Jupiter Ascending with Summer Farah
Digest
This podcast episode critically analyzes the Wachowskis' film "Jupiter Ascending" through an intersexual feminist lens, using the Bechtel test as a starting point. Hosts Jamie Loftus and Caitlin Durante, along with guest Summer Farah, discuss the film's narrative, visual effects, and thematic elements, including its exploration of power, identity, colonization, and gender. They delve into character performances, particularly Eddie Redmayne's, and compare the film to other sci-fi works. The discussion highlights the film's ambitious yet flawed storytelling, its unique character designs, and its engagement with complex ideas like Gnosticism and the Gaia Hypothesis, ultimately concluding that despite its shortcomings, "Jupiter Ascending" is a memorable and visually striking cinematic experience.
Outlines
Introduction and The Bechtel Test
The podcast begins with an intro and hosts Jupiter Loftus and Capricorn Durante introduce themselves and the show's premise: examining movies through an intersexual feminist lens, using the Bechtel test as a starting point.
Explaining the Bechtel Test and Initial Movie Impressions
The Bechtel test is defined as a metric requiring two female characters to discuss something other than a man for more than two lines of dialogue. The hosts discuss how "Jupiter Ascending" barely passes this test, often with superficial interactions.
Guest Introduction and "The Hungering Years"
Summer Farah, a returning guest and author of "The Hungering Years," is introduced. She discusses her new poetry collection, which focuses on themes of obsession, food, and excess, connecting it to the movie "Jupiter Ascending."
"Jupiter Ascending" - Initial Reactions and Director
The hosts and guest express their initial confusion and fascination with "Jupiter Ascending," noting it's a Wachowski film and acknowledging the cast's initial enthusiasm for working with the directors, despite later reports of a difficult shoot.
"Jupiter Ascending" - Themes of Horniness and Oedipal Complex
The discussion delves into the film's perceived "horniness," with some hosts finding it aspirational rather than explicit. Themes of incest and an Oedipal complex are explored, particularly in relation to the characters' relationships.
Eddie Redmayne's Performance and Oscar vs. Razzie
Eddie Redmayne's polarizing performance as Balem is discussed, with one host finding it oddly captivating despite its Razzie win. The contrast with his Oscar win for "The Theory of Everything" in the same year is highlighted.
Summer's Personal Connection to "Jupiter Ascending"
Summer shares her personal history with the film, initially dismissing it based on trailers but later loving it after reading a description comparing it to a nine-year-old girl's fantasy. She used it as a film to introduce to new friends.
"Jupiter Ascending" - Narrative and Visuals
The hosts acknowledge the film's confusing narrative but praise its visual effects and the Wachowskis' thoughtful, albeit sometimes unsuccessful, approach to filmmaking.
Jamie's Lack of Familiarity and Movie Comparisons
Jamie admits to never having seen "Jupiter Ascending," having only heard of it through Summer. She discusses confusing it with other mid-2010s sci-fi flops and mentions "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets."
Second Watch and Exposition Problems
Another host admits to not having seen the movie in theaters due to negative reviews. They discuss the film's exposition problems and confusing editing choices, noting that a second watch helped fill in some gaps.
Tonal Inconsistencies and Overall Impression
The hosts discuss the film's tonal shifts, comparing early scenes to a 2002 rom-com. Despite the criticisms, they ultimately agree that the movie is "awesome" and feels like a passion project.
Jupiter Jones's Backstory and Family Dynamics
The recap begins with Jupiter Jones's backstory: her parents' meeting in Russia, her father's obsession with Jupiter, and his subsequent death, leading her mother to flee to the US. The hosts question the significance of her father's character and her apparent indifference to her family.
Name Significance and "Nine-Year-Old Girl's Dream"
The discussion touches on the lack of significance of Jupiter's name beyond her identity and reinforces the idea that the movie feels like a nine-year-old's fantasy, with characters like Neptune Starlet and Saturn.
Jupiter's Adult Life and "Made in Manhattan" Comparison
Jupiter's adult life as a house cleaner is described, drawing parallels to "Made in Manhattan." Her repeated declaration of hating her life is noted, along with a critique of Mila Kunis's acting.
Natalie Portman's Near Casting and Space Queens
The possibility of Natalie Portman being cast as Jupiter is discussed, with the hosts musing on her "space queen" status from Star Wars and the idea of other women having similar opportunities.
"Dune" and "Waterworld" Comparisons
The conversation shifts to "Dune" and its potential space setting, then compares "Jupiter Ascending" to "Waterworld," noting both were high-budget, critically panned films.
Introduction of the Abresic Siblings and Caine Wise
The recap introduces the Abresic siblings: Titus, Kaleek, and Balem, highlighting their lack of chemistry and their role as inheritors of an intergalactic empire. Caine Wise is introduced as an alien searching for Catherine Dunleavy, setting up a conflict with Balem.
Attack by Evil Aliens and Jupiter's True Importance
Jupiter and Catherine are attacked by aliens, revealing Jupiter's true importance to the antagonists, who were mistakenly searching for Catherine.
Eddie Redmayne's Performance and Unique Character Designs
The hosts find humor in Eddie Redmayne's character scolding dinosaurs, noting the visual absurdity and the film's tendency for characters to look like "X.jpeg." Various minions and unique character designs are discussed.
Jupiter's Egg Selling and Apathy as a Protagonist Trait
Jupiter plans to sell her eggs for money to buy a telescope. The hosts debate whether Jupiter's aimlessness is a compelling protagonist trait, contrasting it with Neo's active pursuit of answers in "The Matrix."
The Egg Extraction Clinic and Alien Reveal
At the egg extraction clinic, the doctors are revealed to be the evil aliens, who intend to kill Jupiter, realizing she is their true target.
Caine's Rescue and Hybrid Nature
Caine rescues Jupiter from the aliens. He reveals he is a half-human, half-wolf alien, leading to discussions about wolf porn and "sigma male" archetypes.
Omegaverse and Wolf Porn Tropes
The hosts explore the film's connection to omegaverse and wolf porn tropes, discussing "The Tyrant Alpha's Rejected Mate" and the "lone wolf" persona.
Bestiality and Taboo Themes
The discussion touches on the film's weak attempts at taboo themes like bestiality, with characters like a "goat woman" and a man with an "elephant face" being mentioned.
Final Shot and "Dark Angel" Comparison
The final shot of Jupiter observing her city is compared to the ending of "Dark Angel," which also features a protagonist on a rooftop overlooking a dystopian city.
Canine DNA and Omegaverse Inspiration
The hosts discuss how "Dark Angel's" protagonist, spliced with canine DNA, goes into heat, linking it to the inspiration for omegaverse.
Jupiter's Abduction and Lack of Resistance
Jupiter is abducted by Caine but seems largely unfazed. The hosts question her lack of strong reactions and her destination remains unclear.
Escape from Chicago and Gravity Boots
Jupiter and Caine escape pursuing aliens with the help of Caine's gravity boots, allowing him to rollerblade through the sky.
Balem's Reaction and Stinger's Betrayal
Balem learns of Caine's intervention. Stinger betrays Jupiter and Caine, a twist that has minimal impact on the plot, as is typical for Sean Bean characters.
Stinger Apini and Sean Bean's Role
Jupiter and Caine seek help from Stinger Apini (Sean Bean), whose character is described as a typical Sean Bean role. The presence of bees in his home is noted.
Jupiter's Royalty and the Bees
Jupiter's encounter with bees that don't sting her is interpreted as a fantasy element, suggesting she is royalty. This leads to speculation about her true identity.
Stinger's Daughter and Inscrutable Characters
Stinger's daughter is briefly introduced and then disappears, highlighting the film's many inscrutable characters and plot points.
Earth's Harvest and the Abraxix Dynasty
Stinger reveals the Abraxix dynasty deliberately overpopulates Earth to prepare it for "harvest." The nature of this harvest remains unclear but is implied to be destructive.
Capture by Bounty Hunters and Kaleek's Revelation
Jupiter is captured by bounty hunters and taken to Kaleek, who reveals Jupiter is a "recurrence" – a genetic reincarnation of their late mother.
Jupiter as a "Recurrence" and Queen
Kaleek explains that Jupiter, as a recurrence, is essentially a queen and heir to Earth, despite Balem initially being designated to inherit it. This explains Balem's desire to kill Jupiter.
Confusion Over DNA and Technology
The hosts express confusion about how the Abraxix siblings identify Jupiter as a recurrence, questioning the lack of advanced DNA tracking despite their sophisticated technology.
Universal Goal of Youth and Beauty
The discussion highlights the film's theme that across millennia and galaxies, the ultimate goal remains being a young, attractive woman, which the hosts find disheartening.
Jupiter's Arc and Hetero-Romance
The hosts feel Jupiter's character arc is primarily focused on hetero-romance, with little development in her political or ideological understanding, despite the film's themes of colonization.
"Wizard of Oz" and Refugee Iconography
The hosts note the film's influences from "The Wizard of Oz" and "Star Wars," and how Jupiter's family backstory draws on refugee imagery, though her connection to them feels underdeveloped.
Jupiter's Apathy Towards Colonization
Jupiter's lack of strong opinions on colonization and her acceptance of owning the world are discussed, contrasting with her initial statement that no one should own the world.
Family's Role and Cartoonish Portrayal
The hosts wonder if Jupiter's family was more meaningfully included in earlier drafts, as their current cartoonish portrayal feels disconnected from the main narrative.
"Star Wars" Influence and Stinger Apini
The film's heavy influence from "Star Wars" is discussed, with Sean Bean's character, Stinger Apini, being compared to Han Solo, though the hosts find Caine a better fit for that archetype.
Stinger's Half-Bee Nature and Wings
The hosts question the logic of Stinger being half-bee, particularly why he doesn't exhibit bee-like abilities or have bee wings, especially given his name.
Wachowskis' Influences and Character Origins
The Wachowskis' stated influences of "The Odyssey," "The Wizard of Oz," and "Star Wars" are discussed. A quote comparing Caine to Toto from "The Wizard of Oz" is analyzed.
Jupiter's Lack of Curiosity and "Coasting"
Jupiter's lack of curiosity and active engagement with the film's events is highlighted, with the hosts describing her as "coasting along" on gravity boots.
Jupiter's Mother and Estranged Family
The hosts find it odd that Jupiter's mother is largely absent from the film, despite the movie's themes of family, and that her family members operate in a separate narrative.
Kaleek's Rejuvenation and Earth's Inheritance
Kaleek explains her people's advanced technology for cell replacement and undergoes a rejuvenation process. She reveals Jupiter, as a recurrence, inherits Earth.
Balem's Motive and Jupiter's Reaction
Balem wants Jupiter dead to keep Earth for himself. Jupiter's processing of this information and her growing attraction to Caine are noted.
Jupiter's "Rejected Mate" Moment
Jupiter's sudden horniness for Caine, who rejects her, is compared to "The Tyrant Alpha's Rejected Mate," leading to a discussion about unwanted self-discovery.
Bureaucracy of Owning Earth
Jupiter works with a cyborg named Bob to navigate bureaucratic red tape to officially gain ownership of Earth.
Jupiter's Horniness and Desire to be Queen
Jupiter's horniness intensifies after gaining ownership of Earth, and she enjoys being called "queen," fulfilling a wish-fulfillment fantasy.
Stinger's Betrayal and Caine's Reaction
Stinger betrays Jupiter and Caine, but this has little plot impact. Caine's understanding reaction to the betrayal is noted.
Sean Bean's Treachery and "National Treasure" Comparison
Sean Bean's betrayal is compared to his role in "National Treasure," highlighting his tendency to play characters who betray others.
Bee Movie and Sean Bee King
The hosts humorously speculate about Sean Bean's half-bee nature, referencing "Bee Movie" and its character Larry Bee King.
Stinger's Name and Bee Hybrid Logic
The hosts question the logic of Stinger's half-bee nature, particularly his ability to betray the queen and the lack of bee-like abilities.
Jupiter as Queen and Bee Betrayal
The hosts express frustration that the film doesn't explore the consequences of a bee character betraying the queen, questioning the narrative choices.
Cain/Canine and Peony/Bee Connection
The hosts discuss the name "Cain" and its connection to "canine," and learn that "peony" is Latin for bee, linking Stinger's name to his hybrid nature.
Character Design and Performances
The discussion begins by analyzing the unconventional character designs in the movie, particularly for Channing Tatum and Eddie Redmayne, questioning the choices made and their effectiveness.
Plot Developments and Character Actions
The narrative progresses with Stinger's betrayal, Jupiter's detention, and her encounter with Titus, who proposes marriage. The scene is critiqued for its tonal inconsistencies and bizarre character motivations.
Earth as a Human Farm and a Marriage Proposal
Titus reveals that humans are harvested for a youth-rejuvenating juice. He proposes to Jupiter, who is left on a cliffhanger. The episodic nature of the plot and Jupiter's passive reactions are discussed.
Jupiter's Passivity and Characterization Issues
The speakers express frustration with Jupiter's lack of agency and emotional responses, comparing her unfavorably to Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. Her passivity is highlighted as a major flaw.
Costume Design and Monoculture
A humorous observation is made about the prevalence of H&M v-neck shirts in the movie, suggesting it represents a form of monoculture.
The Marriage Plot and Interruption
Jupiter considers marrying Titus, but Cain and Stinger intervene. The scene is compared to Shrek, with a discussion on character motivations and plot predictability.
Dakota Johnson and the "Madame Web" Comparison
The possibility of Dakota Johnson being an even less engaging lead than Mila Kunis is raised, with a humorous comparison to "Madame Web."
Family Abduction and a Deal with Balem
Jupiter returns to Earth to find her family missing, abducted by Balem's forces. She is blackmailed into relinquishing her title to Earth in exchange for her family's safety.
Confrontation with Balem and a Fall
Jupiter confronts Balem, refusing his demands. A fight ensues, leading to Jupiter and Balem falling into a "plot hole." Cain battles lizards while attempting to rescue Jupiter.
Repeated Rescues and Unclear Characters
Cain repeatedly rescues Jupiter. The appearance of a mysterious character with purple pigtails is discussed, with confusion about her allegiance and role.
Return to Earth and Jupiter's New Role
Jupiter and Cain return to Earth. Jupiter is reunited with her family and becomes the queen of Earth, seemingly content despite returning to cleaning toilets.
Mother-Daughter Relationship and Missed Opportunities
The discussion shifts to Jupiter's relationship with her mother and the missed opportunities for character development, particularly regarding her father and the telescope.
Gnostic Themes and Earth as Gaia
The film's Gnostic themes, transhumanism, and the idea of Jupiter representing Earth (Gaia) are explored, with a critique of how these complex ideas are underdeveloped.
Gnosticism and Archons
Gnosticism is explained as a belief system viewing the material world as a learning ground controlled by "archons" (technological rulers). The concept is compared to Scientology.
Criticism of Colonial Capitalism and Military Portrayal
The film's critique of genocidal colonial capitalism is praised, but its portrayal of the military and police as unequivocally good is questioned.
Casual Portrayal of Genocide in Sci-Fi
The tendency of sci-fi to treat genocide as a singular event is discussed, with examples from Star Wars and other media.
Lack of Resolution and Jupiter's Intentions
The film's failure to provide a clear resolution or Jupiter's stated intent to do better after witnessing the Abaris family's ideology is highlighted as a major flaw.
Jupiter's Lack of Agency in Action Sequences
The egregious lack of participation by Jupiter in action sequences is discussed, contrasting her passivity with Neo's development in The Matrix.
Personal Style and Agency
The lack of personal style and agency for Jupiter is noted, as her clothing choices are dictated by others, mirroring her lack of control in other aspects of the film.
Jupiter's Limited Combat and Eddie Redmayne's Performance
Jupiter's minimal combat involvement is contrasted with Eddie Redmayne's committed, albeit "disastrous," performance as a villain.
Ambitious but Flawed Filmmaking
The film is described as a "swing and a miss" with ambitious ideas that don't fully come together, but the cast's commitment is appreciated.
Underutilized Supporting Characters
The underutilization of talented actors like Gugu Mbatha-Raw and the presence of characters like Captain Stinger are noted.
Casting and Representation
The casting is discussed, with a note on the commitment to diversity, though the main plot-driving characters remain predominantly white.
Mr. Knight and Character Naming
The character of Mr. Knight is analyzed, with comparisons to minions and a discussion on the absurdity of some character names.
The Sister's Role and Erotic Undertones
The sister's limited role and the strange erotic relationships with Jupiter are discussed, along with the youngest brother Titus's villainy.
Titus as the Scariest Villain
Titus is identified as the scariest of the three siblings due to his overt horniness and more defined villainous goals compared to Balem.
Gendered Motives and Lack of Clarity
The gendered nature of some character motives, particularly Kalique's focus on beauty, is noted, along with the overall lack of clarity in character goals.
Cameos and Wachowski Influences
Terry Gilliam's cameo is highlighted, along with the Wachowskis' admiration for his work and their own history of ambitious, sometimes unsuccessful, projects.
Opening Action Sequence and Prequel Vibes
The opening aerial fight sequence is compared to Star Wars prequels, specifically Podracing, and its length and lack of immediate plot relevance are critiqued.
Unintroduced Characters and Plot Relevance
The introduction of characters with no immediate bearing on the plot, like Jupiter's parents and Channing Tatum's character, is questioned.
The Bees and Visual Spectacle
The scene with bees is discussed, along with the film's overall visual appeal and production design, despite its narrative flaws.
Jupiter's Wedding Dress and Hair
Jupiter's wedding dress and headpiece are praised for their "pop star" aesthetic, though the dresses themselves are noted as relatively simple.
Bacterial Test and Female Interactions
The film passes the "bacterial test" due to interactions between female characters, though Jupiter's dialogue is often limited to introductions and questions.
Feminist Lens Rating and Eddie Redmayne's Effort
The film receives a low rating on an intersectional feminist lens, with partial credit given to Eddie Redmayne's committed performance and the presence of bees.
Thematic Ambiguity and "Reasons"
The film's thematic ambiguity and tendency to have characters act "because of reasons" are discussed, leading to a sense of frustration.
Nipple Scale Ratings and Memorable Scenes
Specific scenes, like Titus's space orgy and Jupiter's use of a maxi pad on Cain's wound, are humorously awarded "nipples" on the rating scale.
A Movie That Feels Like a Movie
The film is ultimately described as a movie that "feels like a movie," acknowledging its existence as a cinematic product despite its numerous flaws.
Guest Plug and Future Content
The guest plugs their book and social media, and the hosts tease future podcast content and encourage Patreon support.
Keywords
Bechtel Test
A media metric created by Alison Bechtel, requiring two female characters to discuss something other than a man for more than two lines of dialogue. It's used to assess female representation in film and media.
Jupiter Ascending
A 2015 science fiction film directed by the Wachowskis, starring Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum. It follows Jupiter Jones, a cleaner who discovers she is destined for greatness and is the heir to Earth.
Wachowskis
The filmmaking duo Lana and Lilly Wachowski, known for directing and writing iconic films like "The Matrix," "V for Vendetta," and "Cloud Atlas." They are recognized for their innovative visual style and exploration of complex themes.
Recurrence
In "Jupiter Ascending," a "recurrence" is a genetic reincarnation of a deceased individual, specifically the late mother of the Abraxix siblings. Jupiter Jones is identified as a recurrence of this queen.
Intersexual Feminist Lens
An analytical approach to media that examines gender, sexuality, and power dynamics, focusing on how marginalized genders are represented and how societal norms influence these portrayals.
Omegaverse
A subgenre of fanfiction and erotic literature featuring a society with a strict hierarchy based on biological roles (Alpha, Beta, Omega), often involving themes of mating, pack dynamics, and supernatural elements like werewolves.
Sigma Male
A term popularized in online communities describing a supposedly independent, self-reliant, and often introverted male archetype who operates outside traditional social hierarchies, valuing solitude and personal achievement.
Gnosticism
An ancient religious and philosophical movement that emphasizes spiritual knowledge (gnosis) for salvation. Gnostic beliefs often view the material world as flawed or evil, created by a lesser deity, and advocate for liberation of the soul.
Gaia Hypothesis
A scientific concept proposing that living organisms and their inorganic surroundings work together as a symbiotic self-regulating system, maintaining the conditions for life on Earth. It suggests Earth itself can be considered a sentient entity.
Transhumanism
A philosophical and intellectual movement that advocates for the enhancement of the human condition through technology. It explores the potential for humans to overcome biological limitations and achieve new levels of existence.
Q&A
What is the Bechtel Test and how does "Jupiter Ascending" fare against it?
The Bechtel Test requires two named female characters to discuss something other than a man for more than two lines of dialogue. "Jupiter Ascending" barely passes, often with superficial interactions between female characters.
Who are the Abraxix siblings and what is their role in "Jupiter Ascending"?
The Abraxix siblings are Titus, Kaleek, and Balem. They are part of an intergalactic empire that owns planets, including Earth. Balem inherits Earth in his mother's will, but seeks to kill Jupiter, a "recurrence" of his mother, to keep it.
What is a "recurrence" in the context of "Jupiter Ascending"?
A "recurrence" is a genetic reincarnation of a deceased individual. Jupiter Jones is identified as a recurrence of the late queen of the Abraxix dynasty, making her the rightful heir to Earth.
How does "Jupiter Ascending" explore themes of colonization and power?
The film depicts the Abraxix dynasty deliberately overpopulates Earth to prepare it for "harvest." Jupiter, as the heir, ultimately owns the planet, raising questions about her role in this exploitative system.
What are the main influences cited for "Jupiter Ascending"?
The Wachowskis have stated that "Jupiter Ascending" was heavily influenced by "The Odyssey," "The Wizard of Oz," and "Star Wars," evident in its narrative structure and character archetypes.
What are the main Gnostic themes explored in Jupiter Ascending?
Jupiter Ascending incorporates Gnostic themes such as the material world being a flawed learning ground, the concept of archons (technological rulers enslaving humanity), and the idea of souls seeking liberation from earthly prisons through spiritual knowledge.
How does the film critique colonial capitalism?
The film critiques colonial capitalism through the Abaris family's empire, which exploits planets by allowing populations to grow unsustainably before harvesting them for youth juice. This is presented as a horrific, genocidal practice that needs to be stopped.
Why is Jupiter's character criticized for a lack of agency?
Jupiter is criticized for her passivity, rarely making active choices that drive the plot. She is often rescued by other characters and does not participate in action sequences, unlike male protagonists who are shown to train and fight.
What is the Gaia Hypothesis and how does it relate to the film?
The Gaia Hypothesis suggests Earth is a sentient being. The film speculates that Jupiter may represent Earth itself, embodying its qualities. This theme, however, is underdeveloped in the movie.
How does the film portray the military and police?
The film portrays intergalactic police and military forces, like the Aegis and characters like Kane, as generally good guys helping the protagonists. This is contrasted with the critique that in a more realistic scenario, they would likely protect the ruling class and enforce the genocide.
Show Notes
This week, surprise space clone queens Caitlin, Jamie, and special guest Summer Farah discuss Jupiter Ascending (2015).
Follow Summer on Instagram at @bordersbookstore
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