Get ready for a scare Dear Listener with our #FlashbackFriday looking at Episode #90 when we talked The Conjuring. In honor of the release of The Conjuring 2, we decided to take a look back at our 90th episode which aired during Shoctober 2014. Be warned, there is a glitch throughout the episode that can be a bit annoying, otherwise, there is a really solid discussion of James Wan’s horror masterwork. Arthur, Alexandra, Dalton, and Dustin sit around to discuss the film’s rewatchability, its strengths, and its weaknesses.
The analysis is strong with this one. Alex kicks things off with a look at the portrayal of the different groups within the film – the skeptics and the believers. Alex examines the way that skeptics are brought into the world of the supernatural. She then contrasts this with the picture of the Catholic Church that is given. She questions the motivations of why an institution designed to help people would be so hesitant to step in. Dalton goes back to the well with this one to talk about the conservative nature of the horror genre. He specifically focuses on the way women and witches are portrayed. And the sort of perversion of femininity that is on display in most witch tales. Dustin then samples a bit from both Alex and Dalton when he takes a look at both genre and portrayal. He brings up the isolated family trope. He then combines this with the traditional mindset of the church, one of building community and how a community of friends and family can help you take on anything that you’re faced with.
The game then saw us taking a look at cinematic couples, in honor of the work of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the Warrens. We then wrapped up like we always used to do, by talking about what had us fired in pop culture that week. So, there you have it dear listener. Before you head out to catch James Wan’s highly anticipated sequel, give this episode a listen. And, be prepared, the scares don’t always happen at night.
THE CONJURING TIMESTAMPS
02:35 – Welcome and Introductions
04:50 – Synopsis and Reviews
15:10 – Analysis
34:25 – Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
41:48 – Social Media
47:45 – The Game(s) – Cinematic Couples
55:25 – Fired Up in Pop Culture
1:05:30 – Wrap Up
Arthur is a creator of content, lover of movies, and father of dogs. If you want to keep the conversation going, then click here to follow Arthur on Twitter. If you would like to keep up with what Arthur is watching, then head over to Letterboxd and give him a follow!
