Tag Archives: Andre Ovredal

Episode 96. Missing Links: Trollhunter (2010) and Willow Creek (2013)

If you go down in the woods today
You’re sure of a big surprise

Andrea and Alex leave the comforts of modernity and go back to nature to discover what humanity has left behind through our obsessions with cryptids and conspiracy theories. From our fascination with humanity’s evolution to our need to colonize, we have a lot of explaining to do.

 

REQUIRED READING

Trollhunter. Dir. André Øvredal, 2010.
Willow Creek. Dir.  Bobcat Goldthwait, 2013.

EXTRA CREDIT

Grizzly Man. Dir  Werner Herzog, 2005.
 
The Unidentified: Mythical Monsters, Alien Encounters and Our Obsession with the Unexplained. Colin Dickey’s in-depth examination of the myths that keep us up at night.
 
CBC Ideas Podcast: Conspiracy Theories. A fascinating look at the rise of fringe theories invading the mainstream.
 
“Survivorman Bigfoot” takes on the provincial government of British Columbia.
 
“Cryptozoology in the Medieval and Modern Worlds” by Peter Dendle. Bigfoot myths not only bridge the gap between humanity and beasts but science and faith.
 
ERRATA: Andrea referred to American primatologist Dian Fossey as having been murdered by the gorillas she was studying – she was actually murdered via machete, a crime which remains unsolved.

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Episode 60. Season of the Witch: Witches in Film Part 3, The Witch (2015) and The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

The past few years have seen the figure of the witch become a cultural touchstone for progressives and conservatives alike. From the resurgence of astrology, tarot, and natural healing methods to feminist rallying cry, the witch has never been more inclusive or divisive. Through analysis of two recent films, Andrea and Alex examine the witch’s new meaning in contemporary Western society, and why she remains a symbol of subversive feminism.

REQUIRED READING

The VVitch: A New England Folktale. Dir. Robert Eggers, 2015.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe. Dir.  André Øvredal, 2016.

EXTRA CREDIT

Yes, This Is a Witch Hunt. I’m a Witch and I’m Hunting You. Lindy West’s New York Times Op-Ed on the misappropriation of the term witch-hunt during the rise of the #MeToo movement.

Why the Witch Is the Pop-Culture Heroine We Need Right Now – A look at why the figure of the witch has become so deservedly popular.

Satanic Feminism by Per Faxneld. Faxneld’s book on the Devil as liberator of women in the nineteenth century.

The Book of English Magic – An overview of the real and perceived magic used across the British Isles, with a chapter dedicated to witches and witchcraft.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe post-screening Q & A – Following a showing at the Film Society of Lincoln Center, stars Emile Hirsh, Brian Cox and director André Øvredal talk about the making of The Autopsy of Jane Doe.

 

 

The Satanic Temple – Activism and critical film appreciation, apparently.

 

W.I.T.C.H. PDX – The figure of the witch adopted for anonymous activism in Portland. Start a local coven near you!

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