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“She doesn't know it yet, but she's hunting us.”How a Virus Spreads Through LanguageThe 2008 Canadian horror film Pontypool, directed by Bruce McDonald and written by Tony Burgess, was inspired by Orson Welles' famous radio broadcast of War of the Worlds. Originally, Burgess envisioned the entire film as a radio play, with the main character Grant Mazzy reading the script accompanied only by a visual of the blue waveform. While this concept wasn't fully realized, it heavily influenced the confined, constrained storyline of the radio station employees trying to make sense of the outbreak consuming their small town. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the Disease Films series with a conversation about Pontypool.Dissecting the Viral Outbreak in PontypoolOne of the most intriguing aspects of Pontypool is how the horror unfolds through the limited perspective of the radio station employees. As Grant Mazzy, Sydney Briar, and Laurel-Ann Drummond receive increasingly disturbing reports from Ken Loney in the "Sunshine Chopper," the tension builds before the true nature of the viral outbreak is revealed. The film's unique approach to storytelling keeps the audience engaged, even when the explanation for the virus itself may seem a bit far-fetched.Throughout our discussion, we explore the metaphorical implications of a virus that spreads through the English language. As a Canadian film, Pontypool seems to comment on the value of traditionalism and the French language in Ontario, while also critiquing the potentially damaging influence of American shock jock radio. The film's central conceit – that language itself can become contagious and dangerous – resonates even more strongly in today's era of social media and misinformation.Other Highlights from Our ConversationThe wordplay and coincidences in Grant Mazzy's opening monologue, foreshadowing the importance of language in the storyThe debate over whether Grant Mazzy was infected by the virus at the end of the filmThe role of Dr. Mendez as the "book of the vampire," providing exposition and context for the outbreakThe powerful portrayal of Laurel-Ann's deterioration, offering a window into the effects of the virusPontypool may not be a perfect film, but its clever premise and thought-provoking themes make it a worthwhile entry in the Disease Films series. By confining the action to the radio station and relying on reports from outside, the movie creates a sense of claustrophobia and dread that keeps the audience engaged despite the sometimes flimsy explanation for the virus itself. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Film SundriesWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerOriginal MaterialLetterboxd Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel's family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here's where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsXYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we've discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we've discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.
In this episode, Dan is still thinking about Ryan Reynolds!? "Pontypool," directed by Bruce McDonald and released in 2008, is a unique and cerebral horror film that reimagines the zombie genre through the lens of linguistic terror. Set in the small town of Pontypool, Ontario, the film takes place almost entirely within the confines of a radio station. Grant Mazzy, played by Stephen McHattie, is a radio DJ who begins his day like any other, only to find himself at the center of a mysterious and horrifying outbreak. As reports of violent and bizarre behavior start to flood in from the outside world, Mazzy and his small team, including producer Sydney Briar and technician Laurel-Ann, struggle to understand the cause and nature of the chaos. The film's tension builds as they realize that the virus is spread through the English language, turning ordinary words into deadly weapons. What sets "Pontypool" apart is its innovative approach to horror, focusing on psychological suspense and the power of communication rather than visual gore and typical zombie tropes. The film's claustrophobic setting and strong performances, particularly by McHattie, create an intense and immersive experience. The concept of a language-based infection is both original and thought-provoking, raising questions about the nature of meaning, communication, and the vulnerabilities of human interaction. "Pontypool" is a standout in the horror genre for its intellectual depth and minimalistic style, proving that true terror can emerge from the most unexpected and mundane aspects of daily life. Instagram: @aahfterhorrorpodcastTwitter: @aahfterhorrorFacebook: aahfterhorrorpodcastEmail: aafterhorrorpod@outlook.com
New episodes broadcast live on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/sotdcast On this week's episode the guys discuss the merits of creepypasta with possibly a potential point of origin being Ted's Caving Page. This leads to a number of recommendations that you should all very much check out if you're into creepy tales. Also, Matt is a LARPer and has some great battle stories involving far too much cardio, while Chris peaces out at the first lever in Twilight Princess's Water Temple. There's also some more talk on Resident Evil 7 and it's DLC – too gamey? Perhaps. The main point of discussion is of course, the puzzling yet incredibly satisfying Pontypool. After all gushing over Stephen McHattie's amazing turn as Grant Mazzy, we take a closer look at the events of the movie and what exactly could have been the starting point for the bizarre chaos that grips the small Canadian town. Refrain from using terms of endearment folks, Ken's sunshine chopper rides again! Axton: https://www.twitch.tv/axton10_61 Matticus Finch: https://www.twitch.tv/immatticusfinch Garlips: https://www.twitch.tv/garlips Recorded: 2017/03/12, Remastered: 2022/03/15. Links for stuff we discussed in the podcast: Ted's Caving Page – http://www.angelfire.com/trek/caver/ Candle Cove creepypasta – http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/Candle_Cove Doors creepypasta – http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/Doors Super Great Friend – https://www.youtube.com/user/supergreatfriend
Goodbye Spook-tober! Thanks for joining our weekly show where we talk about all the random films our listeners suggest for us! This week's movie is the 2008 Horror film 'Pontypool'! "When disc jockey Grant Mazzy reports to his basement radio station in the Canadian town of Pontypool, he thinks it's just another day at work. But when he hears reports of a virus that turns people into zombies, Mazzy barricades himself in the radio booth and tries to figure out a way to warn his listeners about the virus and its unlikely mode of transmission: the English language.." Be sure to check out our website for past episodes and to suggest a movie for us to watch, and follow our social media for reminders of our latest episodes! Website ►https://whosuggestedthis.com Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/whosuggestedthis/ Patreon ► https://www.patreon.com/whosuggestedthispod Suggest movies here! ► https://whosuggestedthis.com/?page_id=96
The Spooky Screen watches their classic horror pick, Pontypool (2008; Canadian), and argue about what human windshield wipers sound like. Synopsis: A disc jockey Grant Mazzy reports to his basement radio station in the Canadian town of Pontypool, he thinks it's just another day at work. But when he hears reports of a virus that turns people into zombies, Mazzy barricades himself in the radio booth and tries to figure out a way to warn his listeners about the virus and its unlikely mode of transmission: the English language.
This week we talk about Ice road truckers and Canada as well as the meaning of words?! That's right we are in the radio station with Grant Mazzy as we discuss the zombie(?) Canadian film Pontypool....enjoy!Give us a review to help us spread the word where your podcast lives :)Facebook: Wonderful and StrangeTwitter: @wnshorrorpodBuymeacoffee: wnshorrorpod
Welcome to a month of frights from Kino Lefter. Pontypool, the 2008 Canadian horror film from director Bruce McDonald based on the novel Pontypool Changes Everything by Tong Burgess, takes us to a remote northern Ontario radio station with shock jock Grant Mazzy during the onset of a strange new illness transmitted through the English language. Will Menaker and Matt Christman from Chapo Trap House join.This is a preview of Primo Lefter, our weekly premium show. You can visit our Patreon to get access to this episode, our archive, and a new episode every week.
Happy Halloween and welcome to episode 94! :) This week we discuss the 2008 movie 'Pontypool', as well as Disney's 'Tower of Terror'. We really are enjoying the new FX series 'American Horror Story', so talk about it quite a bit. Short topics include 'The Addams Family', the 'Xena Effect', and whether or not Nicholas Cage is a vampire. Madsaxxon also quotes from Tolstoy and gets on the soap box this week and has a thing or two to say about those who judge other people's relationships. This leads to a short discussion of the new 'Ballandchain' podcast, which looks at marriage and relationships (run by Jay from Pennycult). The link to this new podcast can be found below. This week madsaxxon and Lori celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary (yay us!). :) .... thanks for tuning in! Pontypool(2008) NR- Valentine's Day is anything but ordinary for radio shock-jock Grant Mazzy after he runs into a crazed woman on the way to work -- and that's just the beginning as scores of other people in the small Ontario town of Pontypool start acting awfully odd. Tower of Terror(1997) NR- Steve Guttenberg stars as a tabloid reporter who wants to return to mainstream journalism; all he needs is a big story. He gets one when he happens upon the mystery surrounding the disappearance of five people at an old luxury hotel in the 1930s. The locals believe that the ghosts of those five people now haunt the hotel. Kirsten Dunst co-stars in this spine-tingling Disney mystery thriller. Pontypool Trailer... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsGPsbAd7Dc Pontypool Trailer 2... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crOZQs3zGvo&feature=related Since there is no trailer to be found, here is 'part 3' from the Tower of Terror on youtube... an example of how 'scary' it is... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP9YRFFisBk&feature=related Check out Jays Ball & Chain podcast, just search 'ball & chain' in iTunes American Horror Story Promo (FX series)... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDb4SqqiQag&feature=related American Horror Story... Watch episodes here! :) ... http://vod.fxnetworks.com/watch/ahs Is Nicholas Cage a vampire? :O .... http://www.eonline.com/news/true_false_nicolas_cage_really_vampire/264691
On this week's episode the guys discuss the merits of creepypasta with possibly a potential point of origin being Ted’s Caving Page. This leads to a number of recommendations that you should all very much check out if you’re into creepy tales. Also, Matt is a LARPer and has some great battle stories involving far too much cardio, while Chris peaces out at the first lever in Twilight Princess’s Water Temple. There’s also some more talk on Resident Evil 7 and it’s DLC – too gamey? Perhaps. The main point of discussion is of course, the puzzling yet incredibly satisfying Pontypool. After all gushing over Stephen McHattie’s amazing turn as Grant Mazzy, we take a closer look at the events of the movie and what exactly could have been the starting point for the bizarre chaos that grips the small Canadian town. Refrain from using terms of endearment folks, Ken’s sunshine chopper rides again! Recorded: 12/03/17 Check us out on SoundCloud: https://tinyurl.com/sotdscloud Or rate and subscribe on iTunes: https://tinyurl.com/sotditunes We’re also on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/sotdyoutube Matt’s Channel: https://tinyurl.com/sotdmatt Chris’s Channel: https://tinyurl.com/sotdchris Tom’s Channel: https://tinyurl.com/sotdtom Links for stuff we discussed in the podcast: Ted’s Caving Page – http://www.angelfire.com/trek/caver/ Candle Cove creepypasta – http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/Candle_Cove Doors creepypasta – http://creepypasta.wikia.com/wiki/Doors Super Great Friend – https://www.youtube.com/user/supergreatfriend
Mrs. French's cat is missing.In a rather different take on the typical zombie story, Bruce McDonald's Pontypool (2008) has the English language as the infectious agent which drives people mad. Written by Tony Burgess (and based on his novel, Pontypool Changes Everything), the film stars Stephen McHattie as Grant Mazzy, a shock jock from the big city now working in backwater Ontario with his audio engineer Laurel-Ann (Georgina Reilly) and producer Syndey Briar (Lisa Houle).Mike discusses Pontypool with See Hear's Maurice Bursztynski.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Special Guests: Bruce McDonald, Tony BurgessGuest Co-Host: Maurice BursztynskiMrs. French's cat is missing.In a rather different take on the typical zombie story, Bruce McDonald's Pontypool (2008) has the English language as the infectious agent which drives people mad. Written by Tony Burgess (and based on his novel, Pontypool Changes Everything), the film stars Stephen McHattie as Grant Mazzy, a shock jock from the big city now working in backwater Ontario with his audio engineer Laurel-Ann (Georgina Reilly) and producer Syndey Briar (Lisa Houle).Mike discusses Pontypool with See Hear's Maurice Bursztynski.Buy Pontypool on DVDBuy Pontypool Changes Everything by Tony BurgessBuy the audio version of Pontypool Changes EverythingListen to the CBC Radio PlayVisit the official Claude Foisy website Visit the official Bruce McDonald websiteFollow Tony Burgess on TwitterFollow Bruce McDonald on TwitterListen to Maurice's band, the Ice HaloesListen to the I'm In Love With That Song podcast