You know what we can't stomach, Dear Listener? All of those podcasts about vampires. That's right, the Randomizer AB1700 sends us back to 1987 to take a look at Joel Schumacher's The Lost Boys. It's a bloody good time this week as we talk about one of the most beloved vampire films of all time. Or is it?
This week we take off the nostalgia goggles to dissect the story of two boys who have to take on a pack of sexy vampires led by Keifer Sutherland. We thought it only right then that we discuss our favorite sexy vampires for our game. There's also some discussion about whether sexy vampires are an accurate vampire portrayal. What do you have to say about that, dear listener? We would love to hear from you! We then get down to business to discuss what is really going on in Santa Carla. Alex swoops in first to discuss the family dynamics within the film, specifically focusing on the portrayal of the divorcee mother and her function within the narrative. She integrates this into a larger framework discussing how society views the family unit. Caleb reads the film as an allegory for gang violence that was taking place within the 80s. He acknowledges the factions within the film - the vampires and the Frog Bros and Friends. He discusses the different familial and social factors that are pressuring Michael and ties everything together. Dalton keeps the idea of teenage portrayal going and how the film engages the mindset of the teenager. He raises ideas of mortality and how teenagers view their own mortality. Dustin makes a case for the film to be a queer film. He discusses the differences between gay cinema and queer cinema and gives examples to support his case through the formalist aspects, the narrative, and the performances.
Well look at that, Dear Listener, the sun is peeking over the horizon and we're getting tired. Thank you for allowing us to come by but it's getting a bit bright out here. You should invite us in dear listener, all you have to do is hit that play button.
The Lost Boys Timestamps
00:39 - Welcome and Introductions
03:03 - Synopsis and Reviews
14:00 - The Game: Sexy Vampires
22:47 - Analysis
39:52 - Social Media
41:01 - Shelf or Trash/Else or Instead
46:21 - Wrap Up and Announce Next Week's Film