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Movies vs. Capitalism — TV & Film
Movies vs. Capitalism

MOVIES VS. CAPITALISM explores the politics of your favorite films through an anti-capitalist lens and the crucial intersection between pop culture and politics. Each episode, hosts Rivka and Frank are joined by a guest for a critical discussion about a movie and the ideological messages baked into it.

Copyright: © 2023 The Lever

Latest Episodes:

A Bug’s Life (w/ Ellory Smith) Apr 03, 2025

Rivka and Frank are joined by 3 time Emmy Nominated writer and comedian Ellory Smith to discuss the 1998 Disney / Pixar film A Bug’s Life. The trio deep dive into this radical animation, discussing its themes of exploitation and surplus value. They also discuss how the circus bugs symbolize mutual aid, and, in a controversial twist, they ask: Is Flick actually the hyper-individualistic villain of the story?

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1995 Robin Williams classic, Jumanji.

🤝 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

Up in the Air (w/ Marianne Williamson) Mar 27, 2025

Rivka and Frank are joined by author, activist, and former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson to discuss Jason Reitman’s 2009 comedy drama Up in the Air — a movie where George Clooney flies around the country firing people. The three discuss the film’s context coming out shortly after the 2008 financial crisis, the film’s depiction of “corporate loyalty” culture, and how treating people like numbers on a spreadsheet leads to feelings of extreme alienation.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1998 Disney / Pixar film A Bug’s Life.

🤝 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

Be Kind Rewind (w/ Jesse Jae Hoon) Mar 20, 2025

Rivka and Frank are joined by organizer and playwright Jesse Jae Hoon to delve into the 2008 Michel Gondry film Be Kind Rewind. Together, the trio explore how this quirky comedy, starring Mos Def and Jack Black, offers a poignant commentary on the power of community organizing and storytelling within movements. Frank and Rivka also discuss the current workers strike at Alamo Drafthouse.

Next week, we'll be watching the 2009 George Clooney dramedy Up in the Air with special guest Marianne Williamson. .

🤝 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

I Saw the TV Glow [PATREON PREVIEW] Mar 13, 2025

Rivka and Frank join forces to dissect the 2024 indie horror gem I Saw the TV Glow, directed by Jane Schoenbrun. The pair dive into the film's political subtext, its hauntingly beautiful portrayal of suburban oppression, and its poignant power as a trans allegory.

🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝

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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2008 comedy Be Kind Rewind.

Monsters, Inc. (w/ Cassie Willson) Mar 07, 2025

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian Cassie Willson to discuss the 2001 Pixar classic Monsters, Inc. The trio dives into how the story of two monsters whose job is to extract energy through the exploitation of vulnerable human children offers a rich political allegory. This week, Rivka and Frank also cover the 2025 Oscars.

Next week, we'll be watching the 2024 horror-fantasy I Saw the TV Glow.

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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

Anora [UNLOCKED] Mar 03, 2025

Following Anora's big night at the Academy Awards, we're UNLOCKING our Patreon episode on the film, which some have described as the "most comprehensive Anora podcast of all time."

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JAN. 30: Rivka and Frank unpack the varied politics of Best Picture Oscar winner Anora, directed by Sean Baker with a breakout performance by Mikey Madison. The two discuss everything from the politics of sex workers on screen, fuck boys with oligarch daddy issues, Sean Baker’s legacy, and more.

🤝 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

100TH EPISODE: Big Night (w/ Tom Cappello) Feb 27, 2025

Rivka and Frank are celebrating their 100th episode of Movies VS Capitalism with a very special guest—Frank's dad, Tom Cappello! With over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Tom brings a deeply personal perspective to the hit 1996 Stanley Tucci film Big Night. In this milestone episode, the trio dives into the politics of cooking—particularly how authentic cuisine is a form of resistance—and explores the impact of assimilation on Italian immigrants in America, plus the internalization of the American Dream.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2024 horror fantasy, I Saw the TV Glow.

🤝 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

A Complete Unknown (w/ Svetlana Kitto) Feb 20, 2025

Rivka and Frank are joined by writer Svetlana Kitto to discuss the 2024 Timothée Chalamet Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. The trio examines whether the film delves deeply enough into the politics of its time. They also explore whether it matters if an artist considers themselves political, how the women in the film manage to shine despite their shallow character arcs, and why most musicians today are considered cowards.

Svetlana’s Writing

For next week’s movie, we’ll be celebrating our 100th episode by watching the 1996 comedy Big Night with a very special guest - Frank’s dad!

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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

The Substance (w/ Kate Eastman) Feb 14, 2025

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor Kate Eastman to dive into the 2024 body horror thriller The Substance, a film that tackles the twisted intersections of beauty, capitalism, and patriarchy. The trio explores how this movie craftfully unpacks the moralization of beauty and self-care as a form of imprisonment, and why horror is the perfect genre for director Coralie Fargeat to make her unsettling, yet strangely insightful, statement.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2024 Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

🤝 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

Bezos: the Beginning (w/ Sean Morrow) Feb 06, 2025

Rivka and Frank are joined by Sean Morrow of More Perfect Union to dive into the utterly bonkers straight-to-streaming biopic about everyone’s favorite capitalist, Jeff Bezos. Sean pitches it as a contender for the "so-bad-it's-good" hall of fame alongside The Room, and the trio explores why, against all odds, this might just be an accidental anti-capitalist masterpiece. Oh, and did we mention the villain? None other than Kevin Sorbo as the CEO of Barnes & Noble. Yes, really.

More Perfect Union

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2024 body horror thriller The Substance.

🤝 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

Anora [PATREON PREVIEW] Jan 30, 2025

Rivka and Frank are back with another “duet” episode, diving into the 2024 indie darling and Oscar-nominated film Anora, directed by Sean Baker with a breakout performance by Mikey Madison. The two discuss everything from the politics of sex workers on screen, fuck boys with oligarchy daddy issues, Sean Baker’s legacy, and more. This may in fact be the world’s most comprehensive Anora podcast ;) … You don’t want to miss it.

🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝

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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2022 biopic about the founder of Amazon — Bezos: the Beginning — which is available to watch for free on the Roku channel.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (w/ Harvey Kaye) Jan 24, 2025

Rivka and Frank are joined by podcast favorite Harvey Kaye for a heated debate about the 1971 children's classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Is Wonka, the eccentric chocolate genius played by the brilliant Gene Wilder, simply a monstrous capitalist factory owner? And will Charlie, with his working-class roots, follow in his footsteps—or is he the one who can turn the factory around?

'Do You Hear What I Hear?' When Will Democrats Listen? - Harvey Kaye & Matt Strackbein

For next week, we'll be watching the 2024 Palme d'Or winner Anora.

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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

UHF (w/ Jade Kim) Jan 16, 2025

Rivka and Frank are joined by science communicator and YouTube host Jade Kim to discuss the 1989 “Weird Al” Yankovic comedy UHF. Jade and Frank are HUGE Weird Al fans, and Rivka is… patient. But even though this zany, fantastical movie starring the world’s greatest song parodist and incredible live performer (Frank wrote this copy, FYI), the movie still manages to have strong opinions about the hyper-sensationalism of the modern TV era, the ruthlessness of market competition, and the value of public utility ownership. Also Weird Al rules.

mutualaidla.org

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1971 children’s classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

🤝 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

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (w/ Will from About Face) Jan 09, 2025

Rivka and Frank are joined by Will, a US Army veteran and member of the organization About Face: Veterans Against the War, to discuss the 2016 Star Wars standalone movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

The group discusses the film’s themes around imperialism, war, revolution, radicalism, and what it means to compromise one’s morals for the sake of the “greater good.” They also ask the important question: what the hell was Forest Whitaker thinking?

About Face: Veterans Against the War

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1989 “Weird Al” Yankovic comedy UHF.

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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

Miracle on 34th Street Dec 19, 2024

Rivka and Frank close out the year with a final “holiday duet” on the Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street. They debate whether Kris Kringle is in fact the REAL Santa or just the world’s greatest salesman. Released during the second Red Scare, it’s unsurprising that the film’s core moral is the need for “altruistic capitalism.” But is it OK to allow a potentially unwell old man around thousands of children? As long as he’s making money — who cares, it turns out! Don’t get us wrong, we both love this movie but HOLY SHIT this story is wild.

MVC will be off until 2025, but we’ll be back with an episode on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

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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

Scrooged [PATREON PREVIEW] Dec 13, 2024

Rivka and Frank dive into Frank’s favorite Christmas movie, Scrooged, sparking a spirited debate: is this the story of genuine redemption or just a liberal fever dream where a narcissistic old white guy sprinkles a little charity while propping up capitalism's comfy cushions? Is Dickens rolling in his grave, or would he be giving a ghostly thumbs-up? Of course, they can’t resist unpacking their wild theories about Luigi, the claims adjuster—trust us, you don’t want to miss it.

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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the classic American holiday film Miracle on 34th Street.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (w/ Evan from LOTP) Dec 06, 2024

Rivka and Frank welcome back Evan from Left of the Projector podcast to discuss the upper-middle-class fever dream that is Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Could this movie even exist if Kevin McCallister weren’t a white affluent child? Zero percent chance. The condescension, the entitlement, the PIGEON LADY. They talk about it all, plus who Mr. Duncan would have supported in the 2020 Democratic primary.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1988 Bill Murray Christmas classic, Scrooged.

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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

Alien: Romulus (w/ Joe Mayall) Nov 21, 2024

Rivka and Frank welcome back returning guest Joe Mayall to talk about the latest installment in the Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus. They appreciate how director Fede Álvarez doubles down on the anti-corporate themes of the original Alien, while finding new ways to freak the shit out of his audience. They also agree that android Andy stole the movie and unpack how his character arc is a sharp critique of AI.

JoeWrote.com

We’ll be taking off next week for Thanksgiving! We’ll be back the following week with holiday movies :)

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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

Saturday Night Fever (w/ Jon Shelton) Nov 15, 2024

Jon Shelton (author of The Education Myth: How Human Capital Trumped Social Democracy ) returns to MVC to talk about the 1977 Disco Movie phenomenon Saturday Night Fever. Rivka, Frank, and Matt explore the cultural amnesia surrounding the film’s plot, its commentary on 1970s working-class politics, and its fascinating origin story.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2024 sci-fi horror movie Alien: Romulus.

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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

Killing Them Softly (w/ Matt Strackbein) Nov 06, 2024

Matt Strackbein (AKA The Letterhack) is back on MVC to talk about Andrew Dominik’s bleak 2012 crime drama Killing Them Softly. Rivka, Frank, and Matt discuss how the film, set during the 2008 financial crisis, serves as a subtextual critique of Obama’s first term, how the “criminal” economy drives the plot of the film, and how the film’s nihilism has become even more relatable today than when it was released.

A New Economic Bill of Rights for the 21st Century

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1977 John Travolta smash hit Saturday Night Fever.

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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

Drag Me To Hell Nov 01, 2024

Rivka and Frank return for another "duet" episode, diving into Sam Raimi's 2009 horror-comedy Drag Me to Hell. This time, they explore whether the film serves as a horror story about class betrayal or a metaphor for eating disorders under capitalism. They also discuss the film's problematic racial tropes and consider the director's political intentions.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching another 2012 pic, the crime drama Killing Them Softly.

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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 3 (w/ Harvey Kaye) [PATREON PREVIEW] Oct 24, 2024

Harvey Kaye returns for the dramatic final installment of our Ask a Marxist series. In this final episode, Rivka and Frank get Harvey’s take on the Democratic party, revolution, and what he would do as the *democratically elected* president of the U.S.

🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝

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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2009 horror movie Drag Me to Hell.

The Cabin in the Woods Oct 18, 2024

Rivka and Frank are back with another “duet” episode, diving into the 2012 horror-comedy The Cabin in the Woods. A Frank favorite, this film surprises with its sharp critique of capitalism's relentless need for human sacrifice. The duo also can’t resist touching on the latest political chatter sparked by Love Is Blind.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching another 2012 pic, the crime drama Killing Them Softly.

🤝 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

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (w/ Zachary Marlow) Oct 10, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by radical filmmaker and organizer with Moneyless Society, Zachary Marlow, for a silly-voiced conversation about the 1975 comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. They discuss how the Pythons used comedy to speak truth to power within British society, the transformation of feudalism into capitalism into what some are now calling “neo-feudalism,” and why Dennis the peasant has better politics than God.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching Frank’s spooky season favorite, The Cabin in the Woods.

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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

Hook (w/ Larry Powell) Oct 04, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by award-winning infini-hyphenate artist Larry Powell (they/them) to discuss Steven Spielberg's 1991 classic Hook. Beloved by many, this live-action Peter Pan story starring Robin Williams doubles as a critique of capitalism's impact on family structure, reminding us of the importance of reconnecting with our inner child and radical imagination. The group also delves into the colonial nature of Neverland and its gender politics.

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

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.

🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE 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

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

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

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 🤝

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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

Showgirls (w/ Jenna Cosgrove) Aug 30, 2024

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

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

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…

🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝

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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

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

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

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.

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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

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 🤝

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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

Capitalism, A Love Story (w/ Harvey Kaye) [PATREON PREVIEW] Jun 26, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by MVC all-star Harvey Kaye to discuss Michael Moore’s 2009 documentary Capitalism, A Love Story. They talk about the film’s radicalizing potential, its portrayal of the 2008 financial crisis, what Moore could have done better, and Obama.

🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝

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Next week’s movie will be Bong Joon-ho’s sci-fi action masterpiece Snowpiercer.

Rat Race (w/ Thalia Sablon) Jun 19, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by playwright Thalia Sablon for a conversation about the wild 2001 screwball comedy Rat Race. They discuss how the film's celebrity-packed cast represents a dying culture, the shockingly anti-capitalist character arcs, and how the movie may have been an inspiration for Squid Game.

Thalia Sablon - Website

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2009 documentary Capitalism: A Love Story.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Rosemary’s Baby (w/ Kate Willett) Jun 12, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian Kate Willett for a conversation about the 1968 horror classic Rosemary’s Baby. They discuss how the film is an overt metaphor for the domination and control of a woman’s body, Mia Farrow’s incredible performance as a woman being gaslit by her husband and neighbors, and how the film’s generational dynamics mirrored the violent political upheavals in the U.S. during the late ‘60s.

Kate Willett: Loopholes

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2001 comedy Rat Race.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Never on Sunday (w/ Nomiki Konst) Jun 05, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by investigative reporter, political analyst, and strategist Nomiki Konst to discuss the 1960 revolutionary comedy Never on Sunday. This hidden gem of a film follows a Greek sex worker who makes her own hours and chooses her clients. The trio delves into the film’s themes of alienation from Western culture, its celebration of the revolutionary spirit of Greek culture, and the writer/director/star Jules Dassin’s history with the Hollywood blacklist. Nomiki also shares insights about her new documentary film Losing Puerto Rico.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1968 horror classic Rosemary’s Baby.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

The Dark Knight (w/ Anthony DePice) [PATREON PREVIEW] May 29, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by professional organizer and agit-prop creator Anthony DePice to discuss Christopher Nolan’s 2008 Batman movie The Dark Knight. Is Joker a master organizer? Where was the Gotham Rec Center? Does Alfred ever get a break? All these questions and more on this black-pilled episode.

For next week's movie, we'll be watching the 1960 comedy Never on a Sunday.

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Whiplash (w/ Kelly Kaufman) May 22, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian Kelly Kaufman, to discuss the 2014 jazz thriller Whiplash. This film is Damian Chazelle’s breakout feature starring JK Simmons and Miles Teller. They talk about abusive power dynamics in the arts, toxic masculinity and the dangers of perfectionism under capitalism. Frank and Rivka also discuss the recent rants of comedian Jerry Seinfeld against the left and gen z.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2007 iconic Batman movie The Dark Knight.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Margin Call (w/ David Bruin) May 15, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by theater educator, author, and Executive Artistic Director of Celebration Barn, David Bruin, to discuss the 2011 finance drama Margin Call. The film, which takes place at a fictional investment firm at the start of the 2008 financial crisis, is a fascinating look into the toxic work of finance. They talk about the ins-and-outs of the subprime mortgage crisis, the twisted pathology of finance bros, and how when the ultrarich play games the only losers are the people not playing.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2014 jazz drama Whiplash.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Oldboy (w/ Julian Elijah Martinez) May 08, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor and educator Julian Elijah Martinez for a conversation about Park Chan-wook’s 2003 masterpiece Oldboy. They discuss the film’s themes of toxic male narcissism and unquenchable vengeance, how the film serves as a metaphor for the violence perpetuated by the carceral system, and how many live Octopi the lead actor had to actually eat.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2011 financial crisis-era thriller Margin Call.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Civil War [PATREON PREVIEW] Apr 24, 2024

Rivka and Frank share their thoughts about the new dystopian war film Civil War, written and directed by Alex Garland. They discuss the film’s seemingly complete lack of politics, other than its cynical view of war correspondents and journalists in general. They also get into the whole “Red vs. Blue” debate, how the film fails to contextualize our current conditions, and praise power couple Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons.

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Princess Mononoke (w/ Kate Eastman) Apr 17, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor Kate Eastman for a conversation about Hayao Miyazaki’s 1997 masterpiece Princess Mononoke. They discuss the film’s central theme of environmental equilibrium, the groundbreaking animation, some brief history of feudal Japan, the queer-coded love story, and how Ashitaka is the snack we’ve all been waiting for.

Princess Mononoke and History (Jonathan Hielkema)
Radical American Environmentalism and Wilderness Preservation: A Third World Critique (Ramaehandra Guha)

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching Alex Garland’s 2024 dystopian thriller Civil War.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Dream Scenario [PATREON PREVIEW] Apr 13, 2024

Rivka and Frank unpack the 2023 Nicolas Cage film Dream Scenario, written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli.

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Who Framed Roger Rabbit (w/ Rebecca Burns) Apr 10, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by journalist Rebecca Burns for a conversation about Robert Zemeckis’ 1988 masterpiece Who Framed Roger Rabbit. They talk about how the film draws inspiration from Los Angeles’ history, like “The Great Red Car Conspiracy” and the Chavez Ravine. They also discuss how the film’s “Toons” serve as a stand-in for LA’s marginalized communities, the incredible technical achievements of the film, the tension between Disney and Warner Bros, and how Bob Hoskins is a sexy little hairy meatball.

Against the Wind (The American Prospect, 2024)

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1997 Studio Ghibli Miyazaki masterpiece Princess Mononoke.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Little Shop of Horrors (w/ Alex Hare) Apr 03, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by writer and director Alex Hare for a conversation about the anti-capitalist banger Little Shop of Horrors. They talk about the musical’s production history and how creators Alan Menken and Howard Ashman set out to write a musical that was critical of capitalist social relations. They also unpack the myriad metaphors of Audrey II, whether Seymour is a complicit actor or abuse victim, and the show’s original (and much darker) ending.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1998 Robert Zemeckis film Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

The Truman Show (w/ Jaffer Khan) Mar 27, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian Jaffer Khan for a conversation about the 1998 Peter Weir / Jim Carrey masterpiece, The Truman Show. They discuss how Truman’s arc serves as a metaphor for radicalization, Guy Debord’s Society of the Spectacle and the commodification of genuine human experience, and how the film prophesied the self-surveillance state of social media.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1986 movie musical classic Little Shop of Horrors.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Pig (w/ Seth Simons) Mar 20, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by journalist and writer Seth Simons for a conversation about the 2021 Nicolas Cage drama Pig. They discuss the film’s central theme of creativity vs. commodification, cooking as one of the most communal forms of art making, the abusive and exploitative nature of the restaurant industry, and whether the character of Darius is the scariest produce supplier ever depicted on-screen.

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1998 Peter Weir / Jim Carrey classic The Truman Show.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Oscars 2024 Mar 12, 2024

Rivka and Frank review the 2024 Academy Awards, AKA The Oscars. They discuss the pro-Palestinian protest outside the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, director Jonathan Glaser’s (somehow) controversial acceptance speech for The Zone of Interest, Emma Stone’s surprise victory, and all of glitz and glam of Hollywood’s biggest night.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Idiocracy (w/ Comrade Workwear) Mar 05, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by James Harr, creator of socialist apparel company Comrade Workwear, for a conversation about Mike Judge’s 2006 political satire Idiocracy, which could have offered a critique of the merger of corporate and state power and privatization, but instead seemed more interested in blaming the impoverished for their own lack of education. They also discuss whether they would actually use a recliner/toilet. Important stuff.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Poor Things [PATREON PREVIEW] Mar 01, 2024

Rivka and Frank have an in-depth discussion of Yorgos Lanthimos’ 2023 film Poor Things, the story of Bella Baxter, who receives an experimental brain transplant and embarks on a journey of self-discovery in her new body. They talk about how Bella’s journey embodies the Marxist concept of “dialectical materialism,” how the men in the film represent the full spectrum of patriarchal archetypes, and how Emma Stone’s choices and performance make the film truly exceptional. They also talk about the Willy Wonka immersive experience scandal in Glasgow — one of the greatest scams capitalism has ever given us.

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Face/Off (w/ Madeline Pendleton) Feb 27, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by author, content creator, socialist business proprietor, and host of the Pick Me Up, I'm Scared podcast,Madeline Pendleton to talk about John Woo’s unhinged magnum opus, Face/Off. They unpack the film’s depiction of the carceral system (magnet boots!), the extreme misogyny that runs through the film, and whether Castor Troy troy had a developed political ideology or was just in it for the LOLs.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Cars (w/ CJ Koepp) Feb 20, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by returning guest, comedian CJ Koepp, to unpack the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated movie Cars, the story of sentient automobiles grappling with the economic devastation of deindustrialization. They also talk about the filmmakers' bizarre choices to animate their anthropomorphic cars with distinct racial characteristics along with long floppy tongues.

Movies vs. Capitalism has been nominated for an Ambie Award for Best Entertainment Podcast!!

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

27 Dresses (w/ Erica Bitton) Feb 13, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor and writer Erica Bitton for a cautionary discussion of Katherine Heigl’s 2008 romantic comedy 27 Dressess, which serves as essential propaganda for the wedding-industrial complex. They also critique the film’s reductive portrayal of its two lead female characters, and pay homage to rom-com legend Judy Greer.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Cradle Will Rock (w/ Harvey Kaye) Feb 06, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by historian Harvey Kaye for a deep-dive on Tim Robbins’ Depression-era film Cradle Will Rock. The film tells the story of the Federal Theatre Project — a New Deal program that funded public theater productions around the U.S. during the Great Depression — and the reactionary forces that ultimately killed it. Rivka, Frank, and Harvey explore the film’s central themes of ownership in the arts and political censorship. As always, Harvey provides a detailed explainer on the historical context and accuracy of the film.

The Most Radical Speech in Presidential History (Gravel Institute)

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Hillary Clinton’s Oscar Favorites [PATREON PREVIEW] Feb 02, 2024

Rivka and Frank catch up on the TV series The Curse. They also revisit their conversation about Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer in the wake of the Academy Award nominations, unpack Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s Oscar snubs, and wonder why Hillary Clinton felt like she needed to weigh in.

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Michael Clayton (w/ Matt Strackbein) Jan 23, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by artist and YouTube host Matt Strackbein, AKA The Letterhack, for a conversation about Tony Gilroy's 2007 film starring George Clooney, Michael Clayton, the story of a high-priced “legal fixer” who uncovers a deadly conspiracy perpetrated by his law firm’s corporate client. They discuss how Michael Clayton is ultimately a story about radicalization and redemption, and how the film viscerally depicts the psychological toll exacted from doing a corporation’s dirty work.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Blow Up My Life (w/ Abigail Horton & Ryan Dickie) Jan 16, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by filmmakers Abigail Horton and Ryan Dickie to discuss their independent feature film Blow Up My Life, a dark comedy thriller set in the world of corporate pharmaceuticals. Abby and Ryan discuss their inspiration for making the film, and go into detail about the challenges producing and distributing independent film in the age of giant media conglomerates.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Alien (w/ Joe Mayall) Jan 09, 2024

Rivka and Frank are joined by author Joe Mayall for a deep (space) conversation about Ridley Scott’s 1979 science fiction and horror classic Alien. They explore how the film served as a warning against the erosion of organized labor in the U.S. during the late ’70s and early ’80s, how the film’s intentional choice to foreground the perspective of female and non-white characters, and how the android character of Ash represents the danger of artificial intelligence solely used to maximize profit.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Saltburn, Leave The World Behind [PATREON PREVIEW] Jan 05, 2024

Rivka and Frank chat about the flawed class politics (and flawless vibes) of Emerald Fennell’s new film Saltburn, starring Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi. They also critique Julia Roberts’ new Netflix film, Leave the World Behind — a neoliberal apocalypse fever dream.

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The Muppet Christmas Carol (w/ Wren Mack) Dec 19, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor, writer, and educator Wren Mack to discuss the 1992 holiday classic The Muppet Christmas Carol. They break down why this particular adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel has become a staple of the holiday viewing schedule, including Michael Caine’s committed dramatic performance, Miles Gordon and Paul Williams’ score, and, of course, the friggin' Muppets.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

It’s A Wonderful Life (w/ Melanie Vesey) Dec 12, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian and actor Melanie Vesey for a cheerful yet critical discussion about Frank Capra’s classic Christmas film starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, It’s A Wonderful Life. They discuss how the film’s depiction of American and liberal idealism may have something to do with its staying power. They also question why Jimmy Stewart’s character George Bailey didn’t simply go on a vacation or two, and suggest that the film’s alternate reality of “Pottersville” actually looked pretty fun.

Netflix Turns To South Korean Writers And Crews As Hollywood Strikes. But They Feel Exploited Too (Los Angeles Times, 2023)

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Zoolander (w/ Brian Morabito) Dec 05, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor and comedian Brian Morabito for a heated debate about Ben Stiller’s 2001 comedy set in the world of high fashion, Zoolander, which seems more interested in portraying models as vapid rather than genuinely critiquing the destructive and exploitative fashion industry.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

The Killer, The Curse, Britney Spears, Band Of Brothers [PATREON PREVIEW] Dec 01, 2023

Rivka and Frank discuss David Fincher’s new hitman movie, The Killer, a thriller that explores the modern gig economy. They also chat about Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder’s new TV series The Curse, the commodification of pop icon Britney Spears and her autobiography The Woman In Me, and whether it’s ethical to enjoy stories about war, like Band of Brothers, which rules.

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Ask MVC Anything Nov 28, 2023

Rivka and Frank take a break from watching movies to answer questions from listeners! They explain how the cooperative media production structure could supplant the Hollywood studio system, and share some of their favorite personal films — including the ones they still love, despite their terrible politics. They also discuss the recent wave of Hollywood blacklistings against entertainment professionals who have been critical of the Israeli government’s siege of Gaza, including actors Melissa Barrera and Susan Sarandon.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Network (w/ Josh Olson) Nov 21, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by screenwriter Josh Olson for a discussion of Sidney Lumet and Paddy Chayefsky’s 1976 dark satire Network. They unpack the film's depiction the ideological battle between the Greatest Generation and the Baby Boomers, and how the character of TV executive Dianna Christensen remains one of the most important film characters ever rendered on screen.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Clueless (w/ Karen DiConcetto) Nov 14, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by television and film writer Karen DiConcetto for a material analysis of a film about materialism: Amy Heckerling’s 1995 teen comedy Clueless. In today’s interview, Rivka, Frank, and Karen celebrate Heckerling’s brilliant script while unpacking the rampant materialism depicted by the film’s Beverly Hills teenagers — and how those themes were potentially harmful to its audience, particularly young women. They also draw a line between the lead character Cher Horowitz and the liberal charity model, and even go so far as to describe this film’s satire as “The Wolf of Wall Street for rich teenagers.”

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Sorry to Bother You (w/ Boots Riley) Nov 07, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by musician, activist, screenwriter, and director Boots Riley for a discussion about his film debut — the 2018 satire set in the world of telemarketing, Sorry to Bother You. Boots talks about his creative process, including his personal experience working in the telemarketing industry. They also discuss the depiction of organized labor in the film, how the story feels even more relevant in 2023 than it did five years ago, and how we could see a resurgence of “company towns” like the WorryFree Corporation.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Killers of the Flower Moon, Fair Play, The Morning Show [PATREON PREVIEW] Nov 03, 2023

Rivka and Frank discuss Martin Scorcese’s epic historical drama, Killers of the Flower Moon. They also chat about reading Karl Marx’s Capital, the gender politics of Netflix’s Fair Play, and the new season of the Apple TV+ series The Morning Show.

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Bee Movie (w/ CJ Koepp) Oct 31, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian and climate activist CJ Koepp for an analytical discussion about the 2007 animated feature and Jerry Seinfeld vehicle Bee Movie. Rivka, Frank, and CJ unpack the status quo-reinforcing themes of Bee Movie. They also lambast the film for being deeply unfunny, and size it up against the other animated bug movies from the same era (of which, surprisingly, there are a lot).

Grief Café for Gaza

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

The Wizard of Oz (w/ Francisco Pérez) Oct 24, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by Francisco Pérez, an activist, educator, and the director of the Center for Popular Economics, who blows the lid off the 1939 movie-musical classic The Wizard of Oz. Francisco explains how L. Frank Baum’s original 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, offered an allegory for U.S. monetary policy and the populist economics movement of the 19th century. Specifically, the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890 which sought to upend the gold standard in order to ease the strain on indebted American farmers.

Economics4Emancipation.net

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Antz (w/ Max Epstein) Oct 17, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by Max Epstein, Head of Content for Means TV, a worker-owned streaming service, for an in-depth conversation about Dreamworks’ 1998 film Antz. They talk about the film’s depiction of class consciousness spreading throughout an ant colony, the theme of individualism vs. collectivism, and question if the screenwriter read Marx.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

9 to 5 (w/ Patricia Resnick) Oct 10, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by Patricia Resnick, screenwriter of the iconic 1980 comedy 9 to 5, for a firsthand conversation about the radical pro-labor film. Patricia describes the history of 9 to 5, including the lived experiences of female office workers she spent time with, and how studio executives were afraid to make a movie about three women kidnapping their boss. They also discuss 9 to 5’s depiction of the intersection of capitalism and patriarchy, and its recent cultural resurgence as a popular anti-capitalist film.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Telemarketers, Love Is Blind, Blowback, Kardashians [PATREON PREVIEW] Oct 04, 2023

Rivka and Frank chat about the HBO documentary series Telemarketers, the return of reality TV series Love is Blind and Survivor, the cultural impact of the Kardashians, the historical narrative podcast Blowback, and more.

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Heaven’s Gate (w/ Matthew Donovan) Oct 03, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by Matthew Donovan — founder of The Future Left and co-host of the Neoliberal Hellpodcast — to discuss Michael Cimino’s epic 1980 Western Heaven’s Gate. They discuss the film’s depiction of law enforcement aligning itself with property owners in order to violently eradicate the immigrant underclass, the dichotomy of the class traitor vs. the class apologist, and the film’s infamous production.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Back to the Future (w/ Jon Shelton) Sep 26, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by Jon Shelton, professor of democracy and justice studies at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, for a conversation about the 1985 classic sci-fi comedy classic, Back to the Future. They explore the film’s focus on hyper-individualism as it relates to economic mobility, and critique the character of Doc Brown for his Silicon Valley style scientific approach, and the flawed sexual politics ascribed to the movie's only female character.

The Education Myth: How Human Capital Trumped Social Democracy (Cornell University Press, 2023)
The Goldie Wilson Conspiracy (Yo! Black Pop Culture)

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The Grapes of Wrath (w/ Harvey Kaye) Sep 05, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by labor historian Harvey Kaye to discuss the classic 1940 film The Grapes of Wrath, and how today’s climate crisis bears frightening parallels to the Great Depression’s Dust Bowl, both man-made environmental and economic disasters. They also explore the film's portrayal of bankers and law enforcement, class consciousness and proletarian revolution, and how itremains one of America’s most optimistic stories about the power of solidarity.

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First Reformed (w/ Andrew Perez) Aug 29, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by journalist Andrew Perez to discuss the existential dread of Paul Schrader’s 2017 climate change drama First Reformed. They discuss the film’s masterful storytelling and performances, how its fictional villain is a perfect stand-in for real-world villains like Koch Industries, and its realistic portrayal of radicalization.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Titanic (w/ Dr. Erika Okamoto) Aug 22, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by the host of the Cocktails and Capitalism podcast, Dr. Erika Okamoto, for a deep (ocean) dive conversation about James Cameron’s 1997 global smash hit Titanic. They discuss the parallels between today’s ecological crisis and the 1912 sinking of the Titanic, in which a person’s societal rank became a literal death sentence for more than 1,500 travelers and crew members. They also debate the internal conflict of Rose’s aristocratic life, the portrayal of the steerage class’ “poor-people party,” and whether or not Jack could have fit on that door.

John LaRoche: Titanic's Only Black Passenger (Kelly Carter Jackson, 2020)
Cocktails and Capitalism
Food Not Bombs
Stop Cop City

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Trading Places (w/ Jamel Johnson) Aug 15, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian Jamel Johnson to talk about the 1983 Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd comedy Trading Places. They explore the film's central theme of “nature vs. nurture” debate explored in the film, and its satirical depiction of the crusty upper class. Jamel also attributes the rise of neoliberalism in the 1980s in part to the success of Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Love Is Blind Exploitation (More Perfect Union)
Bethenny Frankel Reality TV Union TikTok
NOlympics LA

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John Q (w/ Nina Turner) Aug 08, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by former Ohio state senator and congressional candidate Nina Turner for a heartfelt discussion about the Denzel Washington health insurance drama John Q, the story of father who holds an emergency room hostage after learning his health insurance won’t cover his son’s heart transplant. Even though the film was made in 2002, its message and themes remain as relevant as ever. Nina shares her personal experience with the American health care system and talks about the country’s desperate need for universal health care. They also explore how the health care industry dehumanizes both patients and doctors, and how the film’s clear-eyed portrayal of John Q leads to even his hostages feeling sympathy for him.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Barbie (w/ Jessie Kahnweiler) Aug 01, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by filmmaker Jessie Kahnweiler for an off-the-walls discussion of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. They discuss the full-blown cultural phenomenon and how its overall message is emblematic of “plastic feminism.” They offer their conflicting feelings about the film’s success: how it is both a win for female filmmakers but an even bigger win for a toy company. Jessie also talks about her experience being on strike, as a member of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), and what’s at stake for artists in Hollywood.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Robocop (w/ Mike Benner) Jul 25, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by TV writer and producer Mike Benner to discuss Paul Verhoeven's Robocop. They talk about how the film’s evil corporation, Omni Consumer Products, serves as a perfect stand-in for consolidated corporate power. They also unpack Verhoeven’s depiction of homoerotic male aggression as a metaphor for capitalist competition, and how the iconography of Robocop has been misappropriated by police officers who think the character is "cool" “badass” rather than “a cautionary metaphor for the dehumanization of police.”

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Dr. Strangelove (w/ Matthew Cunningham-Cook) Jul 18, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by journalist Matthew Cunningham-Cook to dig into Stanley Kubrick’s dark satire about nuclear war, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. They explore the historical parallels between Dr. Strangelove and what actually transpired during the Cold War. Matthew explains how one of the film’s main characters was loosely based on eccentric anti-communist Air Force General Curtis "Bombs Away" LeMay. They also also touch on the influence of the right-wing anti-communist John Birch Society on 1950s American politics, and the origins of Operation Paperclip, in which the U.S. intelligence community recruited former Nazi military officials and scientists to help defeat the Soviet Union.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Dude, Where’s My Car? (w/ Devon Young) Jul 11, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by Devon Young, organizer and founder of the performance venue Little Secret LA, for a truly mind-altering conversation about the 2000 stoner comedy Dude, Where’s My Car? They discuss the concept of “male amnesia” and how the film’s protagonists, Jesse and Chester, progress through their adventure as unbiased babies. While the film remains immensely offensive upon a rewatch, Devon mentions a thesis by queer theorist Jack Halberstam that explores the characters’ latent heteroflexibility. Devon also tells Rivka and Frank the story of going on a date with the ’90s supermodel Fabio.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

A Soldier’s Story (w/ Jason Myles) Jul 04, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by musician, writer, and This Is Revolution host Jason Myles, to talk about the 1984 military drama, A Soldier’s Story, which depicts a racially motivated murder at a Louisiana Army base during World War II. They unpack how the film. based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play A Soldier’s Play, presents the complex perspectives of the Black community on morality, respectability, and violence.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Good Burger (w/ Andrew Ti) Jun 27, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedy writer and podcaster Andrew Ti to unnecessarily analyze the 1997 Nickelodeon original movie Good Burger. They talk about Good Burger’s central theme of “good capitalism” versus “bad capitalism,” and how the film propagates the myth that some businesses are “nicer” than others. They also explore the bizarre racial dynamics of this kids movie written by middle-aged white men, starring Black teenagers, marketed to white children. Wild.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

The Matrix (w/ Wren Mack) Jun 20, 2023

As we celebrate Pride month, Rivka and Frank are joined by actor, director, and educator Wren Mack for a deep-dive conversation about Lana and Lilly Wachowski’s sci-fi masterpiece The Matrix, which has become a meaningful film for the LGBTQ community since its release in 1999.

They discuss how The Matrix has been misappropriated by online right-wingers who believe they’ve been “red-pilled,” while completely misunderstanding the film’s central metaphor. They also unpack how the Wachowskis unintentionally created a transgender allegory in “Thomas Anderson versus Neo,” and talk about how the movie remains one of the most sexy and sweaty action films of all time.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

The Succession Finale (w/ David Sirota) May 30, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by David Sirota to break down the series finale of HBO’s Succession. Now that the show has ended, will it be entered into the great television pantheon? Who was the most sympathetic character in the series? And who ultimately won? Presumably we answer these questions.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Parasite (w/ Jessica Burbank) May 23, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by political commentator Jessica Burbank to discuss Bong Joon-Ho’s 2019 masterpiece, Parasite, digging into the themes of class antagonisms, failed solidarity, and elitism that run through the characters' relationships. Also how the film uses “the smell” as a perfect metaphor for classism, and why being stinky in real life is actually a good thing..

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

You’ve Got Mail (w/ Robin Johnson) May 16, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by filmmaker and activist Robin Johnson to talk about Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan’s deranged rom-com You’ve Got Mail, arguing that the movie’s plot is essentially a pro-capitalist psychological thriller about a woman who is manipulated and subdued by her corporate oppressor. They discuss how film's characters are emblematic of 90s liberalism that uses racially coded language and casually jokes about falling in love with fascist dictators, and how the character of Joe Fox is a manipulative pathological liar whose only redeemable quality is that he’s played by Tom Hanks.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

V for Vendetta (w/ Evan from LOTP) May 09, 2023

Rivka and Frank talk with Evan from Left of the Projector, a podcast that explores film from a leftist perspective, to discuss the Wachowskis’ 2005 graphic novel adaptation V for Vendetta. They ask questions like: How is V able to take down the English government all by himself? Where does he get all of his supplies? How did he inspire an entire country to revolt without a comprehensive organizing campaign? And when did he find the time to set up that elaborate domino run?? Rivka also points out how V’s torture and reinvention of Evie detracts from what could have been a compelling heroine’s journey.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Newsies (w/ Harvey Kaye) May 02, 2023

This week, historian Harvey Kaye joins the show to gab about the 1992 live-action musical Newsies. They question how it was possible for a major studio like Disney to produce a movie about labor organizing in which police officers literally punch children in the face. They unpack how the film’s two main characters represent the dichotomy between labor “activists” and “intellectuals," and Harvey provides additional historical context about the Gilded Age, the Bonus March, and the “neoliberal turn” of the 1970s.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

The Social Network (w/ Jordan Uhl) Apr 25, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by progressive activist and political commentator Jordan Uhl for a discussion of David Fincher’s 2010 cultural touchtone The Social Network. They get into how the film portrays Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg as a sharp-witted outcast, even though the real-life Zuckerberg is best described as, “if vanilla pudding was annoying.” They also break down the film’s misogynistic gender politics (cough, Aaron Sorkin, cough), and whether or not ordering two rounds of appletinis is worse than being Larry Summers.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Josie and the Pussycats (w/ Shannon Amabile) Apr 18, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by psychotherapist and cinephile Shannon Amabile for a deep dive into the 2001 cult classic Josie and the Pussycats, taking a nostalgic trip back to the days of body glitter and zebra prints. They talk about the film’s sharp satire of late 90s consumerism, the influence of corporate propaganda, and the hyper-exploitative nature of the music industry.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Chinatown (w/ Julia Rock) Apr 11, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by journalist Julia Rock for a conversation about the 1974 neo-noir classic Chinatown. They dig into the film’s near-perfect politics regarding institutional corruption, LA’s history of gentrification and real estate expropriation, and Frank finally figures out what the “Chinatown” metaphor actually means.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Clerks (w/ Branson Reese) Apr 04, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian and illustrator Branson Reese to delve into the working class politics of Kevin Smith's 1994 indie classic, Clerks. They discuss how the film effectively depicts the soul-crushing aspects of the service/retail industries, how the film places occupational blame on the individual rather than the system, the movie’s problematic sex politics, and the commodification of Kevin Smith.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Judas and the Black Messiah (w/ Ryan Christian) Mar 28, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor and activist Ryan Christian for a conversation about the 2021 Fred Hampton biopic, Judas and the Black Messiah. They discuss the film's revolutionary politics, how rare it is to see a non-whitewashed version of Black radicalism in pop culture, the history of violence and repression perpetrated by U.S. intelligence agencies, and how the film balances its pathos along with its political messaging.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Brazil (w/ Melanie Vesey) Mar 21, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian, actress, and director Melanie Vesey to discuss Terry Gilliam’s dystopian black comedy Brazil. They dig into the film's depiction of the merger of state and corporate power, the themes of fantasy escapism, and how hot Robert DeNiro is as a revolutionary plumber.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Office Space (w/ Adam McKay) Mar 14, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by writer and director Adam McKay — MVC's first official Academy Award winner, no big deal. Adam joins the pod to unpack the 1999 movie Office Space, Mike Judge’s comedic meditation on the modern work environment. The group breaks down the film’s stark portrayal of worker alienation, the brutality of corporate consultants, and how this movie has become even more relevant almost 25 years after its release.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Modern Times (w/ Pedro Ángel Rivera Muñoz) Mar 07, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by filmmaker, writer, and activist Pedro Ángel Rivera Muñoz to discuss Charlie Chaplin’s anti-capitalist masterpiece Modern Times, which remains relevant to this day with its grotesque depiction of factory working conditions, its satire of the ruling class and state power, and the aspirational message of its ending. They also discuss the historical context of Chaplin as a political artist during the 1930s, and the retribution he received at the time.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Working Girl (w/ Ele Woods) Feb 28, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor, writer, and comedian Ele Woods to discuss the 1988 classic, Working Girl, the prototypical “girl boss” film, and how it brilliantly portrays the predatory male gaze dominant in 1980s cinema. They also do some Melanie Griffith voice ASMR, in case that's what you're into.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Triangle of Sadness (w/ Carla Marie Davis) Feb 21, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by Carla Marie Davis, co-host of the Sip & Politic podcast, to discuss Ruben Östlund’s brutal 2022 satire, Triangle of Sadness, and how the film is one of the most effective modern commentaries about class politics, even though its ideas regarding gender dynamics aren’t as fully fleshed out. They also dig into how the film confronts the concepts of capitalism and communism head-on, but seems more interested in the influence of power.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Children of Men (w/ Chris Myers) Feb 14, 2023

Rivka and Frank are joined by Chris Myers, an Obie Award-winning actor, organizer, and founder of Anticapitalism for Artists, to discuss Alfonso Cuarón's masterpiece Children of Men. They talk about how this 2006 film is scarily reflective of today's world and our failing social systems, the theme of “faith vs. chance,” and the various forms of organizing that activists utilize in the movie and what we can learn from them.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Ghostbusters (w/ David Sirota) Feb 07, 2023

On the inaugural episode of Movies vs. Capitalism, Rivka and Frank are joined by journalist, writer, and The Lever founder David Sirota to discuss the Reagan-era classic Ghostbusters. They discuss how the film’s pro-business, anti-government messages are baked into almost every scene, which is extra troubling considering the movie was was largely marketed to children. They also dig into the film’s sexual politics, specifically how Peter Venkman is a next level creep.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

Introducing... Movies vs. Capitalism Jan 25, 2023

Movies vs. Capitalism premieres on Tuesday, Feb. 7. Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode!

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