How powerful is nostalgia? How should we view the past? How should we use the past? This week's episode explores one of cinema's most iconic metaphors to unpack the power of the past.

The Films:

Citizen Kane (1941) directed by Orson Welles

Midnight in Paris (2011) directed by Woody Allen

Be Kind Rewind (2008) directed by Michel Gondry

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Why does Hollywood sometimes annoy us? Are entertainers necessary? How should we respond to our cultural leaders? With Hollywood receiving an increasing amount of scrutiny in recent years, this week's episode explores what the entertainment industry has to say about its own potential failings.

The Films:

Tropic Thunder (2008) directed by Ben Stiller

Waiting for Guffman (1996) directed by Christopher Guest

Team America (2004) directed by Trey Parker

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How do we successfully protect the public? What does the ideal protector look like? What do true heroes do? Focusing specifically on mid-80s to early 90s action films, this week's episode examines three specific movie cops in contemplating what society values in its protectors. 

The Films:

Beverley Hills Cop (1984) directed by Martin Brest

RoboCop (1987) directed by Paul Verhoeven 

Supercop (aka Police Story 3) directed by Stanley Tong

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Do society's fears change over time? How does it feel to fear? Is there a way to leave our fears in the past? Following on from the 'Scary Stalkers' episode released a few weeks ago, this week's episode examines the ways in which the 'slasher' sub-genre has been re-imagined in the 21st century, specifically focusing on subversive depictions of 'the final girl'.

The Films:

Scream (1996) directed by Wes Craven

It Follows (2014) directed by David Robert Mitchell

X (2022) directed by Ti West

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Do we relate to each other in different ways as time passes? What are some of the consequences of misunderstanding someone? Are we doomed by our interpersonal differences? Focusing specifically on retrospective depictions of the mid to late 1970s and early 80s, this week's episode explores the ways in which opposites repel, alienate and attract one another in the modern world.

The Films:

The Last Days of Disco (1998) directed by Whit Stillman

The Virgin Suicides (1999) directed by Sofia Coppola

Licorice Pizza (2021) directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

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How do we feel after making bad decisions? What should we do (or not do) when we realise that we have made a bad decision? Will we consistently make the right (or wrong) decision throughout the entirety of our lives? Using Robert Frost's iconic poem as its springboard, this week's episode explores the feelings of guilt, regret and remorse that often overwhelm us after making discretionary choices.

The Films:

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) directed by Jim Gillespie

Force Majeure (2014) directed by Ruben Östlund

The Daytrippers (1997) directed by Greg Mottola

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Do all people desire the same thing? What does it look like to be enslaved by biological impulses? What does it look like to invest in our desires? Focusing specifically on American cinema from the late 80s to the mid 90s, this week's episode explores the interplay between human sexuality, human desire and the media.

The Films:

To Die For (1995) directed by Gus Van Sant

Crash (1996) directed by David Cronenberg

Sex, Lies and Videotape (1989) directed by Steven Soderbergh

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Why should we watch films? What can we gain from watching films? What is the point of Sacred Cinema? Jimmy has managed to catch COVID-19 and is locked up in quarantine. Without a studio to keep his voice crisp, this week's very brief episode is a chance for him to talk about his love of movies and the ultimate goal of Sacred Cinema.

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How do some fathers become overly oppressive? What do fathers ultimately fear for their families? How should we view ourselves in protecting our loved ones? After last week's episode focusing on the less attractive sides of motherhood, this week's episode explores the aspects of fatherhood that instil fear in both fathers and their families. 

The Films:

Dogtooth (2009) directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

Take Shelter (2011) directed by Jeff Nichols

Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988) directed by Terence Davies

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Why is motherhood deeply profound? What are some of the terrifying aspects of motherhood? How should we confront a terrified mother? With the release of Quo Vadis, Aida? to Australian cinemas, this week's episode focuses on the more intense elements of motherhood and formulates some ways in which we can sympathise more with the people who gave life to us.  

The Films:

Quo Vadis, Aida? (2020) directed by Jasmila Žbanić

Secrets & Lies (1996) directed by Mike Leigh

Autumn Sonata (1978) directed by Ingmar Bergman

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