345 - C.H.U.D. (1984)
Summary
Jeffrey Cranor and Cecil Baldwin discuss the 1984 horror film Chud, analyzing its neo-noir plot involving toxic waste monsters in New York City’s sewers. They draw parallels between the film’s tyrannical antagonist and Robert Moses, while praising the movie’s respectful portrayal of homeless characters and strong ensemble cast. The hosts also share personal anecdotes about living in Soho lofts and debate the practicality of different NYC housing types.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Sustain Pro dry eye relief
Intro, Patreon promo, and upcoming episode
New York history: Robert Moses and Penn Station
Soho, Williamsburg, and the film's setting
Discussion on loft apartments and living spaces
Personal anecdotes about apartments and cleaning
Introduction to Chud and its cast
Character actors and the screenwriter Parnell Hall
Acting styles and the movie's ending
Opening scene: Soho streets and street sweeping
George's photojournalism project
Neighbor Francine and the 'do not get involved' rule
Captain Bosch and the missing persons report
Critique of dialogue and character interactions
George and Lauren's relationship dynamics
Method acting and memorable lines
Nostalgia for answering machines
Lauren's independence and the 'Miserables' group
Mrs. Monroe's protectiveness and AJ Shepard
Sponsors: Quince and Shopify
Discovery of radiation equipment and hazmat gear
City officials prioritizing press over safety
Journalism standards and the value of photos
AJ's frustration and the mystery of 'Chud'
The inscrutable scene with the preppy man
Discussion on eating sepsis and mystery
Real estate values in Millbrook vs NYC
Conflict between Murphy and George
The sewer mission with flamethrowers
George's damsel-in-distress arc and script issues
Post-Vietnam themes and photojournalism in sewers
Lauren's basement and the growly floor gate
1930s style and future Emmy winners
Monsters at the diner window
Location scouting: Kenmare and the diner
AJ in the sewer basement and the gas plan
Corrosive acid and chud resistance
Jane Jacobs, eyes on the street, and empty Soho
Analysis of the Soho shouting scene
The long-necked chud and special effects
Victor's bite and the zombie effect
Sponsor: The Sink sleep aid
The 'chimichanga of chuds' and the chase
The microphone headset and John Heard's performance
Bosh finds his wife's severed head
Bosh's aggressive state and confrontation
Chud acronym and buried city secrets
Bosh is shot and Lauren steals a cop car
Final scene: The diner and Wilson's death
Epilogue: Chudding on Spring Street and the 6 train
Critique of gratuitous gore and child danger
Chud's reputation and influence on Jordan Peele
Criterion Collection April Fool's joke
Dice roll for next movie: Technology scare
Letterboxd lists and One Missed Call
Alma Dovar and 13B (Yavaram Nalam)
Cachet (Michael Haneke) and European suspense
Time loop murder mystery expectations
Meander (2020) and Fandango streaming
Trying new streaming apps
Pinocchio (1991) cyborg sex robot
Streaming options for Pinocchio
Inception inspiration and Ringu
Cube (2021) Japanese remake
Rapture (1979) Spanish arthouse horror
Teen biker gangsters and psychic abilities
Santo vs La Hija de Frankenstein
Comparison with Paprika
Choice of Shutter and language distribution
Final decision: Shutter and Haneke's slow burn
Outro and social media links
Patreon promo and credits
Scary story: Radioactive mutants and the 6 train
Listen ad-free on Castria