Culture Corner
The Arts Desk’s weekly picks for music, movies and more
By BELLA PETERSON — arts@theaggie.org
TV Show: “Six Feet Under” created by Alan Ball (2001)
There’s nothing more captivating than a show that depicts the dysfunctional lives of a family that runs their own funeral home. “Six Feet Under” delivers a brilliant assortment of experiences for its viewers in this darkly comedic show. There are so many amazing things about this series — it’s impossible to name only a few. The strength of this family drama lies with its cast, decorated top to bottom with actors that, arguably, perform at their best. The characters feel brutally human in their journeys, and the key points in the show don’t hold back from bringing out the laughs and the tears from its audience in a moment's notice. “Six Feet Under” doesn’t hold the hand of the viewer in any regard, and even goes so far as to challenge them and their own perceptions of right and wrong.
Movie: “Lisa Frankenstein” dir. Zelda Williams (2024)
“Lisa Frankenstein” has not received the hype it deserves, which may just be the biggest crime of all. The film follows a young Lisa, played by the effortlessly comedic Kathryn Newton, as she navigates her life as a misunderstood teenage girl alongside The Creature, her reanimated creature friend. The script is delightfully hilarious, thanks to writer Diablo Cody, who’s best known for her work on “Juno” and “Jennifer’s Body.” It’s a common complaint that movies nowadays just aren’t colorful like they used to be, but the film makes good use out of its 80’s backdrops and brings vibrant colors back into the world of film. With exaggerated visuals, a killer soundtrack and deliriously funny performances from the entire cast — “Lisa Frankenstein” is an underrated masterpiece that has something for every camp-loving moviegoer.
Graphic Novel: “The Walking Dead: Days Gone Bye” by Robert Kirkman (2003)
Many people may think of the AMC television show when they hear the words “The Walking Dead” — however, the show wouldn’t exist without the original graphic novel series. Although the show is an adaptation of the story, the graphic novels differ in many ways from their counterpart. This first volume of the long-running series is immensely thrilling and everything one could ask for when entering the post-apocalyptic genre. When thinking of comics, we often imagine superheroes, but make no mistake here — this zombie-filled graphic novel is teeming with terrifying and gruesome sights. “Days Gone Bye” is the perfect first volume to set the tone for the rest of the story to unfold as it captures the characters and the world masterfully; it’s impossible to put down and completely enthralling.
Video Game: “Alice: Madness Returns” by American McGee (2011)
Fans of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” (2010) would be remiss to not check out American McGee’s adaptation of the story. Similar to Burton’s work, “Alice: Madness Returns” brings the tale of Alice to a darker place — the aesthetic is gothic and whimsical. This video game is technically a sequel, but positions itself effectively as an independent work. The main gameplay includes platforming and completing puzzles as Alice navigates a Wonderland unraveling before her eyes. McGee’s take on the world is vividly imagined through different levels of the game; from “Hatter’s Domain” and “Vale of Tears” to “Dollhouse” and “Frog’s Way,” the design of the game is ethereal to say the least. If not convinced by the visuals, then you’ll certainly be moved by the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.
Written by: Bella Peterson — arts@theaggie.org