Yojimbo (1961)

 

This week on A Cosmic Void we cover one of several of Akira Kurosawa's masterpieces: Yojimbo. We examine how it takes tropes and conventions from westerns and then subverts them. And in turn, westerns would take from Yojimbo. And that's just getting started in this jam packed episode!

Gummo (1997) with Andy Atkins of Plea for Purging and Party on Forever

 

Andy Atkins from Plea for Purging and Party on Forever joins the A Cosmic Void podcast to discuss Harmony Korine's cult classic Gummo. This movie, filmed with a handful of actors and a whole lot of people on the street, explores the remnants of a town devastated by a tornado. There's nothing quite like it, and we have a whole lot to say about it.

Donnie Darko (2001)

 

This week A Cosmic Void covers the super weird and angsty superhero (sort of) flick from the start of the millennium: Donnie Darko. For this episode Biggs forced Jeremiah to watch the theatrical cut and guess what the hell was happening. Then he broke down the crazy logic revealed in the director's cut. And Jeremiah raps like a motivational speaker from the eighties. No, really.

Eastern Promises (2007) with Karl Borneman of Not Safe for Network

 

Karl Borneman from the upcoming Not Safe for Network podcast joins us to talk about the David Croneberg film Eastern Promises. We delve into issues of identity and sexuality that surround the movie, as well as figuring out where it should be placed within Cronenberg's filmography. And Jeremiah breaks down how a Russian mob tattoo should actually be employed. 

Akira (1988) with Ren Itsuki Fox

 

A Cosmic Void is covering the most influential anime to date for the podcast this week: Akira. Ren Itsuki Fox comes on to explain the symbolism, and how the movie is tied to the history of Japan. You may look at all anime in a different light after this episode, even if you've never sat through one. We also talk about it's ground breaking manga, among many other topics.

Fightclub (1999) with Adam Couture

 

Adam Couture joins the A Cosmic Void podcast this week to discuss David Fincher's classic: Fight Club! We discuss the toxic fandom that's ignoring the text of the movie. We examine the themes about extremism, consumerism, and how it's a rebuke of Boomer culture. And we ask questions like: would the narrator have been better off crying into Bob's breasts, what would have happened if he'd been properly medicated? We also dive into where Chuck Palahniuk got the idea, and so many other things.

Hellraiser (1987)

 

This episode we cover the Clive Barker cult classic, Hellraiser. We talk about how it's influenced by BDSM culture, how Clive Barker used to hustle, all of its sequels, and of course the movie itself. So get out your puzzle box, tight leather, hooks and chains and join us.

Birdman (2014)

 

For this episode of A Cosmic Void we dive headlong into the meta-comedy that took Oscar gold...Birdman. We examine the movie that used Michael Keaton's career to talk about acting, mental health, and superhero franchises. Then we spend a half hour giving our impressions on Justice League: The Snyder Cut.

Whiplash (2014) with Connor Lachenbruch

 

Musician and podcaster Connor Lachenbruch joins the podcast to discuss the Damien Chazelle's masterpiece: Whiplash. We break down every corner of the movie and examine how accurate it is, J.K. Simmons' spectacular Oscar winning performance, what the roots of the movie were, and a big 2021 release that clearly drew inspiration from it.

Robocop (1987) with actor Galen Howard

 

Amazing actor Galen Howard comes on the show to discuss the Paul Verhoeven classic, Robocop! We talk about how this violent satire is one of the smartest and most entertaining movies out there. Verhoeven brought B movie sensibilities to a high budget flick that has inspired a world of movies, shows, comics, games, and toys. And we discuss the themes of the movie, as well the influences that shaped it.