Top 5 Spielberg films, plus “Alien Medical Conditions”
This month, Steven Spielberg’s 35th feature film, “Disclosure Day” hit theatres. In honour of this Ali and Asif discuss their top 5 Spielberg films (after some inane banter about gift giving). (5:00) Listen to hear what the guys think about “Schindler’s List”, “Jaws”, “E.T.”, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “Munich” and "Jurassic Park”.
Then, since Disclosure Day is about aliens, in our medical section, the guys discuss two alien-like phenomena in medicine – alien hand syndrome and sleep paralysis (29:14), the latter of which has been implicated in so-called “alien abductions”. Asif starts by explaining the neurobiology of Alien Hand Syndrome, including how disruption of brain networks involved in voluntary movement can cause a limb to perform seemingly purposeful actions outside of conscious control. He also reviews the major causes, clinical features, diagnosis, and current treatment approaches. Then they discuss sleep paralysis, discussing how REM sleep physiology can produce temporary paralysis, vivid hallucinations, and a perceived presence. They then go into detail and explore the evidence that sleep paralysis provides a neurological explanation for many reported alien abduction experiences and examine how cultural beliefs influence the interpretation of these events.
As a bonus, Asif gives his spoiler filled thoughts on “Disclosure Day” (45:12)
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
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- Munich: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich_(2005_film)
- Death of a Hit Man: https://slate.com/culture/2005/12/steven-spielberg-s-munich.html
- Spielberg’s Munich courts controversy: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2006/1/1/spielbergs-munich-courts-controversy
- The Best Movie About Israel and Gaza Now Came Out 18 Years Ago: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/23/opinion/israel-gaza-munich.html
- Who Really Directed Poltergeist? https://slate.com/culture/2026/06/poltergeist-steven-spielberg-horror-movie-tobe-hooper-director.html
- Alien hand syndrome: Pathophysiology, semiology and differential diagnosis with psychiatric disorders (Review): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10963944/
- Sleep Paralysis in Brazilian Folklore and Other Cultures: A Brief Review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27656151/
- Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations during sleep paralysis: neurological and cultural construction of the night-mare: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10487786/
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