EPISODE 31: You Won’t be Able to Take a Bath in Japan

PROMPTS: Phone, Silver, 17

This week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren dive deep into the world of absurdity, dark humor, and controversial art, exploring two distinct works—one from cinema and one from fine art.

Neal kicks things off by discussing Serial Mom (1994), the black comedy directed by John Waters. He delves into the film's satire of suburban life and American culture, following Beverly Sutfin, a seemingly perfect PTA mom with a murderous streak. From the absurd humor to Kathleen Turner's stellar performance, Neal explores why this dark comedy preemptively tapped into America's true crime obsession, long before the podcast boom. He also shares some behind-the-scenes facts about the production, including a connection to the song "Tomorrow" from Annie and a cameo from Patty Hearst.

Lauren then takes us into the world of Austrian expressionist painter Egon Schiele, whose works from 1917 and beyond remain both controversial and influential. She uncovers Schiele’s dark personal history, including his tragic family background and complex relationships, while diving into his provocative artwork. Known for his unsettling depictions of sexuality and death, Schiele's works often challenge notions of beauty, consent, and the human body. Lauren discusses his often grotesque yet captivating art and how it continues to spark debates about the artist's intentions and legacy.

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Neal’s Topic:

Lauren’s Topic:

• Egon Schiele’s 1917 works

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