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I wish more people understood this simple fact!
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The Americans
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Kyle Lambert’s Incredible ‘Toy Story/The Shining’ Mash-Up - click to see the entire set.
Hannibal Ep 1.12 “Relevés” sets up a promising finalé
The penultimate episode of Hannibal’s first season offers up a much more low-key hour of television, but it sets up what is promising to be a hell of a finalé. Hannibal is sure to deliver its finest course next week with tensions escalating to a fever pitch. Lives and reputations are on the line and Will (Hugh Dancy) is slowly putting the pieces to the puzzle together. The death of Georgia Madchen (Ellen Muth) leads Will to realize the truth about the copycat killer, while Jack (Laurence Fishburne) begins to have suspicions and Hannibal (Mads Mikkelsen) reveals his true self to poor Abigail Hobbs (Kacey Rohl). For a series that is usually dialogue-heavy, Hannibal does well in ratcheting up the tension.
The Ethics of Tod Browning’s Freaks (1932)
Produced by MGM in 1932, Freaks (dir. Tod Browning) was withdrawn upon its initial theatrical release and is one of the few films from the era that remains truly shocking to contemporary audiences. The film features real circus “freaks” and their apparent monstrosity was one of the driving forces of the numerous controversies that plagued the film. Their representation remains a point of contention for the contemporary viewer, and whether or not the film does more harm than good in regards to its subject remains an open question for the socially conscious. The film encounters many of the same legal and ethical issues that freak shows have, offering a cinematic equal to the roadside attractions and circus shows.
Hannibal Ep 1.11 “Rôti” and breaking down Will Graham’s dreams
Hannibal serves up another delicious course with its eleventh episode of the series, “Rôti,” as Dr. Abel Gideon (Eddie Izzard) escapes and Will’s descent into madness escalates to a fever pitch. While Will turns to Hannibal for help with his continued mental breakdown, Gideon searches for the Chesapeake Ripper, leaving behind clues body parts so he’ll know where to find him.
In terms of plot, characterization, scientific research, dialogue, acting, editing and cinematography, Hannibal is in a class of its own. There is no other network series quite like it; none so daring and none so masterfully crafted. This week’s episode sees a huge shift in ideas – and is a major turning point to what promises to be a stunning finale. “Roti” is all about identity; mistaken identity and identity theft. We all know Gideon isn’t the Ripper and Hannibal isn’t very happy that he’s stolen his identity thanks to the unethical interference by a number of psychiatrists. “Roti” continues one of the strongest narratives this year and the parallels between Gideon and Will Graham are incredibly discomforting. After all, Will is our hero and we all care about him. Watching him suffer isn’t easy and “Roti” does a great job in raising the stakes.
Hannibal Ep 1.10 ‘Buffet Froid’ continues to fragment Will’s sanity in another dark, beautiful episode
Underneath the dense psychology of ‘Buffet Froid’ is a pretty fantastic little ghost story, albeit one told inHannibal fashion, where the mind of the ghost proves to be more interesting than her gory actions. Maybe I’m just reeling from the great news that NBC renewed Hannibal for a second season (seriously: good fucking job, NBC), but ‘Buffet Froid’ was a beautiful little hour of drama, a bit hard to follow at times, but ultimately a satisfying – and oddly, emotionally touching – episode.
Sordid Cinema Podcast #58
‘Resolution,’ ‘Black Rock’ and ‘Aftershock’
After a considerable gap, Sordid Cinema is back with a triple feature of recent genre fare, from the beloved to the…less beloved. First up is our long-belated take on Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead’s little indie that could, Resolution, which subverts the cabin-in-the-woods horror flick on roughly one fiftieth the budget of, er, The Cabin in the Woods. After that, Edgar, Ricky and Simon tackle the Eli Roth starrer (!) Aftershock and Katie Aselton’s Deliverance-esque survival thriller Black Rock.
Horror Films of 2013: Sordid Cinema PODCAST #58
‘Resolution,’ ‘Black Rock’ and ‘Aftershock’
After a considerable gap, Sordid Cinema is back with a triple feature of recent genre fare, from the beloved to the…less beloved. First up is our long-belated take on Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead’s little indie that could, Resolution, which subverts the cabin-in-the-woods horror flick on roughly one fiftieth the budget of, er, The Cabin in the Woods. After that, Edgar, Ricky and Simon tackle the Eli Roth starrer (!) Aftershock and Katie Aselton’s Deliverance-esque survival thriller Black Rock.
Horror Films of 2013: Sordid Cinema Podcast #58
‘Resolution,’ ‘Black Rock’ and ‘Aftershock’
After a considerable gap, Sordid Cinema is back with a triple feature of recent genre fare, from the beloved to the…less beloved. First up is our long-belated take on Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead’s little indie that could, Resolution, which subverts the cabin-in-the-woods horror flick on roughly one fiftieth the budget of, er, The Cabin in the Woods. After that, Edgar, Ricky and Simon tackle the Eli Roth starrer (!) Aftershock and Katie Aselton’s Deliverance-esque survival thriller Black Rock.
