This week we discuss two very different films, both reflecting a bygone era of classic entertainment. Firstly, an interpretation of the 1954 Japanese classic Godzilla, made in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Its unusual for a couple of reasons: its been made on a handheld Nintendo Switch in a game not really known for its creative application, and its been released only on X (Twitter). Its timing is perfect to capitalize on all the film and TV series hype at the moment so it was always going to find an appreciative audience – definitely one to check out. Secondly, Phil has created an iClone and AI-based video to the Tom Lehrer song, Lobachevsky – its the ultimate accompaniment to this well-known political satire. Phil discusses his creative process in its making and we also discuss how the original song came to be made at a time when Lehrer was walking a tightrope for a few reasons, so we reflect on its timing and impact.

YouTube Version of This Episode

Show Notes & Links

Shinto Ritual by Sumoguri2323, released 23 Nov 2023 –

神事#ゼルダの伝説 #TearsOfTheKingdom #Zelda #ゴジラ pic.twitter.com/cukf2fbCrq

— スモグリ (@sumoguri2323) November 23, 2023

Original trailer for Godzilla 1954, by Toho –

Lobachevsky – Tom Lehrer – The secret to success in mathematics by zsOverman (Phil Rice), released 10 Nov 2023 –

How Phil used AI to create the math scene he mentions –

The Stanislavsky routine which was allegedly the original inspiration for Lehrer’s song

Tom Lehrer at 90! Here’s a great article in Nature about his life’s work

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