Prometheus-by-Minute

In which Greg Klein of the Airwolf Years and I discuss nostalgia, aesthetics and robot voices. Find Greg here: https://ciampaklein.com/ CitationsActivist Post. (2015, October 26). Why is wheat such a problem in the modern diet? https://www.activistpost.com/2015/10/why-is-wheat-such-a-problem-in-the-modern-diet.html Einkorn, nature’s first and oldest wheat » Einkorn.com. (2020, April 15). Einkorn.com | Restoring Ancient Whole Grain Einkorn Wheat… Continue reading Covenant Minute 35

In which I am joined again by Curtis of Time Bandits Minute to space suits, android actors and guns. Find Curtis here: https://www.facebook.com/TimeBanditsMinute

In which I am joined by Curtis Bloes of Time Bandits Minute to discuss novelisations, and just what exactly is a “sound”? Find Curtis here: https://www.facebook.com/TimeBanditsMinute Citations  Spoiler study enjoyment. (2011, August 11). The Mary Sue. https://www.themarysue.com/spoilers-study/ Find my old podcast The Book Was Better here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrmJufJdpkvrHzQFZBU2NbFRkJyd7YkyM

Happy Alien Day 2022, and happy ten year anniversary to Prometheus. Enjoy my audio commentary for the film in which… Read more Alien Day Special 2022 (no soundtrack version)

Happy Alien Day 2022, and happy ten year anniversary to Prometheus. Enjoy my audio commentary for the film in which… Read more Alien Day Special 2022 (soundtrack version)

In which I am joined for the last time, for now, by Mike Jozic, and we discuss Oram as fandom surrogate, Juicy Smolyay’s IRL hijinks and movie marketing materials. Find Mike here: https://scoobydoocast.com/ And here: https://fycshow.libsyn.com/

In which Mike and I discuss the division of crew, the pitfalls of slavish devotion to canon, and take a real close look at the design of the Covenant. Find Mike here: https://scoobydoocast.com/ And here: https://www.facebook.com/fycshow/

In which I am joined by Mike Jozic who heroically carries me through some of Covenant’s most boring minutes and drops some unique readings of Covenant. Find Mike here: https://scoobydoocast.com/ And here: https://www.facebook.com/fycshow/

In which I am joined for the last time, for now, by James of Newsies Minute to discuss the difficulty of not letting political debates become personal, the exploration of faith in the Alien prequels, and whether or not deviating from the path is an act of faith or not.  Find James here: https://twitter.com/NewsiesMinute And: … Continue reading "Covenant Minute 28"

In which James and I discuss divine providence, executive dysfunction, and Waiting for Space-Godot.  Find James here: https://twitter.com/NewsiesMinute And: https://twitter.com/UnabashedJames/   

In which I am joined by James of the Newsies Minute and we get existential about how truly big space is, and how scary it would be to get lost in it.  Find James here: https://twitter.com/NewsiesMinute

In which I am joined for the last time (for now) by Rob of the Great Escape Minute, and we discuss big fancy words, robot grudge matches, and  I try to record while some asshole is mowing the lawns.  Find Rob at https://thegreatescapeminute.com/ 

In which I am joined again by Rob of the Great Escape Minute, and we discuss interstellar communication, alien languages, and our old favourite subject, robotics. Citations Nobahkt, A. (2016, June 4). All planet sounds from space (In our solar system). YouTube. https://youtu.be/IQL53eQ0cNA

In which I am joined by Rob of the Great Escape Minute, and we discuss how futuristic technology in science fiction isn't so futuristic anymore, spooky hidden details, and do Engineers see in sound? Find Rob at the Great Escape Minute, he’s doing good work over there. I love this movie and he’s finding all … Continue reading "Covenant Minute 23"

In which I get biblical, and interrogate a few cultural biases in culture and fashion. Citations Bible gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 11-14 – New international version. (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2011-14&version=NIV Britt, R. (2016, June 15). Why is the sci-fi in movies so much dumber and less political than in books? Inverse. https://www.inverse.com/article/16935-why-is-the-sci-fi-in-movies-so-much-dumber-and-less-political-than-in-books Pixie cut hairstyle origins … Continue reading "Covenant Minute 22"

In which I discuss religion, logical fallacies, and the ever changing cultural tastes in music. Citations Dunham, Duwayne (2002). “Northwest Passage” audio commentary (DVD). Universal Home Entertainment. Relevant excerpt: The impetus for the series Twin Peaks was the mystery of who killed Laura Palmer. During the filming of a scene in the pilot, “Northwest Passage”, … Continue reading "Covenant Minute 21"

In which I discuss meteoric cadavers, ponder the place for religion in the future, and learn the term “cybernetic can” from Alan Dean Foster.  Citations If an astronaut died in space, would he decompose? (no bacteria but what about radiation?). (2007, December 11). UCSB Science Line. https://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=1692 Phobos – An alien: Covenant story | official … Continue reading "Covenant Minute 20"

In which I discuss Jed Kurzel, the capabilities of AI in the role of emotional support, and the dangers of having a caregiver that is too agreeable.  Citations Barkan, J. (2017, May 5). Exclusive: Jed Kurzel on the music of Alien: Covenant. Dread Central. https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/226920/exclusive-jed-kurzel-music-alien-covenant/ Delia Derbyshire – Pot AU feu (1968) [Video]. (2012, September 1). … Continue reading "Covenant Minute 19"

In which I am joined for the last time, for now, by Duncan Shields and we discuss Ridley Scott’s ego, future relationships with AI, and the importance of format and structure for effective storytelling, maybe the Alien prequels should have been a TV series?

In which Duncan (of Tronologically Speaking) and I discuss whaliens, good directors getting away with bad behaviour, and I deliver my very best David Lynch impression. 

In which I am joined by Duncan Shields of Tronologically Speaking to explore our bottomless contempt for Ridley Scott, as well as discuss the belligerence and incompetence of his characters. Find Duncan here: https://www.tronologicallyspeaking.com/

In which I discuss the inspirations for Walter, the ELIZA effect, and anticipating dangers from space. Citations Hall, D. (2019, December 10). The ELIZA effect. 99% Invisible. https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-eliza-effect/ Veritasium. (2020, November 30). These are the asteroids to worry about [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/4Wrc4fHSCpw

In which I discuss Oram, Ridley Scott’s cinematography,  and compare this scene between film, book and script.

Join Clara of Studio Yutani and I as we dissect every iteration of Alien 3 in an attempt to find a version of the film that might have been as well received as its predecessors. Citations:https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/disney-reportedly-rebooting-alien-ripley/

In which I discuss the ways we remember the dead across cultures, and how reflections, photographs and videos have changed the way we perceive ourselves, other people and time itself. Citations Duffy, C. (2021, January 27). Microsoft patented a chatbot that would let you talk to dead people. It was too disturbing for production. CNN. … Continue reading "Covenant Minute 13"

In which I discuss the importance of supporting characters, the benefits of viewing nature, and just what the hell is a Covenant anyway? Citations Craig, J., & Prescott, S. L. (n.d.). Here’s why a walk in the woods or a dip in the ocean is so great for your health. ScienceAlert. https://www.sciencealert.com/here-s-why-a-walk-in-the-woods-or-a-dip-in-the-ocean-is-so-great-for-your-health Johanson, M. (2020, October 6). How ‘biophilic’ … Continue reading "Covenant Minute 12"

In a special bonus episode Simon Haynes of 60 Seconds to Comply and I review Paul W S Anderson’s seminal classic, Alien vs Predator Theme song: Alien vs Predator Rap- Team Headkick

In which I do a deep dive into surnames. Citations Glaser, L. (2018, July 2). When last comes first: The gender bias of names. Cornell Chronicle. https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2018/07/when-last-comes-first-gender-bias-names Oram name meaning, family history, family crest & coats of arms. (n.d.). HouseOfNames. https://www.houseofnames.com/oram-family-crest Scott, T. (2020, August 24). Which Is “Bouba”, and Which Is “Kiki”? [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/1TDIAObsqcs

In which I discuss Craig Green’s costumes, anti-gravity and read from the novelisation.

In which I talk about babies, generation starships, and neutrinos. Citations Crowl, A., Hunt, J., & Hein, A. M. (2012). Embryo Space Colonisation to Overcome the Interstellar Time Distance Bottleneck. JBIS, (65), 283-285. https://www.jbis.org.uk/paper.php?p=2012.65.283 Edwards, L. (2010, January 21). Humans were once an endangered species. Phys.org – News and Articles on Science and Technology. https://phys.org/news/2010-01-humans-endangered-species.html Morber, J. (2017, April 26). Should … Continue reading "Covenant Minute 09"

In which I discuss fashion, queer coding, and gender. Citations Starscream’s high heels and the androgyny of the trickster. (2018, March 15). The Afictionado. https://theafictionado.wordpress.com/2018/03/15/starscreams-high-heels-and-the-androgyny-of-the-trickster/ 

In which I discuss concept art, iconic ship designs, and we get the introduction of my boy, Walter. Citations https://www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-news/heartbreaking-reason-mind-gap-voice-17427450

In which I discuss android mannerisms, Frankenstein and read the novelisation. No citations, but here’s an in-depth look at the replica of the Statue of David.

In which I discuss purpose, accents, and gods as divine parents. Citations New Scientist. (2017). How to be human: The ultimate guide to your amazing existence. Hachette UK. Ro, C. (2018, February 8). How Americans preserved British English. BBCpage. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180207-how-americans-preserved-british-english

In which I accidentally ruin my favourite scene of Alien: Covenant, explain the plot of Das Rheingold, and tell you the meaning of life. Citations Art in Nazi Germany. (2015, March 9). History Learning Site. https://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/nazi-germany/art-in-nazi-germany/ Burton-Hill, C. (2014, October 21). Is Wagner’s Nazi stigma fair? BBC – Homepage. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20130509-is-wagners-nazi-stigma-fair Harris, S. (2019). Mindfulness and Meaning.https://wakingup.com/

In which I discuss costumes, pretentiousness, and set design.

In which I discuss the kino-eye, the Nativity, and the canonicity of the film’s marketing materials. Citations Benson, P. (2017, May). The chair in Alien Covenant: 2017’s most significant furniture piece in a movie? Retrieved from https://filmandfurniture.com/2017/05/carlo-bugatti-chair-in-alien-covenant/ Callgren, K. (2016, March 1). Man with a Movie Camera and the Truth in the Movie-Eye – Brows Held High[Video]. … Continue reading "Covenant Minute 2"

Another journey begins!

In which I finally complete our long journey and say goodbye to Prometheus and hello to Alien:Covenant. Citations Ben-David, Z. (2010). Zig Zag Man [Sculpture]. Artnet. http://www.artnet.com/artists/zadok-ben-david/zig-zag-man-IUQB_P35lf_u57VJbIujQg2 Harmon, D. (n.d.). Story structure 101: Super basic shit. Channel 101 Wiki. Retrieved January 4, 2021, from https://channel101.fandom.com/wiki/Story_Structure_101:_Super_Basic_Shit It’s Okay to be Smart. (2020, February 26). Humans are smart. Why are babies so unsmart? [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/QM-sBZBiuD4

In which I discuss breathing, the number of days this narrative took place over, and imagine what life will be like in the time of Prometheus.

In which I discuss Shaw’s journey of faith, run through the list of the film’s flaws, and talk about my personal journey with Prometheus.

In which I discuss the limitations of the AI within synthetics, the narrative purpose behind violence against androids in fiction, and how appearance shapes perception. Citations Cargill, C. R. (2017). Sea of rust: A novel. HarperCollins. Tay, B., Jung, Y., & Park, T. (2014). When stereotypes meet robots: The double-edge sword of robot gender and personality in human–robot interaction. Computers … Continue reading "Prometheus-by-Minute 114"

In which I discuss plot-driven vs character-driven storytelling, high-concept vs low-concept, and the framing vs text.  Citations Ellis, L. (2017, September 23). Framing Megan Fox: Feminist Theory Part 3 | The Whole Plate: Episode 7 [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/tKyrUMUervU?t=823 Malory, T. (2015). Le Morte D’Arthur. Hackett Publishing. Watt, I. (1957). The rise of the novel. University of California Press.

In which I discuss body horror, how fears change throughout life, and how horror compares to other genres. Citations Monroe C Beardsley Professor of Philosophy Noel Carroll, & Carroll, N. (2003). The philosophy of horror: Or, paradoxes of the heart. Routledge. 

In which I discuss David’s feelings for Shaw, the nature of horror, and explore Alien as a franchise.  Citations Arcudi, J., Mahnke, D., & Palmiotti, J. (1997). Aliens: Stronghold. Dark Horse Books. 

In which I discuss the Wrestlemaniafication of the end of Prometheus, consider alternate ways to end the film, and the importance of cohesion.

In which I am joined one last time by Simon Haynes of the Kung Pow Minute to discuss Hollywood atheists, comedy in horror, and how the Alien prequels are the best prequels ever. Citations Paradise, an Alien prequels fan-edit by Job Willins: https://jobwillins.tumblr.com/post/165299936047/about-paradise

In which I am joined once again by Simon Haynes of Fanboy Minute, discussing running in straight lines, why prequels generally don’t work, and Alien as a TV series. Citations You can find Simon at Fanboy Crossing on YouTube to follow the Kung Pow Minute: https://www.youtube.com/user/fanboycrossing

In which I am joined by Simon Haynes of Fanboy Crossing to discuss RoboCop, the secret hidden in the Space Jockey helmet, and the problem with modern action movie third acts. Citations You can find Simon at Fanboy Crossing on YouTube to follow the Kung Pow Minute: https://www.youtube.com/user/fanboycrossing Boston Marathon Bombing conspiracy (look for the … Continue reading "Prometheus-by-Minute 107"