Themes and Memes

Themes and Memes

By Aaron Franz, Adam RoscoeTV & FilmSociety & Culture
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Themes and Memes episodes

  • Eyes Wide Shut Movie Review Part 2, Themes & Memes Ep33

    As promised, we return in our 33rd episode to look further at the deeper meanings of Stanley Kubrick's conspiratorial magnum opus 'Eyes Wide Shut'. We discuss the esoteric initiation of Dr Bill Harford into the world of hidden forces that shape his reality, and his ignorance of the occult principals that are guiding his journey. Delving deeper into the artful deception of the mystery tradition, we examine how both protagonist and audience are willingly fooled into a base interpretation of esoteric truth, and how these themes of occult signalling are incorporated into Kubrick's other works. Finally, we look at the untimely death of Kubrick shortly after the film was shot, touching on questions of intrigue surrounding these events.

    Topics discussed include: Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick's Filmography, Running Themes, Complexity of Material, Attention to Detail, Layers of Relevance, Dr Bill Harford, Tom Cruise, Alice Harford, Nicole Kidman, Marital Problems, Argument, Jealousy, Affairs, Flirtation, Propositions, Provocations, Triggering Impulses, Prostitute 'Domino', Moral and Social Hypocrisy, Denial of Temptation, Social Masks, The Willing Fool, Double Meaning, Egotistical Ignorance vs Philosophical Ignorance, Esoteric Traditions, Mystery Schools, Deception, Psychological Control, NLP, Sexual Tension, Sexual Liberation, False Dialectics, Higher Truths, Deeper Meaning, Gnosticism, 'Dr Strangelove', 'The Shining', '2001 A Space Odyssey', Hidden Messages, Water Fluoridation, Base Understandings, Exoteric vs Esoteric, Supernatural Possession, Cremation of Care, Seeing Everything and Understanding Nothing, 'Domino'='Sandy'=Alter-Ego, Professionalism, Politeness, Gentleman, Scientology, Esoteric Casting of Tom Cruise, Dr Bill=William=Will-I-Am, Hierarchy of Names, Temporal Power and Control, Stanley Kubrick Death, Conspiracy Culture, Alex Jones, Philosophical Death, Purposeful Evocation of Mystery.

    1 hr 5 min
  • Eyes Wide Shut Movie Review Part 1, Themes & Memes Ep32

    In our 32nd episode of Themes & Memes, we take a look at the conspiracy-cult-classic 'Eyes Wide Shut', by Stanley Kubrick. Neither the high praise or ongoing deconstruction of this film within conspiracy culture are unwarranted, as the film blends edgy social critique with a highly esoteric storyline; using sexual tension to reveal the existence of a powerful and arcane secret order. We start by outlining the exoteric journey of protagonist Dr Bill Harford, before discussing the esoteric initiation that both him and the willing audience are manoeuvred through via symbolism and suggestion. Be sure to stay tuned, as in our next episode we continue our analysis of both the film and its director; looking at occult philosophy and ritual with eyes wide open.

    Topics discussed include: Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick, Significance in Conspiracy Culture, Attention to Detail, Multiple Layers of Meaning, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, New York Elite, Flirtation, Marital Problems, Affairs, Fantasy, Masks, Somerton Elite Mansion, Paganism, Wicca, Occult Rituals, Sex Magick, Naked Supermodels!, Magic Circle, Ritual Drama, Dream States, High Society, Social Critique, Wannabe Culture, Lack of Sophistication, Western Religion, Traditionalism vs Sexual Liberalism, Heathenism, Human Condition, Monogamy, Sexual Tension, NLP, Suggestion, Inciting Conflict, Provocation, Masonic Symbolism, Yachin & Boaz, Solomon's Temple, Goddess Disrobing, The Willing Fool, Initiatory Ritual, Eyes Wide Shut=In The Dark, Esoteric Process, Revelation of The Method, Black & White, Dark & Light, Male & Female, Masonic Chessboard, Opposing Principals, Set Design, Lighting, Rothschild Party, Free Will, Exoteric vs Esoteric Storylines, Lack of Understanding, Celebrity Culture, Voyeurism, Titillation, Moral Judgement, Hypocrisy of The Audience, Mind Control, Connection to Regenerative Impulses, Initiation into Occult Philosophy & Culture, Eyes Wide Open.

    1 hr 18 min
  • Money Monster Movie Review, Themes & Memes Ep31

    On this episode, we return to the theme of financial corruption and public indignation via the 2016 siege-drama; 'Money Monster'. Directed by Jodie Foster and starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts; the film follows a financial-affairs based TV crew on Wall Street as a disgruntled investor storms the set and holds them hostage on live TV. Angry and demanding answers over the disingenuous financial advice he has been given, we examine the increasingly predominant themes of anti-Wall St sentiment, popular indignation toward the system, and the theatre of reactionary politics around socioeconomic issues. We also look at the Hollywood A-Listers involved in the film, the symbolic illustration of esoteric concepts, and the broader social messages in relation to justice and moral victory.

    Topics discussed include: 'Money Monster', Wall Street, 'Mad Money', Jim Kramer, Goldman Sachs, Ridiculous Cable Shows, Stockmarkets, Fraud, Fiat Currency, Software Glitch, Narrow AI Algorithms, Speed Trading, 'Assault on Wall St', Jodie Foster's History with John Hinckley Junior, Mark David Chapman, Catcher in The Rye, Gun Control, MK-ULTRA, Corruption and Theft in Finance, Rebellion, Indignation, Disenfranchised Everyman, Lack of Journalism, Public Relations, Conflict of Interest, Media Incitement, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, United Nations Messenger of Peace, Council on Foreign Relations, The Sentry Foundation, Philanthropy, Diplomacy, Charities, Clooney Links to CIA, Clooney Being Groomed for Politics, Lee Gates Character, Masonic Coding, 'Money Monster=MM=Master Mason', Sentry=Gatekeeper, Gates to Solomon's Temple, Gatekeeper of The Wealthy, Hundred Dollar Bill, Benjamin Franklin, All Seeing Eye Symbolism, IBIS=Sacred Animal of Knowledge, Bank of International Settlements, ISIS=Public Enemy No.1, Public Outrage, Antagonism, Hypocrisy, Sensationalistic Media, Moral Relativity, Lack of Decisive Victory, 'The Wolf of Wall St', 'The Big Short', Lack of Moral Resolution in Films, U.S Political Divide, Hilary Clinton, Donald Trump, Anti-Establishment Rhetoric, Blending of Reality & Fiction, Strategy of Tension, Orlando Shooting, Frequency of Crises, Despair, Confusion, Masculine 'Right Path' and Feminine 'Left Path' Archetypes, Conflict of Inner Duality, Climate of Anger and Provocation.

    1 hr 2 min
  • Creative Control Movie Review, Themes & Memes Ep30

    On this instalment of Themes & Memes, we return to the subject of converging technologies via the 2015 indie film 'Creative Control'. Directed by Benjamin Dickinson and distributed by Amazon Films, the film casts Dickinson himself as 'David', a hip, NYC based advertising executive tasked with marketing 'Augmenta' glasses; the latest in augmented reality technology. After being given a pair to test out, we follow David's descent into the hedonism of the NYC Hipster scene, as he pursues an affair and drifts further into distractions and escapism.

    Topics Discussed Include: Creative Control, Google Glasses, Augmented Reality, Amazon Films, Benjamin Dickinson, Gavin McInnes, Advertising, Music Videos, NYC, 'Augmenta', Autobiographical Story, Hipster Lifestyle, Yoga, New Age, Relationship Dynamics, Sexual Appetites, Affairs, Infidelity, Occult Principles, Promiscuity, Reality Vs Fantasy, Guilty Pleasures, 'Sexting', Distractions, Pandering to Base Desires, Present Moment Awareness, Advertising, Philosophy of Marketing, Lack of Focus, Younger Generation, ADHD, Escapism, Virtual World, Marketing of Converging Technologies, Tailor Made for Hipsters, Devotion to Fashion & Trends, Inability to Escape the System.

    47 min
  • Talladega Nights Movie Review, Themes & Memes Ep29

    On this episode, we take a serious look at a ridiculous film in 'Talladega Nights - The Ballad of Ricky Bobby' from 2006. Being the second instalment in Will Ferrell's 'Mediocre American Male' film trilogy, we deconstruct the ways in which this sub-genre of comedy mocks conservative American culture, most especially the presidency of George W. Bush and the mainstream conservative value system. We also look at the 'Sabido Method' of transposing social norms through screenplay, along with other tricks of stagecraft such as the use of comedic extremes, real-word references, and self-satirical product placement.

    Topics discussed include: Talladega Nights, Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Judd Apato, Adam McKay, 'Mediocre American Male', Comedic Actors, Genres of Comedy, Popular Culture, NASCAR, Anchorman, Deconstruction of Conservative Values, Contemporary Morality Play, Risque Humour, Conservatism, Right Wing Politics, Cultural Demographics, Christianity, George W. Bush, DuPont, DynCorp, Halliburton, Carlyle Group, KFC, McDonalds, Product Placement, Self-Satire, Sasha Baron Cohen, Perrier, France, LGBT, Sophistication, Character Archetypes, Frontrunner vs Underdog, Debasement, Degeneracy, Gender Roles, Denigration of the Male, Juvenile Behaviour, Drugs, Homoeroticism, Sexually Inappropriate Themes, Profanity, Sabido Method, Breaking Down Prejudices, Changing Moral Values, Comedic Technique, Lack of Judgement, Identification with Archetypes, Stupidity, Comedic Extremes, Pushing the Envelope, Political Statements, Dialectics, Liberalism vs Conservatism, Toilet Humour, Subversive Impact of Comedies.

    52 min
  • The X-Files Season 10 Review with Special Guest Tom Secker, Themes & Memes Ep28

    On this episode, we are joined by our good friend Tom Secker of Spyculture.com to review the 2016 reboot of the 90's cult-classic; 'The X-Files'. After being reunited with Mulder and Scully, we are thrown headlong into a grand global conspiracy, involving everything from UFO's and lizard-men, to magic mushrooms and martial law. Given that this latest season is obviously designed to reflect modern conspiracy culture, we examine the relevant themes within all 6 episodes, before asking the most important question. Why?

    Topics discussed include: X-Files, Mulder, Scully, UFO's, Aliens, Roswell, Changes to the Narrative, 9/11 Truth, False Flag Terror, Martial Law, Alex Jones, Bill O'Reilly, Patriot Movement, Disclosure Project, Steven Greer, Project Bluebeam, Monsters, David Icke, Genetics, Eugenics, JFK, Conspiracy Culture, Telekinesis, ESP, Fringe, J.J. Abrams, Psychedelics, Magic Mushrooms, MK-ULTRA, Reptilian, Lizard Man, Rhys Darby, Burden of Proof, Crisis of Faith, Anti-Establishment Rhetoric, Victimised Minorities, Religious Profiling, Multiculturalism, Security State, Transcendent Experience, Target Audience, Different Responses, Cynicism vs Validation, Possible Next Season, Pandering to Conspiracy Theorists, Chris Carter, Conspiracy Culture as a Bona-Fide Market.

    1 hr 33 min
  • Themes & Memes Ep27, Steve Jobs Movie Review

    On this episode; we look back at the life and legacy of Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs, via the 2015 biopic of the same name. The film constitutes three major acts, each focusing on a major product release through 1984-1997. In addition to being given a backstage look at the personal computing revolution, we are also familiarised with the character himself. With his unique background and unrelenting personality; we examine how Jobs' drive and ambition helped shape the information age, and the things he sacrificed in doing so.

    Topics discussed include: Apple, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, NeXT, Pixar, Multiple Biopic Dramas, Mythology, Disney, Entertainment, Zen Buddhism, Eastern Mysticism, New Age, Entrepreneurship, Personal Conflict, Ambition, California, Hippies, Counterculture, Laurel Canyon, Silicon Valley, 'Daz Netz, The Unabomber, Personal Computers, Revolution, LSD, Veganism, Freemasonry, Alchemy, Occultism, Forbidden Fruit, Symbolism, Social Change, Aspen Institute, Esalen Institute, Terrance McKenna, Evolution of Consciousness, Arthur C. Clarke, The Great Work, Personal Life, Daughter, Shortcomings, Narcissism, Ego, Steve Jobs death Conspiracy Theory, Cult of Apple, Iconoclasm, Brand Loyalty, The Cloud, Impact on Technology, Personal Apple Products.

    1 hr 12 min
  • Themes & Memes Ep26 - The Big Short Movie Review

    On this episode, we cover the 2015 Biographical Comedy/Drama 'The Big Short'. The film chronicles the lives and experiences of several key stock traders on Wall Street during the 2008 financial crash. Like numerous other films and documentaries on this particular subject; the film provides audiences with a humorous and hallowing insight into 'Wall St culture' and the events leading up to the crash, whilst inciting a strong sense of outrage and indignation over the injustices perpetrated upon the general public - both then and now.

    Topics discussed include: Academy Awards, Promotion, True Story, Biopic Drama, Ensemble Cast, Big Banks, Corruption, Rogue Traders, Outsiders, 2008 Wall St Crash, Housing Bubble, Subprime Loans, CDO's, Financial Products, Comic Relief, Documentary Techniques, Narrative Films, Blend of Fact and Fiction, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carrell, Christian Bale, Vacuous Nature of Western Culture, Economics, Taking Advantage of Stupidity, Wilful Ignorance, Las Vegas, Gambling, New York, Casinos, Vice, Indulgence, Greed, Confusing the Audience, Appealing to Materialism, Envy, Inciting Indignation, Sensationalism, Hedonism, Omission of Truths, Referencing Conspiracy Culture, Brad Pitt, Conspiracy Theorist, NSA, Monsanto, Patriot Culture, Getting Revenge, Provoking Outrage, Multiple Layers.

    1 hr 3 min
  • The Doors movie review, Themes & Memes ep25

    The Doors film from 1991 is a very important film. Here, Adam and Aaron point out its significance as they give the movie another look decades after its release.

    topics include: biopics, Jim Morrison, Oliver Stone, 1960s, generations, culture creation, Dave McGowan, Laurel Canyon, military intelligence, self destructive behavior, biographies, occult, ceremony, stage, theater, Dionysus, Dionysian Cult, God of the Vine, alcoholism, sexual promiscuity, shaman, solar god, drugs, acid, Kurt Cobain, Ray Manzarek, change, making the myths, Aldous Huxley, Doors of Perception, William Blake, blood ritual, witch, Whisky A Go Go, Sunset Strip, cults, Los Angeles, Transcendental Meditation, Hollywood, Charles Manson, murder, JFK film, conspiracy theory, counterculture, Navy, Gulf of Tonkin, healer, spirituality, Wayne’s World 2, Hippies, Haight Ashbury, extreme stage antics, music industry, pushing boundaries, Woodstock, Elvis Presley, cultural icons, god of rock, immortality, fake hero, tortured artist, conflict

    56 min
  • Themes and Memes Ep 24 - The Martian movie review, and a deeper look at NASA's involvement in the entertainment industry

    Adam and Aaron do a quick review of the latest major film to be produced with the help of NASA. They also examine NASA's collaboration with Hollywood as a whole in an attempt to understand the motivations behind such a large scale PR campaign.

    topics include: NASA, public relations, propaganda, military, entertainment liaison, media, film, Hollywood, Interstellar, Gravity, Armageddon, science, inaccuracies, space exploration, Earth, big data, the Meatball, public profile, funding, promoting science, Planetary Skin, saving the world, technology, Richard Hoagland, secret space, Area 51

    1 hr 4 min

About Themes and Memes

From the publisher's feed

Themes and Memes is a different kind of movie review. It is a podcast that delves deep into the dark side of Hollywood films including subjects such as culture creation, state sponsorship, propaganda,…