Movies vs. Capitalism

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. 

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

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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.

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

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.

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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. 

• Moneyless Society

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

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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.

• Powell House of Arts

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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)

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

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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.

• Spoilers (Golias Books)

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen