What do the slow but steady steps of indestructible stalkers symbolise? Why do we feel compelled to acknowledge their presence? How should we face the things that relentlessly haunt us? The late 1970s and early 1980s gave rise to a cinematic archetype that continues to creep out of the shadows in contemporary horror films. This week, we contemplate what the scary stalker might symbolise in order to better face our forever dormant fears.

The Films:

Halloween (1978) directed by John Carpenter 

Friday the 13th (1980) directed by Sean S. Cunningham

A Nightmare on Elm St (1984) directed by Wes Craven

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From where is fear sourced? What is the cost of seeking to overcome the unknown? Can we ever escape the unknown, or should we learn to embrace it? This week, we contemplate the symbolic value of the blue abyss we call the sea by discussing three films in which it is a central motif. 

The Films:

Deep Blue Sea (1998) directed by Renny Harlin

The Big Blue (1988) directed by Luc Besson

The Deep Blue Sea (2011) directed by Terence Davies

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From where does extreme violence come? How do we respond to what lurks in the shadows? How should we act in the face of war? In this week's episode, we take a look at three films set during World War II, viewing the global conflict as a spotlight on the extremes of the human condition. 

The Films:

The Thin Red Line (1998) directed by Terrence Malick

Das Boot (1981) directed by Wolfgang Peterson

Schindler's List (1993) directed by Steven Spielberg

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Can human constructs accurately explain nature? What happens when we try to solve nature? How should we relate to nature? This week's show focuses on 5 films from Australian director Peter Weir, tracking and discussing his various explorations of mankind's relationship with nature. 

The Films:

The Cars That Ate Paris (1974) directed by Peter Weir

Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) directed by Peter Weir

The Mosquito Coast (1986) directed by Peter Weir

Master and Commander (2003) directed by Peter Weir

The Way Back (2010) directed by Peter Weir

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In what circumstances do we value maturity? When is maturity necessary? Is maturity ever a dangerous illusion? In a 'Sacred Cinema' first, this week's show focuses on three films that all come from the same director - Sean Baker. Each film centres on a relationship between two individuals from different generations, illuminating the impact and importance of growing up properly. 

The Films:

Starlet (2012) directed by Sean Baker

The Florida Project (2017) directed by Sean Baker

Red Rocket (2021) directed by Sean Baker

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Why does Santa Claus remain prominent? What is the essence of Santa Claus? What does it mean to 'believe'? Iterations and variations of St Nicholas have persisted for centuries. In this episode, we look at three somewhat recent Christmas films to contemplate why this might be.

The Films:

Die Hard (1988) directed by John McTiernan

Bad Santa (2003) directed by Terry Zwigoff

Krampus (2015) directed by Michael Dougherty

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In what circumstances do we experience exploitation? How should we understand the sex work industry? What is the way forward for the exploited? Looking at prostitution through a broad and symbolic lens, this week's episode focusing on three distinct films to contemplate the relationship between human dignity and commercial transactions.

The Films:

Vivre Sa Vie (1962) directed by Jean-Luc Godard

Tangerine (2015) directed by Sean Baker

Nights of Cabiria (1957) directed by Federico Fellini

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How does it feel to be rejected? Why do we get 'the ick'? How should we respond when someone has 'the ick' in relation to us? In this episode, we looks at three films that explore the social phenomenon knows as 'the ick', where a person becomes almost instantaneously repulsed by someone they may have once found quite appealing. 

The Films:

'Contempt' (1963) directed by Jean-Luc Godard

'The Fly' (1986) directed by David Cronenberg

'Another Year' (2010) directed by Mike Leigh

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Is silence ever courageous? What is the relationship between silence and social change? Is there anything beneficial about being silenced? In this week's episode, we focus on three films set in Japan, a country that has oscillated between moments peaceful quiet and explosive loudness throughout its history. 

The Films:

Silence (2016) directed by Martin Scorcese 

Good Morning (1959) directed by Yasujirô Ozu

Lost in Translation (2003) directed by Sofia Coppola

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Why are we so consumed by technology? Are we always fearful of technological advancements? What is our end goal in advancing technology? In this episode, we look at various cinematic depictions of the relationship between humans and technology to contemplate when this relationship started and where it will lead.

The Films:

'Tetsuo: The Iron Man' (1989) directed by Shinya Tsukamoto

'Aliens' (1986) directed by James Cameron

'2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968) directed by Stanley Kubrick

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