Prepare to be uncomfortable because we're talking Paul Verhoeven's self-described protest against genre in his controversial (and unclassifiable) rape survivor film Elle (2016), based on Philippe Djian's 2012 novel "Oh..." and from the co-writer of *checks notes* Slender Man (2018).
Join us as we heap all the praise on lead actress Isabelle Huppert, who masterfully executes Verhoeven's vision for this unexpectedly humorous film. We also debate whether or not it would (could?) have been made after the MeToo Movement.
Plus: video game developer subculture, bug crunch ASMR, learning what "gray rape" means and, oh yeah, did we mention that this is a Christmas movie?!
References:
> Bidisha, “Rape fantasy Elle isn’t a five-star masterpiece – it’s sick.” The Guardian
> Leslie Felperin. “Critic’s Notebook: Why Cannes’ ‘Elle’ is the Most Empowering “Rape Movie” Ever Made” The Hollywood Reporter
> Jessica Kiang. “Cannes Review: Paul Verhoeven’s Rivetingly Unsavory, Fearless & Witty ‘Elle’ With Isabelle Huppert” The Playlist
Questions? Comments? Snark? Connect with the boys on BlueSky, Instagram, Youtube, Letterboxd, or join the Horror Queers Discord to get in touch with other listeners.
> Trace: @tracedthurman (BlueSky)/ @tracedthurman (Instagram)
> Joe: @joelipsett (BlueSky) / @bstolemyremote (Instagram)
Be sure to support the boys on Patreon!
Show Art: Travis Falligant / Theme Music: Alexander Nakarada
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