Counter Culture UK: Recent Episodes
Patrick Harrington (Editor)
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week’s entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Writing and selection is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. As we enter October, the crisp air settles in. It’s the perfect time to unwind and enjoy some stellar TV and film releases available on UK platforms. This week, there’s a rich variety of entertainment, from action-packed blockbusters to heartfelt dramas and socially relevant TV series. Here’s your guide to the best on-screen picks from Saturday, 28 September to Friday, 4 October 2024.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include:
The Outfit (2022) BBC1 10:45 PM: A thriller about a tailor who becomes entangled in the dangerous world of organized crime, exploring survival and the hidden costs of neutrality in conflict.
Socrates: Genius of the Ancient World BBC4 11:00 PM: A documentary examining the life and philosophy of Socrates, highlighting his method of questioning and the lasting impact of his ideas on modern thought.
and,
Kes (1969) Film4 1:05 PM: A poignant film about a working-class boy who finds solace and purpose in his bond with a kestrel, set against a backdrop of economic hardship and limited opportunities.
A transcript can be found here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include:
The Lavender Hill Mob (1951) – A British comedy. It is about a timid bank clerk who devises a plan to rob the Bank of England. It's a classic heist film with a humorous twist.
Source Code (2011) – A sci-fi thriller. A soldier wakes up in another man's body as part of a government experiment to prevent a bombing. He relives the same eight minutes repeatedly to find the perpetrator.
and,
Respect (2021) – A biographical musical drama that follows the life of legendary singer Aretha Franklin. It focuses on her journey from childhood to becoming the Queen of Soul.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include:
Get Carter (1971) - This gritty British crime thriller follows Jack Carter's ruthless quest for revenge in a corrupt, decaying 1970s Britain; airing Sunday, 1st of September 2024 at 10pm on BBC2.
Hampstead (2017) - A charming romantic drama set in London’s Hampstead Heath, exploring an unlikely connection between an American widow and a reclusive man; airing Wednesday, 4th of September 2024 at 6.55pm on Film4.
Another Round (2020) - This Danish film delves into a group of teachers experimenting with constant intoxication to reclaim the joy in their lives; airing Friday, 6th of September 2024 at 1.20am on C4.
A full transcript is here
Counter Culture jumped at the chance to interview comedian and writer Katie Folger. Katie was performing her one woman show, Getting in Bed with the Pizza Man at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe.Katie Folger: From being mentored by Robert Redford to Creating 'Getting in Bed with the Pizza Man' (Full transcript)
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Music is from Tim Bragg and selections and writing is by Pat Harrington. Highlights this week include:
Believe (2013) - Saturday 17th of August 2024 at 10:25am on BBC2: An inspiring tale of an underdog youth football team revitalized by a legendary, yet troubled, coach in Manchester.
Roman Holiday (1953) - Sunday 18th of August 2024 at 4:50pm on Film4: A timeless romantic classic where a sheltered princess finds freedom and love during an adventure through Rome.
and,
Boiling Point (2021) - Tuesday 20th of August 2024 at 9pm on Film4: A gripping real-time drama that immerses the viewer in the high-pressure environment of a London restaurant's chaotic kitchen.
Please consider donating
At Counter Culture, we're committed to keeping our content freely accessible because we believe in the democratization of information. However, producing high-quality content isn't cost-free. We're on the cusp of an exciting expansion that will allow us to delve deeper into audio and visual media, enriching your experience with us. This leap forward requires new software, which, while essential, comes with significant costs. That's why we're reaching out to you, our community, to invite contributions of any size. Your donations are the lifeline that will enable us to continue providing the content you love and trust, while also embracing the innovative technologies that will take our services to the next level. Every contribution, no matter how small, is a powerful vote for a future where quality and free access go hand in hand. Together, we can make this vision a reality. Thank you for being a part of our journey and considering a donation to help us grow. Donate here
Reine Beau is the lead singer and narrator of The Blondie Story. Counter Culture reviewed the show a few years back and we thought we’d catch up with her and ask her a few questions over a cup of mint tea...A full transcript is here:
https://countercultureuk.com/2024/08/08/reine-beau-the-blondie-story-and-her-unique-interpretation/
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Selections and writing are by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include:
Woodstock: Three Days That Defined A Generation
This documentary offers a nostalgic exploration of the iconic 1969 Woodstock Music Festival, highlighting its cultural significance as a symbol of the 1960s counterculture movement through vivid archival footage and personal accounts.
Boyz N The Hood
John Singleton's "Boyz N The Hood" presents a powerful depiction of life in South Central Los Angeles, tackling issues of systemic racism, violence, and the struggles of young men striving to escape their circumstances.
The Day of the Jackal
This tense political thriller follows a meticulous assassin's attempt to kill French President Charles de Gaulle, offering a gripping look at the complexities of political violence and high-stakes conspiracies.
There is a full transcript: https://countercultureuk.com/2024/08/10/culture-vulture-1oth-to-the-16th-of-august-2024/
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include:
All The President’s Men
This political thriller follows Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they uncover the Watergate scandal, leading to President Nixon's resignation.
Black 47
Set during the Irish Potato Famine, "Black 47" follows an Irish Ranger who deserts the British Army to seek vengeance on those responsible for his people's suffering.
and,
The Hate U Give which centres on Starr Carter, a young black girl who witnesses her best friend being fatally shot by police, spurring her into activism against racial injustice.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the weeks entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include:
Serenity (2005): A sci-fi adventure where a group of rebels fights against a totalitarian regime, exploring themes of freedom and the ethics of scientific experimentation.
Deadpool 2 (2018): An irreverent superhero film that follows Deadpool's journey of redemption and protection of the vulnerable, while satirizing the genre and Hollywood's commercialization of violence.
and,
Hell Or High Water (2016): A modern Western about two brothers who rob banks to save their family ranch, critiquing the predatory practices of financial institutions and exploring themes of poverty and morality.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the weeks entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Selections and writing are by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include:
The Art of the Brick exhibition in Brick Lane, a vibrant display of LEGO art, showcasing over 100 intricate sculptures, including reimagined famous masterpieces and an impressive 6-metre-long T-Rex skeleton, captivating visitors of all ages.
"Britain Behind Bars: A Secret History with Rob Rinder" which delves into the hidden narratives of the UK's prison system, uncovering centuries of untold stories behind the walls. With the nation's prisons facing unprecedented overcrowding and the imminent closure of the historic Dartmoor prison due to safety concerns, the series arrives at a critical moment. Rob Rinder's exploration offers a timely examination of the penal system's past and present, shedding light on the urgent issues at the heart of today's justice
debates.
And, "Blood Simple", a gripping 1984 neo-noir crime film marking the directorial debut of the acclaimed Coen Brothers. The story unfolds in Texas, where a seedy bar owner's discovery of his wife's affair with one of his bartenders spirals into a dark plot of jealousy and betrayal. As the husband hires a private investigator to eliminate the lovers, a series of misunderstandings and manipulations lead to an unpredictable and violent conclusion.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative perspective. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg.
Kick off the weekend with a dose of 1960s nostalgia as BBC2 airs "A Hard Day's Night," directed by Richard Lester. This vibrant and comedic film follows The Beatles during a day and a half of their lives, capturing their youthful exuberance and the spirit of the era. The film's kinetic style and playful tone were revolutionary at the time, offering an insightful commentary on fame, authenticity, and the generational divide.
Continuing the classic film theme, tune into BBC2 on Sunday afternoon for Elia Kazan's powerful drama "On The Waterfront." Starring Marlon Brando, this film explores themes of corruption, morality, and redemption against the gritty backdrop of New York's docks. Brando's portrayal of Terry Malloy, an ex-boxer turned longshoreman, captures his internal struggle with guilt and the quest for justice, making this film a timeless classic that delves into the individual's role in confronting injustice.
Mid-week brings a fascinating exploration of detective fiction with Andrew Marr in "Sleuths, Spies And Sorcerers: Paperback Heroes" on BBC4. This first episode delves into the enduring appeal of detective stories, examining their conventions and the creativity they inspire. With insights from modern-day crime writers like Ian Rankin and Sophie Hannah, and profiles of pioneers such as Agatha Christie, this programme is a treat for fans of mystery and crime literature, providing a deep dive into the genre's evolution and its impact on our collective psyche.
A full transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg.
It’s fascinating to analyse themes across program schedules.
This week, two intriguing shows and a film, particularly, caught my attention: “My Lady Jane” on Prime Video and “Suranne Jones: Investigating Witch Trials” on Channel 4. Let’s delve into the themes of female empowerment and agency in these series.
“My Lady Jane” is an upcoming British television series available on Prime Video. Set in 1553, it promises an epic tale of true love, high adventure, and regicidal intrigue. What makes it particularly captivating is its twist on history’s tragic heroines: the damsel in distress saves herself and, ultimately, the kingdom. This portrayal of strong, empowered female characters challenges traditional gender roles and highlights their agency in restrictive societies.
Meanwhile, “Suranne Jones: Investigating Witch Trials” is a one-off documentary hosted by actress Suranne Jones on Channel 4. Jones, known for her roles in “Vigil” and “Doctor Foster,” explores her fascination with witches and the supernatural. Her statement, “Give me witches, wizards, and vampires any day,” reflects her interest in powerful, mystical women. By delving into witch trials, the documentary sheds light on historical injustices faced by women accused of witchcraft, emphasizing their resilience and agency even in oppressive contexts.
In both shows, we witness women defying societal norms, asserting their strength, and challenging the status quo. These themes resonate across time and provide thought-provoking narratives for viewers.
"The Wife" (2017), a film directed by Björn L. Runge and based on Meg Wolitzer's novel, showing on BBC is also a compelling exploration of feminist themes woven throughout its narrative. Glenn Close's portrayal of Joan Castleman navigates the complexities of gender roles within marriage and the literary world, challenging traditional expectations of women's roles as supportive spouses. The film delves into Joan's internal conflict, which mirrors broader societal challenges faced by women who have been historically marginalized despite their talents and contributions. Central to its feminist critique is the revelation that Joan may have ghost-written her husband's novels, shedding light on the erasure of women's voices and creative labour. Through Joan's emotional journey of stoicism, resentment, and resilience, "The Wife" subverts stereotypes of the passive wife, offering a profound commentary on identity, agency, and the enduring impact of patriarchal norms on women's lives and aspirations.
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your weekly entertainment guide from an alternative viewpoint. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include the second season of House of The Dragon, the 2018 film Shoplifters, “Shoplifters” (2018) is a Japanese drama film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, portraying a family that relies on shoplifting to cope with poverty and Benedetta, a controversial psychological drama directed by Paul Verhoeven, starring Virginie Efira as Benedetta Carlini, a 17th-century nun who joins an Italian convent as a child and later has a lesbian love affair with another nun while experiencing religious visions.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Selections and writing are by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include "Shiva Baby" which stands out as a brilliantly executed comedy that deftly balances humour and heart. It's a remarkable debut from Emma Seligman, showcasing her talent for capturing the intricacies of human relationships and the absurdity of societal expectations. Special mention also of "Kes", a masterful exploration of the intersection of youth and social class, offering a raw and honest look at the challenges faced by the marginalized. It is a testament to the power of cinema to illuminate the human condition and inspire empathy and understanding. There's also a retrospective on Dennis Potter's Karaoke followed by a showing. Karaoke combines Potter’s signature wit and depth, making it a memorable and thought-provoking watch.
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. June is designated Pride month - a month dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities all around the world. LGBT+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. The + is an inclusive symbol to mean 'and others' to include people of all identities. So there are quite a few channels picking up on this by airing films of interest in respect of sexuality and identity. To mention just a few: Colette which doesn’t shy away from exploring sexuality and identity, The Blue Caftan which tells the story of a woman and her secretly gay husband and, Fire Island, an unapologetic modern-day gay romantic comedy.
The D-Day 80th anniversary is on 6th of June 2024. It's an important part of history. It was a huge turning point in World War Two. Beforehand, the Allied troops had no access to Western Europe. But after this victory, they had a way to send troops to fight back against the Germans and start to free countries like France and Belgium, which had been occupied by the Nazis. Ultimately, it allowed the Allies to take the war to Germany and defeat them in Berlin. As you would expect there is a lot of programming to educate around and mark that. This includes: The Longest Day ,a gripping war epic, D-Day: Hour By Hour and D-Day: The Unheard Tapes.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Highlights this week include: "Saturday Night Fever" which is often remembered for its disco music and dance scenes, but beneath the surface, delivers a gritty social commentary on the struggles of identity, class, and masculinity in 1970s Brooklyn. “Kill Zone: Inside Gaza”, a powerful documentary that examines the toll of Israel’s military campaign on Gaza, seen through the eyes of children, journalists, and doctors. And, D-Day: Secrets of the Frontline Heroes, a compelling documentary that explores the stories of filmmakers who documented the D-Day Landings during World War II. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include:
"Doctor Who: Boom" (Season 14, Episode 3) which showcases Steven Moffatt's masterful writing and Ncuti Gatwa's compelling performance, blending high-stakes suspense and thought-provoking commentary on the military-industrial complex in a minimalist, intensely gripping narrative.
BBC Four dedicates a night to the renowned poet and writer Sir John Betjeman, featuring a rich line-up of documentaries, films, and discussions that explore his life, literary legacy, and deep affection for England’s landscapes and architecture.
And a book review, "The Mirror," in which our very own Tim Bragg delivers a compelling dystopian narrative set in 2073, exploring a society dominated by AI and technocracy, reminiscent of "Blade Runner" and "Frankenstein," while affirming the transcendent power of human creativity and art against a backdrop of controlled reproduction, genetic engineering, and surveillance, ultimately offering a gripping critique of transhumanism.
View the full transcript here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Music is by Tim Bragg and selections and writings are by Pat Harrington. Highlights this week include: the return of Doctor Who on BBC, classic Sci-Fi, with The Day The Earth Stood Still, Storyville: Praying For Armageddon, a frightening report on the effect of Evangelists on US Middle East policy, and The Guilty Innocent, a gripping new documentary series that explores some of the biggest miscarriages of justice in history.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture for the 4th to the 10th of May 2024. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg.
Ever wondered what it's like to be a spy in the heart of Romania? To navigate a world of secrets and shadows? This week, we dive into the thrilling world of Spy Master, the Romanian espionage drama that's been setting screens alight with its delicate dance of intrigue and betrayal. From the dark alleys of Bucharest to the hushed corridors of power, Spy Master weaves a compelling tale of loyalty, honour and the blurred lines between right and wrong. It's a masterclass in suspense, a riveting journey into the heart of darkness that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
But the world of entertainment isn't just about thrills and chills. Sometimes it's about the quiet moments of self-discovery, the journey towards understanding oneself and finding one's place in the world. And that's exactly the kind of journey we embark on with Words on Bathroom Walls, an American coming-of-age romantic drama film that explores the trials and triumphs of adolescence with unflinching honesty and poignant charm.
A story of love, hope and the courage to face one's demons, Words on Bathroom Walls is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, a gentle reminder of the strength that lies within us all. And finally, we turn our attention to Spacey Unmasked, a two-part documentary that offers a candid look into the life and conduct of Kevin Spacey, once one of the most admired and respected actors in the world. From his meteoric rise to fame to the shocking allegations that rocked Hollywood, Spacey Unmasked is a stark exploration of a man and a myth, a tale of talent, triumph and tragedy.
So there you have it, just some of the highlights in an exciting week in the world of entertainment filled with suspense, emotion and unvarnished truth. But remember, these are just the highlights. The full guide with an even wider range of programs and shows follows.
So stay tuned and immerse yourself in the captivating world of culture vulture. Keep your eyes open, your hearts engaged and your minds curious.
A full transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the weeks entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Selections and writing are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include: the eight part Dopesick, about the US Opioid crisis, the 2001 film A.I. Artificial Intelligence and the three parter Miriam: Death Of A Reality Star which proves that reality is really stranger than fiction.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Music is by Tim Bragg and selections and writing are by Pat Harrington. Highlights this week include: 1973 film “Papillon" which chronicles the gripping tale of Henri Charrière (played by Steve McQueen), a safecracker unjustly imprisoned for life in French Guiana; “Dark Waters”, the 2019 American legal thriller dramatizing Robert Bilott’s case against the chemical manufacturing corporation DuPont after they contaminated a town with unregulated chemicals; and, Kurt Cobain: Moments That Shook Music, a documentary on BBC2 examining his tragic death.
A transcript is available here: https://wp.me/pIv9X-s5t
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Music is by Tim Bragg and selections and writing is by Pat Harrington. Highlights this week include “Unlocked: A Jail Experiment”, a Netflix documentary series that takes viewers inside the walls of an Arkansas detention facility to witness a radical social experiment granting incarcerated men more agency, eight episodes of Fallout on Amazon Prime based on the post-apocalyptic video game, and Defiance: Fighting The Far Right, a three part series from Channel 4.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Selections and writing are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include: eight episodes of Ripley on Netflix, a captivating limited series that unravels the treacherous world of deceit, murder, and secrets, with Andrew Scott’s menacing charm at its core, and the 1954 classic film, On The Waterfront. A transcript is available here: https://wp.me/pIv9X-s4x
Welcome to Culture Vulture your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Highlights this week include the films The Girl With A Bracelet (2019) and Gagarine (2020), and the six-part documentary Lincoln: Divided We Stand. Selections and writing are by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Highlights this week include the films The Girl With A Bracelet (2019) and Gagarine (2020), and the six-part documentary Lincoln: Divided We Stand. Selections and writing are by Pat Harrington and music is from Tim Bragg.
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Writing and selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include: Royal Kill List, a landmark Sky HISTORY original series that chronicles King Charles II’s relentless pursuit to avenge his father’s killers, Chopper (2000) the Australian crime drama film based on the autobiographical books by criminal-turned-author Mark “Chopper” Read and Turning Point: The Bomb And The Cold War on Netflix.
A transcript is available here:
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Writing and selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by TIm Bragg. Highlights this week include: The Third Man (1949) – Directed by Carol Reed, this cinematic gem weaves intrigue, betrayal, and post-war shadows in the hauntingly atmospheric city of Vienna. Down The Tracks: The Music That Influenced Bob Dylan and, Our Dirty War: The British State & The IRA.
A transcript is available here: https://countercultureuk.com/2024/02/29/culture-vulture-2-8-march-2024/
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Highlights this week include First Ladies Of Hip-Hop, Nelson In His Own Words and Don't Look Now. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Highlights this week include the 2019 film Boiling Point, a tense and gripping drama that follows a dedicated sushi chef as he navigates the pressures and challenges of a busy London restaurant on a fateful night; "Ophelia" a film reimagining of Shakespeare's classic "Hamlet" from the perspective of the tragic character Ophelia; and "The Guard", a darkly comedic crime thriller that pairs an unorthodox Irish policeman with an uptight FBI agent to unravel a drug smuggling operation in a small coastal town. Selections and writing are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture your guide to the week's from an alternative standpoint. Highlights this week include: Storyville: Tanja: Terrorist Or Freedom Fighter; Unsung Heroines: Danielle De Niese On The Lost World of Female Composers; and Raging Bull, a gritty and emotionally charged biographical drama that explores the turbulent life of Jake LaMotta. Selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture your weekly entertainment guide from an alternative standpoint. Highlights this week include:The Company You Keep: a thought-provoking drama that delves into political activism, choices, and their consequences; Children of Men, a dystopian masterpiece dealing with societal decay, political oppression, and the consequences of infertility; and, Dark Marvels: Killing Machines, a documentary series exploring the history of diabolical inventions, from torture devices to weapons of war. Writing and selections is by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. A transcript is available here: https://wp.me/pIv9X-rQq
Welcome to Culture Vulture your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Highlights this week include: the 2020 film Gagarine, the documentary David Bowie: Love You Till Tuesday and the 1959 film Room At The Top. Selections and writing is by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. A transcript is available here: https://wp.me/pIv9X-rN8
Welcome to Culture Vulture your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Highlights this week include: The Chosen One, a thought-provoking narrative around Jodie, a 12-year-old boy with Jesus-like powers; "The Godfather" trilogy on Film4; and, The Real Spies Among Friends, a documentary on the Cambridge traitors. Selections and reviews are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. If you like this podcast please like, share and subscribe.
A transcript is available here
Culture Vulture (12-18 August 2023)
Welcome to Culture Vulture your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Highlights this week include: The Chosen One, a thought-provoking narrative around Jodie, a 12-year-old boy with Jesus-like powers; "The Godfather" trilogy on Film4; and, The Real Spies Among Friends, a documentary on the Cambridge traitors. Selections and reviews are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. If you like this podcast please like, share and subscribe.
A transcript is available here
Culture Vulture (5th to 11th of August 2023)
Welcome to Culture Vulture. Highlights this week include: the 2011 film Contagion, George Alagiah: Mixed Britannia and Ruthless: Monopoly's Secret History. Selections and writing are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg.
A transcript is available here
We start this guide with a documentary that pays tribute to Sinead O'Connor which is a fitting tribute to an amazing, powerful woman who was misunderstood and sometimes vilified in her lifetime. As the song says: "You don't know what you've got till its gone". Selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Highlights this week include Baal with David Bowie, the film Detroit and Superpowered: The DC Story. Selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg.
A transcript is availableClick here to visit the link." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"> here
Highlights this week include the documentary To End All War: Oppenheimer And The Atomic Bomb, three programmes in a row on the Kinks and The Onion Field a film from 1979. Selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Highlights this week include: the documentary "Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda" which offers a glimpse into his life and creative journey, George Carlin's American Dream, a compelling documentary that explores the comedic genius and unfiltered social commentary of the legendary comedian and A Spy Among Friends, a captivating and intense thriller TV series that unravels the intriguing world of espionage, friendship, and betrayal, based on a true story and book by Ben Macintyre. Selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg.
A transcript is available here
-Welcome to Culture Vulture your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Highlights include Summer of Sam" (1999 film) exploring the hot and tense summer of 1977 in New York City amidst the Son of Sam murders, offering a captivating portrayal of personal relationships and societal upheaval: "Parkinson: Kenneth Williams Interviews" showcases the witty and introspective side of British actor and comedian Kenneth Williams through engaging conversations with host Michael Parkinson, and "Evacuation" is a ground-breaking three-part documentary series that provides an intimate and gripping account of the British military's mission to evacuate Kabul airport in 2021, featuring personal testimonies and previously unseen footage. Selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Highlights this week include the 2017 film God's Own Country, Ben Elton: The Great Railway Disaster on Channel 4 and NHS At 75 Live: Fit For The Future? . Selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture your guide to the weeks entertainment from an alternative standpoint. Highlights this week include: Inside High Noon on PBS, the 2018 film Kursk: The Last Mission, and Panorama: The Antidepressant Story. Selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide the the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Highlights this week include crime thriller "Law of Tehran", Van Gogh And Japan on Sky Arts and noir classic "Laura". Selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. A transcript and attributions is available here
Welcome to Cuture Vulture your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Highlights this week include "Rebellion" - A gripping drama chronicling the birth of modern Ireland through the perspectives of fictional characters living through the 1916 Easter Rising; "Pawn Sacrifice" (2014 film) - Directed by Edward Zwick, this captivating movie provides a unique perspective on the world of chess, delving into the fascinating life of chess prodigy Bobby Fischer during the intense Cold War era; and "Eye in the Sky" (a 2015 film) - Directed by Gavin Hood, this morally-charged drama forces viewers to confront the difficult decisions made in modern warfare as international military personnel and politicians grapple with the complexities of a high-stakes operation targeting terrorists. Selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg.
A transcript (which also contains attributions) is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative viewpoint. Highlights this week include: Once Upon A Time In Northern Ireland, Inside Kabul and Do The Right Thing. Music is by Tim Bragg.A transcript and picture attributions is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture, your guide to the week's entertainment from and alternative perspective. Highlights this week include a BBC Radio 4 programme on the artists Gilbert & George, 2021 film, The Mauritanian and the 2016 film, Moonlight. Music is by Tim Bragg. A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture your guide to the week's entertainment. Selections are by Patrick Harrington. Music is by Tim Bragg. Please consider subscribing via you favourite podcast app or on YouTube.
A transcript is available here
Highlights this week include: The Alehouse Sessions on BBC4, 2019 film, The Whistlers on Film4, and Unreported World: Inside Little North Korea on Channel 4. Selections this week are by Henry Falconer and Pat Harrington. Music is by Tim Bragg. You can find a transcript here
Highlights this week include the 1985 political thriller, Defence of the Realm, the 2019 alternative road movie, Queen & Slim and Can Psychedelics Cure from PBS America. Selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. A transcript is available here
Highlights this week include the film The Girl With A Bracelet, a five part Radio 4 series, Red Memory by Tania Branigan, on China's Cultural Revolution, and Deadly Standoff. Selections are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. You can find a transcript here
Highlights this week include: the 1995 film La Haine, Untold: Trapped In A Gang on Channel 4 and Untold: Trapped In A Gang on Channel 4. Selections this week are from Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. A transcript is available here: https://wp.me/pIv9X-rGV
Highlights this week include the classic 1947 film Brighton Rock, Hendrix and the Spook and the 2010 film The Whistleblower. Selections by Pat Harrington, music is by Tim Bragg.
A transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture which gives an alternative view on the week's entertainment. Highlights this week include: Breaking Mississippi on BBC Radio 4 about the struggle for civil rights in that State, the politically charged film Official Secrets and the BBC documentary Inside Taiwan Selections are from Henry Falconer and Pat Harrington. Music is by Tim Bragg.
You can find a transcript here
The novel follows Annie as she is moved from the family home to the large, prison like institution of Mandelstones, a place that becomes her world for much of the next quarter of a century. As she grows from a child to a woman, we see Annie experience adventure, abuse, friendship, love, rejection and finally, in her final years, acceptance and belonging back within the by now much changed working class community of Liverpool.
Reviewed by Henry Falconer.
To purchase the book, click here.
Selections are by Henry Falconer and Pat Harrington. Music is by Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include: the 2019 film, Mr Jones, the BBC radio programme Breaking Mississippi about James Meredith and The Holy Land and Us: Our Untold Stories.
You can find a full transcript here
Selections by Henry Falconer and Pat Harrington. Music is by Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include:
Trying It On: David Edgar by the award winning playwright and political activist on BBC Radio 4, Parasite on Film4 and Becoming Frida Kahlo on BBC2. A full transcript is available here
Selections by Henry Falconer and Pat Harrington. Music by Tim Bragg. Click here to read "Culture Vulture: Our Guide to the Week's Entertainment (25 February - 3 March 2023)" on countercultureuk.com.
"Finding Fame" is a 2019 documentary film that chronicles the early years of English singer-songwriter David Bowie, from his birth in 1947 to the release of his breakthrough album "Space Oddity" in 1969. Directed by Francis Whately, the film features rare archival footage, interviews with Bowie's friends, family, and collaborators, and explores the evolution of Bowie's artistic vision and musical style.
You can also read reviews here
This Podcast discusses the concept of virtual reality and its social implications. Virtual reality is defined as a computer-generated world that can be explored in real time, where the computer responds to the user's actions. The article explores concerns about the impact of virtual reality on society, including increased isolation and the commodification of thoughts and desires.
Selections by Henry Falconer and Pat Harrington. Music by Tim Bragg. Highlights this week include The Dangerous Rise of Andrew Tate, the Irish crime-comedy film Pixie and Red Elvis: The Cold War Cowboy. A full transcript is available here
Welcome to Culture Vulture. Highlights this week include Dispatches: Strippers, Spies and Russian Money, Mussolini: The First Fascist and Better, the new ITV crime series.
Pat Harrington looks at claims from both left and right about the politics of Dune. A full transcript is available here
References IMDB On the Scene
Herbert liner notes quoted in Touponce, William F. (1988). “Herbert’s Reputation”, p. 24. https://counter-currents.com/2021/10/...
https://thetempest.co/2021/07/24/book...
https://tribunemag.co.uk/2021/10/dune...
https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/08/...
Image attribution: By Dune Dune Movie Poster (#16 of 23) - IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?...
"Judas and the Black Messiah" is a historical drama film directed by Shaka King, released in 2021. The movie is based on the true story of Fred Hampton, the charismatic and revolutionary chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s. The film explores the events leading up to Hampton's assassination by the FBI and the Chicago Police Department. Reviewed by Pat Harrington. The full transcript of this podcast is available here
Film credits 2021 15 2h 6m Director Shaka King Writers Will Berson (story by )Shaka King(story by) Kenneth Lucas(story by) Stars LaKeith Stanfield Daniel Kaluuya Jesse Plemons Image attribution: By IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?...
Show less
Culture Vulture is a weekly podcast produced by Counter Culture magazine, aimed at politically and socially conscious individuals with independent thinking. The show focuses on highlighting entertainment that aligns with the values of its target audience. Culture Vulture provides a platform for discussion and analysis of cultural trends and events. You can find a transcript of this podcast here
Here's our Culture Vulture guide to what's streaming in February 2023. Selections are by Pat Harrington. Music by Tim Bragg. A transcript is available here
Selections by Pat Harrington. Music by Tim Bragg.
Highlights this week include The Stasi: Secrets, Lies and British Spies, Emily Atack: Asking For It? and The Ku Klux Klan: An American Story.
A transcript of this podcast is available here
A guide to the week's entertainment from an alternative standpoint. The podcast focuses on highlighting content with a social and political importance. A transcript of this podcast is available on the Counter Culture Website here
Selections and previews are from Pat Harrington. Music is from Tim Bragg. Tim is a multi-instrumentalist & singer-songwriter. You can hear his songs here
Highlights this week include Soundtracks: songs that defined history, Ken Loach: This Cultural Life and the film Collateral. Selections are by Pat Harrington. Music is from Tim Bragg. Tim is a multi-instrumentalist & singer-songwriter. You can hear his songs here- or any streaming service or on YouTube. A transcript of this podcast is available on the Counter Culture Website. If you've enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing and sharing.
The Northman is a violent film that tells the story of Amleth, a young prince who goes into exile after his father is killed and his uncle usurps the throne, and follows Amleth's quest for revenge with the help of a Slavic slave-woman. Pat Harrington's review notes that the film is disturbing to watch but also beautiful due to its cinematography, music, and scenery, and raises questions about the consequences of violence and the theme of a man being unable to escape his fate. The review also mentions that The Northman is an accurate depiction of the Viking Age, with strong supernatural themes and dream sequences.
Pat Harrington's review of Benediction highlights the film's exploration of themes of loneliness, regret, and self-loathing, and notes that the portrayals of gay relationships in the film are not positive. The review also mentions that the film features elements of Siegfried Sassoon's relationships with others, including his mentor-mentee relationship with Wilfred Owen and his romantic relationships with men.
Reviewer, Pat Harrington, found the film House of Gucci to be enjoyable and watchable, with a great ensemble cast and interesting interactions between the different characters. The reviewer also appreciated the film's blend of drama and comedy.
Pat Harrington discusses the themes and interpretation of the book and film Dune, particularly the complex politics and potential for both left and right wing readings. The film adaptation by Denis Villeneuve is praised for its handling of the material, and the diverse cultural influences present in the work are highlighted. The alt-right's interpretations of Dune are discussed and the complexity of the work's themes and portrayal societies is emphasized.
Highlights of Culture Vulture this week include: The Medici: Bankers, Gangsters, Popes, Clubland, a radio series exploring the history of working men's clubs in Britain and "James Arthur: Out of Our Minds," a documentary following the singer-songwriter as he discusses his struggles with mental health.
Selections and previews were written by the Editor of Counter Culture, Patrick Harrington. Don't miss next week's episode. Our music is by Tim Bragg. Tim is a multi-instrumentalist & singer-songwriter. You can hear his songs here- or any streaming service, or on YouTube.
A full transcript can be found here.
Highlights this week include the ITV drama, Stonehouse, Geoff Norcott: Geofferendum on BBC RADIO 4 and the first of four Reith lectures on Freedom.
Highlights this week include the ITV drama, Stonehouse, Geoff Norcott: Geofferendum on BBC RADIO 4 and the first of four Reith lectures on Freedom.
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/02/13/religion-riots-and-rebels-the-incredible-history-of-browns-square-belfast/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/02/23/dont-look-up-a-response-to-a-response/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/03/13/review-unbreakable/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/05/03/105860/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/05/19/the-northman-2022/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/05/26/benediction-2021/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/07/02/did-i-ever-get-the-feeling-id-been-cheated/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/08/04/film-review-belfast/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/09/13/a-month-in-the-life-peter-jacksons-the-beatles-get-back-reviewed/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/12/10/music-as-language/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/10/09/moonage-daydream-2022/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/11/06/baz-luhmnans-elvis-reviewed/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/12/15/culture-vulture-our-guide-to-the-weeks-entertainment-17-23-december-2022/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2022/12/17/made-in-dagenham/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2021/10/18/alice-curiouser-and-curiouser/
Counter Culture Review of the film 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle.
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2021/10/08/the-friends-of-eddie-coyle-1973/
Reflections on the politics of Dune by Pat Harrington for Counter Culture. This is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2021/10/30/brief-reflections-on-the-politics-of-dune/
A review of the film 'Night Magic' by Nick Mancuso for Counter Culture. This is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2020/08/31/the-myth-of-night-magic/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2020/05/12/race-war-the-fight-of-the-century-johnson-v-jeffries-july-4th-1910/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2020/06/25/archeofuturism-archeofuturism-2-0-reviewed/
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2021/10/02/culture-vulture-our-pick-of-the-weeks-entertainment-02-10-2021/
Rudeboy review is here: https://trojanrecords.com/set-the-tape/
Boomtown review is here: https://countercultureuk.com/2020/07/10/citizens-of-boomtown-the-story-of-the-boomtown-rats/
This review from Henry Falconer is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2021/06/08/hillbilly-elegy-2020/
This review by Pat Harrington for Counter Culture is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2020/07/10/citizens-of-boomtown-the-story-of-the-boomtown-rats/
A review of the BBC 'Play for Today' 'Leeds United!' from Henry Falconer. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2021/01/21/review-leeds-united/
Film review by David Kerr. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2021/02/18/monty-pythons-life-of-brian-1979/
Film Review by Tim Bragg. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2021/02/18/one-flew-over-the-cuckoos-nest-1975/
Film review by Patrick Harrington. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2021/01/24/apostasy-2017/
A film review by Anthony C Green. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2021/05/28/it-happened-here-1964/
Review of the PBS series from Henry Faconer. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://countercultureuk.com/2021/05/05/review-the-balkans-in-flames-yugoslavia-from-birth-to-death-1919-99/