Holy Smoke (Jane Campion 1999) w/ Eugina Gelbelman

Mar 4

Felicia is joined once again by Eugina Gelbelman [listen to our episodes on Trouble Every Day (Claire Denis 2001), and Dressed to Kill (Brian De Palma 1980)], to discuss Jane Campion’s story of cults and gendered sexual dynamics, in Holy Smoke (1999).

We chat about the concept of being a privileged outsider in another country, and how certain cultures look down on others. Along with the psychosexual dynamics between men and women, and why that has been a constant interest for Campion throughout her career.

This is the final Jane Campion episode, and I couldn’t think of a better film to bookend the series with. I’m grateful to anyone who has listened along, to those who are discovering these films for the first time, and those who are inspired to give them a rewatch.

Send us your thoughts on the episode - do you think Ruth was in an actual cult? Let us know by sending us a message on any of our social platforms or by email: seeingfacesinmovies@gmail.com

Follow Eugina here:
IG: @euginareviews
IG: @pomegranatepicturesfilm
LB: @sunnyrasputin

Sources:
Holy Smoke (1999) - Trivia - IMDb

`Holy Smoke': A Spiritual Tug of War in the Australian Outback (nytimes.com)

Holy Smoke (variety.com)

BFI | Sight & Sound | Holy Smoke (1999)
Holy Smoke - Movie Review : Alternate Ending

Never a Native: Deconstructing Home and Heart in Holy Smoke – Senses of Cinema

Holy Smoke! by Jane Campion retro review - The Spool | The Spool

OUTRO SONG:
Die Matrosen by Kleenex

FILMS MENTIONED:
Trouble Every Day (Claire Denis 2001)

Dressed to Kill (Brian De Palma 1980)

Passages (Ira Sachs 2023)

The Getaway (Roger Donaldson 1994)

Fair Play (Chloe Domont 2023)