Cult Fiction: Recent Episodes
CF
Cult Fiction: a film and culture podcast where two friends re-examine one of Hollywood’s lesser known works. We deep dive, try to be a little funny, and gently (or not-so-gently) peel back the layers on each film we discuss. Every first and third Wednesday, we serve up a full craft service table of film history, political and literary analysis, and the occasional dick joke (hi, Mom). We play a lot of 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon and award each movie the Oscar it will never receive.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss ghost shenanigans and radio as they review John Carpenter’s THE FOG. Andy points out the most disgusting close captioning ever and Stephanie gives a lecture on Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Plus: new segment and a cocktail!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss puppet operas, on screen dicks, and How I Met Your Mother as they review Nicholas Stoller’s FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL. Andy counts how many assholes we have on the cast and Stephanie defends Muppets in Space. Plus: Bill Hader, Paul Rudd, and Jack McBrayer are charming.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss ghosts, Catholics, and snot marbles as they review Guillermo del Toro’s THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE. Andy has a crush on Ron Pearlman and Stephanie might want to fuck a fish man? Plus: is this a crossover episode?!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss glam rock and Ewan’s cock as they review Todd Haynes's VELVET GOLDMINE. Andy only talks about Bowie 17 million times and Stephanie tries to be respectful of the dead. Plus: the best gay movie quadruple feature lineup.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss leg lamps, getting your children guns, and decoder rings as they review Bob Clark’s A CHRISTMAS STORY. Andy reveals that this movie is in the Library of Congress; Stephanie retells her soap story. Plus: let’s treat women bad and make Peking Duck a surprise!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss metaverses and fart jokes as they review Kevin Smith's JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK. Andy creams over Hollywood critiques and Stephanie wants to steal Silent Bob’s thief moves. Plus: Stephanie has a husband!!
Reading Recommendations: _The Not-So-Silent Friendship of Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith by New York Times
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss dead wives, atheism, and Hugh Jackman’s decreasing amount of hair as they review Darren Aronofsky’s THE FOUNTAIN. Andy draws a really long chord from Aronofsky to Tick Tick Boom and Stephanie immediately shits on it. Plus: Stephanie’s thoughts on bathtub sex.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss lizard people and drugs as they review Terry Gilliam’s FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS. Andy fanboys and Stephanie invents a new game - it looks like Riff Raff if… Plus, did you know who Johnny Depp’s best friend is?
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss post 9/11 comedy and 100% good boys as they review Adam McKay's ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND OF RON BURGANDY. Andy reminisces about his teen years and Stephanie shares that NASA doesn’t know how periods work. Plus: Stephanie’s butt touched Kevin Bacon’s butt via the transitive property.
Reading Recommendations: More than Just Men: Women in the Newsroom
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Doordash and incels as they review Ben Stiller’s THE CABLE GUY. Andy reveals he has been to Medieval Times too many times and Stephanie takes it there. Plus: why cell phone stores are the worst.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Barney the Dinosaur and vegan hot dogs as they review Danny DeVito’s DEATH TO SMOOCHY. Andy marvels at how disappointed he was in Danny’s Devito’s directing and Stephanie loves an Irish Mafia Mommy, Tommy. Plus: a peek into children’s media.
Reading Rec:
The Unbearable Blandness of Barney, a Review of I Love You, You Hate Me
Watching Rec:
Kidding, starring Jim Carrey, available on Paramount Plus
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss portals under passenger seats as they review Goran Dukić's WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY. Andy has ennui and Stephanie starts a cult turf war. Obviously, a good part of the episode is spent mooning over Tom Waits. PLUS: The return of Stephanie’s dream interpretations, brought to you by Carls Jr.!
Reading Recommendations: Etgar Karat's "Kneller's Happy Campers"
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss theatre and improv as they review Christopher Guest’s WAITING FOR GUFFMAN. Andy discusses mockumentaries and Guest’s crew of actors and Stephanie goes to Steak and Shake. Plus: did you know that this movie has three ways to do the Kevin Bacon game in one? Because Stephanie didn’t.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Netflix Christmas Trash as they review Alex Zamm's A CHRISTMAS PRINCE. Andy wonders how many people Rudy has killed and Stephanie HAD to bring up Die Hard (against her better judgment). Plus: Andy is mad that all Romanians don’t look like Vampires.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Chicago, rock and roll, and cocaine as they review John Landis’s THE BLUES BROTHERS. Andy hates on the director and Stephanie shits on the Catholic Church. We’re on a mission from God.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss blonde twinks and baby Jim Carrey as they review Julien Temple's EARTH GIRLS ARE EASY. Andy pines for Rocky Horror Picture Show and Stephanie needs a Valium (or five). Plus: a live reading of Julie Brown’s lyrics.
Reading Rec: Earth Girls are Easy
Watching Rec: Angelyne, on Peacock
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Lord of the Rings and old white ladies as they review John Boorman's EXCALIBUR. Andy talks mosquito bite sex scenes and Stephanie discloses aspects of the director's will. Plus: a watching rec!
Watching Recommendations: Cursed, on Netflix
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Home Alone and revenge plots as they review Jeremy Saulnier's BLUE RUIN. Andy discusses the career of Saulnier and Stephanie does it in one. Plus: Toxic Avenger news!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss hotel ballrooms and 1984 as they review DEATH RACE 2000. Andy swoons over Roger Corman and Stephanie calls out political satire. Plus: nakkies blur!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss six fingered men and gentle masculinity as they review Rob Reiner's THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Andy reviews adventure as a genre and Stephanie shares Mandy Patinkin's motivation. Plus: Andre the Giant is the sweetest human, and Cary Elwes is America’s sexual awakening, and Stephanie is not excited for the next movie.
Reading Recommendations: THE PRINCESS BRIDE by William Goldman
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss phone sex and PonyFlans as they review Jamie Travis's FOR A GOOD TIME, CALL. Andy coins the phrase “sex comedy frosting” and Stephanie misses rom coms. Plus: Stephanie quits after Andy makes a bad pun.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie wax on and wax off philosophic about the nature of 80's sports movies in all their problematic wonder. Join us in a rumination on nostalgia, toxic masculinity, performative racism and the crane kick - the greatest stupid finishing move of all time.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss what it means to be human as they review Ridley Scott's BLADE RUNNER. Andy discusses the multiple versions and Stephanie struggles with her new found identity as a Ridley Scott fanboy.
Reading Recommendations: DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP, by Philip K Dick
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss ape trauma and puppets as they review (the importance of) Spike Jonze's BEING JOHN MALKOVICH. Andy compares it to GET OUT and Stephanie compares it to WILLY WONKA. Plus: puppet sex?
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss moon Nazis and revisionist culture as they review Timo Vuorensola's IRON SKY. Andy comments on how those Nazis look damn sharp and Stephanie has a Rita Repulsa moment. Plus: the worst drinking game.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss the more serious side of the crypt and Armenian genocide as they review Terry George’s THE PROMISE. Andy gives a history lesson and Stephanie talks about color themes. Plus: a star-studded cast and a great script.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss motorcycles and Lake Minnetonka as they review Albert Magnoli’s PURPLE RAIN. Andy knows the password and Stephanie has champagne glass opinions. Plus: we are in person now!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! In this surprise holiday episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Santa kinkd and alcoholism as they review Terry Zwigoff’s BAD SANTA. Andy runs down a cast list of almost Santas and Stephanie talks about Lorelai Gilmore. Plus: the whitest Christmas tradition!
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss musical themes and morality as they review Michael Ritchie’s THE FANTASTICKS. Andy Fan Boys over Joel Grey and Stephanie talks circuses. Plus: Teller!
Reading Recommendations: The Romancers by Edmond Rostand
isode, Andy and Stephanie discuss framing devices and other old movie tropes as they review Charles Laughton’s THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER. Andy talks prayer methods and Stephanie has a whole thing about Biblical fruit. Plus: we both geek out over camera work.
Reading rec: "Was the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden really an apple?"
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Anamanics and the Hoover Dam as they review Mike Judge’s BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD DO AMERICA. Andy explains urinals and Stephanie breaks the seal on the V word. Plus: the first ever Letterkenny reference.
Reading Recommendations: “That Joke isn’t Funny Anymore” ArtForum article on how Beavis and Butthead, and those who took it too seriously, are how we ended up waves hand here.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss nonverbal aliens as they review Tim Burton’s MARS ATTACKS! Andy relays childhood fears, Stephanie stands for alien sex workers. Plus, Andy refuses to live in a world where Jack Skellington has a penis.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss vampires (again) as they review Robert Rodriguez's FROM DUSK TIL DAWN. Andy talks dick guns, Stephanie shares a bond with Selma Hayak, and there's a special Casa Blanca Moment.
Reading Recommendations:Everything Quentin Tarantino Really Thinks About Violence in Movies (The Atlantic)
A special anniversary of releasing episodes/ part two of Halloween in July (the better alternative). Before there was anything, we recorded some warm up episodes we never thought would see the light of day. Oops. Sorry, past selves. Here it is: HOCUS POCUS.
A special anniversary of releasing episodes/ part one of Halloween in July (the better alternative). Before there was anything, we recorded some warm up episodes we never thought would see the light of day. Oops. Sorry, past selves. Here it is: CORALINE.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss drag and flip flops as they review THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT. Andy talks Rocky Horror, Stephanie kabooms, and both trash talk the dancing.
Reading Recommendations: “Trixie Mattel Breaks Down the History of "Drag" on them., an online publication of all things queer
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss nose licking and bad CGI as they review Graham Baker’s BEOWULF. Andy instrumentalizes rock anthems and Seinfeld themes, Stephanie discusses representations of Grendel’s mother in art, and both wonder about guillotines.
Reading Recommendations: GRENDEL, by John Gardner
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss 3D chess, karaoke, and hell as they review Martin McDonagh's IN BRUGES. Andy lauds the movie’s writing, Stephanie wonders which Colin it is, and they both think that maaaaaybe Brendan Gleason has a death kink.
Reading Recommendations: IF CHINS COULD KILL, Bruce Campbell
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Ted Hughes and 50’s nostalgia as they review Brad Byrd's THE IRON GIANT. Andy talks Bill Clinton, Stephanie gives a mini-dissertation on the Red Panic/Space Race in children’s literature, and they both have a crush on Dean.
Reading Recommendations:
ARIEL, by Sylvia Plath
(sure fine okay also THE IRON GIANT, by Ted Hughes)
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss the Pythons, Man of la Macha, and wasted film as they review Terry Gilliam's The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Andy hates Robin Williams for once, Stephanie gets up to make a sammich, and they both hate this movie.
Reading Recommendations: Big Fish, by David Wallace
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Gaimanisms, folklore, and the Hensons as they review Dave McKean’s MIRRORMASK. Andy gushes about McKean, Stephanie slips into the dark like a dark, unnoticeable slippy thing, and they both love the Very Useful Book.
Reading Recommendations:
National Geographic Article on the Death of Circuses and its counterargument by the Smithsonian
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Reaganomics and the garbage fire of 2021 as they review John Carpenter’s THEY LIVE. Andy talks the art of black and white, Stephanie talks marketing, and they both are here to chew bubblegum and kick ass.
Reading Recommendations:
CAPITALIST REALISM, by Mark Fisher, an examination of hopelessness in the face of consumerism through pop-culture (from Children of Men to Wall-E), politics, and education.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Carl's Jr. and ACAB as they review SUPER TROOPERS. Andy discusses syrup logistics, Stephanie gives a feminist reading for something new and different, and they both are mad at a misuse of Wonder Woman.
Reading Recommendations:
The End of Policing by Alex Vitale - on the dramatic growth of police departments, and why present reform measures will not end police assaults and killing of unarmed Black people
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss opera aliens and Trope Salads as they review Luc Besson's THE FIFTH ELEMENT. Andy tries to defend it, Stephanie points out the classism of this universe, and they both agree that THE MUMMY is the same movie but better.
Plus, The Diva dance scene
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss body snatching and Animorphs as they review Robert Rodriguez's THE FACULTY. Andy references THE THING so often you can make it a drinking game, Stephanie gives a mini-primer on Southern accents and paper-cutter pranks, and they both swoon over Robert Kurtzman’s work.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss time travel, science, and morality and as they review Shane Carruth's Primer. Andy dazzles with his discussion of film editing, Stephanie talks about Biblical names, and they both get more than a little confused.
Reading Recommendations:
The Astronaut’s Wives Club, by Lily Koppel (incorrectly called “First Wives Club” in the episode, which is also a novel and a movie)
Pale Blue Dot, by Carl Sagan
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss yet another vampire movie (but this time, make it philosophical) as they review Abel Ferrara's The Addiction. Andy fan girls over Walken again, Stephanie is very glad she didn’t see this in her goth phase, and they both are ready for a break from vampire movies.
Reading Recommendations: NO EXIT, by Jean-Paul Sartre
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Christmas trees, puppets, and nostalgia as they review Joe Dante's Gremlins. Andy drools over Pheobe Cates, Stephanie rolls her eyes, and they both hate the first ten minutes of the movie.
Reading Recommendations: “Krampuslauf”, a short story by Holly Black
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss rules, technology, and trickster gods as they review Weird Science. Andy wishes Kelly LeBrock had more fun in France, Stephanie has a theory about Mary Poppins, and they both wonder if John Hughes knows how computers work. Plus, this weird photo of John Hughes.
Reading Recommendations
“Sex, Love, and Robots” by Elizabeth Nolan Brown
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss music videos, vampires, and Bowie as they review The Hunger. Andy compares the movie to Lost Boys, Stephanie brings up Keats and Byronic heroes, and they both have a new least favorite hell.
Reading Recommendations: VAMPIRES IN THE LEMON GROVE, by Karen Russell
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss sex work, donut shops, and West Hollywood as they review TANGERINE. Stephanie schools Andy in fog science, Andy reveals the original intent behind Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, and they both fawn over the technical aspects.
Reading Recommendations
REVOLTING PROSTITUTES: THE FIGHT FOR SEX WORKERS’ RIGHTS, by Molly Smith
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss the different colors of dope as they review Nicolas Winding Refn's PUSHER. Andy says a Danish name five times fast, Stephanie does actual math, and they both swoon over Mads Mikkelsen’s weird face.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss the worst movie ever as they review Ed Wood's PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE. Stephanie dreams up a drinking game, Andy mispronounces the director’s name in the biggest Freudian slip ever, and they both are thrilled to see the end credits.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss boardwalks and babe vampires as they review Joel Schumacher's THE LOST BOYS. Andy hates on the Coreys, Stephanie swoons over baby Edward Hermann as GrandDaddy, and they both want to visit a comic shop by the end.
Reading Recommendations:
BLADE THE VAMPIRE HUNTER, by Ian Edginton and Doug Wheatley
THE MIGHTY AVENGERS by Al Ewing
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss feminism and John Waters as they review CRY BABY. Stephanie redevelops a crush on Johnny Depp, Andy on Traci Lords, and they both talk about licking up tears.
Reading Recommendations:
What’s Wrong with the 50’s: Sex, Ms. Magazine
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss Madonna and comedy of manners as they review Susan Seidelman DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN. Stephanie references “Jesse’s Girl”, Andy comes up with an alternate title for the movie, and they both swoon over the gorgeous cinematography.
Reading Recommendations:
NOT ABOUT MADONNA, by Whit Hill
In this episode, Stephanie and Andy discuss PMS and Buffy as they review GINGER SNAPS. Andy forgets to look at license plates, Stephanie talks about 2001 fashion, and both explain their teenage bedrooms.
Reading Recommendations
SHE-WOLF: A CULTURAL HISTORY OF FEMALES WEREWOLVES, by Hannah Priest
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie and special third guest Alex discuss roller hockey, convenience stores, and the nine circles of hell as they review Kevin Smith's CLERKS. Stephanie outs Alex as an egg checker, Andy mocks a woman with a lisp, Alex gushes about Kevin Smith, and they all fawn over Jeff Anderson’s Randall.
Reading Recommendations:
SILENT BOB SPEAKS, by Kevin Smith
In this episode, Stephanie and Andy discuss corkscrew condoms and Bloomingduck’s as they review Willard Huyck’s HOWARD THE DUCK. Andy dubs The Dark Overlord a Sass Queen, Stephanie is here for Lea Thompson, and they both question the chemistry between Howard and Beverly.
Reading Recommendations:
MARVEL COMICS: THE UNTOLD STORY, by Sean Howe
Content Warning: Discussions of rape
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss glow sticks and Norman Bates as they review Stuart Gordon's RE-ANIMATOR. Stephanie references Independence Day, Andy reads Boudoir, and they both hate the last half hour.
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie discuss camel punching and demon sex as we review John Milius CONAN THE BARBARIAN. Stephanie gives instructions on how to be a cult leader, Andy does the Schwarzenegger sound, and we both vote for Valeria for President.
Reading Recommendations:
CONAN THE BARBARIAN Series, by Robert E. Howard, specifically QUEEN OF THE BLACK COAST
We’re tired of these motherfucking snakes on this motherfucking plane. In this episode, Andy and Stephanie record in the same room (!) as they discuss David R. Ellis’s SNAKES ON A PLANE. Andy swoons over the entire cast, Stephanie talks about seeing the movie in theatres as A Youth Baby, and we jam out to Cobra Starship.
Reading Recommendations:
THE SNAKES, by Sadie Jones
SNAKES ON A PLANE: THE NOVEL, by Christa Faust
In this episode, Andy and Stephanie try really hard not to compare episode 19’s movie to Mamoru Oshii's GHOST IN THE SHELL. Stephanie talks about body violation, Andy discusses philosophy in science fiction, and we both wonder why robots need nipples.
Reading Recommendations:
CINDER, by Marissa Meyer
Not that one, Bob’s Burgers fans. In this episode, Andy and Stephanie marvel at the impact of a fly as they review Terry Gilliam's BRAZIL. Stephanie shows Andy the light of unreliable narrators, Andy remembers Homeward Bound, and they both promise not to look at your willy.
Reading Recommendations:
THE RHETORIC OF FICTION, by Wayne C. Booth
THE BATTLE FOR BRAZIL: TERRY GILLIAM VS. UNIVERSAL PICTURES, by Jack Matthews
TETSUO! KANEDA! In this episode, Andy and Stephanie cringe at creepy psychic children as they discuss Katsuhiro Otomo's AKIRA. Andy creams over Kaneda’s red motorcycle, Stephanie points out the problem with K names, and both are the kings of their respective trash mountains.
Reading Recommendations:
AKIRA, by Katsuhiro Otomo
She’s back, baby! In this episode, Andy and Stephanie laugh at unexpected alien asses as they discuss Peter Jackson's BAD TASTE. Stephanie squeaks out about vomit (but shares a very good fake vomit recipe, if you’re into that), Andy geeks out over homemade camera stuff, and we both swoon over how this movie is a weird love letter to cinema and The Hustle.
Reading Recommendations:
BAD TASTE (CULTOGRAPHIES), by Jim Barratt
CANNIBAL KITCHEN: A HORROR LOVER'S COOKBOOK, by Shannon Rullo
Viewing Recommendation:
Good Taste Made Bad Taste
In this episode, Stephanie taps out and is substituted by the ever-lovely Moriah Boell to discuss Stephen Chiodo's KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE. Join Andy and Mo as they discuss how bad the acting is, how each character is completely interchangeable, and how, somehow, the clowns were the only scary thing about this movie. Plus, cotton candy snakes. No thank you.
Reading Recommendations:
JAM, by Yahtzee Croshaw
THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND WHY CLOWNS CREEP US OUT, by Frank T. McAndrew
In this episode, we dive under the sea of holes as we discuss George Dunning's YELLOW SUBMARINE. Join us as we sing a lot of Beatles songs, Andy and Stephanie discuss stress relief tactics for exhausted artists, and we make Canada jokes from the second time in as many episodes (hi, Matheiu!) Plus, Stephanie makes a disappointing discovery about a gap in Andy’s knowledge.
Reading Recommendations:
TRIP: PSYCHEDELICS, ALIENATION, AND CHANGE, by Tao Lin
INSIDE THE YELLOW SUBMARINE: THE MAKING OF THE BEATLES' ANIMATED CLASSIC, by Richard Hieronimus
In this episode, we lay down some plastic sheeting and discuss Mary Harron's AMERICAN PSYCHO. Stephanie talks about nightmares and how to self-soothe, Andy brings up Christian Bale’s yo-yo weight, and we both talk about how much we want to be sponsored by Carl’s Jr. Join us as we love on Willem DaFoe and baby Reese Witherspoon.
Reading Recommmendations
BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY, by Jay McInerny
MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER, by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Happy New Year, let’s talk about the end of the world as we know it. In this episode, we load up our backpacks with twinkies and machetes as we discuss Danny Boyle's 28 DAYS LATER. Stephanie talks about humanity at the end of days and Andy keeps it real with his discussion of cinematography. It’s also our first re-do episode, so we’re real podcasters now. We both make fun of PETA. Plus, Stephanie introduces a new segment!
Reading Recommendations:
STATION ELEVEN, by Emily St. John Mandel
I AM LEGEND, by Richard Matheson
In this episode, we jam to some sweet tunes by Tom Waits as we discuss Jim Jarmusch's DOWN BY LAW. Join us as we talk about the criminal justice system, some fantastic acting, and a terrible script. Plus, Andy and Stephanie both confess their affections for Tom Waits, miss their theater days, and wonder why this is shot in black-and-white.
Reading Recommendations
THE NEW JIM CROW: MASS INCARCERATION IN THE AGE OF COLORBLINDNESS, by Michelle Alexander
WILD ESCAPE: THE PRISON BREAK FROM DANNEMORA AND THE MANHUNT THAT CAPTURED AMERICA, by Chelsia Rose Marcius
In this episode, we question almost every choice made in the absolutely cult BLOOD FOR DRACULA, directed by Paul Morrissey. Join us as we skeeve out over the grossest moment in cinema we’ve seen thus far, Andy makes Twilight jokez, and Stephanie discusses Vampire Lore and how Bram Stoker is turning in his grave. Plus, Sex Ed with Stephanie and how Andy absolutely never learned to prank people properly.
THE VAMPIRE, by Volta Ornella (a scholarly look at Dracula and vampire tropes, including Bram Stoker’s Dracula)
BOO! IT'S SEX, a web comic by Danielle Corsetto, Monica Gallagher
In this episode, we follow the yellow brick road as we discuss Walter Murch's RETURN TO OZ. Join us as we talk about L. Frank Baum, how this movie almost wasn’t made, electroshock therapy and PTSD, and the earliest example of a trans character in children’s literature!
READING RECOMMENDATIONS
RETURN TO OZ, by L. Frank Baum
THE REAL WIZARD OF OZ: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF L. FRANK BAUM, by Rebecca Loncraine
In this episode, we follow the yellow brick road as we discuss Walter Murch's RETURN TO OZ. Join us as we talk about L. Frank Baum, how this movie almost wasn’t made, electroshock therapy and PTSD, and the earliest example of a trans character in children’s literature!
READING RECOMMENDATIONS
RETURN TO OZ, by L. Frank Baum
THE REAL WIZARD OF OZ: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF L. FRANK BAUM, by Rebecca Loncraine
In this episode, we take a (drug) trip through Gapsar Noe's ENTER THE VOID, a philosophical examination of life after death. Join us as we discuss DMT, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, and questionable Freudian narratives.
READING RECOMMENDATIONS:
THE TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD, by (most likely) Guru Rinpoche THE LOVELY BONES, by Alice Sebold
In this episode, we squeal with rainbow joy over JAmie Babbit's BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER, an essential piece of LGBTQIA+ film canon. Join us as we talk about RuPaul, conversion camps, and how pure love conquers all.
Reading Recommendations:
BOY ERASED: A MEMOIR OF IDENTITY, FAITH, AND FAMILY, by Gerard Conley
STONEWALL: THE RIOTS THAT SPARKED THE GAY REVOLUTION, by David A. Carter
In this episode, we discuss John Waters's CECIL B. DEMENTED, a bizarre and grimy love letter to cinema. Join us as we walk about metafiction, boom mics attached to shotguns, and the sad fate of hamsters.
Reading Recommendations:
MR. KNOW-IT-ALL: THE TARNISHED WISDOM OF A FILTH LEADER, by John Waters
AMERICAN HEIRESS: THE WILD SAGA OF THE KIDNAPPING, CRIMES AND TRIAL OF PATTY HEARST, by Jeffrey Toobin
In this episode, we discuss John Hughes's PRETTY IN PINK, which Andy and Stephanie actually watched in person together! Join us as we gag over clothing choices, swoon over Spader, and Stephanie explains her thing for Duckie.
Reading Recommendations:
WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU: A NOVEL IN STORIES, by Molly Ringwald
GETTING THE PRETTY BACK: FRIENDSHIP, FAMILY, AND FINDING THE PERFECT LIPSTICK, by Molly Ringwald
ELEANOR & PARK, by Rainbow Rowell
In this episode, we discuss Mitchell Lichtenstein's TEETH. Join us as we posit superhero theories, youth group culture, and Stephanie teaches Andy about that hand mirror thing vagina-havers do.
Reading Recommendations:
THE POWER, by Naomi Alderman
WHAT'S UP DOWN THERE?: QUESTIONS YOU'D ONLY ASK YOUR GYNECOLOGIST IF SHE WAS YOUR BEST FRIEND, by Lissa Rankin
In this episode, we drift and gyrate through Paul Verhoeven's SHOWGIRLS. Join us as we cringe at this over-the-top acting and realize that, surprisingly, this movie passes the Bechdel Test with flying pasties.
Reading Recommendations:
THE ETHICAL SLUT, by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy
G-STRINGS AND SYMPATHY: STRIP CLUB REGULARS AND MALE DESIRE, by Katherine Frank
In this episode, we dance through MONTY PYTHON'S LIFE OF BRIAN. Join us as we consider the lillies and argue over shoe vs. gourd.
Reading Recommendation:
LAMB, by Christopher Moore
THE PYTHONS, an autobiography
In this episode, we wade through one of cinema’s. . . stickest (?) films, Michael Herz’s THE TOXIC AVENGER. Join us as we grapple with New Jersey’s anti-hero and discuss how Toxie is short for “Toxic Masculinity.”
We joyfully prance through one of cinema's purest films, Hayao Miyazaki's MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO. Join us as we discuss the best Dad in fiction and why everyone should believe in just a little magic.
Join us, Andy and Stephanie, on the beginning of our journey through Hollywood's Crypt. In this episode, we explain why we started Cult Fiction and what, in our minds, is cult.
Thank you soooo much, husband! I will pay you back in other ways later ywood's Crypt. In this episode, we explain why we started Cult Fiction and what, in our minds, is cult.