Cinema Cauldron

Abu-Ghraib, Saw, and America’s Love Affair With Torture

In this episode, I'll provide a brief overview of the controversy surrounding Captivity (2007) and trace its early origins as a Hype Williams project for 20th Century Fox. Then, I'll trace the correlation between America's fascination with torture, Iraq War era propaganda, and the anti-torture messaging in Saw, Saw II, and Saw III. 

part one of a four-part series; full essay transcript to be posted with feature-length edit

Music Credits

Hiromi Mizutani, "Greenvale" from Deadly Premonition (2010)

Alexander Nakarada, "Hor Hor"

Diego Nava, 'Chill Bro' (Intro & Outro)

NeverNotDead, 'The Wait'

Alex Guilbert, 'Ambient 1, 2, & 3' from Saw: The Video Game (2010)

Vincenzo Natali's (Cube) 2009 sci-fi horror film, Splice, rattled the nerves of the few that saw it on release. It was bloody, sexual, and - above all - had scary things to say about American parenting culture.

Today, I'll revisit Dark Castle Productions' first flop and consider some of the themes at play. Is the film's lukewarm reputation deserved, or is there something here worth probing deeper?

CW: CSA, Abuse, Sexual Assault

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I Spit On Your Grave is one of the most controversial films ever made. On this episode, I'll briefly discuss the history of the original and its infamous reception. Plus: I'll walk you through each entry of this notorious franchise - and make my case for it as a feminist horror masterpiece.

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This episode is dedicated to the memory of Nikki Kuhnhausen.

Koji Suzuki's 1991 Ring introduced Sadako - an telepathic victim of a hate crime that, in her anger, doomed the world with a deadly curse.

But over 30 years later, her origin story has been mostly forgotten.

On today's Cinema Cauldron, I compare and contrast the various adaptations of Ring, discuss the origins and inspirations behind Sadako, and talk about how her original depiction mirrors real-life deaths of trans and intersex folks.

CW: Murder, Sexual Assault, Transphobia.

Music selections from Ring and Rasen.

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Rose Glass' gnostic chiller Saint Maud went unseen by most, and unsung by many.

On this episode, we take a deep dive into the A24 gem, and address some of the little-discussed aspects of the movie. Included are discussions of Borderline Personality Disorder, the affect of Catholic doctrine on mentally ill queer folk, and an honest discussion on sexual assault.

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Episode includes excerpts from Welcome to the NHK and Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Royalty-Free music by Ahjay Stalino, Francisco Alvear, Eugenio Minnini, Diego Nava

This week, I'm joined my the illustrious Rocketto Punchi co-host, Russell Alterman, to discuss Scooby-Doo in the 1980s! We dive deep into three of the best Scooby films of all time: Boo Brothers, Ghoul School, and Reluctant Werewolf.

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After Roland Emmerich's Godzilla prompted a soft reset for the aging series, Toho took their most iconic creature for a five-movie trip down memory lane - and into the future.

Rocketto Punchi co-host Preston McFarlin joins me this week to discuss Godzilla vs Megaguirus, Godzilla Against Mecha-Godzilla, and Godzilla: Final Wars.

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To talk about The Matrix Resurrections, we need to talk about The Animatrix and Enter The Matrix - two of the most important parts of the series. I dig deep into the franchise's philosophy, the idea of choice versus destiny, and why Niobe is one of the most important characters in the series. Enjoy.

Word Count: 7,017

Music by Alejandro Magana, Eugenio Mininni, Arulo, and Diego Nava.

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Last year was the worst. Let's talk about some of my favorite movies from it. That's right - a rote, standard Top 5... with a special announcement at the end. Sound good?

Music by Brock Hewitt, Richard Smithson, and Walz.

Opening track "Chill Bro" by Diego Nava

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In the season of the spirit, I visit the sex-crazed Christploitation classic Evil Come Evil Go, where a Tammy Faye knockoff seduces lesbians and kills "evil men." Afterwards, I take a dreamy boat ride to Lesbian Island in Girl Slaves of Morgana le Fay and revisit Jose Larraz with his twisted slasher classic, Edge of the Axe.

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