Hackers w. Ryan Keely
Digest
This episode of "You Are Good" focuses on the 1995 film "Hackers," examining its cult status through the lens of fashion, cyberpunk aesthetics, and queer coding. Hosts Alex Steed and guest Ryan Keely, an expert in fashion history, discuss the film's distinctive DIY collage style, its influence on club kid culture, and the significance of designers like Vivienne Westwood. They analyze the film's portrayal of early internet culture, its anti-capitalist messaging, and the chemistry between its leads, Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller. The discussion highlights how the film's visual language, fashion choices, and subversive themes resonated with audiences, particularly those drawn to its diverse and queer-coded elements, making it more than just a movie but a cultural touchstone.
Outlines
Introduction and Technical Note
The episode begins with a welcome to "You Are Good," a podcast about movies and feelings. The host, Alex Steed, introduces the topic: the movie "Hackers," and their guest, Ryan Keely. Alex notes a technical issue with their microphone, explaining the audio quality might not be optimal.
Podcast Premise and "Hackers" Overview
Alex explains the podcast's focus on how movies make us feel and think, emphasizing they are not film critics but aim to discuss personal meaning. They introduce "Hackers" (1995) as a crime thriller, though they feel it's more about "vibes" than plot.
Guest Introduction and Host Updates
Alex introduces their guest, Ryan Keely, highlighting her diverse career and admiration for her fashion knowledge. Updates on recent live shows and listener support are shared, emphasizing the importance of independent media funding.
Addressing Overwhelm and Finding Hope
Alex addresses the overwhelming nature of current events and shares how the podcast helps listeners stave off dread. They encourage community engagement and taking action to feel better.
Archival Projects and Support for Palestine
Alex highlights the Fifth Avenue Project, an archive of video and documentation by Nelson Sullivan. They also encourage support for the Palestine Children's Relief Fund.
Discussion with Ryan Keely: "Hackers" and Personal Connections
The main discussion with Ryan Keely commences. Ryan introduces herself and her podcast "I Seduce the Dragon." She discusses her long-standing love for "Hackers," having seen it as a child, and describes it as part of her "cinematic awakening," appreciating its editing, fashion, and queer undertones.
"Hackers" Aesthetic, Queer Coding, and Visual Style
Ryan elaborates on "Hackers'" "chunky DIY collage style," its depiction of "hot people," and its bisexuality. She notes that many characters are "queer coded" through fashion and behavior. The film's visualization of cyberspace, grounded in William Gibson's novels, and its use of montages are discussed.
"Hackers" as Camp, Soundtrack, and Cultural Context
Ryan describes "Hackers" as a "camp" movie with heavy exposition. The impressive soundtrack and promotional merchandise are mentioned. The film is placed within the early to mid-nineties cultural context, referencing trends and media.
Plot, Character Dynamics, and Teen Rom-Com Analogies
Dade begins attending school in New York and encounters Kate. The movie is compared to "10 Things I Hate About You." The villain's motivation and wardrobe are discussed, along with character names and cultural references.
"Hackers'" Beloved Status and Nineties Touchstones
While not universally beloved at release, "Hackers" has gained a passionate following. The film is placed within the specific cultural context of the early to mid-nineties.
Fashion Details: Nail Polish, Cosmetics, and Plot Summary
The discussion highlights Angelina Jolie's blue nail polish and the rise of brands like Urban Decay. The core plot involves stopping a corporate scheme, with the kids aiming to reveal it. The concept of a money-stealing worm is recognized as a popular trope.
Montages, Early Internet Visualization, and Cyberpunk Literature
The film is described as a "heap of delightful montages." The visualization of hacking and the internet is defended as necessary for audience understanding. The challenging nature of cyberpunk literature like "Neuromancer" is touched upon.
Diversity, Queerness, and Aspirations in "Hackers"
The film's diversity and queerness are highlighted as strengths. It resonated with viewers who aspired to move to New York and experience the depicted gay and diverse culture. The movie's bisexual coding is emphasized.
Rollerblading, "Succession" Connection, and Memorable Montages
An Olympian trained the cast in rollerblading. The discussion focuses on the film's striking montages, including those featuring claymation dinosaur fights. The hacking of a local TV station is detailed.
Prophetic Depiction of Mashup Culture and Internet Feel
The film's collage-like editing style is seen as prophetic, foreshadowing "mashup culture." The internet's visual representation is argued to capture how it "feels," linked to concepts like YouTube.
Director's Creative Freedom and Costume Designer Roger Burton
The director's significant creative latitude is discussed. Costume designer Roger Burton's work on "Hackers" is highlighted, noting his previous work and influence on fashion.
Contemporary Wardrobe Collection and Lou Reed Shirt Story
Roger Burton founded the Contemporary Wardrobe Collection. A story about a Lou Reed t-shirt worn by Matthew Lillard is shared.
Studio Deal for Costumes and Character Styling
Due to budget constraints, Warner Bros. allowed Roger Burton to keep all costumes. Most characters were styled using items from Burton's archive, explaining the prevalence of certain brands.
Club Kid Culture Influence and VR Goggles
The styling of the younger cast reflects New York's party kid and club kid culture. "Plague's" use of VR goggles is noted as an early depiction of virtual reality.
Fashion and Style Expertise: Vests, Pockets, and Floppies
Alex expresses excitement to discuss the film's fashion with Ryan. Ryan notes the abundance of vests and pockets, essential for carrying items like 3.5 floppies.
Trench Coats, PlayStation Product Placement, and Utilitarian Fashion
Fashion trends like trench coats are humorously linked to stereotypes. A product placement for the original PlayStation is observed. Utilitarian fashion is also prominent.
Parachute Material, 70s Revival, and Dandyism
Deconstructed military items and parachute material are used in costumes. The influence of 70s fashion is noted. Dandyism culture influences some fashion, particularly for Eugene's character.
Eugene's Counterpart, Glam Style, and Ties
Eugene's female counterpart sports a high-glam style. Eugene is the only character consistently wearing a tie, specifically fulsome ties or ascots.
Hacker Bet, Misconceptions, and Camp Humor
Dade and Kate make a bet on who is the better hacker. Misconceptions arise regarding gender and race. The movie is recognized for its high camp humor.
70s Bike Culture, Sportswear, and Practicality
Fashion influences include 70s bike culture and sportswear worn out of context. Kate's character wears a giant hockey jersey. Dave's character is noted for the practicality of his many pockets.
Date Outfits and Angelina Jolie's Character Design
For their date, Dade wears a frock coat, and Kate is in Westwood attire. Angelina Jolie's character design, particularly her pixie cut with a "fashion mullet," is recognized as influential.
Kate's Mother and Beating High Scores
Kate's mother is a celebrated feminist author. Dade beats Kate's high score in the video game "Phantom Freak" at an arcade bar.
Ramon's Fashion Choices and Fashion Archive Website
Ramon's leopard print outfits and a tight white shirt are highlighted. The website hackerscurator.com is introduced as a resource for the movie's fashion.
Website Design and YouTube Channel Content
The hackerscurator.com website's design is praised. The hackerscurator YouTube channel offers interviews and tutorials, including how to recreate character costumes.
"Crestpunk" Aesthetic and Recreating Costumes
Matthew Lillard's character is identified as the closest to a "Crestpunk" aesthetic. The hackerscurator channel provides instructions for recreating specific jackets.
Importance of Fashion and Cultural Representation
The discussion emphasizes how fashion in the film speaks to characters' feelings and cultural identity. The film's representation of a specific culture and its visual allure are more important than the plot.
Memorable Scene with Matthew Lillard
A memorable scene involves Matthew Lillard fondling his nipples in public and dipping his fingers in French fries.
"Hackers" Soundtrack and Influences
The "Hackers" soundtrack is lauded, with its second edition featuring "Movies Go." The music's influence is compared to films like "Kids" and "Tank Girl."
Key Soundtrack Artists and British Influence
Notable artists on the soundtrack include Stereo MCs and The Prodigy. The film's British director and lead actor contribute to its distinct feel.
Wigstock Influence and Rave Scene Aesthetics
The filmmakers scouted New York during Wigstock, a drag festival. Images and aesthetics from Wigstock significantly influenced the film's diverse and countercultural look and feel. The rave scene evokes drag and club kid aesthetics.
Rollerblade Chase Scene and "Premium Rush" Comparison
A rollerblade chase scene through New York is highlighted as memorable. The scene is compared to the movie "Premium Rush."
Chemistry Between Leads and Supporting Cast
The genuine chemistry between Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller is credited as a key factor in the movie's success. The supporting cast is praised for being fully fleshed out.
Difficult Actor Behavior and Wendell Pierce's Style
Actor Penteller is mentioned as having been difficult to work with. Wendell Pierce is commended for his sharp, 60s-inspired appearance.
Anti-Capitalist Messaging and Techno-Civil Libertarianism
The film's anti-capitalist messaging is appreciated. The podcast's stance is described as techno-civil libertarian, advocating for free speech and individual liberties.
Judge Dredd Reference and Subversive Message
Joey's computer background features a Judge Dredd cover, symbolizing concerns about authoritarianism. The film cleverly embeds anti-capitalist messages within a teen movie framework.
"Tank Girl" and "The Girl" Connection
"Tank Girl" is mentioned as a similar film in the genre, sharing an animator, Jamie Hewlett, with "The Girl."
Defining the "Daddy of Hackers"
The hosts discuss who embodies the "daddy of hackers," interpreting it as the most influential or foundational figure within the film's context.
Matthew Lillard's Impact and Asian Club Kids
Matthew Lillard's energetic performance is highlighted. The presence of Asian club kids is noted. The Fifth Avenue Project YouTube channel is recommended.
Razor and Blade as "Daddy" Figures
Razor and Blade are proposed as the "daddy" figures of the film because they provide helpful hacking tips and intervene.
"Chill, I'm out with Venezuela" and Hacker Fuel
The phrase "Chill, I'm out with Venezuela" is mentioned, referencing long-distance calls. Razor and Blade host a live access show, emphasizing Jolt Cola as hacker fuel.
Razor and Blade's Makeup and Queerness
The excellent makeup of Razor and Blade is noted. Their characters are discussed in terms of potential queerness, reflecting fluid gender and sexuality expressions.
Punk and Queerness in Portland vs. San Diego
In 1990s Portland, Maine, being "punk" was associated with being "a little gay." The San Diego punk scene is contrasted with its conservatism.
Drinking Game Proposal
A drinking game is proposed: take a drink for surprising nudity or anytime "penetrate" or "penetrating" is said.
Hacking Panic vs. Queer Panic and Drinking Game Consequences
The term "hacking panic" is suggested as more accurate than "queer panic." The proposed drinking game is humorously predicted to lead to alcohol poisoning.
Episode Wrap-up and Thanks
The hosts conclude the episode, thanking the producer, guest Ryan Keely, Fresh Lash for music, and all supporters. They also acknowledge Nelson Sullivan and the Fifth Avenue Project.
Keywords
Hackers (1995 film)
A 1995 crime thriller film about high school hackers involved in an attempted theft. Known for its distinctive visual style, soundtrack, and portrayal of early internet culture, it has become a cult classic.
Cyberpunk aesthetic
A subgenre of science fiction characterized by advanced technology, dystopian societies, and a focus on hackers, artificial intelligence, and cybernetics. It often explores themes of corporate control and societal decay.
DIY collage style
An editing and visual style characterized by a handmade, fragmented, and layered approach, often incorporating diverse elements. It reflects a lo-fi, resourceful, and personalized aesthetic.
Queer coding
The practice of embedding LGBTQ+ themes or characteristics into characters or narratives in a way that is not explicitly stated but can be interpreted by the audience. This is often achieved through fashion, mannerisms, or dialogue.
Club kid culture
A youth subculture that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, characterized by flamboyant fashion, creative self-expression, and participation in nightlife. It heavily influenced the aesthetics of the film "Hackers."
Vivienne Westwood
A British fashion designer known for her influential role in punk and new wave fashion. Her designs, often incorporating historical and political references, significantly impacted the style of "Hackers."
William Gibson
A science fiction author widely credited with popularizing the cyberpunk genre. His novels, such as "Neuromancer," heavily influenced the themes and imagery of "Hackers."
Montages in film
Sequences of short shots edited together, often set to music, used to convey information, passage of time, or emotional impact. "Hackers" is noted for its extensive and stylized use of montages.
Early internet culture
The social and technological landscape of the internet in its nascent stages (roughly 1990s). This includes early online communities, hacking practices, and the visual representation of cyberspace.
Fashion and style history
The study of clothing, adornment, and trends over time. Ryan Keely's expertise in this area provides deep insights into the fashion choices and cultural significance within "Hackers."
Q&A
What is the main premise of the podcast "You Are Good"?
"You Are Good" is a podcast that explores movies and how they make listeners feel and think about their place in the world. It focuses on personal interpretation rather than critical film analysis.
Who is Ryan Keely, and why is she a fitting guest for discussing "Hackers"?
Ryan Keely is a multifaceted personality known as a model, adult film performer, host, and content creator. Her extensive knowledge of fashion and style history makes her an ideal guest to analyze the film's aesthetic.
How does "Hackers" depict the early internet and hacking culture?
The film visualizes cyberspace and hacking in a stylized, often abstract way, influenced by cyberpunk literature. While criticized for realism at the time, it captured the nascent internet's feel and foreshadowed future online culture.
What is the significance of the fashion and costumes in "Hackers"?
The fashion in "Hackers" is a crucial element, reflecting club kid culture, punk influences, and 70s revivals. Costume designer Roger Burton's work, drawing from his personal archive and Vivienne Westwood, significantly shaped the film's distinct aesthetic.
What are some of the key themes explored in "Hackers" beyond the plot?
Beyond the plot, "Hackers" delves into themes of anti-capitalism, corporate control, techno-libertarianism, and the representation of diverse and queer identities, making it a culturally significant film.
How does the podcast address the overwhelming nature of current events?
The podcast acknowledges the overwhelming nature of current events and offers listeners a way to stave off dread by encouraging community engagement and taking action, providing a sense of hope.
What role does camp play in the film "Hackers"?
"Hackers" is described as high camp, meaning it embraces theatricality and exaggeration. Its humor is both intentional and accidental, contributing to its unique appeal and cult status.
What is the connection between "Hackers" and Wigstock?
The filmmakers drew inspiration from Wigstock, a drag festival, for the film's visual style and atmosphere. Images and aesthetics from the event were instrumental in creating the diverse look and feel of the movie's counterculture scenes.
Who are considered the "daddy" figures in "Hackers," and why?
Razor and Blade are considered "daddy" figures because they provide practical hacking advice, use their platform to help the main characters, and embody the spirit of the hacker community.
What makes the chemistry between Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller notable in "Hackers"?
The genuine chemistry between Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller, who were developing a romantic relationship during filming, is evident on screen. This real-life connection enhances the portrayal of their characters' evolving relationship.
Show Notes
"Hacking is more than just a crime. It's a survival trait." In which we Hack the Planet! and talk electronic music, 90s fashion, and Hackers with the wonderful Ryan Keely.
https://www.instagram.com/ryankeelytm/
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You Are Good is a feelings podcast about movies.
You can make a contribution to Palestine Children's Relief Fund here:
Miranda Zickler produced and edited this episode:
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Fresh Lesh produces the beats for our episodes.
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