Episodes

  • UPDATE: Season 3 Coming Soon!

    UPDATE: Season 3 Coming Soon!
    Dec 3 2024
    This is an update! We are wrapping up this season of Midnight Local and will be back in January of 2025 with more episodes. We hope everyone has a great holidays, dee you in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    3 mins
  • Serial Mom (1994), How did he know?

    Serial Mom (1994), How did he know?
    Nov 19 2024
    In this episode of Midnight Local, hosts Greg and Meredith dive into the cult classic 'Serial Mom' directed by John Waters. They explore the film's themes of suburban life, the duality of its main character Beverly, and the societal commentary on media and celebrity culture. The conversation highlights the absurdity of the plot, the dark humor, and the film's satirical take on American values. In this conversation, they explore various themes including the fascination with celebrity murderers, the impact of social media on public discourse, and the role of misinformation in politics. They discuss the absurdity of modern entertainment and the cultural commentary of John Waters, while also touching on the dangerous ideologies propagated by figures in the manosphere. The dialogue reflects on the complexities of societal values and the need for critical thinking in an age of rapid information exchange. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mood Setting 02:47 Exploring 'Serial Mom' and John Waters' Influence 05:56 Character Analysis: Beverly and Her Duality 08:57 The Plot Unfolds: A Mother's Grievances 12:04 Murderous Escalation: The First Kill 15:06 Cultural Commentary: Media and Celebrity 17:46 The Trial and Public Perception 20:58 The Climax: A Mother's Love and Violence 24:14 Final Thoughts on Satire and Society 38:46 The Obsession with Celebrity Murderers 42:47 The Impact of Social Media on Society 46:37 Political Commentary and the Role of Misinformation 55:50 The Future of Green Investment and Climate Change 01:05:51 The Dangerous Ideologies of the Manosphere 01:15:10 Understanding John Waters and His Cultural Commentary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Island of Lost Souls (1932), bring back smut!

    Island of Lost Souls (1932), bring back smut!
    Nov 12 2024
    In this conversation, Greg and Meredith explore the 1932 film 'The Island of Lost Souls,' a pre-code horror adaptation of H.G. Wells' 'The Island of Doctor Moreau.' They discuss the film's themes, character dynamics, and the implications of its portrayal of morality and control. The conversation also touches on the cultural and racial implications of the film, the role of women in early cinema, and the efficiency of short films compared to modern media consumption. They delve into the cinematic influences and thematic elements of 'Island of Lost Souls,' exploring its connections to other films, the innovative sound design, and the evolution of horror as a genre. They discuss the impact of H.G. Wells' work on film adaptations, the cultural censorship faced by the movie, and its legacy in the horror genre. The dialogue highlights the film's unique qualities, its historical significance, and the ongoing fascination with its themes and characters. Chapters 00:00 Nostalgia for Old Media 02:49 Exploring Pre-Code Horror 05:52 The Island of Doctor Moreau Adaptation 09:08 Character Dynamics and Relationships 12:00 The Role of Women in Early Cinema 14:53 Themes of Control and Manipulation 17:46 The Nature of Evil and Morality 20:56 Cultural and Racial Implications 23:49 The Impact of Pre-Code Restrictions 26:59 The Efficiency of Short Films 30:05 Comparing Old and New Media Consumption 35:07 Exploring Cinematic Influences 38:25 The Role of Sound Design in Horror 42:32 The Evolution of Horror Films 48:29 H.G. Wells and Adaptations in Film 52:55 Censorship and Cultural Impact 56:59 The Legacy of Island of Lost Souls Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • The Fly (1986), Cronenberg's Body Horror

    The Fly (1986), Cronenberg's Body Horror
    Oct 29 2024
    Meredith and Greg delve into the 1986 film 'The Fly' directed by David Cronenberg, exploring its themes of body horror, transformation, and the complexities of relationships. They discuss the film's opening, character dynamics, and the implications of the protagonist's transformation into a fly. The conversation also touches on the metaphorical aspects of aging and disease, the nature of the monster, and the performance of Jeff Goldblum. The hosts critique the film's world-building and reflect on the impact of body horror as a genre. The conversation turns to the differences between empathy and sympathy. They discuss the relatability of body horror and how anxiety manifests in horror films. They close on the misrepresentation of gaslighting, the impact of male creators in storytelling, and the evolution of Jeff Goldblum's persona in film. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Fly and Its Themes 03:00 Exploring Body Horror and Character Dynamics 06:12 The Transformation and Its Consequences 09:04 The Role of Relationships and Jealousy 11:56 The Climax and the Nature of the Monster 14:56 Metaphors of Aging and Disease 18:11 The Ending and Its Implications 20:53 Reflections on Performance and Humor 24:03 Critique of World-Building in The Fly 26:51 Body Horror as a Genre and Its Impact 34:04 Exploring Body Horror and Relatability 36:51 Empathy vs. Sympathy 39:39 Anxiety in Horror and the Cringe Factor 42:45 Gaslighting: Misunderstandings and Definitions 46:44 The Complexity of Male Creators and Their Impact 52:53 The Evolution of Jeff Goldblum's Persona 01:00:45 Reflections on Fame and Identity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • The Anti-Batman? Ghostbusters (1984)

    The Anti-Batman? Ghostbusters (1984)
    Oct 15 2024
    Greg and Meredith delve into the 1984 film 'Ghostbusters.' They explore themes of working-class heroism, the film's problematic elements, the unique blend of comedy and horror, and the challenges of sequels and reboots. The discussion also touches on character dynamics, the role of special effects, and the social commentary embedded in the film. The conversation also touches on parental perspectives regarding the film's appropriateness for children, Dan Aykroyd's beliefs about the supernatural, and the evolution of his career. Additionally, they critique the portrayal of authority figures in the film and discuss the legal battles surrounding the theme song. They try to answer the question, are The Ghostbusters the working class Batman(men)? 00:00 - The Anti-Batman 03:11 - Ghostbusters: A Classic 05:57 - The Resurrection of Chevy Chase and Bill Murray's Creepiness 08:46 - The Unique Blend of Comedy and Horror 12:04 - The Challenges of Sequels and Reboots 15:10 - Character Dynamics and Casting Choices 17:54 - The Role of Special Effects in Storytelling 20:48 - The Ghostbusters' Business Model 24:07 - Cultural References and Social Commentary 31:57 - Exploring Wealth and Gender Dynamics in Ghostbusters 39:40 - Parental Perspectives on Ghostbusters 41:06 - Dan Aykroyd's Beliefs and Career 46:14 - The Evolution of Dan Aykroyd 55:05 - Critique of Authority and the American Dream 01:03:09 - The Legal Battle Behind the Theme Song Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Psycho (1960) Changed Everything!

    Psycho (1960) Changed Everything!
    Oct 8 2024
    Continuing their series on frightening films, Meredith and Greg talk about the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock classic, Psycho. In this conversation the hosts discuss how Hitchcock used Psycho to start to break the barriers of the Hays code, the compelling performance of Anthony Perkins and walk through the plot points of the film. They also talk about the infamous shower scene and the film's attention to detail. The discussion also leads to a general conversation about their differences in what they like about movies before concluding the episode. 00:00 - Introduction to Psycho 03:05 - How Psycho Broke the Code 07:10 - Is Hitchcock Overanalyzed? 09:57 - The Master of Suspense 13:48 - The Shock of Losing the Main Character 17:30 - First Impressions of Norman Bates 19:45 - Cinemas Most Famous Scene 28:00 - At Lose Ends After Losing Marion 32:50 - Discussing the Ending 38:25 - Sequels and the Character Arbogast 48:00 - The Remake and Vince Vaughn 53:24 - The Discussion Takes a Turn 01:02:30 - Like what you Like! 01:11:06 - Final Thoughts on Psycho Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Censorship almost destroyed 'Freaks' (1932)

    Censorship almost destroyed 'Freaks' (1932)
    Oct 1 2024
    In this conversation, Greg and Meredith discuss the film 'Freaks' (1932), exploring its significance in pre-code cinema, the impact of the Hays Code, and the themes of acceptance and identity. The discussion delves into the plot, character dynamics, and the use of real sideshow performers, highlighting the film's horror elements and its legacy as a cult classic. The conversation also touches on censorship, audience reactions, and the film's unique portrayal of marginalized individuals. 00:00 - Introduction to Freaks and Pre-Code Cinema 03:07 - The Context of Freaks and Its Director 05:47 - Understanding the Hays Code and Its Impact 09:05 - Plot Overview and Character Dynamics 11:47 - The Use of Real Sideshow Performers 15:02 - Themes of Acceptance and Identity 17:53 - The Horror Elements and Third Act 21:04 - Censorship and Audience Reactions 27:13 - Final Thoughts on Freaks and Its Legacy 32:15 - Alternate Endings 36:10 - Horror Movie or Cult Classic 43:20 - What's Coming Next 47:20 - Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • Frankenstein and the Hays Code

    Frankenstein and the Hays Code
    Sep 24 2024
    In this episode of Midnight Local, hosts Greg and Meredith delve into the fascinating world of pre-code cinema, the impact of the Hays Code, and a detailed analysis of the classic films Frankenstein (1931) and The Bride of Frankenstein (1935). They explore themes of censorship, morality, and the evolution of film, while also discussing the implications of parenting and creation as depicted in these iconic movies. The conversation touches on the queerness in cinema and how societal norms have shaped the portrayal of characters and narratives in film history. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 01:52 - Exploring Pre-Code Cinema 03:21 - The Impact of the Hays Code 11:30 - Censorship and Its Consequences 15:06 - Frankenstein: A Classic Analysis 21:55 - Why Dr. Frankenstein is Awful 25:00 - How Censorship Changed Frankenstein 35:35 - The Bride of Frankenstein: A Deeper Look 39:08 - Queerness in Cinema: A Discussion 01:01:08 - Parenting and Creation in Frankenstein 01:03:29 - Conclusion and Reflections on Film Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 13 mins