Alas, Women in Horror Month (WiHM) is officially over, but don’t let that stop you from discussing women in the industry. Stay informed and be inclusive! Special thanks to all the wonderful ambassadors! Here are some highlights: Continue reading
Episode 26: The Commune (2009)
Reel Cultures vs. Real Cultures: Continuing the Conversation on Under-representation in Film
While we’re celebrating Women in Horror Month, The Whorer would also like to address the subject of under-representation in the film industry more generally.
With the racial controversy around Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained (you can find a tasting of it here, here, and here) and February also being African-American / Black History Month, I want to highlight a book written by my favorite author, bell hooks, titled Reel to Real: Race Class and Sex at the Movies. One of the issues hooks explores is the social impact of white filmmakers creating content about black culture, discussing films like Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction as well as others like Jennie Livingston’s documentary Paris is Burning. She also writes about black filmmakers like Spike Lee (who has also contributed to the Django conversation), Charles Burnett, and Julie Dash, and meditates on the future of black cinema. (And for all you locals, there’s a piece on Larry Clark’s and Nashville native Harmony Korine’s Kids.) The book is a mix of essays and transcribed conversations. It’s not horror focused, but it’s an important topic nonetheless. And if you’re worried about it being too academic or dense, don’t be! Her writing style is very accessible and straightforward. Continue reading
Episode 25: Jackie Kong and Roberta Findlay
NOTES:February is Women in Horror Month!
In recognition of Women in Horror Month*, The Whorer podcast will dedicate its February episodes to women filmmakers.
February 11 – Episode 25: Jackie Kong and Roberta Findlay
First up, an exploration into the grindhouse works of Jackie Kong and Roberta Findlay. Discussion will focus on Kong’s Blood Diner (1987), Findlay’s The Oracle (1985), and gender politics surrounding the exploitation genre in general.
February 25 – Episode 26: The Commune (2009)
Next, we’ll round out the month with a dissection of Elisabeth Fies’ 2009 film, The Commune. Will we be able to resist comparing it to Robin Hardy’s cult classic, The Wicker Man (1973)? Is that anti Women in Horror Month?
For now, enjoy our PSA and check out our previous episode on the subject. You can also pre-game with our episodes about The Countess, American Psycho, Ginger Snaps, and The Slumber Party Massacre (all written and/or directed by women). And don’t forget to wish us a happy birthday on February 14! We’re turning 1!
*Women in Horror Month is a service provided by the Viscera Organization, a 501(c)3 non profit organization expanding opportunities for contemporary female genre filmmakers and artists by raising awareness about the changing roles for women in the film industry.
Episode 24: Erzsébet Báthory
NOTES:
Lucrezia Panciatichi by Bronzino – this portrait of an Italian noble is often misidentified as a portrait of Erzsébet Báthory
Judith Beheading Holofernes by Caravaggio
The Birth of Venus by Botticelli – which Meredith thinks is the inspiration for the Countess’ chamber and the “reveal” scene in Countess Dracula.
“Snow White” – Fem thinks thinks this popular fairy tale may have been influenced by the story of Erzsébet Báthory
Episode 23: Trollhunter (2010), Troll 2 (1990)
Episode 23: Trollhunter vs Troll 2
[Fem was half correct about the origins of orcs. According to Lord of the Rings Wiki, orcs were created by breeding Elves that had been captured and corrupted by means of torture and mutilation. To further the connection, Tolkien also refers to them as goblins in the kid-friendly Hobbit.]
NOTES:
Opposition to Power Lines at a Fjord Runs Deep (NY Times)
The Best Worst Movie
* Watch it!
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