Join me & Ancient Problemz on the inaugural episode of In Kino Veritās—a podcast where the guest picks a film, we both watch, and discuss.
We don’t simply review films but dive deep into their themes, characters and cultural context. In this episode we explore the late 90s hitman film Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai and it’s parallels to the 60s neo-noir film Le Samouraï.
P.S. I’ve purchased an actual Mic & have the format figured out for future eps. Thanks!
Edit:
Jarlis suggested I include some information on where you can watch Ghost Dog and Le Samouraï. Personally I just use my local library ;)
Main Points
* Welcome and opening remarks
* Introduction by Theon Ultima (author at Ultimatum, co-owner of the Tortuga Society)
* Announcement of the inaugural episode of In Kino Veritās
* In Kino Veritās’ format (guest picks a film, then discussion)
* Introduction of guest Ancient Problemz
* Who’s Ancient Problemz? What does he write about on Substack?
* Episode structure: high-level, spoiler-free chat followed by a deep dive with warning
* Problemz’s film choice: Jim Jarmusch’s Ghost Dog and its kinship with Le Samouraï (Theon’s first essay’s inspiration).
* Thematic parallels: Bushidō code, lone hitman, flailing mafia
* Quick synopsis: 90s hip-hop hitman meets medieval samurai ethos vs. geriatric mob
* Spoilers past this point
* Problemz’s first impressions and personal viewing history of Ghost Dog
* Broader 90s cinema context: American Beauty, film noir’s evolution
* Exploration of 90s cultural undercurrents: suburban malaise, “hyperreal” films (The Matrix, Thirteenth Floor)
* Contrast of mafia portrayals in film (satire in Ghost Dog vs. glamor in Goodfellas/The Sopranos)
* Discussion of samurai code themes and Rashomon’s solipsistic foil
* Jim Jarmusch’s stylistic hallmarks (use of silence) and mention of Broken Flowers, Paterson, Coffee & Cigarettes
* Tweet capturing the twilight-suburban vibe of American Beauty
* The 90s consumer boom and spiritual emptiness (rise of Starbucks, Food Network, etc.)
* Theory of 90s as end of “threat salience” and end-of-history mindset pre- and post-9/11
* Plot recap of Ghost Dog: doomed hit, daughter as witness, mafia’s change of heart, Ghost Dog’s loyalty
* Comparison of minimal plot vs. rich thematic focus in both films
* Theme of accepting fate/dharma versus the mafia’s self-preservation ethos
* The loneliness and sacrifice inherent in following an unbreakable code
* Taboo mentorship archetype (older samurai and young protégée) as a risk-taking metaphor
* Building networks of loyalty through “extras” (pigeons, ice-cream vendor, neighborhood constants)
* Value of peripheral human connections in daily life
* Quick poll of preferences: Ancient Problemz favors Ghost Dog; Theon favors Le Samouraï
* Bonus film rec: Vox Lux
* Look forward to next episode!
