Dr. Maria brings in Alex Gibney's 2016 documentary, Zero Days, about Stuxnet - a computer worm designed by the US Government. Capable of taking out industrial control systems (power grids, ATMs, telecommunications), it was initially designed to scupper Iran's nuclear program, but the virus/worm grew to be a much bigger threat.
Dr. Maria talks to Mikey about the 'Tasmanian Twin Peaks' television series, The Kettering Incident. What is it about the hyperreal, the surreal + TV narratives set in small towns? Also: Mike talks a fair bit about hippos. Fair enough.
Dr. Maria talks to Mikey about The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, a 2016 feature-length documentary by Morgan Neville about Silkroad, Yo-Yo Ma's arts and educational organization that connects musicians, composers, artists and audiences from around the world to promote multicultural artistic collaboration.
Dr. Maria talks to Mikey about One Punch Man: a Japanese superhero parody webcomic turned anime about an average superhero who's grown bored of his ability to fell any enemy with a single punch.
Dr. Maria reviews German comedy/drama Toni Erdmann, a hefty three hour depiction of an aging father's attempts to embarrass his fusty corporate daughter out of her straight-laced ways. And into, erm, 'nunches'. (You'll have to listen.) Due for a Jack Nicholson led remake in the near future, does Erdmann surpass the sad stereotypes surrounding the German sense of humour? Or add fuel to the trope-y fire?
Dr. Maria reviews new documentary David Lynch: The Art Life, a detailed look into the life of the celebrated cinematic auteur that includes footage from over 20 interviews that took place in Lynch's own home. Mike strays down a very Lynchian path, while Rob, Maria and Sarah stay happily in the gutter.
Dr. Maria Walls reviews 2015 Danish-German historical drama war film "Land of Mine" directed by Martin Zandvliet. Mikey reels off a few classic tales about World War II era NZ.
Dr. Maria Walls joins Mikey to chat about Risk. A documentary which focuses on Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Capturing this story, director Laura Poitras finds herself caught between the motives and contradictions of Assange and his inner circle.
In what is possibly the best Madman DVD Review of all time, Maria reviews Mary & the Witch's Flower psychically. 'Psychically' as in, erm... she hasn't seen it. But instead of skiving off with an excuse, Dr. Walls is still here for the bFM listener. Such is her dedication to the station, folks. You're welcome.
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