The Macabre Mister V

Michael Varrati is an actor, writer, and pop culture enthusiast. He's a purveyor of glam, gore, cinema, and coffee.

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 132: House Party - Midnight Mass

If they get caught it's all over. If they don't, it's just the beginning! This week, Peaches and Michael are sneaking out on a school night

If they get caught it's all over. If they don't, it's just the beginning! This week, Peaches and Michael are sneaking out on a school night in celebration of 1990’s HOUSE PARTY! In addition to discussing the cultural impact of Kid ‘n Play, our hosts delve into why this raucous classic was the perfect antidote to the teen movies that had come before. Joining the conversation is comedian and ASTRONOMY CLUB co-founder Shawtane Bowen, who speaks to the film’s foundational nature and his formative love for the comedy of Robin Harris. Then, iconic comic book author and artist William O. Tyler returns to explore this slice of cinema's undeniable message of Black joy...as well as his thoughts regarding the movie's abundance of hot men. From Full Force to high top fades, this episode has it all! 

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 84: The Room - Midnight Mass

Oh hi, Mark! This week, Peaches and Michael are spending some quality time on the roof in celebration of 2003’s THE ROOM! In addition to dis

Oh hi, Mark! This week, Peaches and Michael are spending some quality time on the roof in celebration of 2003’s THE ROOM! In addition to discussing Tommy Wiseau’s uniquely singular approach to storytelling, our hosts delve into this cult classic’s complicated presentation of female characters. Joining the discussion is acclaimed filmmaker H.P. Mendoza, who shares how his evolving relationship with the movie brought him to a new place of sympathy for its creator. Then, celebrated filmmaker Erick Lorinc stops by to dig into why THE ROOM’s reputation as one of “the worst movies ever” is unfairly assigned…and how its idiosyncrasies give it strength. From alley football to flower shop visits, this episode has it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 131: Mannequin - Midnight Mass

Nothing’s gonna stop us now! This week, Peaches and Michael are getting their window display just right in celebration of 1987’s MANNEQUIN!

Nothing’s gonna stop us now! This week, Peaches and Michael are getting their window display just right in celebration of 1987’s MANNEQUIN! In addition to discussing the film’s trailblazing queer portrayal courtesy of the iconic Hollywood Montrose, our hosts delve into this kitsch-classic’s commitment to kink. Joining the conversation is drag superstar Detox, who talks about how her lifetime of love for this Kim Cattrall fashion-forward flick inspired one of her most legendary signature performance pieces. From Estelle Getty to the shifty evils of James Spader, this episode has it all! 

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 130: Outrageous & Too Outrageous - Midnight Mass

Do something dazzling! This week, Peaches and Michael are perfecting their diva impersonations in celebration of 1977’s OUTRAGEOUS and 1987’

Do something dazzling! This week, Peaches and Michael are perfecting their diva impersonations in celebration of 1977’s OUTRAGEOUS and 1987’s TOO OUTRAGEOUS! In addition to discussing why this double feature is absolutely necessary for queer audiences, our hosts delve into Craig Russell’s undeniably monolithic place in the history of drag on the silver screen. Joining the conversation is filmmaker and drag artist extraordinaire Cotton Venus, who reveals how these movies and their star were a beacon to her growing up queer in Canada. Then, legendary drag superstar Jimmy James stops by to share her remembrances of making TOO OUTRAGEOUS! From Mae West to Tallulah Bankhead and beyond…this episode has it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

Leave your inhibitions at the door! This week, Peaches and Michael are doing up their nails real nice in celebration of 1995’s SHOWGIRLS! In addition to discussing Peaches’ own personal history of fostering the cult via three decades of raucous screenings, our hosts delve into the cultural misogyny that attempted to crush this classic…and the obsessed fans who brought it up out of the volcano. Joining the conversation is actor extraordinaire Peter Stickles, who shares how his deep love of this legendary erotic extravaganza continues to inspire him. Then, Penny/Hope herself, iconic star Rena Riffel stops by to tell stories from the set of SHOWGIRLS, as well as her work fostering the creation of SHOWGIRLS 2. From doggie chow to boat shows, this episode has got it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 128: The Silence of the Lambs - Midnight Mass

Enter the mind of a killer! This week, Peaches and Michael are enjoying fava beans with a nice chianti in celebration of 1991’s THE SILENCE

Enter the mind of a killer! This week, Peaches and Michael are enjoying fava beans with a nice chianti in celebration of 1991’s THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS! In addition to discussing the game-changing prestige of this horror classic, our hosts delve into the echoes of its problematic elements. Joining the conversation is drag artist extraordinaire Dakota D’Vil, who speaks about how an early viewing led to a lifelong obsession with the subversive world of Clarice, Dr. Lecter, and Buffalo Bill. Then, undeniable superstar and Hollywood icon Clea DuVall stops by to dig into her love of Demme’s macabre masterpiece, as well as the monolithic power of Jodie Foster! From Q Lazzarus to Precious the dog, this episode has it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 127: Beetlejuice - Midnight Mass

It’s showtime! This week, Peaches and Michael are feeling strange and unusual in celebration of 1988’s BEETLEJUICE! In addition to discussin

It’s showtime! This week, Peaches and Michael are feeling strange and unusual in celebration of 1988’s BEETLEJUICE! In addition to discussing how this foundational work from Tim Burton is a quintessential goth staple, our hosts delve into the overall cultural impact of cinema’s favorite ghost with the most. Joining the conversation is celebrated comic book writer David M. Booher, who shares how this tale of unconventional haunting continues to inspire him. Then, drag legend The Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy stops by to pay tribute to the indisputable legacy of the iconic Catherine O’Hara. From sandworms to sentient shrimp cocktails, this episode has it all! 

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 126: Supergirl - Midnight Mass

Adventure runs in the family! This week, Peaches and Michael are watching the skies in celebration of 1984’s SUPERGIRL! In addition to discu

Adventure runs in the family! This week, Peaches and Michael are watching the skies in celebration of 1984’s SUPERGIRL! In addition to discussing the dangers of runaway construction equipment, our hosts delve into the absolutely witchy wonder that is Faye Dunaway. Joining the conversation is celebrated author Mark O’ Connell, who digs into a lifetime of love for Argo City’s most glamorous resident. Then, acclaimed comic book writer Tim Sheridan stops by to talk about how this emerging cult classic’s strangeness is its strongest suit. From Brenda Vaccaro to the Phantom Zone, this episode has it all! Go!  

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 125: Chopping Mall - Midnight Mass

Have a nice day! This week, Peaches and Michael are hitting the Galleria in celebration of 1986’s CHOPPING MALL! In addition to discussing t

Have a nice day! This week, Peaches and Michael are hitting the Galleria in celebration of 1986’s CHOPPING MALL! In addition to discussing the power pairing of Kelli Maroney and Barbara Crampton, our hosts delve into the dangers of rampant gum chewing during a robot attack. Joining the conversation are Bryan and Dave White of the BRING ME THE AXE! podcast, who dig into their evolving relationship with this video rental era fave. Then, multifaceted podcaster and music artist Mae Shults stops by to explore how the Killbots provide a stunningly unique critique of capitalism. From freak thunderstorms to a Woronov/Bartel cameo, this episode has it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 124: Poltergeist - Midnight Mass

They’re here! This week, Peaches and Michael are haunting the suburbs in celebration of 1982’s POLTERGEIST! In addition to discussing this s

They’re here! This week, Peaches and Michael are haunting the suburbs in celebration of 1982’s POLTERGEIST! In addition to discussing this supernatural classic’s critique of Reagan-era capitalism, our hosts delve into the fiercely flawed cleaning skills of Zelda Rubinstein. Joining the conversation is producer/music director Christopher Hamblin, who speaks to the lasting power of the film’s iconic Carol Anne – Heather O’ Rourke. Then, television personality and ghost huntress extraordinaire Roz Hernandez stops by to dig into Cuesta Verde’s paranormal problems. From clown dolls to unmoved bodies, this episode has it all! Go!

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 123: The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Midnight Mass

Give yourself over to absolute pleasure! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a jump to the left in celebration of 1975's THE ROCKY HOR

Give yourself over to absolute pleasure! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a jump to the left in celebration of 1975's THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW! In addition to discussing this mother of all cult cinema's undeniable impact, our hosts delve into the recently wrapped fanfare marking the film's 50th anniversary. Joining the conversation is Columbia herself - the iconic "Little" Nell Campbell - to reflect on her strange journey with this zeitgeist defining phenomenon and how it continues to be a beacon for so many. From Frank N' Furter to floorshows, this episode has it all! Don't Dream It, Be It - GO! 

[dankmemeuniversity]

[griffstream]

Cosmic alignment…

[screechingcollectivecollectorus]

Fuck all of the good luck posts out there. Reblog this to immaculate your vibes

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 122: Violent Night - Midnight Mass

You better watch out! This week, Peaches and Michael are dodging the naughty list in celebration of 2022’s VIOLENT NIGHT! In addition to dis

You better watch out! This week, Peaches and Michael are dodging the naughty list in celebration of 2022’s VIOLENT NIGHT! In addition to discussing Santa’s bruiser daddy status, our hosts delve into why subverting the season can be so much fun. Joining the conversation is iconic film critic and author Alonso Duralde, who digs into why a nontraditional depiction of St. Nick is often exactly what we need. Then, the celebrated creators and screenwriters of VIOLENT NIGHT, Pat Casey and Josh Miller, stop by to talk about how they fostered a wild idea into a fierce, fight-filled, festive feature that became an instant cult classic. From Beverly D’Angelo to ornaments of death, this episode has it all! Go! 

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 121: A Nightmare on Elm Street - Midnight Mass

Don’t fall asleep! This week, Peaches and Michael are chugging coffee in celebration of 1984’s A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET! In addition to dis

Don’t fall asleep! This week, Peaches and Michael are chugging coffee in celebration of 1984’s A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET! In addition to discussing Freddy Krueger’s undeniable hold on pop culture, our hosts delve into how Wes Craven’s dreamscape forever altered the trajectory of horror cinema. Joining the conversation is legendary director of JAWBREAKER and G.B.F, Darren Stein, who not only speaks of his longtime love of this cult classic, but of its enduring resonance in genre circles and as a queer fave. From Nancy’s booby-traps to Ronnie Blakely’s mannequin, this episode has it all! Go!

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 120: Candyman - Midnight Mass

We dare you to say his name! On this week’s episode, Peaches and Michael are absolutely hooked on the idea of celebrating 1992’s CANDYMAN! I

We dare you to say his name! On this week’s episode, Peaches and Michael are absolutely hooked on the idea of celebrating 1992’s CANDYMAN! In addition to discussing the undeniable icon status of Tony Todd, our hosts delve into this dark fable’s continued sociopolitical relevance. Joining the conversation is podcast host extraordinaire DeVaughn Taylor, whose ongoing championing of the film has helped contribute to its place in the cultural conversation. Then, multi-faceted horror superstar Xero Gravity stops by to discuss CANDYMAN’s strengths, weaknesses, and ongoing power. From Helen Lyle’s hypnotic eyes to an insane amount of bees, this episode has it all! Go!

[michaelvarrati]

Episode 119: Dressed to Kill - Midnight Mass

The latest fashion…in murder! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a long stroll through the museum in celebration of 1980’s DRESSED TO

The latest fashion…in murder! This week, Peaches and Michael are taking a long stroll through the museum in celebration of 1980’s DRESSED TO KILL! In addition to tackling the film’s undeniably dubious elements, our hosts delve into this psychosexual classic’s place as an American giallo. Joining the conversation is renowned artist Drusilla Adeline, whose ongoing obsession with this movie continues to motivate her to dive deeper. Then, cult filmmaker extraordinaire Sam Irvin stops by to discuss his time working with Brian De Palma on the set of DRESSED TO KILL and beyond! From lengthy showers to Phil Donahue, this episode has it all! Go!

[chaoticdesertdweller]

Rare trade ad from the booklet "Universal Pictures of 1982" for Tommy Lee Wallace's "Halloween 3". This is the only time this particular ad was used and is notably missing the "Season of the Witch" subtitle.