PODCAST · tv
Cinema Cauldron
by madeline
audio essays and discussions on film feat. transgender menace Madeline Blondeau madshaus.substack.com
Episodes
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'goodness knows the wicked die alone'
in this episode: thoughts on “Wicked – Part One,” trans themes in Gregory Maguire's original text, and how Oz envisions ‘the other' set to witchy and magickal jazz from over the rainbow. opening music by Diego Nava. tracklist 1. Oscar Peterson, "Witchcraft" 2. Sonny Stitt, "It's Magic" 3. Akira...
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'the drugs just make me reset'
In this episode, I’ll review Todd Phillips anti-sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. Along the way, I’ll touch on Warner Discovery’s multi-year string of financial busts — and the future of big-budget film with mega-fans in the chair. Put on a smile and get happy — and welcome back to Cinema…
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colonized bodies, living and dead
After an opening scene of S&M that sees a rose stem refashioned as a whip, Nun In Rope Hell (1984) brings viewers to the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge. I recognized it as a climactic set piece in horror sequel Sadako 3D 2 (2013), but it’s also been featured in Koji Shiraishi’s Occult (2009.) Located...
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rape! hold the revenge
Showing rape is a taboo in film. But when it comes to breaking this taboo, Japan does it very differently than the rest of the world. On this episode, Madeline discusses 'Rape!', a 1976 Nikkatsu Roman Porno written by 'House' scribe Chiho Katsura. Along the way, she discusses the depiction of...
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a mother's touch(ed)
Mothers' Instinct arrived to Netflix this past week with little to no fanfare. In fact, its theatrical release went mostly unnoticed. But this quiet 1960s thriller starring Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain dishes up some worthwhile commentary with style to spare. Listen in to find out…
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killing the goddess in our hearts
On the 30th episode of Cinema Cauldron, Madeline mines "MaXXXine" and the rest of Ti West's "X" figure for dark truths about the seedy underbelly of the American Dream. Plus: 'The Goddess,' Anna Freud, and the death of Norma Jean Baker. Get full access to cinema cauldron at...
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the girls that saved spider-man
Madame Web does not give superhero audiences what they want. It does not meet the expectations for a good comic book movie, by the classical definition. At no point does the film feel like an A-to-Z origin story for any of its characters. The craft is not here to support a linear, plot-driven...
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"get in, loser" (Mean Girls review)
My thoughts on Mean Girls (2024,) the state of the modern musical, and the surprising queerness of Tina Fey's musical remake. read my full review @ mads.haus and Substack subscribe and support the show @ Substack music by Diego Nava Get full access to cinema cauldron at...
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The War Against 'Captivity'
Captivity & the Death of 'Torture Porn' - Part 3 of 4 16 years ago this month, Captivity's billboards sparked outrage across America. In this episode, I'll discuss the film's notorious reshoots, its controversial marketing, and how Six Feet Under producer Joey Soloway doomed the film's chances at...
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Captivity & The Death of Torture Porn - Part Two
Moscow, Turistas, and After Dark Films In this installment: Captivity's complicated Moscow production, the controversy surrounding Turistas, and a closer look at producer Courtney Solomon's After Dark Films. Plus, a taste of true crime as I discuss the real-life murder of Andres Ramos Bordalo…
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Captivity & The Death of Torture Porn, Part One
Abu-Ghraib, Saw, and America’s Love Affair With Torture In this episode, I'll provide a brief overview of the controversy surrounding Captivity (2007) and trace its early origins as a Hype Williams project for 20th Century Fox. Then, I'll trace the correlation between America's fascination with...
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'Splice', Reconsidered
Vincenzo Natali's (Cube) 2009 sci-fi horror film, Splice, rattled the nerves of the few that saw it on release. It was bloody, sexual, and - above all - had scary things to say about American parenting culture. Today, I'll revisit Dark Castle Productions' first flop and consider some of the…
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Demystifying 'I Spit On Your Grave'
I Spit On Your Grave is one of the most controversial films ever made. On this episode, I'll briefly discuss the history of the original and its infamous reception. Plus: I'll walk you through each entry of this notorious franchise - and make my case for it as a feminist horror masterpiece.…
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"The Ring": Sadako, Trans Panic, and Intersex Erasure
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Nikki Kuhnhausen. Koji Suzuki's 1991 Ring introduced Sadako - an telepathic victim of a hate crime that, in her anger, doomed the world with a deadly curse. But over 30 years later, her origin story has been mostly forgotten. On today's Cinema Cauldron…
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Saint Maud: My Sapphic Matron of Mental Illness
Rose Glass' gnostic chiller Saint Maud went unseen by most, and unsung by many. On this episode, we take a deep dive into the A24 gem, and address some of the little-discussed aspects of the movie. Included are discussions of Borderline Personality Disorder, the affect of Catholic doctrine on...
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"Fangtastic": Scooby-Doo In The '80s (feat. Russell Alterman)
This week, I'm joined my the illustrious Rocketto Punchi co-host, Russell Alterman, to discuss Scooby-Doo in the 1980s! We dive deep into three of the best Scooby films of all time: Boo Brothers, Ghoul School, and Reluctant Werewolf. Follow the show on Twitter @cinemacauldron Follow Bella on...
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G2K: Godzilla After 2000 (feat. Preston McFarlin)
After Roland Emmerich's Godzilla prompted a soft reset for the aging series, Toho took their most iconic creature for a five-movie trip down memory lane - and into the future. Rocketto Punchi co-host Preston McFarlin joins me this week to discuss Godzilla vs Megaguirus, Godzilla Against...
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Decoding The Matrix Spin-Offs And Resurrections
To talk about The Matrix Resurrections, we need to talk about The Animatrix and Enter The Matrix - two of the most important parts of the series. I dig deep into the franchise's philosophy, the idea of choice versus destiny, and why Niobe is one of the most important characters in the series....
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Top 5 of 2021
Last year was the worst. Let's talk about some of my favorite movies from it. That's right - a rote, standard Top 5... with a special announcement at the end. Sound good? Music by Brock Hewitt, Richard Smithson, and Walz. Opening track "Chill Bro" by Diego Nava Follow Bella on Twitter @VHSVVitch...
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A Sister Sarah Jane Christmas
In the season of the spirit, I visit the sex-crazed Christploitation classic Evil Come Evil Go, where a Tammy Faye knockoff seduces lesbians and kills "evil men." Afterwards, I take a dreamy boat ride to Lesbian Island in Girl Slaves of Morgana le Fay and revisit Jose Larraz with his twisted...
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Larraz and Lemora
First up this week: a Larraz double feature! I discuss the director's beloved slasher classic Deadly Manor, and sink my teeth into vampire exploitation classic Vampyres. Then - I discuss unsung cult gem, Lemora, which spent years being attacked by the Catholic church for anti-Christian values. As...
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