{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Hit Factory","title":"Charisma feat. Robert Rubsam","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/bfb7e575\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":6403,"description":"Writer and critic Robert Rubsam returns to the show to discuss Kiyoshi Kurosawa's enigmatic, unclassifiable thriller Charisma, the story of a failed hotage negotiator torn between factions of scientists, government agents, and madmen all fighting to decide the fate of a very unique tree in a mysterious, nameless forest. It's as strange as it sounds!\nWe discuss Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s vision of nature as a dialectical force where harmony and disorder coexist. Then we debate the film’s titular tree, Chrisma. Is it malevolent, toxic, or a neutral force weaponized by humankind? Finally, we trace Kurosawa’s lineage through filmmakers like David Cronenberg and the great journeyman Richard Fleischer, and how their influence, filtered through his austere style, produces a deeper sense of distance and unease. \nFollow Robert Rubsam on Twitter.\nRead Rob on spiritual cinema (The Testament of Ann Lee, Sirāt, & Revelations of Divine Love) at The Baffler.\nGet access to all of our premium episodes and bonus content by becoming a Hit Factory Patron for just $5/month.\n.\n.\n.\n.\nOur theme song is \"Mirror\" by Chris Fish. ","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/w3xxeT7j6QImFQd9WPi27NuU4F6pBtgBGrXYp2WG5-k/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzEyMTczLzE2MTMz/NTY5NjEtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}