Michael and Us

Some topics are too vast, too vital for us to cover on our own. Today, we address one such topic. We invited Jacobin Magazine's Meagan Day and Branko Marcetic for a roundtable discussion of EMPIRE RECORDS (1995). We proffer some theories about why this attempt to hit the Gen X zeitgeist actually resonated more strongly with millennials, and how its depiction of alt-culture proved life-changing for at least one of the panelists.

Our previous symposium on "You've Got Mail" - https://soundcloud.com/michael-and-us/176-youve-got-mail-a-michael-us-symposium-w-meagan-day-and-branko-marcetic

Meagan at the Oxford Union - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEnqmgVaOjc&ab_channel=OxfordUnion

PATREON-EXCLUSIVE EPISODE - https://www.patreon.com/posts/404-boy-in-78936344

We look back on the prototypical modern viral media phenomenon: the "Balloon Boy" hoax of 2009. After bingeing about 90 minutes' worth of MSNBC coverage, we discuss how the Balloon Boy both presaged and diverged from the sorts of flash-in-the-pan viral sensations that would dominate the next 14 years. PLUS: fiery hot takes on the sudden resignation of Toronto Mayor John Tory.

The amateur documentary MY YANG GANG DIARY (2021) gives us opportunity to look back on the presidential candidacy of Andrew Yang. We discuss how the "Not left, not right, but forward" candidate offered a vision of radical centrism.

"What Happened to Andrew Yang?" by Akela Lacy - https://theintercept.com/2021/08/15/andrew-yang-new-york-mayor/

PATREON-EXCLUSIVE EPISODE - https://www.patreon.com/posts/78564941

On February 7, Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union to a new congress. A little bit was different, and plenty was the same. We discuss Biden post-midterms, the inept Republican response, and do a little spitballing about the future. PLUS: a cancelled movie star who might stay cancelled, and a surprising return to the Beatty Tracyverse.

Terrence Malick perfected his now-signature style with his rapturously beautiful second film, DAYS OF HEAVEN (1978). We discuss the film's depiction of hardscrabble American life in the early 20th century, and Malick's holistic view of humanity and nature. PLUS: an alarming update on the state of Canadian media, and the U.S. Congress condemnation of socialism.

"On Earth as It Is in Heaven" by Adrian Martin - https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/555-days-of-heaven-on-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven

Join us on Patreon for an extra episode every week - https://www.patreon.com/michaelandus

PATREON-EXCLUSIVE EPISODE - https://www.patreon.com/posts/400-amityville-78332944

We've reached episode #400, and we're celebrating this auspicious anniversary by revisiting some of our favorite topics. First, we create the definitive canon of the most important movies we've discussed on the show. Then, we stare into the heart of darkness by watching Shawn C. "Coolduder" Phillips' directorial effort AMITYVILLE KAREN (2022), a no-budget horror film that attempts to cash in on the "Karen" phenomenon.

A key moment in the evolution of the modern blockbuster, JURASSIC WORLD (2015) is a cynical reboot about cynical reboots. We discuss what this enormously popular movie says about the world that spawned it, as well as its very peculiar sexist streak you may have noticed. PLUS: Why is Canada's conservative movement so Americanized?

PATREON-EXCLUSIVE EPISODE - https://www.patreon.com/posts/398-cheese-back-77885785

First, Luke breaks down exactly what's going on in the peculiar saga of noted compulsive-liar congressman George Santos. Next, Will offers an appreciation of the late New York underground filmmaker Nick Zedd and his "campy ACAB" classic POLICE STATE (1987). Finally, we all come together to share a laugh about a Guardian columnist who's having serious problems with a slice of cheese.

PATREON-EXCLUSIVE EPISODE - https://www.patreon.com/posts/397-view-from-77710234

After Mondo Cane it was time to watch a good movie, so we dipped back into the oeuvre of Werner Herzog. Popularly known as "the one where he hypnotized the entire cast," HEART OF GLASS (1976) and its apocalyptic vision offer some unique insights into the German maverick's view of civilization.

A misanthropic catalog of shocking images from around the world, the bizarre, unpleasant, baldly racist, and extremely influential MONDO CANE (1962) was a pioneering "shockumentary." We revisit this strange and ugly artefact to discuss why it was taken so seriously in its day.

Join us on Patreon for an extra episode every week - https://www.patreon.com/michaelandus