On this month's episode of The Sociologist's Dojo, return guest Dr. Ea Madrigal and I compare Nightmare Alley(s). We talk the historical and social differences between the 1947 Classic directed by Edmund Goulding, and the 2021 Remake by Guillermo del Toro. The Conversation includes discussions of "What makes a Geek", self medication, and the historical importance of stories regarding the Supernatural. Spoilers abound for both films
Production Notes:
Intro: 0:00-110
For the Love of Old Movies (2:00-16:00)
- New Films vs. Old
- The Monoculture of Superheroes (and its fatigue)
- Prestige TV and Awards Category Fraud
- Remakes
The Basics of Nightmare Alley(s) (16:01-32:05)
Historical Context (32:19-72:03)
- Tone Matching the Context
- Films failed to find footing
- Tyrone Power +Characters
- Post-War Hollywood, Mentalism and the Supernatural
- Media Reflects Culture
- Escapism
- Not For Current Audiences?
- A Cautionary Tale?
- Use of Alcohol as Self-Medication
- Historic Lack of Social Services
- The Psychoanalysis Aversion
- The Outsider and Acceptance of "The Other"
- Context Matters
Social Analysis (77:18-107:26)
- Female Characters of Noir
- Lack of Racial Diversity
- Genre over dispelling stereotypes
- Collectivism vs. Individualism
- Compassion is Power
- Rankings
Outtro (107:27-109:57)
- Plugs
- All Clips used under Fair Use
Stick around for:
- Debate over if films need a Happy ending
- The Pitch for Nightmare Alley 2: The Accountant
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