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PODCAST

Movies vs. Capitalism

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.

tv & film politics

All Episodes

99:10

They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (w/ Shannon Amabile)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/10/16

This week, Frank is joined by returning guest — psychotherapist and cinephile Shannon Amabile — to discuss the 1969 film They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? starring Jane Fonda and Michael Sarrazin. Set during the Great Depression, the film follows a group of desperate contestants competing in a grueling, dehumanizing dance marathon run by a sociopathic emcee. Shannon and Frank unpack the film’s haunting politics and enduring relevance.For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching Ryan Coogler’s 2025

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94:36

Jurassic Park (w/ Ben Bonnema)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/10/02

This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by musical theater writer, playwright, and organizer Ben Bonnema to discuss Spielberg’s 1993 classic Jurassic Park. The trio digs into the film’s politics: what it suggests about de-extinction, how the park embodies capitalism’s knack for turning scientific wonder into a luxury good, and whether there’s even a glimpse of a socialist horizon in this dino-thriller.For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1969 Jane Fonda drama They Shoot Horses, Don’t

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97:00

Spy Game (w/ Assad Shalhoub)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/09/17

This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by Assad Shalhoub, co-host of the Habibi House Podcast, for a deep dive into the 2001 thriller Spy Game, starring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. Together they unpack the film’s overt racism, its relentless Islamophobia, and its unmistakable role as propaganda for the CIA.For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching Spielberg’s epic classic Jurassic Park. 🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism MVC donates its ad space to progressive or

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101:22

Matewan (w/ Harvey Kaye & Jon Shelton)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/09/04

This week Frank is joined by returning guests Harvey Kaye (award-winning author and Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay) and Jon Shelton (professor and chair of Democracy and Justice Studies). In honor of Labor Day they discuss the John Sayles union drama Matewan and dive into labor issues, with insights on workers’ rights and the fight for social democracy.For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2001 CIA thriller SPY GAME.. 🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON

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02:24

I Love You, Man (w/ Andrea More & Mike Benner)...

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/08/28

This week, Frank is joined by comedian and actress Andrea More (STICK) and returning guest Mike Benner (Bob’s Burgers) to talk about the Paul Rudd/Jason Segel bromantic comedy I Love You, Man. Together, they unpack the epidemic of male loneliness, the pitfalls of toxic masculinity, and how male friendships are portrayed on screen—especially compared to female ones.🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching

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01:22:00

Seven Days in May (w/ Bill de Blasio)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/08/21

Rivka and Frank are joined by former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio to discuss the 1964 political thriller Seven Days in May. The three examine how this Cold War classic starring Kirk Douglas remains strikingly relevant in Trump’s America, unpacking its themes of a divided nation, nuclear tensions, fragile peace treaties, and the threat of a military coup.For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2009 bromance comedy I Love You, Man. 🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON

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01:08:38

It Follows (w/ Taylor Lorenz)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/08/07

Frank and Rivka are joined by journalist Taylor Lorenz (User Mag) to discuss the horror film It Follows. The trio unpack the movie’s portrayal of suburban horror, the constant threat of violence against women, and how the film resonates in the context of COVID and our current cultural climate.For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1964 drama Seven Days in May. 🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and

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01:25:54

Hail, Caesar! (w/Andy Boyd)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/07/25

Rivka and Frank are joined by Brooklyn-based playwright Andy Boyd to talk about the Coen brothers’ 2016 movie Hail, Caesar!. They get into the film’s portrait of 1950s Hollywood, its sharp send-up of the capitalist studio system, and what it reveals about the uneasy marriage of religion, politics, and mass entertainment. For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2014 horror movie It Follows. 🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism MVC donates its ad space to

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04:49

REDS [PATREON PREVIEW]

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/07/10

This week on Movies vs. Capitalism, Frank is joined by labor historian and pod favorite Harvey Kaye to talk about Warren Beatty’s REDS. They dig into the film’s take on the Russian Revolution, American radicalism, and what Hollywood gets right—and wrong—about revolution.🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2016 Coen Brothers movie Hail, Caeser!

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01:50:07

Enemy at the Gates (w/ Daniel from ‘The Sickle and...

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/06/26

Rivka and Frank are joined by Daniel from the new podcast ‘The Sickle and the Hammer: A Socialist History of the Soviet Union’ to talk about the 2001 Soviet-era drama Enemy at the Gates. If you’ve ever wondered what the Western capitalist perspective is on the siege of Stalingrad - this is the movie for you! We unpack all of the propaganda, historical inaccuracies, and flat out lies baked into the film. Because it turns out you’ll betray your entire belief system if the girl you like doesn’t like

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01:40:13

Minority Report (w/ Prem Thakker)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/06/13

Rivka and Frank are joined by journalist and Zeteo staff writer Prem Thakker to discuss Stephen Spielberg and Tom Cruise’s 2002 sci-fi dystopian crime thriller Minority Report. The three talk about the film’s critique of the modern day surveillance state, the philosophical concept of “pre-crime”, and whether the entire movie could have been avoided if John Anderton had just told his colleagues that some weird shit went down in the milk vat. For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching 2001 film Enemy

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02:04:21

Capitalism, A Love Story (w/ Harvey Kaye) [UNLOCKED]

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/05/21

While we're on hiatus, we're unlocking this episode from behind the paywall! Thank you all for listening and your support :)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. MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting

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01:32:01

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (w/ Don)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/05/01

Rivka and Frank are joined by attorney and legal organizer Don to talk about the 1981 cult classic Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. The three compare the political formations and ideologies inherent to both the communists of proto-Gastown and the violent raiders of Lord Humungus’ gang. They also unpack the nature of the film’s unreliable narrator, whether Max is even a good guy (a former cop?!), and if aesthetic expression is a fundamental component of post-apocalyptic survival. MVC will be taking a

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01:29:51

Severance/White Lotus

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/04/24

This week, Rivka and Frank dive into two of the most talked-about shows of the season: The White Lotus and Severance. They explore how Severance brilliantly captures Marx’s concept of worker alienation, debate whether The White Lotus functions as true satire or simply a glossy drama about wealthy vacationers, and discuss the political implications each series leaves us with.For next week, we’ll be watching the post-apocalyptic Mel Gibson epic MAD MAX 2: The Road Warrior. 🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON

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01:41:07

Galaxy Quest (w/ MVC Editor John)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/04/17

Rivka and Frank are joined by MVC editor John for a deep-dive into the sci-fi parody Galaxy Quest. They unpack the film’s clear affection for Star Trek, its sharp satire of fan culture and conventions, and why David Mamet once praised it as one of the best-structured screenplays in modern film. Speaking of space, Frank and Rivka give their take on girlboss billionaire’s modern day galaxy quest in today’s topical. For next week we’ll be talking about TV, discussing Severance and White Lotus. 🤝

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06:40

Jumanji [PATREON PREVIEW]

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/04/10

Rivka and Frank return with another duet to revisit a childhood staple: Jumanji, the Robin Williams-led adventure that shaped a generation’s imagination. But as they unpack the film, it becomes clear that it’s doing more than telling the story of a man trapped in a magical board game. Beneath the surface, Jumanji reflects deeper currents—tracing the shadows of American and European imperialism, colonial legacy, and the quiet manipulations of capitalist logic. 🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE

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01:18:09

A Bug’s Life (w/ Ellory Smith)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/04/03

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. 🤝

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01:19:16

Up in the Air (w/ Marianne Williamson)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/03/27

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

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01:15:49

Be Kind Rewind (w/ Jesse Jae Hoon)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/03/20

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. Alamo Drafthouse Workers Strike Fund More about Jesse Jae Hoon Theater Workers for a Ceasefire Next week, we'll

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03:28

I Saw the TV Glow [PATREON PREVIEW]

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/03/13

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 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2008 comedy Be Kind Rewind.

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124 results

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