S3E6.5: The Conformist

great discussion — I love movies but I'm so dumb I missed almost all of this even after seeing the movie twice. looking forward to a proper rewatch. thanks for explaining everything so I know what to look out for

I don't know what this movie says about masculinity or fascism, all I'm getting from it is that being Italian fucking sucks. Everyone is either self-repressing or a sexual predator.

The Dutch angle jokes got me imagining a world-spy/assassin comedy film which is shot pretty straightforwardly except when the scene takes place in the Netherlands and everything is at a 20° Dutch angle and everything in Australia is shot upside down.

i must recommend another bertolucci film, the dreamers with michael pitt and eva green - the book it adapted unfortunately had a lot of it’s more homoerotic elements taken out of the film, since the director thought that the audience would “get the point already” makes me think there might be a running theme in his films hmmm

I'm with abi on finding the circumstances on a train sensual and arousing. Somewhat similar, but less, with boats and cars. They're gender in a giant mech-suit sort of way. An extension of our bodies we both can participate in, even if we're not at the helm. I dunno if I'm making sense

On the topic of childhood sexual-assault games: you get that kind of dynamic in areas where the children are largely unsupervised, and at least a few are being sexually abused. They introduce it/inflict it on other children, and it spreads from there.

DEVON'S A FALLHEAD??? this is the best day of my life! i would friggin kill to hear you guys talk abt that movie it means everything to me

Thank you so much for continuing to post fundraisers for Palestine in your notes on here. It would also be cool if you maybe mentioned them more on the podcasts themselves so we're aware to seek these links out - it'll definitely help drive more people to donate!

The bit with the woman who was messing with him had me thinking of Disco Elysium when Harry's brain realizes the Disco Lady is manipulating him and all his various ids start screaming at him and each other

Looking at lesbians and going "man, that looks really good and I'm upset that I can't have it." .......... Excuse me, can we focus a little more on the movie and a little less on my innermost thoughts? Thanks. (Genuinely, thanks to all of you. KJB has been VERY helpful)

impressed as always by your incisive film criticism, gang. you have all caused my own appreciation and analysis of film to deepen and broaden, and i am eternally grateful for that

My favorite way to get stabbed is several thousand times in rapid succession, but shallowly with ink in the wound.

Hi, you have inspired me to watch this before I listen to the episode. Would it be out of bounds to list a site that has it. That people in the States could have access to, through their local library?

Finally crossed this one off my watchlist in preparation for this episode and goddamn, what a phenomenal film.

I would have enjoyed seeing Marcello Clerici kill himself. People don’t change, they deserve suffering without redemption.

God so true about Italian men, Alice

The olde timey radio vibes of going "WE INTERRUPT THIS PODCASTED ENTERTAINMENT SERVICE TO INFORM YOU THAT DAVID CAMERON IS NOW THE FOREIGN SECRETARY"

This may be the most cerebral of Da Cerebral Hours you've done so far 👏

Was not expecting the deep lore for why they called it the Game BOY...

Still halfway through, so I apologize if this gets remarked upon later, but the name Manganiello sounds almost exactly like "manganello", the italian term for police truncheon/billy club.

Can I recommend a bonus movie for the season of solidarity? It's called Kontroll and it was filmed entirely within the Budapest subway system. It's very beautiful, very 90s and very about masculinity in a way that's so unsubtle that it breathes life into some pretty tired tropes. If you're struggling for a pick, check it out.

Umberto Eco mentions the castor oil in The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana, I think. That book draws heavily on Eco's memories of childhood under fascism. IIRC the main character's grandfather got the castor oil treatment, but stored the ensuing diarrhea in a bottle and kept it for years. Then when the time came for revenge during the liberation he tracked down the guy who did it to him and forced him to drink the whole bottle.

The stuff with Anna and Julia is so interesting because while it is presented as predatory, Julia's marriage is also presented as an unambiguously very sad fate that kills her inside. It fits into a sort of weird tradition where the predatory lesbian is at the same time probably a much happier fate for her. (in the very least going off her stated desires of "wanting to be fucked and pampered" which Anna seems to offer).

That live reaction to the return of David Cameron was cathartic, thank you

Lets fucking goooo edit: this is a top quality episode for one of the greatest films ever made, you've done it justice

I'm only a few minutes in, but referring to Scorsese and Coppola as "the dolls" will haunt me for an immeasurable amount of time.