Film Jive

 

Originally published in October of 2016, this Hallow’s Eve, the Film Jive tomb is re-opened with another creaking cacophony of murderous disharmony and echoes of the fantastique with the “Soundtrack of Terror Vol. II”. Film Jive contributors Simone Barros, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope welcome fellow trick or treaters; Bill Ackerman, Regina Barry, Philip Brubaker, Rooney Elmi, Veronica Fitzpatrick, Kurtiss Hare, Lee Howard, Dr. Russ Hunter, Jim Laczkowski, Michelle Clifford, Alison Lang, Jasper Lee, C.J. Lines, Michael Mackenzie, Patrick Ripoll, Fanta Sylla, Tenebrous Kate, and Patrick K. Walsh to assemble a revolving playlist of blood-stained sounds that will leave your ears in a severed state. So audiophiles, sit back (but remain upright) and allow the most horrific sounds of cinema to disquiet your nerves. Happy Halloween!

 

Originally published in August of 2016, Zach Betonte and Simone Barros are joined by Jim Laczkowski, host of the Director’s Club and Voices and Visions podcasts to discuss Charlie Kaufman’s “Synecdoche, New York” originally released in 2008. The discussion considers Kaufman’s use of filmic space and architecture, the emotional effect of viewing a character’s ongoing crisis of self and question whether the film is of the meta-realist or magical-realist tradition.

 

Originally published in June of 2016, Zach Betonte, Andrew Swope and Simone Barros discuss Jean Cocteau’s dreamscape, “La Belle et la Bête” originally released in 1946. The discussion elaborates on how Cocteau’s avant-garde theatre background informs his cinematic practice, how objectification may or may not augment the narrative’s reality and the similarities between the aesthetics of Cocteau and Maya Deren.

 

Originally published in June of 2016, Zach Betonte, Andrew Swope and Simone Barros discuss Joseph Losey’s psychodrama, “Accident” originally released in 1967. The trio inquire about the role of subjective memory in relation to the narrative trajectory, the presence of animals throughout and its implications, and question whether the camera objectifies or empowers its female protagonists.

 

Originally published in June of 2016, Zach Betonte, Andrew Swope and Simone Barros discuss Jesus Franco’s erotic thriller, “Eugenie de Sade” originally released in 1973. The discussion contemplates Franco’s nostalgic re-appropriation of popular culture and how this implies meta-textual elements and question the film’s complicated depiction of feminine sexuality.

 

Originally published in May of 2015, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope discuss Lucio Fulci’s spandex slasher film, “Murder Rock” originally released in 1984. The discussion elaborates on Fulci’s relationship to 1980’s American popular culture, the irrational character motivations, and how Fulci’s production restrictions enhance the formal atmosphere of his films.

 

Originally published in February of 2015, Zach Betonte and Gary Sargenson discuss François Truffaut’s coming of age drama, “Two English Girls”. The discussion details the film’s portrayal of unrequited love, it’s continuity with Truffaut’s earlier film, “Jules and Jim” and how Truffaut may be the most conservative conspirator of the French Nouvelle Vague.

 

Originally published in January of 2015, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope share their personal “Best of 2014” lists and comment on the year ahead in cinema.

 

Originally published in December of 2014, Zach Betonte and Andrew Swope exchange Christmas gifts while indulging in glass of hot Dr. Pepper followed by a discussion of what they each received.

 

Originally published in January of 2015, Zach Betonte is joined by former Film Jive co-host, Nick Wheatley to discuss the third and (hopefully) final film in the trilogy, “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”.