5AM StoryTalk Double Feature: Pulp Heroes Vs. the Third Reich
5AM StoryTalk Double Feature: Pulp Heroes Vs. the Third Reich
These two WWII-set films share more than a few similarities...
On the third Saturday of every month, 5AM StoryTalk curates a double feature for you to watch. The goal, as always, is to get us to look at and consider art and culture in new ways.
The philosophy of this double-feature series is primarily juxtaposition. Films are selected based on how they complement each other and reveal deeper truths about the other, but most often about filmmaking, culture, and the world we live in. Very little is offered in the way of explanation, as the process of discovery should be yours. We can discuss the films in the comments section, whether you’ve watched them or not, similar to how I operate this newsletter’s weekly question threads.
You’ll find this month’s double feature below…
DOUBLE FEATURE: UNCLE SAM WANTS YOU…TO GO ON AN ADVENTURE!
Two WWII-set, globe-trotting adventures involving fantastical elements — including an invisible potion and an all-powerful holy relic. You might be startled by how many other similarities you can list once you’re done watching both.
Feature #1: INVISIBLE AGENT (1942)
Written by Curt Siodmak; directed by Edwin L. Marin
“Sign this.”
“What is it?”
“Our common form of release. It merely states that you've been well-treated and that no one has harmed you.”
“I-I can't sign it.”
“You won't?”
“I can't. You've broken my fingers.”
Feature #2: RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)
Written by Lawrence Kasdan, story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman; directed by Steven Spielberg
“For the last two years, the Nazis have had teams of archaeologists running around the world looking for all sorts of religious artifacts. Hitler's a nut on the subject. He's crazy. He's obsessed with the occult. And right now, apparently, there is some kind of German archaeological dig going on in the desert outside Cairo.”
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I can't - you've broken my fingers. What a line! Somehow it feels wrong to laugh at that, which is a pity. Nothing for it now but to watch the whole movie and get the context, which was admittedly the point!
I haven't seen Invisible Agent. Putting it on my list now.