Movies vs. Capitalism

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

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)

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

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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. 

• Jenna’s website

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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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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.

• Branson Reese Website

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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.

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.

• getshameless.com 

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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.

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.

• The Life & Death of Hollywood (Harper’s Magazine)

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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen