I'm joined by Nashville's leading film critic, curator and connoisseur Jason Shawhan to discuss THE LEGEND OF BILLIE JEAN. An overtly feminist, covertly queer cult classic from 1985 that deftly explores America's rampant classist bias, unbridled misogyny, protest movements dissolving into marketing opportunities, new technology role platforming & amplifying previously ignored and silenced voices (the home video-camera being the TikTok of 1985), the complex nature of our fame-obsessed world and so much more - all wrapped in a a shiny, gorgeously photographed package.
Generally dismissed by critics and audiences alike upon initial release, THE LEGEND OF BILLIE JEAN is a true cult classic, beloved by everyone who resonated with another gem of a film discovered by most viewers via home video and cable.
Featuring fabulous performances from Helen Slater, Peter Coyote, Keith Gordon, Dean Stockwell and Yeardly Smith (AKA the voice of Lisa on The Simpsons) and a brilliant score (Pat Benetar's iconic "Invincible" was written expressly for BILLE JEAN and produced by our friend Mike Chapman), this comment on American values is as relevant today as it was upon original release
.For more Jason Shawhan:
https://x.com/jshawhan?s=21&t=2TXy7cSLOHZN-Ef4khov0A
http://rebirthoftheflesh.blogspot.com/
Jason & Sam Inglis host FEARLESS PRETENDER- The Only Podcast That Provides Extensive Analysis of Every-Single Film & Television Show Featuring Jennifer Jason-Leigh.
https://open.spotify.com/show/17u9DSmsiByQ56LijyERoo
Here my guest spot on the episode devoted to the bizarro Rodney Dangerfield classic EASY MONEY
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5WVJsIaVmRSx4HfxjtZvm1?si=IRopJVbdQYWytOJ4tWXIGg
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