The Dragons of Imperialism
Horror in our current era is more socially-reflective than ever before. But how will the developments of the last months—in particular the pandemic and attendant impending recession—affect horror going forward? The 1930s may hold a clue.
V for Vendetta and the Limits of Liberal Protest
Does a Bush-era adaptation of a British anarchist comic have anything to say in 2020?
Will COVID-19 Change the Face of Horror?
Horror in our current era is more socially-reflective than ever before. But how will the developments of the last months—in particular the pandemic and attendant impending recession—affect horror going forward? The 1930s may hold a clue.
Emptiness Is What’s Used
Science fiction and fantasy films tend to be fairly unsubtle in their depiction of authoritarianism. Children of Men is the exception.
The Midwives of Armageddon
A lone figure trudges across the wasteland. Behind him, the world is in ruins. He carries little but what he needs to survive. Food, water, and a weapon. Then, from the windswept orange haze, a shape emerges: a child. They
No, It’s Not Cyberpunk
The futures we imagine are never the ones that actually arrive. This is a basic fact of life. The 20th century did not usher in an era of massive concrete blocks and men living in perfect harmony. Jetpacks and flying cars are still
Stripper Moms, Rise Up!
Hustlers takes the politics of Proudhon and Stirner to the strip club There’s a scene about midway through Lorene Scafaria’s 2019 black-comedy Hustlers where the politics of the movie should become perfectly clear, if you only care to look. One-time exotic dancer Destiny (Constance
You Can Never Go Back
I remember, quite clearly, the first time I saw The Phantom Menace. It was 1999, opening weekend. I had agonized over not getting to see the very first showings, over not being one of the true fans, the ones who’d dressed up