Site • RSS • Apple PodcastsDescription (podcaster-provided):
A movie podcast inspired by a Werner Herzog quote, “We have to articulate ourselves, otherwise we would be cows in the field.” Hosted by Justin Khoo (professor of philosophy at MIT) and Laura Khoo (art historian turned fundraiser).Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Film analysis • Philosophy • Cultural critique • Celebrity guests • Sci-fi • Horror • Comedy • Thriller • Crime • Interviews with authors and artists • Thematic exploration • Classic and contemporary moviesThis podcast, titled "Cows in the Field," takes its inspiration from a Werner Herzog quote about the human need to articulate and express ideas, lest we become as passive as cows grazing in a field. Hosted by Justin Khoo, a philosophy professor at MIT, and Laura Khoo, an art historian turned fundraiser, the show focuses on in-depth discussions about films that offer rich thematic content and narrative complexity.
Each episode typically features the hosts discussing a specific film alongside a guest. The guests are drawn from diverse backgrounds, including philosophy, film criticism, journalism, and academia. Often, they are authors or hosts of other media-related podcasts. The discussions delve into a vast array of themes such as masculinity, mythmaking, heroism, art, conservatism, morality, and gender norms. They also explore practical effects, narrative structure, and the socio-political implications of movies.
From classic films to contemporary releases, this podcast explores both mainstream hits and less conventional films, taking a critical lens to genres including science fiction, horror, drama, comedy, and biopics. Recurring themes include analysis of the social and political dimensions of films, examinations of individualism versus institutionalism, and the exploration of cinematic techniques like digital cinematography.
The podcast frequently engages with philosophical discourse, highlighting how films reflect and challenge existing cultural narratives. It also discusses personal experiences that influence perceptions of film, occasionally touching on personal journeys of the guest speakers. In summary, "Cows in the Field" offers a comprehensive exploration of films that are not only visually engaging but also intellectually stimulating to its audience of film enthusiasts.
