Terence McKenna, “They Live” & Alternate Realities - Ep. 159

This weekend I re-watched John Carpenter’s cult classic movie “They Live”. the story of a drifter (Roddy Piper) who stumbles upon a rude awakening that aliens are among us and controlling everything. It is, quite simply, still a fantastic movie. Whether being controlled by aliens or ruthless humans, it got me thinking: how much of what we see is, in fact, real? Is there some sort of hidden truth we cannot see?

These thoughts of alternate realities led me to the great mystic Terence McKenna, of course. One of the first things we have to think about, he says, when it comes to alien contact or an interaction with a previously unknown dimension, is: how do we recognize that? How do we know where to look?

On this episode of our ArtHouse Radio we’ll talk about Terence McKenna’s view on alien forms, we’ll review the film “They Live” and we’ll hear a few clips of Mr. McKenna talking about recognizing alien contact and whether UFOs challenge the authority of science. It’s film, it’s philosophy... it’s Ep 159 of ArtHouse Radio.

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Star Wars Mythology: Joseph Campbell & George Lucas- Ep. 158

This week I went to my mother’s cozy little beach town for a visit, easily one of my favorite things about being a conscious creature. And I quickly did the most logical thing a sensible person can do: slam a questionable amount of Christmas cookies and watch “Star Wars: A New Hope” for the millionth time. Perhaps many people can think of a better utopia. For me, it doesn’t get any better than these moments of snack-filled Star Wars-ian couch adventures. 

Watching it this time, however, my mind kept circling around all of the potential myths and metaphors about our culture and reality that clearly seem baked into the story, even though I was mostly unfamiliar with the story of its creation.

Afterwards I found this video online of George Lucas giving a speech where he talked about his inspiration for Star Wars. Sitting next to him during the speech was the great Joseph Campbell, who, as it turns out it was not only a fan of the movies but was also a big inspiration to Lucas for creating the whole story.  This seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore where this story came from, and get some insight into a tale I’ve seen unfold so many times.

In this episode we will look at the sources for the creation of Star Wars by listening to clips of Joseph Campbell and of George Lucas; both clips are interviews with the great Bill Moyers. We’ll talk the power of myth, and hear the idea, impact and source for Star Wars from the aforementioned Campbell and Lucas. It’s the art of film and philosophy… It’s ArtHouse Radio! 

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“Sharp Objects” Review 2/2 - Ep. 153

WOWWW! After finishing the finale, this might be one of the last times you hear me talk about the HBO series “Sharp Objects”. Not because it isn’t good (it’s great), but because I’m so disturbed and affected by it. I had a darker feeling about this than I did after finishing Breaking Bad (tho I WILL watch BB again. Let’s just leave the discussion of this show for this episode, shall we?

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L.A. Story (1991) Film Review - Ep. 152

In winter I often find myself arguing with this cold Detroit climate. As part of my arsenal, I use L.A.-based movie settings as some sort of cultural fireplace that warms me up.  In this episode I look back at the 1991 film L.A. Story, which I actually had never seen. Will it warm me up? Could it find itself in the fireplace-repertoire of this frigid Detroit hug?

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Batman or Joker: Who’s the Hero? - Ep. 151

The Batman vs The Joker... know which side you’re on? Are you SURE? Ok so this isn’t news to the hordes of Comic Con elites, but it’s still an interesting idea to ponder. Is the Joker, from certain perspectives, the actual Hero? Ohh man, dangerous waters lie ahead! Tune in and find out where this ships lands, dear matees! 

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