Episode 6: John Carpenter's THEY LIVE (1988)

A down on his luck everyman (Roddy Piper) comes to Los Angeles, CA seeking work. He gets a construction job, meets Frank Armitage (Keith David), and stumbles on a pair of sunglasses that reveal the world as it truly is. The IMDB synopsis: "They influence our decisions without us knowing it. They numb our senses without us feeling it. They control our lives without us realizing it. They live." 

This is John Carpenter's adaptation of a Ray Nelson story and graphic novel, "Eight O'Clock in the morning." Though it is a send up of Reagan era economic policies, this film resonates with today's current economic and socio-political climate. Starring Roddy Piper, Meg Foster, Keith David, myriad other character actors that you'll recognize. Gwen and Gretchen dive into this thrilling sci-fi action horror classic, ponder the pulsing sync and blues soundtrack (by Carpenter and Alan Howarth), marvel at the 5 min long fight scene, and discuss a storyline that transcends the era in which it was made, but also has slightly sexist characters that could only have been made in the 80s!

Gwen and Gretchen Watch Movies is written and directed by Gwen Callahan and Gretchen Brooks. Recorded and edited by Martin Vavra at Galaxy Sailor Productions. Find us everywhere you listen to podcasts!

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