This is another long-awaited subject that I was spurred to write for the podcast. Some spoilers are contained herein.

I have taken a long look at the versions of The Shining and the documentary Room 237 to really go in depth. One idea even posits that the movie has a symmetrical effect if you play it forwards and backwards, overlaid on top of one-another, each way.

So what really went on for the Torrence family in the Overlook hotel? The answer may just surprise you.

The auteur is a bit of an old-school concept in the world of cinema. Most people who can act, write, direct, and more, tend to do so one at a time, but there are some people who it all at once in a proverbial plate-spinning act.

Wearing that many proverbial hats at once can be a lot of burden, and sometimes it works: Orson Welles, Jerry Lewis, Kenneth Branagh.

So in this episode, I'll tell you a bit about two films by contemporary persons who set out to tell stories all their own, and whether or not they worked as well as you'd hope.

Songs sampled for bumps are by Rose Royce and Scissor Sisters.

Please keep any comments constructive and respectful.

Trigger warning: this discussion centers around relationships, abuse, and sexuality which some viewers may find upsetting or inappropriate for younger audiences. Discretion is advised.

This is a discussion that I have waited almost 25 years to have. I spent multiple semesters getting top marks in Psych courses, making the dean's list & national honors society just to get to the point where I can dissect the dysfunctional personalities in a flop raunchy comedy you probably don't even remember.

Strap in, because we're taking a deep dive on this one. It's literally a movie that I only really like for the ending, because the rest of it is immensely uncomfortable. What do I mean? Listen and find out.

As always, any comments in response should be constructive and respectful.