Themes And Memes

We continue discussing the 2016 US Presidential Election, reviewing the landslide victory by Donald Trump and what this astonishing development means for both mainstream and alternative culture.  We start by looking at the question of how this happened. From the FBI to Wikileaks to a bizarre revelation about occult rituals at the 11th hour; Clinton's campaign was dogged by scandal and controversy that vindicated Trump's anti-establishment platform on the final mile. And did the Democratic establishment further provoke the upset by publicly denigrating Trump supporters and brashly claiming victory before the polls had even opened?  As the dust settles, we question as to whether this populist uprising at the ballot box was the intended result of a targeted leaks campaign by hidden forces. From the Oxford Dictionary: "Trump: A valuable resource that may be used, especially as a surprise, in order to gain an advantage." We discuss the mainstreaming of anti-establishment narratives in the lead up to the election,

On this special episode, we deconstruct the 2016 US Presidential Race between Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump, focusing on the social phenomenon of broad-based Trump support within alternative and conservative demographics.  Rather than a partisan assessment of the candidates themselves, we look at Pro-Trump sentiment in the Alt-Media as a result of social disintegration in the wider ‘Truth Movement’, where the failed ambition of 9/11 Truth and Anti-Establishment groups has given birth to the rise of the ‘Alt-Right’ and White-Identity Politics.  We discuss the study of popular narratives and internet memes by the DoD, looking at how opinion and culture can be analysed and influenced, and how the psychological principals of propaganda are so easily utilised in the information age. Given the new set of cultural narratives that are rising to prominence, we explore the morphing of traditional 'conspiracy culture' into right-wing ideology, looking at the motives and ambitions of those who are leading the charge. I

On this instalment, we welcome artist and author Thomas Sheridan from thomassheridanarts.com to discuss the 1973 classic-horror film The Exorcist.  The film introduces Washington D.C Actress 'Chris MacNeil' as her 12 year old daughter 'Regan' begins to exhibit increasingly disturbed behaviour. Despite a number of tests and treatments, Regan's condition continues to deteriorate amidst a series of shocking paranormal events. After the medical establishment concedes defeat, it is deemed that a metaphysical approach may be the only option left, and so Chris consults the local Jesuit order to exorcise the demon.  We discuss the historical relevance of the film, in terms of its mythos and cultural significance at the time. The film is widely regarded to be one of the most disturbing horror movies ever made, and traumatised audiences throughout the 70's and beyond.  We look at the social critiques being made in the film in relation to science, rationalism, the medical industry and religion; whereby the backdrop of t

On this installment, we return to one of our very first reviews by looking at its 2016 sequel Now You See Me 2, directed by John M. Chu.  The film picks up a year after the Four Horsemen's introduction to the world, where they lay in hiding and await further instruction from 'The Eye'; the mysterious secret society they had previously been inducted into. After finally being prompted to orchestrate another public spectacle, the show is hijacked by a hacker who exposes the Horsemen and blackmails them into stealing a secret surveillance device. But as the Horsemen work to turn the tables on their new adversary, the intrigue and subterfuge builds toward a grand revelation that changes everything.   We discuss the sequel in comparison to the first film, reiterating the storyline and common threads relating to secret societies and the mystery school tradition. We look at the arts of stagecraft and sleight of hand, and how these tools are used to create mystery and spectacle in the real world. The Four Horsemen cle

On this episode, we look at the 2013 Indie Spy Drama, The East Directed by Zal Batmanglij. The film follows corporate intelligence operative 'Jane' (played by co-writer Brit Marling) as she is tasked with infiltrating a radical anarchist cell who have been attacking high profile industrialists in retaliation for their corporate crimes. Calling themselves 'The East', the group operates on an 'eye for an eye' strategy, targeting high level corporate executives with specific acts of violence to mirror the suffering of their victims.  After forging her cover identity and blending into the nomadic underground of anarchist drifters, 'Sarah' finds herself at the The East's secret headquarters and eventually adopts an active role within the group. As her time undercover wears on though, she begins to feel split loyalties between The East and her corporate employers; questioning her conservative worldview and developing genuine sympathy for the group and their anarchic cause.  But despite her political awakening and h

This month, we take a change in direction from previous episodes in reviewing the 2010 documentary film 'Exit Through The Gift Shop', which chronicles the misadventures of UK street-artist 'Banksy'.  Both serious and satirical, the film follows eccentric cameraman Thierry Guetta as he haphazardly makes inroads into the underground street-art scene, eventually taking on the role of Banksy's Documentarian and Personal Assistant. After a high-profile U.S exhibition brings him overnight fame and fortune, Banksy instructs Thierry to start compiling his documentary footage so that the real story behind the media sensation can be told; though he soon learns that Thierry posesses neither creativity nor competence as a filmmaker.  As Banksy takes over the editing himself, he instructs Thierry to go forth and pursue his own artistic visions on the street, only to find that Thierry has bigger plans in mind, and has hired a large staff of artists to start mass-producing his plagiarised pop-art concepts. After conducting

On this episode, we welcome special guest Jay Dyer from Jay's Analysis to discuss the 2016 crime-drama Imperium. After gaining intelligence on radical Neo-Nazi groups, FBI Agent 'Nate' is tasked with infiltrating the heart of the White Supremacist movement to investigate a suspected terror plot. Once embedded into the highest levels of the network though, he eventually learns that there are no credible threats of terror, and is thus encouraged by his superiors to both inspire and facilitate one himself.  We look the the parallels between the fictional story being told in the film, and the real-world entrapment scenarios being orchestrated by the FBI; where high profile 'terror plots' are engineered by undercover agents and then foiled by the Bureau - such as the infamous 'Newburgh Sting' case and others. We touch on the history of key players within Far-Right movements and the incitement of political agitation by establishment networks, drawing connections between high profile extremism and the deep-state.  W

On this episode, we welcome special guest Pearse Redmond from Porkins Policy Review to discuss the new Netflix Original series, Stranger Things. Comprising one season of eight episodes thus far, the show is one of many recent productions that are made exclusive to on-demand platforms, and has fast become a sentimental sensation among its thirty-something target audience; thanks to its pastiche of 80's pop culture references and nostalgic plot devices.  We start by establishing the beginnings of the story, where strange events begin to unfold in 1980's small town America. Set against the backdrop of a secretive Cold War experiment at a local government facility, the series blends real world references to geopolitics and conspiracy culture with a heavy overlay of fantasy, horror, and science fiction - staying true to the aesthetic and screenplay of the classic 80's sub-genre. We also explore one of the most interesting aspects of the series, in looking at the target marketing of customised entertainment, where

We return to the film 'The Wicker Man', looking at themes of manipulation, ritual drama, and staged provocation, before transposing these concepts onto the current metapolitical climate as we see it. We explore the idea of 'the willing fool' archetype being incited by 'crisis actors' to role-play in dramatic and provocative theatre, from 'terror attacks' to reactionary meme wars; looking at how this alchemical concept of the meta-theatre is being used to advance a strategy of tension. We also look at the conflict between the left and right archetypes in sociopolitical trends, and how different demographics are being lured into base, suicidal ideologies by theatric provocations, ultimately accepting martyrdom. Finally, we discuss the esoteric aspects of dialectical conflict, and how secret societies like Freemasonry have always used opposing forces to induce tension and create change, touching on concepts of staged terror events, political antagonism, and social malaise.   Topics discussed include: The Wicker

On this episode, we continue looking at themes of occult ritual and esoteric psychodrama via the 1973 mystery/horror film 'The Wicker Man'. Another 'conspiracy-classic', the film follows a Scottish Highlands Police Officer who travels to a remote island community after being tipped off about a missing schoolgirl. After encountering the Heathen rites and traditions of the townsfolk, he eventually deduces that a ritual sacrifice to the Pagan gods is being planned, thus inciting him to infiltrate the ceremony. We discuss the arcane arts of manipulation and subterfuge, the 'Willing Fool' archetype, and the myopic misunderstandings of the Christian initiate as he wills himself to martyrdom. We also take a look at the dichotomy of psychological principals that are played out through the clash between Paganism and Christianity, and touch on the possibility of a higher Masonic conspiracy on both sides of the religious divide. Be sure to join us on our next review, as we draw parallels between 'The Wicker Man' and the

As promised, we return in our 33rd episode to look further at the deeper meanings of Stanley Kubrick's conspiratorial magnum opus 'Eyes Wide Shut'. We discuss the esoteric initiation of Dr Bill Harford into the world of hidden forces that shape his reality, and his ignorance of the occult principals that are guiding his journey. Delving deeper into the artful deception of the mystery tradition, we examine how both protagonist and audience are willingly fooled into a base interpretation of esoteric truth, and how these themes of occult signalling are incorporated into Kubrick's other works. Finally, we look at the untimely death of Kubrick shortly after the film was shot, touching on questions of intrigue surrounding these events.    Topics discussed include: Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick's Filmography, Running Themes, Complexity of Material, Attention to Detail, Layers of Relevance, Dr Bill Harford, Tom Cruise, Alice Harford, Nicole Kidman, Marital Problems, Argument, Jealousy, Affairs, Flirtation, Proposit

In our 32nd episode of Themes & Memes, we take a look at the conspiracy-cult-classic 'Eyes Wide Shut', by Stanley Kubrick. Neither the high praise or ongoing deconstruction of this film within conspiracy culture are unwarranted, as the film blends edgy social critique with a highly esoteric storyline; using sexual tension to reveal the existence of a powerful and arcane secret order. We start by outlining the exoteric journey of protagonist Dr Bill Harford, before discussing the esoteric initiation that both him and the willing audience are manoeuvred through via symbolism and suggestion. Be sure to stay tuned, as in our next episode we continue our analysis of both the film and its director; looking at occult philosophy and ritual with eyes wide open.     Topics discussed include: Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick, Significance in Conspiracy Culture, Attention to Detail, Multiple Layers of Meaning, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, New York Elite, Flirtation, Marital Problems, Affairs, Fantasy, Masks, Somerton El

On this episode, we return to the theme of financial corruption and public indignation via the 2016 siege-drama; 'Money Monster'. Directed by Jodie Foster and starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts; the film follows a financial-affairs based TV crew on Wall Street as a disgruntled investor storms the set and holds them hostage on live TV. Angry and demanding answers over the disingenuous financial advice he has been given, we examine the increasingly predominant themes of anti-Wall St sentiment, popular indignation toward the system, and the theatre of reactionary politics around socioeconomic issues. We also look at the Hollywood A-Listers involved in the film, the symbolic illustration of esoteric concepts, and the broader social messages in relation to justice and moral victory.    Topics discussed include: 'Money Monster', Wall Street, 'Mad Money', Jim Kramer, Goldman Sachs, Ridiculous Cable Shows, Stockmarkets, Fraud, Fiat Currency, Software Glitch, Narrow AI Algorithms, Speed Trading, 'Assault on Wal

On this instalment of Themes & Memes, we return to the subject of converging technologies via the 2015 indie film 'Creative Control'. Directed by Benjamin Dickinson and distributed by Amazon Films, the film casts Dickinson himself as 'David', a hip, NYC based advertising executive tasked with marketing 'Augmenta' glasses; the latest in augmented reality technology. After being given a pair to test out, we follow David's descent into the hedonism of the NYC Hipster scene, as he pursues an affair and drifts further into distractions and escapism.  Topics Discussed Include: Creative Control, Google Glasses, Augmented Reality, Amazon Films, Benjamin Dickinson, Gavin McInnes, Advertising, Music Videos, NYC, 'Augmenta', Autobiographical Story, Hipster Lifestyle, Yoga, New Age, Relationship Dynamics, Sexual Appetites, Affairs, Infidelity, Occult Principles, Promiscuity, Reality Vs Fantasy, Guilty Pleasures, 'Sexting', Distractions, Pandering to Base Desires, Present Moment Awareness, Advertising, Philosophy of M

On this episode, we take a serious look at a ridiculous film in 'Talladega Nights - The Ballad of Ricky Bobby' from 2006. Being the second instalment in Will Ferrell's 'Mediocre American Male' film trilogy, we deconstruct the ways in which this sub-genre of comedy mocks conservative American culture, most especially the presidency of George W. Bush and the mainstream conservative value system. We also look at the 'Sabido Method' of transposing social norms through screenplay, along with other tricks of stagecraft such as the use of comedic extremes, real-word references, and self-satirical product placement.  Topics discussed include: Talladega Nights, Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Judd Apato, Adam McKay, 'Mediocre American Male', Comedic Actors, Genres of Comedy, Popular Culture, NASCAR, Anchorman, Deconstruction of Conservative Values, Contemporary Morality Play, Risque Humour, Conservatism, Right Wing Politics, Cultural Demographics, Christianity, George W. Bush, DuPont, DynCorp, Halliburton, Carlyle Group

On this episode, we are joined by our good friend Tom Secker of Spyculture.com to review the 2016 reboot of the 90's cult-classic; 'The X-Files'. After being reunited with Mulder and Scully, we are thrown headlong into a grand global conspiracy, involving everything from UFO's and lizard-men, to magic mushrooms and martial law. Given that this latest season is obviously designed to reflect modern conspiracy culture, we examine the relevant themes within all 6 episodes, before asking the most important question. Why? Topics discussed include: X-Files, Mulder, Scully, UFO's, Aliens, Roswell, Changes to the Narrative, 9/11 Truth, False Flag Terror, Martial Law, Alex Jones, Bill O'Reilly, Patriot Movement, Disclosure Project, Steven Greer, Project Bluebeam, Monsters, David Icke, Genetics, Eugenics, JFK, Conspiracy Culture, Telekinesis, ESP, Fringe, J.J. Abrams, Psychedelics, Magic Mushrooms, MK-ULTRA, Reptilian, Lizard Man, Rhys Darby, Burden of Proof, Crisis of Faith, Anti-Establishment Rhetoric, Victimised Mino

On this episode; we look back at the life and legacy of Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs, via the 2015 biopic of the same name. The film constitutes three major acts, each focusing on a major product release through 1984-1997. In addition to being given a backstage look at the personal computing revolution, we are also familiarised with the character himself. With his unique background and unrelenting personality; we examine how Jobs' drive and ambition helped shape the information age, and the things he sacrificed in doing so.    Topics discussed include: Apple, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, NeXT, Pixar, Multiple Biopic Dramas, Mythology, Disney, Entertainment, Zen Buddhism, Eastern Mysticism, New Age, Entrepreneurship, Personal Conflict, Ambition, California, Hippies, Counterculture, Laurel Canyon, Silicon Valley, 'Daz Netz, The Unabomber, Personal Computers, Revolution, LSD, Veganism, Freemasonry, Alchemy, Occultism, Forbidden Fruit, Symbolism, Social Change, Aspen Institute, Esalen Institute, Terrance McKenna, Ev

On this episode, we cover the 2015 Biographical Comedy/Drama 'The Big Short'. The film chronicles the lives and experiences of several key stock traders on Wall Street during the 2008 financial crash. Like numerous other films and documentaries on this particular subject; the film provides audiences with a humorous and hallowing insight into 'Wall St culture' and the events leading up to the crash, whilst inciting a strong sense of outrage and indignation over the injustices perpetrated upon the general public - both then and now.    Topics discussed include: Academy Awards, Promotion, True Story, Biopic Drama, Ensemble Cast, Big Banks, Corruption, Rogue Traders, Outsiders, 2008 Wall St Crash, Housing Bubble, Subprime Loans, CDO's, Financial Products, Comic Relief, Documentary Techniques, Narrative Films, Blend of Fact and Fiction, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carrell, Christian Bale, Vacuous Nature of Western Culture, Economics, Taking Advantage of Stupidity, Wilful Ignorance, Las Vegas, Gambling, New York, Casinos,

The Doors film from 1991 is a very important film. Here, Adam and Aaron point out its significance as they give the movie another look decades after its release. topics include: biopics, Jim Morrison, Oliver Stone, 1960s, generations, culture creation, Dave McGowan, Laurel Canyon, military intelligence, self destructive behavior, biographies, occult, ceremony, stage, theater, Dionysus, Dionysian Cult, God of the Vine, alcoholism, sexual promiscuity, shaman, solar god, drugs, acid, Kurt Cobain, Ray Manzarek, change, making the myths, Aldous Huxley, Doors of Perception, William Blake, blood ritual, witch, Whisky A Go Go, Sunset Strip, cults, Los Angeles, Transcendental Meditation, Hollywood, Charles Manson, murder, JFK film, conspiracy theory, counterculture, Navy, Gulf of Tonkin, healer, spirituality, Wayne’s World 2, Hippies, Haight Ashbury, extreme stage antics, music industry, pushing boundaries, Woodstock, Elvis Presley, cultural icons, god of rock, immortality, fake hero, tortured artist, conflict

Adam and Aaron do a quick review of the latest major film to be produced with the help of NASA. They also examine NASA's collaboration with Hollywood as a whole in an attempt to understand the motivations behind such a large scale PR campaign.  topics include: NASA, public relations, propaganda, military, entertainment liaison, media, film, Hollywood, Interstellar, Gravity, Armageddon, science, inaccuracies, space exploration, Earth, big data, the Meatball, public profile, funding, promoting science, Planetary Skin, saving the world, technology, Richard Hoagland, secret space, Area 51