Power Cut Podcasts

On this episode Jon and Julie look at two American films that concern a physical divide (among others) faced by working class characters. First the 1997 film Good Will Hunting, where a working class genius in Boston navigates the class system in a city whose division revolves around which side of the bridge you came up from.

Next we look to Detroit, where the 8 Mile Road is the backdrop for the 2002 film, whose story is inspired by (and starring) Emenem as an aspiring rapper who spends as much time writing rhymes as trying to score overtime.

In our first mini-episode, Jon discusses the 1980s comedy about getting deported by accident to Mexico when you have never been there. Cheech Marin is our every man who learns he must work with others to get back to East LA.

Please note: apologies for the microphone being a bit loud. Will do better next time.

On this episode, Jon is joined by Julie Vee to discuss two films concerning US labour history, both telling stories of workers using the collective power of the trade union to fight against the bosses; Matewan (directed by John Syles) and Bread & Roses (directed by Ken Loach). Both directors have a career of dedication to telling the stories of working class resistance, aided by great writing and acting.

On this episode, we delve into the 1990s; a horrible decade of trendy films and weak culutre; but somewhere within we saw some decent flicks and very commited film makers, without the funds for film school but not allowing that to hold them back.

In the second episode of WCC, we focus on the London actor Bob Hoskins, discussing some of his best film work and political positions (such as calling out the gentrification of London back in the 80s).

In this fourth episode, Jon is joined by Chip from Poetry on the Picket Line to discuss the great UK band who combined funky basslines with slashing guitars and sharp lyrics that critiqued the commercialisation of daily life, with a Marxist take.

A quick note to let you all know where we are right now.

In this first episode of a new pdocast, we discuss two films that take a more progressive view of sex workers as part of their story lines and examine the body as a site for entertainment.

The Wrestler (2008) and Cam (2018).

On this episode of the podcast, Jon and Jamie discuss the once-under loved (now perhaps over-discussed) 'Christmas film'  and American classic It's a Wonderful Life.

In the midst of the post-war middle American Dream, did a mix of conservative and communist film makers and writers accidentality (or otherwise) make a heartfelt tribute to the human spirit and power of community? Or is it actually more reactionary than that? Along the way we discuss how the film was investigated by the FBI and how well it avoids easy categorisation and what pay structure is applied to angels.

On this episode, Jon and Jamie review two films from writer-director Andrew Niccol; Gattaca and In Time.

Both films are set in the future and in societies that are deeply unequal; but are they Marxist?