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Pod 366: A Weird Movies Podcast

POD 366, EPISODE 62: IT AIN’T FELLINI

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366 Weird Movies may earn commissions from purchases made through product links.

Quick links/Discussed in this episode:

Amelie (2001): Discussion begins. Read Gregory J. Smalley’s List Candidate review. A collectible steelbook of the hot magical realist romantic comedy, with a new retrospective interview with director . Buy Amelie.

Bubble Bath [Habfürdö] (1980): Discussion begins. Animated musical romance from Hungary; it’s described as bohemian and stylistically all-over-the-map, and it’s in our reader-suggested queue. The Deaf Crocodile Blu-ray includes five surreal shorts from director György Kovásznai, who died a few years after completing Bubble Bath. Buy Bubble Bath.

DogMan (2023): Discussion begins. directs in this thriller about a strange and damaged man obsessed with dogs. In limited US release starting this week. Dogman official site.

La Chimera (2023): Discussion begins. A film from Alice Rohrwatcher (Happy as Lazzaro) following a modern day group of Etruscan tomb raiders. In limited release from Neon. La Chimera official site.

Phase IV (1974): Discussion begins. Read Shane Wilson’s Apocrypha Candidate review. Surprisingly, this cult item about an ant apocalypse had not been issued on Blu-ray in the U.S. until now; here it is on Blu and 4K UHD, including both the theatrical cut and the “preview” cut with the psychedelic ending. Thanks Vinegar Syndrome! Buy Phase IV.

Stice’s Satyricon (2022): Discussion begins. This 45-minute green screen video album from an oddball outfit called Stice is loosely based on the “Satyricon,” and, as you can see in the trailer below, is perhaps even more surreal than Fellini’s version.  This Blu-ray popped up out of nowhere onto our radar this week. Buy Stice’s Satyricon.

Where the Devil Roams (2023): Discussion begins. Read Giles Edwards’ Apocrypha Candidate review. The Adams family’s latest horror film is about a family of serial-killing Depression-era carnies, and witchery. On Blu-ray with a making of featurette, bonus short film, and more.  Buy Where the Devil Roams.

WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE:

We have no guest scheduled for next week’s Pod 366—although it is possible someone will pop up. In written reviews, Shane Wilson tackles one that ain’t Fellini (but is close) with the experimental hybrid documentary How Strange to Be Named Federico (2013), while Gregory J. Smalley digs into La Chimera (see above). Also, expect unannounced bonus content. Onward and weirdward!

Pod 366: A Weird Movies Podcast

POD 366, EPISODE 60: RUMOURS OF THE END OF THE POOR PRESIDENT’S CONSCIOUSNESS

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366 Weird Movies may earn commissions from purchases made through product links.

Quick links/Discussed in this episode:

The End of Evangelion (1997) theatrical rerelease: Discussion begins. Read the Canonically Weird entry! ‘s wacko second (of three) takes on ending his Evangelion cycle is a psychedelic burst of mysticism, psychology, and giant robots. It became a cult hit here on DVD, but was never released to theaters in the U.S., so this upcoming theatrical release on March 17 and 20 will be a major event for domestic otaku. Check the link for a site near you. The End of Evangelion re-release by GKids.

Poor Things (2023): Discussion begins. Read the Apocryphally Weird entry! A Poor Things Blu-ray dropped on the very same day Lanthimos‘ Frankenstein variation was inaugurated into our Apocryphally Weird list. Coincidence? Buy Poor Things.

The President’s Analyst (1967): Discussion begins. The U.S. president’s personal psychoanalyst () develops paranoia, goes on the run, and discovers a esque conspiracy involving the Phone Company. Previously available in a low quality bare-bones DVD, KL Studio Classics releases this minor cult film on Blu-ray in a brand new transfer with two commentary tracks. Buy The President’s Analyst.

Rumours (202?): Discussion begins. (with collaborators Galen and ) has a new one that should be available soon (the best we can tell, filming was done in October 2023). Big name stars and Alicia Vikander will appear as G7 leaders who get lost in the woods during a summit meeting. Here’s an article from The Wrap.

State of Consciousness (2024): Discussion begins. headlines this psychological thriller about an accused murderer who undergoes an experimental treatment that causes him to hallucinate. From Lionsgate, it’s screening in a few theaters but will make its main impact on VOD.

WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE:

No guest scheduled for next week’s Pod 366, but Giles and Greg will return to discuss the week’s new releases. Also on YouTube, Pete Trbovich takes on a little item called The Item (1999), and wishes he hadn’t. In written reviews, Shane Wilson takes on another one that Came from the Reader-Suggested Queue with Tout va bien (1972), one of ‘s more watchable Jean-Pierre Gorin collaborations; Giles Edwards explores a new State of Consciousness (see above); and Gregory J. Smalley decides that Space Is the Place (the third time Sun Ra’s movie has been reviewed on this site, after Alfred Eaker’s report and Pete Trbovich’s video review). Onward and weirdward!

Miscellanea

AND THE WINNERS OF THE 14TH ANNUAL WEIRDCADEMY AWARDS ARE…

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In just a few hours, the telecast of the Oscars (or, as we refer to them, the “Weirdcademy Awards for squares”) will begin. We are happy to steal the Academy’s thunder by announcing cinema’s weirdest winners of 2023 now.

In the category of “Weirdest Short Film,” our A.I. overlords have officially arrived. The winner is ‘s Joe Biden and Trump Eating Spaghetti, but it’s an AI generated nightmare.

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In the category of “Weirdest Scene,” the Weirdcademy Award goes to Beau is Afraid for the scene we’ve dubbed “phallic attic.” We can’t show it to you or describe it in detail because it would be a spoiler, but you’ll know it when you see it (enough of you certainly knew of it to make it the winner). Here is Beau’s reaction to the scene:

Beau Is Afraid Weirdest Scene 2023

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In the category of “Weirdest Actress,” the Award goes to Poor Things‘ for her portrayal of fetus-brained Bella Baxter. Should Stone also take home the Oscar, as Michelle Yeoh did last year, this will be the second year in a row (and the third time ever) that the Academy and the Weirdcademy have shared the Actress award. This gives us some pause.

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In a bit of an upset, wins his second “Weirdest Actor” award for his role as God, the scar-faced, bubble-burping mad scientist in Poor Things.

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And finally, the award for Weirdest Picture of 2022 goes to… drum roll… Beau Is Afraid!

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Thanks to all voting members of the Weirdcademy, and see you again next year!

You can browse previous years’ winners here.

 

Pod 366: A Weird Movies Podcast

POD 366, EP. 58: ON OUR WAY TO HUNDREDS OF “HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS” INTERVIEWS

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366 Weird Movies may earn commissions from purchases made through product links.

Quick links/Discussed in this episode:

Hundreds of Beavers (2023): Introduction to the interview begins. Read El Rob Hubbard’s Apocrypha Candidate review. and join us for a second time to talk about their surreal slapstick semi-silent Canadian-tinged comedy. Hundreds of Beavers official site.

Divinity (2023): Discussion begins. Read Giles Edwards’ Apocrypha Candidate review. This black and white dystopian would-be cult film  divided critics down the middle, with some camps claiming its just pretentious, and others saying its pretentious but wild enough for a recommendation. You can now decide for yourself, on VOD or Blu-ray. Buy Divinity.

Dream Scenario (2023): Discussion begins. Read Gregory J. Smalley’s review. Shlubby professor becomes a celebrity after he starts inexplicably appearing in the background of people’s dreams. Now on Blu-ray or VOD rental or purchase. Buy Dream Scenario.

Kamikaze Girls (2004): Discussion begins. A high school girl obsessed with Lolita fashion befriends a biker chick. In our reader-suggested queue, and now on Blu-ray for the first time (in North America). Buy Kamikaze Girls.

Liarmouth (202?): Discussion begins. 77-year-old wants to film his 2022 novel “Liarmouth: A Feel-Bad Romance.” wants to help him by starring as sociopathic suitcase-stealer Marsha Sprinkle. We would give this union our blessing. Rumor rag World of Reel “broke” the story, but Waters himself called the news “pure speculation.”

On the Silver Globe (1977/1988): Discussion begins. Read El Rob Hubbard’s Apocrypha Candidate review. Unfortunately, this standalone Blu-ray of ‘s unfinished weird sci-fi epic is only available in Europe at the current time. Interested parties can order On the Silver Globe from amazon.uk.

Poor Things (2023): Discussion begins. Read Gregory J. Smalley’s Apocrypha Candidate review. ‘ absurdist comedy about a woman with a fetus brain is now on VOD (Blu-ray coming). It will also stream for free (for subscribers) on Hulu from March 7. Buy Poor Things on VOD.

The Third Part of the Night (1971)/The Devil (1972): Discussion begins. Read El Rob Hubbard’s reviews of The Third Part of the Night and The Devil. ‘s first two features on a 2-disc Blu-ray set; like Silver Globe, this release is aimed at Eurofolk. Buy The Third Part of the Night/The Devil from amazon.uk.

The Tune (1992): Discussion begins. Cartoonist ‘s debut feature was about a songwriter entering a surreal alternate world in search of inspiration. This Deaf Crocodile Blu-ray release includes three early Plympton shorts, and a Pympton dub of the silent short “Dreams of a Rarebit Fiend,” among its extra features.  Buy The Tune.

Weirdcademy Awards: Discussion begins. It’s your last week to vote in the Weirdcademy Awards (features or shorts): winners announced on Sunday, Mar. 10.

WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE:

There’s no guest currently scheduled for next week’s Pod 366, but Giles and Greg will be back to discuss the week’s weird movie news. Also on our YouTube channel (which you should probably subscribe to), Pete Trbovich reviews Brian O’Hara’s 1999’s spoof Rock and Roll Frankenstein on “Weird View Crew,” a movie that was recommended to us by… Brian O’Hara. Seguing to print reviews, Shane Wilson clears out Four Rooms (1995) from the reader-suggested queue, Giles Edwards creates his impression of Creating Rem Lazar (1989), and the day has finally come for Gregory J. Smalley to cover Day of the Wacko (2002). Onward and weirdward!

Pod 366: A Weird Movies Podcast

POD 366, EP. 57: KEITH JOHN ADAMS DRINKS INVISIBLE WINE AND TALKS ABOUT HIS TELEPATHIC JELLYFISH MOVIE, “OZMA”

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366 Weird Movies may earn commissions from purchases made through product links.

Quick links/Discussed in this episode:

Ozma (2023): Interview with director Keith John Adams begins. Read our Ozma review. In Ozma, an insomniac widower spends the night toting around an on-the-run telepathic jellyfish creature, while musicians play the score live in the background. Ozma on Facebook.

The Invisible Fight (2024): Discussion begins. After witnessing kung fu fighters massacre a guard post, a Soviet soldier becomes obsessed with learning the martial arts. ‘s long-delayed followup to November couldn’t be much different in subject matter, but sounds equally weird. The Invisible Fight U.S. distributor site.

Nostalghia (1983): Discussion begins. Read the Canonically Weird entry! ‘s gloomy meditation on exile from mother Russia joins the 4K restoration club. The print will tour finer art-houses through the first week in March before the 4K UHD drops in late April.  You can find play dates at the Nostalghia restoration home page at Kino Lorber.

Paprika (2006): Discussion begins. Read the Canonically Weird entry! This Sony steelbook release of ‘s trippy dream-conspiracy anime includes the film on UHD and Blu-ray, plus a suite of new interviews with some of the surviving animators (Kon, of course, passed away in 2010). Buy Paprika.

Stopmotion (2024): Discussion begins. The debut feature from (who has been making ultra-creepy stop-motion animation horror for the past decade) is about a stop motion animator making a horror film whose characters take on a life of their own. Early reviews have been good, but not focused on the film’s inherent weirdness. Stopmotion U.S. distributor site.

Yorgos Lanthimos projects: Discussion begins. is hot now, the rare neo-surrealist auteur who’s crossed over to mainstream success. He’s now been linked to the long-gestating remake of Korea’s canonical cult film Save the Green Planet! But before we get to that, the weird Greek has a new film coming out, Kinds of Kindness, a New Orleans-set anthology film starring much of the cast of Poor Things. No plot details or release date on that one, but we can report that it reunites Lanthimos with screenwriter Efthymis Filippou—with whom the director collaborated on the seminal films Dogtooth, The Lobster, and Killing of a Sacred Deer—and that principal photography is complete. Strike while the iron is hot, Yorgy! More details at Variety.

WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE:

We have no guest scheduled for next week’s Pod 366, but Greg and Giles will be back to discuss the week’s weird movie news and new releases. In other video content, Pete Trbovich will return with another “Weird View Crew” video review, this time of the anime TAMALA2010: A Punk Cat in Space. In written reviews, Shane Wilson keeps at the films that Came from the Reader-Suggested Queue with The Keep (1983); Giles Edwards thinks now is the time to discuss JLo’s musical vanity project,This Is Me… Now: A Love Story; and Gregory J. Smalley stops into the theater to see Stopmotion (above). Onward and weirdward!