Documentaries to get you Theroux Self Isolation

Friday 03-04-2020 - 14:21
2020   article   free time fillers   louis theroux 01

We're living through strange times, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to escape from it all in our day-to-day lives. That’s why we’ve compiled our best documentaries for you to binge to forget about all the mayhem for a while. And who better to sooth your soul and remind you of simpler times than the national icon himself, king Louis Theroux. If you're a novice to his series (what else have you been doing?!) Louis documents his experience of living with extraordinary (in every context of the word) people, usually within American society. With Louis’ charismatic (mixed with equal amount of awkwardness) and non-judgmental manner, he is quickly invited into the lives of these people. Almost as a kind of odd British uncle, he steps up to the role and isn’t afraid to get over-involved in these people’s lives, which is what makes these docs such easy and hilarious watches. So, without further ado, we present our Top Picks of documentaries to get you Theroux self-isolation.

UFOs

We’re starting you off with an old school classic from the Weird Weekends series. UFOs documents Louis entering the lives of literal alien slayers. Or as you’ll hear one guy refer to himself, ‘Lord Commander of the Earth Protectorate’. What’s great about Louis’ presence in this ep (and all others now we’re thinking about it) is his over-involvement in these people’s lives. Louis finds himself alien hunting with his specially designed alien gun (what else?) and visiting an Extra-Terrestrial host who really, definitely summons Korton the extra-terrestrial to possess his body.

Born Again Christians

Louis heads to Dallas, Texas to meet evangelists keen to save his soul and vanquish him from an eternity of Hell. We’re sad to say, they were unsuccessful. From live Christian TV appearances to a revival, Louis fully immerses himself in the life of an evangelist, all whilst being pretty open about the fact he isn’t letting Jesus into his heart any time soon. He did, however, insist George Michael’s ‘Faith’ was a good addition to the classic hymns they played on the streets to recruit by passers to Christianity.

The Most Hated Family in America / America’s Most Hated Family in Crisis / Surviving America’s Most Hated Family

In a 3-part documentary series spanning over 12 years, Louis visits the Westboro Baptist Church of Kansas. Known predominantly for their extreme homophobia, picketing at American soldiers’ funerals and for their cult-like nature, this church made up almost entirely of 1 family are probably the most controversial church in America. Honestly, for about 90% of your viewing experience you'll be questioning whether you’re in fact watching a mockumentary. Louis interviews members of the church both young and old on their views, as well as documenting their daily activities (mostly, just being raging homophobes). Louis returns to the church throughout the years as members of the church disband, thereby resulting in disownment from the rest of their family. Again, there’s something about seeing people so intent on Louis Theroux going to Hell that makes for great British telly.

Porn / Twilight of the Porn Stars

In another edition of Weird Weekends, Louis Theroux enters the porn industry. This exploration into the adult entertainment business in LA covers the filming process, stars of the porn industry and even gives intel into ‘wooding’ issues and practical solutions for when they occur (we’ll let your imagination run wild). Buckle up as Louis prepares for his nude photoshoot and proceeds to star in his first porn movie (click here for your viewing pleasure - complete PG footage and we promise you won’t regret it).

15 years after filming this doc in 1997, Louis returns to the adult entertainment agency to investigate how changes within the industry have affected workers. With an endless stream of free content online and a decline of magazine and DVD demand, it’s interesting to see how this business have adapted their work in order to fit the changing climate.

Altered States: Love Without Limits

A stand-out from the rest as this episode was released only in 2018, but we had to include it as one of our faves. Louis explores polyamorous relationships in Portland, Oregon, where he is invited into the homes of couples who openly and transparently balance other romantic relationships besides their ‘original’ spouse. An interesting watch to say the least, especially as all the relationships we’re introduced to have different takes on what a polyamorous relationship is to them. For some, participants seem happy and liberated in their cutting-edge relationships. Others seem to be whimpering behind forced smiles as they try to convince us they are definitely, 100% content with Bob from high school sleeping with their wife. And to conclude, of course Louis Theroux comes unnecessarily close to partaking in an orgy.

Gambling in Las Vegas

It’s off to Las Vegas now for an insight into the lives of slot machine fanatics. From holiday makers to regulars, this episode provides you with a real glimpse into a hotel turned casino in Vegas. Louis gets to know customers who admit losing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the slots, as we witness the thrills of winning and the downfall of losing through our screens. What we love about this one though, is Louis trying his own hand at gambling. Come 5am, he’s still at the machines, showing again how involved he’s willing to get to really understand the people he’s documenting. Or maybe Theroux is in fact harbouring a gambling addiction.

Louis and the Brothel

Louis Theroux spends 6 weeks at a brothel. Need we say more? A summer at a sex workers office gives intel into the lives of brothel owners, sex workers and their clients. Louis investigates how the girls feel working in an often taboo line of work and discusses their relationships with the clients. It’s a bit of a longer episode at 1 hour 15 minutes, so grab some snacks and a brew, and enjoy Louis paying $200 for one of the girls to give him a ‘massage’.

There are of course so many more documentaries by Louis ready for you to discover. Some have a much more serious tone to them and convey important messages, often from inspiring people. You can check them out, as well as the ones we’ve highlighted here over on BBC iPlayer right now. Don’t forget to tweet us at @salfordsu, leave us a comment below or head to our Campus Connections group on Facebook to give us your personal Theroux recommendations.

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