, Pandering to Conspiracy Theorists, Chris Carter, Conspiracy Culture as a Bona-Fide Market.
On this episode; we look back at the life and legacy of Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs, via the 2015 biopic of the same name. The film constitutes three major acts, each focusing on a major product release through 1984-1997. In addition to being given a backstage look at the personal computing revolution, we are also familiarised with the character himself. With his unique background and unrelenting personality; we examine how Jobs' drive and ambition helped shape the information age, and the things he sacrificed in doing so.
Topics discussed include: Apple, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, NeXT, Pixar, Multiple Biopic Dramas, Mythology, Disney, Entertainment, Zen Buddhism, Eastern Mysticism, New Age, Entrepreneurship, Personal Conflict, Ambition, California, Hippies, Counterculture, Laurel Canyon, Silicon Valley, 'Daz Netz, The Unabomber, Personal Computers, Revolution, LSD, Veganism, Freemasonry, Alchemy, Occultism, Forbidden Fruit, Symbolism, Social Change, Aspen Institute, Esalen Institute, Terrance McKenna, Evolution of Consciousness, Arthur C. Clarke, The Great Work, Personal Life, Daughter, Shortcomings, Narcissism, Ego, Steve Jobs death Conspiracy Theory, Cult of Apple, Iconoclasm, Brand Loyalty, The Cloud, Impact on Technology, Personal Apple Products.
On this episode, we cover the 2015 Biographical Comedy/Drama 'The Big Short'. The film chronicles the lives and experiences of several key stock traders on Wall Street during the 2008 financial crash. Like numerous other films and documentaries on this particular subject; the film provides audiences with a humorous and hallowing insight into 'Wall St culture' and the events leading up to the crash, whilst inciting a strong sense of outrage and indignation over the injustices perpetrated upon the general public - both then and now.
Topics discussed include: Academy Awards, Promotion, True Story, Biopic Drama, Ensemble Cast, Big Banks, Corruption, Rogue Traders, Outsiders, 2008 Wall St Crash, Housing Bubble, Subprime Loans, CDO's, Financial Products, Comic Relief, Documentary Techniques, Narrative Films, Blend of Fact and Fiction, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carrell, Christian Bale, Vacuous Nature of Western Culture, Economics, Taking Advantage of Stupidity, Wilful Ignorance, Las Vegas, Gambling, New York, Casinos, Vice, Indulgence, Greed, Confusing the Audience, Appealing to Materialism, Envy, Inciting Indignation, Sensationalism, Hedonism, Omission of Truths, Referencing Conspiracy Culture, Brad Pitt, Conspiracy Theorist, NSA, Monsanto, Patriot Culture, Getting Revenge, Provoking Outrage, Multiple Layers.
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
Adam and Aaron do a quick review of the latest major film to be produced with the help of NASA. They also examine NASA's collaboration with Hollywood as a whole in an attempt to understand the motivations behind such a large scale PR campaign.
topics include: NASA, public relations, propaganda, military, entertainment liaison, media, film, Hollywood, Interstellar, Gravity, Armageddon, science, inaccuracies, space exploration, Earth, big data, the Meatball, public profile, funding, promoting science, Planetary Skin, saving the world, technology, Richard Hoagland, secret space, Area 51
On this episode, we look at 'Tomorrowland'; a Disney film based on the future-themed arena within Disneyland of the same name:
"Whenever Casey Newton (Britt Robertson) touches a lapel pin with the letter T on it, she finds herself transported to Tomorrowland, a city filled with huge robots and sleek buildings. The gifted young woman recruits the help of scientist Frank Walker (George Clooney), a previous visitor to Tomorrowland, who years ago made a startling discovery about the future. Together, the two adventurers travel to the metropolis to uncover its mysterious secrets."
-imdb.com
Topics discussed include: Los Angeles, Disneyland, Futurism, Walt Disney, Science, Scienctism, Technocratic Ideals, Optimism, Pessimism, Target Audience, Childen, Young Adults, Females, NASA Involvement, George Clooney, CFR, Fantasy Elements, Infantile Plot Devices, Environmental Propaganda, AGW, Overpopulation, Dystopian Themes, Apocalyptic Messages, Ray Bradbury, 'Fahrenheit 451', George Orwell, '1984', Aldous Huxley, 'Brave New World', Scientific Prophecy, Recruitment, Initiation, Utopianism, Conflicting Messages and Ideas, Confusion, Propaganda Techniques on Children, Family Dynamics, Young vs Old, Emotional Manipulation, Malicious Intent.
Adam and Aaron meet in person for the first time ever. On his trip back to New Zealand from the UK, Adam stopped in Southern California in order to make this momentous event happen. Here, the two tell stories about the trip including their visit to the Pentagon's Hollywood Entertainment Liaison Office building.
Topics discussed include: California, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Laurel Canyon, military, Oppenheimer Building, Wilshire Blvd, clandestine, RAND, Santa Monica, nuclear war, Lookout Mountain Ave, Dave McGowan, neighborhood watch, Hollywood Hills, video, Country Store, Joshua Tree, rocks, Hall of Horrors, minor injury
Due to both technical problems and logistical delays in publishing our 21st episode; we gave up on trying to review a film, and simply recorded a spontaneous, off the cuff discussion on a variety of subjects. We kick things off by giving listeners the inside scoop on what's been going on behind the scenes, before moving into some general back on forth on social issues, cultural trends, and life in general.
We'd also like to apologise to our audience for the lack of output recently, as this impromptu recording represents the first episode we've published since June. Rest assured though, we will be back soon with more film-review podcasts, and we also have other forms of content in the works right now too - so stay tuned.
Topics discussed include: Technology, Los Angeles, California, Hollywood, Frank Capra, 'Meet John Doe' (film), Public Service, Freemasonry, Solar-Symbolism, Georgia Guidestones, Virtue, the 'Truth Movement', State of Decay and Confusion, Rise in Destructive Beliefs, Alex Jones, Russell Brand, Joe Rogan, Authorised Leaders, Big Business Connections, Cross-Cultural Themes, Commerce, Making Compromises, Dave Chapelle, Integrity, 'The Chapelle Theory', Truth vs Personal Interests, Cults, Propaganda, Public Relations, David Lynch, TM, Manufactured Superstars, Appealing to Newcomers, Creating Allegiance, Culture Creation, The Pace of Life, Human Values vs Transhuman Values, The Economic System, New Technologies, Technocratic Philosophy, Ubiquity of Converging Technologies in Film, Social Impacts of the Media, Mens Rights vs Feminism, Radical Ideologies, Gender-Based Conflict, Changing Attitudes towards Gender and Sex, Extreme Sexual Liberalism, Damage to Children, Problems with Extreme Liberal Ideology, Commercialised Culture, Commodification of Ideas, Marketing of Cults, General Discussion, Personal Lives, Future of Themes & Memes.
In our 20th instalment, we take a parting shot at the A.I, Robot, and Android orientated films that seem to have defined the first half of 2015. British Director Alex Garland's 'Ex-Machina' (latin - 'From The Machine') represents one of the more sophisticated and intellectually provocative films that that AI genre has offered up as of late - in making obvious references to reality, whilst simultaneously toying with the unknown and prompting serious philosophical contemplation. While it borrows from films of lesser magnitude; 'Ex-Machina' refrains from becoming a Singularity sales-pitch in the way we've come to expect, but rather inspires reflection on the most fundamental questions of Artificial Intelligence and how it might relate to the human condition.
Topics discussed include: Greek Theatre, 'Deus Ex Machina', God From The Machine, Consciousness, Nature, Technology, References to Reality, Google, Facebook, Search Engines, Silicone Valley Executives, Larry Page, Turing Test, Alan Turing, Big Egos, Megalomania, Juxtaposition of Personalities, Social Experimentation, Total Surveillance, Mass Data Aggregation, Secrecy, Invasion of Privacy, Psychological Profiling & Manipulation, Social Experimentation, Human-Machine Bonding&Interaction, Empathy, Subterfuge, The Willing Fool, Idealism, Humanising The Machine, Biblical/Occult Names, Ulterior Motives, Alchemy, Personification of Nature & Quintessential Principles, Creation of Anatomic Perfection, Sexual Energies, Emotional Manipulation, Abuse of A.I, Sadism, Sex Slavery, Breakdown of Identity, Machine Behaviour - Reality vs Simulation, Creation Trumping Creator, Multiple Levels of Deception, Revelation of The Method, Betrayal.
In this instalment of Themes & Memes; Aaron and Adam continue to focus on the wave of Robot, Android, and A.I themed films that have been flooding the Box Office for the past few months - in analyzing the film 2015 'Chappie', by Neill Blomkamp. Colourful, vibrant, and entertaining; the film juxtaposes humour, innocence, and virtue, with darkness, sadism, and depravity - where a Military-Industrial Robot is given the gift of consciousness, and must battle with the influences of all those who have a stake in his existence.
Topics discussed include: A.I Artificial Intelligence, Neill Blomkamp, Dystopian Future, Die Antwoord (band), Ninja, Yolandi Visser, Gangs, Sentience, Consciousness, Innocence, Virtue, Emotional Intelligence vs Logical Intelligence, Military-Industrial Mindset, Psychopathy, Hugh Jackman, Sigourney Weaver, Sadism, Mind Control, Human-Machine Bonding, Ritual Abuse, Transhumanism, Mortality vs Immortality, Creation overcoming Creator, Technological Transcendence, Religion vs Science, Evolution, False Flag Events, Robocop, The Machine, District-9, Elysium, Cross Cultural Promotion and Marketing of Transhuman themes.
In this bonus installment of Themes & Memes, Aaron and Adam embark on a spontaneous, informal chat about Hollywood, the cult of celebrity, and the psychodynamics of celebrity worship.
Topics discussed include; Cult of Personality, Celebrity Neurosis and Breakdown, Suicide, The '27 Club', Life as a Stage, Theatrics, Public Relations, Identity Crisis, Public Obsession with the Character, Marketing of Popular Causes, Shia Labeouf, Fast & Furious, Alpha Males, Female Celebrity Obsession, Tom Cruise, Action Heroes, Living the Persona, Buying the Image, Kevin Costner, Manufactured Personas, Suspension of Disbelief, 'Starsuckers' Documentary, Tabloidism, Kim Kardashian, Psychology of Actors & Celebrities.
In this episode of Themes & Memes; Aaron and Adam discuss the recently released Spanish film - 'Automata - just one of many recent films dealing with Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Future Dystopias - and most importantly of all; Human-Machine Bonding.
Topics discussed include: Artificial Intelligence, Technological Evolution, Downfall of Mankind, Debasement of Society, Future Dystopias, Use of Colour in Films Creating Hopelessness, Conscious Machines, Creation Overcoming The Creator, 'Bladerunner', 'The Machine', Military-Industrial Control, Dreams, Exploitation, Revolution, Human-Machine Bonding, Esoteric Significance, Dawn of the New Day.
Adam and Aaron review the new film by the Wachowskis, Jupiter Ascending. A very odd film that has been panned by audiences and critics alike, there are at least some interesting concepts to be found. Secret Societies and their views on royalty, mythology, and astrology feature prominent among these concepts.
topics include: occult, Mystery School, astrology, mythology, genres, secret societies, Gnosticism, new age fringe, bloodlines, ancient aliens, aristocracy, genetics, life extension, Cinderella, virtue, vice, Jupiter, reincarnation, harvest, royal families, Abrasax, Abraxas, Father God, Greek Mythology, Zeus, Titus, feminist cult film, temporal power, eugenics, Social Darwinism, Hermes, male and female, art, architecture, 3D films, overwhelming the senses, confusion, altered states of consciousness, agenda-driven filmmaking, special effects, critical thought
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