Movies vs. Capitalism

Latest Episodes:

Ask a Marxist - Part II (w/ Harvey Kaye) - [PATREON PREVIEW] Sep 27, 2024

Show notes

Rivka and Frank are rejoined by author, professor, and MVC’s resident historian Harvey Kaye for part two of Ask a Marxist. In this episode, Harvey names his favorite progressive speakers, continues debunking capitalist myths, and discuss current organizing strategies.

The New Economic Bill of Rights - Comic Strip (Common Dreams)
We will be posting the full reading list from this episode on our Patreon Page.

For next week, we'll be watching the 1991 live-action Peter Pan adaptation starring Robin Williams, Hook.

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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.

Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Slacker (w/ Marie Buck and Matthew Walker) Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

Rivka and Frank are joined by Marie Buck and Mathew Walker, co-authors of Spoilers (Golias Books, 2024), a book about watching movies with people you love, to discuss Richard Linklater’s 1991 film Slacker, an ode to Austin and Generation X. They dive into how the film captures the aimlessness of the era while embodying the distinct Slacker ethos. The group also explores themes of conspiracy, a fractured left, and the enduring relevance of Slacker in today's cultural landscape.

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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.

Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Ask a Marxist - Part I (w/ Harvey Kaye) Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

Frank is joined once again by author, professor, and MVC all-star Harvey Kaye for a special episode: Ask a Marxist. In this episode, Harvey tackles listener questions, covering everything from debunking capitalist myths to recommended reading for those beginning their Marxist journey. (Rivka is on vacation but will return for part two.)"

The New Economic Bill of Rights - Comic Strip (Common Dreams)
We will be posting the full reading list from this episode on our Patreon Page.

For next week, we'll be watching Richard Linklater's 1991 debut feature, Slacker.

🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝

www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism

MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.

Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Showgirls (w/ Jenna Cosgrove) Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

Rivka and Frank are joined by author, screenwriter, and director Jenna Cosgrove to discuss 1995 cult classic Showgirls. They unpack the film’s brutally honest depiction of the commodification of the female body and sexual exploitation, and the class divide between the Cheetah Club and the Stardust Hotel. They also discuss how Verhoeven is actually the bad guy of the film, while Elizabeth Berkeley deserves all of the credit.

For next week, we’ll be breaking from our regular format to present a special episode: Ask a Marxist with Harvey Kaye.

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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.

Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Duck Soup (w/ Branson Reese) Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

Rivka and Frank are joined once again by comedian, writer, and illustrator Branson Reese to discuss the Marx Brothers' classic, Duck Soup. Together, they explore the anti-comedy style of the Marx Brothers, the political and cultural legacy of their work, and the film's anti-fascist and anarchic themes.

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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.

Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Natural Born Killers [PATREON PREVIEW] Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

Rivka and Frank unpack Oliver Stone’s 1994 psychological action thriller Natural Born Killers. They get into whether the film was successful in its satirization of violence in the media or if it just ended up glorifying it, how the performances still hold up, and Frank reveals if he ever got the NBK tattoo he wanted as a teenager…

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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching The Marx Brothers 1933 classic Duck Soup.

Rocky (w/ Pamela Capalad & Dyalekt) Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

Rivka and Frank are joined by Pamela Capalad and Dyalekt, an anti-capitalist artist power couple who co-founded a financial liberation program for creators of color called See Change. The group discusses Sylvester Stallone's 1976 American classic, Rocky, and how its characters and themes are deeply rooted in the fabric of American capitalism, from the glorification of the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality to the starving artist trope perpetuated by Stallone. They also explore Rocky as the "Great White Hope," examining the triumph of white, working-class individualism in response to the collectivism of the Black Panther Party, the Civil Rights movement, and affirmative action of the era.

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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.

Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

MVC update Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

MVC will be taking an indefinite hiatus while Frank deals with his back injury - we'll hopefully be back in the next few weeks or months. You can listen to Frank's announcement here.

Love you, comrades. We'll talk to you soon.

Gremlins 2: The New Batch (w/ Daniel Bessner) Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

Rivka and Frank are joined by historian and co-host of the American Prestige podcast, Daniel Bessner, to discuss Joe Dante’s 1990 cult classic, Gremlins 2: The New Batch. They explore the film’s anti-capitalist themes, its self-aware satire of franchised movie sequels, and, naturally, which Gremlin has the best politics.

🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝

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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.

Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Snowpiercer Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

Rivka and Frank delve into Bong Joon-ho’s 2013 climate horror thriller, Snowpiercer. They explore how the film's deep Marxist themes make it an ideal choice for discussing class warfare. They also examine the role of collaborators in revolutionary movements, the symbolism of airplanes as reminders of our modern caste system, and why Captain America was the perfect choice to star in this movie.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching Joe Dante’s 1990 cult classic Gremlins 2: The new batch.

🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝

www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism

MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.

Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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