Digest

This podcast delves into the 1989 film "Communion," starring Christopher Walken, which is based on Whitley Strieber's real-life experiences with alien encounters. The hosts discuss the film's unique portrayal of alien encounters, the true story behind it, and their personal connections to the film. They introduce their co-hosts and share their initial reactions to the film, describing it as "nuts" and "chaotic." The hosts and co-hosts engage in a lively debate about their interpretations of the film, discussing discrepancies between the trailer and the actual film, particularly regarding the portrayal of the alien encounters. They analyze Christopher Walken's performance, highlighting his unique portrayal of a man experiencing alien encounters and the film's exploration of mental illness. The hosts delve into the film's themes, exploring the nature of alien encounters and the potential for human-alien communion. They discuss the film's ambiguous ending and its exploration of mental illness. The hosts discuss Whitley Strieber's perspective on the film, revealing his belief that it's not solely about aliens but rather about a deeper understanding of existence within a multiverse. The hosts and co-hosts discuss unanswered questions and inconsistencies within the film, such as the lack of explanation for certain events and the ambiguous nature of the alien encounters. The hosts open the floor to audience questions, engaging in a lively discussion about various aspects of the film, including its portrayal of mental illness, the nature of alien encounters, and the film's overall message. The discussion then shifts to the discovery of different cuts of the movie "Alien Objections," leading to a debate about the movie's true ending and its overall meaning. The hosts delve into audience reviews of "Alien Objections," highlighting the wide range of opinions on the film. They analyze the reviews, discussing the film's unsettling nature, its open-ended questions, and its overall impact on viewers. The hosts discuss the subjective nature of art and how it applies to "Alien Objections," arguing that the film's ambiguity and open-endedness allow for diverse interpretations, making it a personal experience for each viewer. The hosts acknowledge Christopher Walken's powerful performance in "Alien Objections," arguing that his presence overshadows other characters and the film's overall narrative. They debate whether the film should have focused more on the other characters, particularly Alex and Lindsey Kraus. The hosts share the exciting news that a TV adaptation of "Alien Objections" is in the works. They express their anticipation for the new project and its potential to further explore the film's themes and characters. The hosts express their gratitude to the audience in Boston for their energy and support. They also thank their team and encourage listeners to check out their book, "How Did This Get Made?" and their upcoming tour dates.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Movie Overview, The True Story Behind "Communion"

The podcast begins with a lively introduction, setting the stage for a discussion about the 1989 film "Communion," starring Christopher Walken. The hosts express their excitement about the movie, particularly its unique portrayal of alien encounters. The hosts delve into the true story behind the film, revealing that it's based on Whitley Strieber's real-life experiences. They discuss how Strieber initially rejected Steven Spielberg's offer to direct the film, opting for a friend instead.

00:02:33

Personal Connection to the Film, Introducing the Co-Hosts

One of the hosts shares a personal anecdote about meeting Christopher Walken on the set of "Communion," highlighting the impact the film has had on their life. The hosts introduce their co-hosts, Jason and June, who will be joining the discussion. They express their anticipation for the analysis of the film.

00:04:41

Initial Reactions to "Communion", June's Perspective on the Film

The hosts share their initial reactions to the film, describing it as "nuts" and "chaotic." They discuss Christopher Walken's unique performance and the film's unsettling atmosphere. June, one of the co-hosts, shares her perspective on the film, highlighting its chaotic and unsettling nature. She discusses her feelings of unease and lack of safety while watching the film.

00:07:38

Contrasting Interpretations of the Film, Analyzing Christopher Walken's Performance

The hosts and co-hosts engage in a lively debate about their interpretations of the film. They discuss discrepancies between the trailer and the actual film, particularly regarding the portrayal of the alien encounters. The hosts analyze Christopher Walken's performance, highlighting his unique portrayal of a man experiencing alien encounters. They discuss his erratic behavior and the film's exploration of mental illness.

00:28:07

Exploring the Film's Themes, Whitley Strieber's Perspective

The hosts delve into the film's themes, exploring the nature of alien encounters and the potential for human-alien communion. They discuss the film's ambiguous ending and its exploration of mental illness. The hosts discuss Whitley Strieber's perspective on the film, revealing his belief that it's not solely about aliens but rather about a deeper understanding of existence within a multiverse.

00:49:31

Unanswered Questions and Inconsistencies, Audience Q&A

The hosts and co-hosts discuss unanswered questions and inconsistencies within the film, such as the lack of explanation for certain events and the ambiguous nature of the alien encounters. The hosts open the floor to audience questions, engaging in a lively discussion about various aspects of the film, including its portrayal of mental illness, the nature of alien encounters, and the film's overall message.

01:03:37

Different Cuts of the Movie, Second Opinions on "Alien Objections"

The discussion starts with the discovery of different cuts of the movie "Alien Objections." The hosts discuss specific scenes that were present in some versions but not others, leading to a debate about the movie's true ending and its overall meaning. The hosts delve into audience reviews of "Alien Objections," highlighting the wide range of opinions on the film. They analyze the reviews, discussing the film's unsettling nature, its open-ended questions, and its overall impact on viewers.

01:10:19

Subjectivity and "Alien Objections", Christopher Walken's Dominance

The hosts discuss the subjective nature of art and how it applies to "Alien Objections." They argue that the film's ambiguity and open-endedness allow for diverse interpretations, making it a personal experience for each viewer. The hosts acknowledge Christopher Walken's powerful performance in "Alien Objections," arguing that his presence overshadows other characters and the film's overall narrative. They debate whether the film should have focused more on the other characters, particularly Alex and Lindsey Kraus.

01:13:42

"Alien Objections" TV Adaptation, Thank You, Boston!

The hosts share the exciting news that a TV adaptation of "Alien Objections" is in the works. They express their anticipation for the new project and its potential to further explore the film's themes and characters. The hosts express their gratitude to the audience in Boston for their energy and support. They also thank their team and encourage listeners to check out their book, "How Did This Get Made?" and their upcoming tour dates.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the true story behind the film "Communion"?

  The film is based on Whitley Strieber's real-life experiences with alien encounters, as documented in his book "Communion." Strieber initially rejected Steven Spielberg's offer to direct the film, opting for a friend instead.

• What is Christopher Walken's performance like in the film?

  Walken's performance is unique and eccentric, capturing the protagonist's erratic behavior and the film's unsettling atmosphere. He portrays a man struggling with the aftermath of alien encounters, blurring the lines between reality and delusion.

• What are the main themes explored in the film?

  The film explores the nature of alien encounters, the potential for human-alien communion, and the impact of such experiences on the human psyche. It also touches upon themes of mental illness, trauma, and the search for meaning in a vast and mysterious universe.

• What is Whitley Strieber's perspective on the film?

  Strieber believes that the film is not solely about aliens but rather about a deeper understanding of existence within a multiverse. He suggests that his experiences were a form of being shown the vastness and interconnectedness of the universe.

• What are some of the unanswered questions and inconsistencies in the film?

  The film leaves many questions unanswered, such as the exact nature of the alien encounters, the motivations behind them, and the long-term consequences for the protagonist. The film's ambiguous ending and its exploration of mental illness further contribute to its sense of mystery and uncertainty.

• What are some of the key differences between the various cuts of "Alien Objections"?

  The hosts discuss specific scenes that were present in some versions but not others, including a scene with Christopher Walken and Lindsay Kraus making out in a museum and a scene with their son dressed in strange clothes. These differences highlight the film's ambiguity and open-endedness.

• How do audience reviews reflect the diverse interpretations of "Alien Objections"?

  The hosts analyze reviews that range from five-star praise to complete rejection, highlighting the film's unsettling nature, its open-ended questions, and its overall impact on viewers. Some viewers find it a compelling and thought-provoking experience, while others find it confusing and frustrating.

• How does the concept of subjectivity apply to "Alien Objections"?

  The hosts argue that the film's ambiguity and open-endedness allow for diverse interpretations, making it a personal experience for each viewer. They suggest that the film's meaning is not fixed but rather shaped by the individual viewer's perspective and experiences.

• Why do the hosts believe Christopher Walken's performance overshadows the rest of the film?

  The hosts acknowledge Christopher Walken's powerful performance, arguing that his presence overshadows other characters and the film's overall narrative. They debate whether the film should have focused more on the other characters, particularly Alex and Lindsey Kraus.

• What are the hosts' expectations for the upcoming TV adaptation of "Alien Objections"?

  The hosts express their anticipation for the new project and its potential to further explore the film's themes and characters. They believe that the TV adaptation could provide a more in-depth and nuanced exploration of the film's mysteries and ambiguities.

Show Notes