Case File 045: Clarence Boddicker (RoboCop)

September 22, 2021 / Christopher Schrader

In some ways, this entire podcast is built around the idea that a hero is only as good as their villain. Looking at the original RoboCop through that lens, it's easy to understand why it's still held in such high esteem. There's A LOT to gush over in this film (and we do), but Kurtwood Smith's performance as Clarence Boddicker is unquestionably one of its highlights.

Topics include: our introductions to the film and the jarring mismatch between its ridiculous title and the actual content, how so many of its themes have become even more relevant in the last thirty years, why director Paul Verhoeven's outsider perspective on American culture gives the satirical elements extra bite, the way they push the violence to both humorous and horrifying effect, what makes Boddicker stand apart from other 80s action movie bad guys, the various sequels/spin-offs/cartoons/toys/etc., your answers to Ultimate Match Up, and much more!

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