Mary Harron’s first feature-length film, I SHOT ANDY WARHOL (1996), made a big splash during the heyday of ‘90s independent films. Seamlessly blending historical figures, events and some fiction, Harron crafted a gritty, true-to-life depiction of an almost forgotten moment in time. This critically acclaimed, indie darling made its mark in queer cinema, even upsetting some who lived through the experience, yet still remains a gripping, non-exploitative remembrance of the beginning of the end for two very real people.
▶️Synopsis: Based on a true story, this narrative follows fringe culture activist Valerie Solanas’ life, radical feminist writings and introduction to Andy Warhol, leading to her attempted murder of the legendary artist.
⏩⏩Discussions include: Background on counter-culture, creative minds, Valerie Solanas and Andy Warhol; how writer/director Mary Harron researched and developed the focus for this true story; deciphering fact from fiction; the film’s style, setting and inspiration; Lili Taylor’s of embodiment of the Solanas role, along with an impressive supporting cast; Solanas’ writings and contemporary relevance; the reaction to making a movie about a real-life attempted murder. **Starring Lili Taylor, Jared Harris, Martha Plimpton, Stephen Dorff. Directed by Mary Harron.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, DOGFIGHT (1991): After trying to make amends for a mean-spirited game, a Vietnam solider and young woman end up falling in love over the course of one night. **Starring Lili Taylor, River Phoenix. Directed by Nancy Savoca.**
—Justin’s Pick, RUNNING ON EMPTY (1988): After becoming accustomed to being fugitives, a married couple’s son begins to pull away from his family as he comes of age. **Starring Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch, Martha Plimpton, River Phoenix. Directed by Sidney Lumet.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: After crashing the biggest private party New York had ever seen, what were the first words Billy ever uttered to Andy Warhol?
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: Shout-out to Donovan Leitch; The Velvet Underground and Yo La Tengo’s connection to I SHOT ANDY WARHOL; personal thoughts on Solanas’ motive for murder and reemergence of her script, Up Your Ass.
▶️NEXT UP: MISERY (1990)!
Episode 115 : Donnie Darko
Episode 114 : Party Girl
Episode 113 : The Before Trilogy
Episode 112 : The Exorcist
Episode 111 : After Hours
Episode 110 : Evil Dead 2
Episode 109 : Teen Wolf
Episode 108 : American Psycho
Episode 107 : Se7en
Episode 106 : National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
Episode 105 : School Of Rock
Episode 104 : Menace II Society
Episode 103 : The Fugitive
Episode 102 : The Obsession From Hell (90’s Special)
Episode 101 : Groundhog Day
Episode 100 : Die Hard
Episode 99 : A Few Good Men
Episode 98 : Poltergeist (1982)
Episode 97 : The Ring
Episode 96 : Reservoir Dogs
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