This Podcast Will Kill You Special Episode: Robert Alpert, Merle Eisenberg, Lee Mordechai & Diseased Cinema
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Jan 21, 2025 Join Robert Alpert, an intellectual property lawyer turned film professor, along with historical experts Merle Eisenberg and Lee Mordechai, as they dive into the intriguing world of disease-themed movies. They discuss the evolution of cinematic portrayals of pandemics, revealing how narratives shifted from heroic to personal struggles. The conversation touches on societal reflections during crises, viewer motivations during COVID-19, and the importance of inclusive storytelling. Get ready for a captivating exploration of how film mirrors our hopes and fears about health!
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Movies as Cultural Mirrors and Molders
- Disease movies reflect the culture of the time they were made.
- They also influence culture, creating a feedback loop.
Shifting Heroes and Pandemics
- Early disease films (1920s-1980s) featured heroic government doctors sacrificing for the public good.
- Modern films show uncontrollable pandemics and a shift towards individualism.
Selection Criteria for Diseased Cinema
- The authors focused on American-made disease movies with cohesive narratives and historical importance.
- They included some personally disliked films, like Resident Evil, for a balanced perspective.
