The Zeitgeist Tapes

This month Steve and Emma discuss the Warren Beatty classic Reds. Released in 1981 - the height of Reaganism in America, this audacious film tells the story of John Reed and his wife Louise Bryant. 

Reed wrote the seminal Ten Days That Shook the World about the Russian Revolution and Bryant was an activist and feminist. This film tells their story and that of left-wing politics in the early part of the 20th century in America and Russia. 

If you're looking for some further reading, here is a link to the fantastic Vanity Fair article mentioned by Steve. 

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This month Steve and Emma look at recent 'State of the Nation' drama Collateral by Sir David Hare. 

Along the way we discover Steve's Doctor Who sidekick preferences, discuss 'hatgate' and wonder whether Sir Dave was better when constrained to shorter plays.

This month, Emma and Steve look at the BBC's ill-fated attempt to do a "This Life" on Westminster - Party Animals. 

It's an enjoyable drama and in many ways an admirable one. Certainly its stated intention to show Westminster in a more positive light is something that has been missing from most depictions of British politics. 

But coming out in 2007, just before the crash and the expenses scandal, it never really chimed with the national mood and wasn't commissioned for a second series. 

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This month, Emma and Steve discuss the 1998 classic Bulworth. From it's scorching soundtrack to its depiction of South Central LA this is an underrated classic. 

It also has a lot to say about modern debates such as the failure of the third way centrists and the desire people have for more authenticity in their politicians, even if that is personified in a rapping Warren Beatty.

Following the sad death of Keith Barron at the end of 2017 we thought this was an ideal time to re-examine the Dennis Potter plays, Stand up, Nigel Barton and Vote, Vote, Vote For Nigel Barton. 

First broadcast in 1965, these still speak to very live discussions about class, social mobility and the role both play in our lives. The second play in particular looks at the role of class in electoral politics. 

There are no easy answers in Potter's plays. The fact is we're still asking all these questions today. But these were a fascinating - and highly autobiographical - look at the system that has stymied too many British lives for far too long, and the inability and unwillingness to change that from all classes.

Merry Christmas! 

And what would Christmas be without an exposition on the ills of untrammelled capitalism, a discussion of the merits of small town America over the big city and a end so collectivist in nature yet small town in values it melts the hearts of socialists and conservatives alike. 

It's a Wonderful Life was not a success on release but it has since become the quintessential Christmas film. Here we discuss why it's endured, what it has to say about the politics of the time it was made and what it still has to say to us now. 

Merry Christmas! 

And what would Christmas be without an exposition on the ills of untrammelled capitalism, a discussion of the merits of small town America over the big city and a end so collectivist in nature yet small town in values it melts the hearts of socialists and conservatives alike. 

It's a Wonderful Life was not a success on release but it has since become the quintessential Christmas film. Here we discuss why it's endured, what it has to say about the politics of the time it was made and what it still has to say to us now. 

This month we look in depth at two works from Armando Iannucci - The Thick of It and The Death of Stalin. Is he too cynical about politics or not cynical enough? 

We also discuss the unfolding dramas of the Westminster Sexual Abuse and Misogyny scandals and fall out of the Harvey Weinstein scandal. At the point the Podcast was recorded many that we now know of have not broken including regarding Kevin Spacey. This is clearly going to run on. 

This month, Emma and Steve are joined on the podcast by Jonn Elledge, Editor of the New Statesman's City Metric website. We discuss our recent World Cup of Political TV event and Our Friends in the North.

This month, Emma and Steve are joined on the podcast by Jonn Elledge, Editor of the New Statesman's City Metric website. We discuss our recent World Cup of Political TV contest and Our Friends in the North.