Films for Today

From where does the killer instinct come? Should the state have the power to enact violence? When, if ever, is violence morally justifiable? Following on from recent episodes, in which we have explored confrontational and destructive societal tendencies, this week's episode further examines the nullification of those we despise. The Films: ' Snowtown' (2011) directed by Justin Kurzel  'Killer...

What is the relationship between injustice and destruction? Can we apprehend imminent destruction? What happens when we completely abandon the feminine? In light of recent events, this week's episode focuses on the potentially dangerous traits of the typical male psyche. The Films: Taxi Driver (1976) directed by Martin Scorsese La Haine (1995) directed by Mathieu Kassovitz This Sporting Life (1963...

Can we actually eliminate our enemies? How can we reconcile our differences? Where should we look for our enemies? Expanding our conversations into the romantic, political and personal realms, this week's episode contemplates the ways in which we should deal with those we oppose.  The Films: Dial M for Murder (1954) directed by Alfred Hitchcock Zulu (1964) directed by Cy Endfield Suspiria (19...

Do humans have the capacity to prophesy and preach truth? How do we identify false prophets? How adept are we at knowing when we are under someone's spell? Following recent episodes about the nature of cultural leaders, this episode focuses on the processes that underpin deceitful leadership. The Films: La Ricotta (1962) directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini The Night of the Hunter (1955) directed by Ch...

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 Follow Us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema https://www.in...

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 Christoph...

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  Super...

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...

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...

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....

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 Da...

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. Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcinema

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 Lant...

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)...

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 t...

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 B...

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 Peters...

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 Pete...

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: St...

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 b...

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 Ta...

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 Fl...

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) direc...

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)...

What does it feel like to lose control of the body? Where might a lack of control over the body lead us? Why do we want control over the body? In this episode, we look at three cinematic instances in which bodily autonomy is threatened and discuss why such depictions evoke various emotional responses.  The Films: Alien (1979) directed by Ridley Scot Swallow (2019) directed by Carlo Mirabella-...