The Teenage Desires Driving John Carpenter’s ‘Christine’ [Horror Queers Podcast]
Smart Sl*t
After a month spent tackling doppelgänger titles like Invasion of the Body Snatchers (listen) and The Stepford Wives (listen), we briefly hit pause to discuss Panic Room (listen), then went back to doubles with Disturbing Behavior. Now it’s time for a 180 with a look at John Carpenter‘s adaptation of Stephen King‘s book, Christine (1983).
In the film, Keith Gordon stars as Arnie, a shy nerd in high school with a single good friend: Dennis (John Stockwell). When Arnie spots a cherry red 1958 Plymouth Fury named Christine, however, everything changes…including his behavior.
The once shy and timid boy dresses different, pursues a relationship with new student Leigh (Alexandra Paul), and becomes more aggressive with everyone, including his parents and Dennis. After drawing the ire of a trio of thugs, led by Buddy (William Ostrander), Arnie’s beloved car is destroyed, but the vehicle seems to have a life – and a will – of its own.
Now it’s up to Dennis and Leigh to rescue Arnie and stop the killer car before they find themselves on its jealous hit list!
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Episode 330: Christine (1983)
Tabitha! We’re talking about another Stephen King adaptation with John Carpenter’s workman-like take on Christine (1983).
It’s “shitty teen boys: the movie” as we discuss toxic masculinity and male entitlement, Arnie and Dennis’ homoeroticism, and the film’s inability to name its female lead.
Plus: book to film comparisons, debate about Arnie’s complicity, lamenting the thin characterizations, and a “King adaptations of the 80s” game!
Coming up on Wednesday: We’re preparing for Alien Day with a look at the wet and horny Alien Resurrection (1997).
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