Video Archives Cinema Club Selects: Week of December 16th (with Roger Avary)
Dec 16, 2024
auto_awesome
Roger Avary, acclaimed filmmaker and co-host of the Video Archives Podcast, joins the discussion to dive deep into Douglas Sirk's 1955 classic, 'All That Heaven Allows.' They celebrate its stunning visual artistry and emotional complexity, revealing how it tackles love and societal pressures. Avary highlights its significant influence on modern cinema, especially within the gay community. The conversation also touches on unconventional Christmas films, including noir elements in 'Blast of Silence,' blending holiday cheer with darker narratives.
The discussion highlights how non-traditional Christmas films, like 'Blast of Silence', blend dark themes with holiday backdrops, offering unique storytelling perspectives.
'All That Heaven Allows' is praised for its melodrama and visual artistry, exploring love amid societal challenges through Douglas Sirk's cinematic techniques.
Deep dives
The Appeal of Non-Traditional Christmas Movies
Non-traditional Christmas movies, like 'Blast of Silence', offer a fresh perspective on the holiday season by blending themes of darkness with holiday backdrops. Films such as 'Die Hard' and 'Gremlins' exemplify this blend, where Christmas elements exist in stories that are not overtly festive. 'Blast of Silence' is highlighted as a unique example of this genre, sharing a narrative focused on a hitman's contemplations amid the Christmas ambiance. The film’s portrayal underscores how the emotional weight of the season can impact even the most cynical characters.
Exploring 'All That Heaven Allows'
'All That Heaven Allows' is celebrated for its rich melodrama and visual storytelling, showcasing the unique cinematic style of Douglas Sirk. The film follows the story of a wealthy widow, Carrie Scott, who struggles with societal expectations as she embarks on a romance with a younger gardener. This film is noted for its expert use of color and framing to convey emotional depth, making it an ideal choice for couples looking for a captivating viewing experience. Through its exploration of love and societal constraints, it resonates strongly with audiences who appreciate classic cinema and its underlying themes.
Dial Code Santa Claus and Its Influence
The film 'Dial Code Santa Claus' is portrayed as an early inspiration for the 'Home Alone' franchise, focusing on a child's elaborate booby traps against a deranged Santa figure. Set during Christmas, it tells the story of a wealthy child who must defend his home from a mall Santa impersonator gone awry. The tension and humor found in the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the child and the Santa highlight the film's clever utilization of holiday tropes. Its rise in popularity reflects a growing appreciation for unconventional Christmas narratives that combine whimsy with suspense and action.
The Unusual Charm of Rene Cardona's Santa Claus
Rene Cardona's 'Santa Claus' merges dreamy fantasy with nightmarish elements, establishing Santa as a godlike figure battling the forces of evil on Christmas. The unique premise presents Santa engaging in a cosmic battle against a devilish figure, who attempts to sabotage his joyous mission. As Santa interacts with children through a lens of morality, the humorous yet dark undertones create an experience unlike traditional holiday films. This quirky narrative reinvents Christmas mythology while exploring themes of good versus evil, making it a fascinating viewing for audiences seeking alternative holiday stories.
Welcome to Video Archives Cinema Club Selects. Hidden within The Vista Hollywood is an intimate 20 seat theater known as the Video Archives Cinema Club. Join reporter on the beat Gala Avary and Video Archives Cinema Club manager Matt Landsman as they walk you through the calendar for the week of December 16th. Plus, a special appearance by Roger Avary to discuss one of the titles of this week. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode