Back to the Future (w/ Jon Shelton)

Rivka and Frank are joined by Jon Shelton, professor of democracy and justice studies at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, for a deep dive on the 1985 classic Back to the Future. 

In today’s episode, the MVC group discusses the film’s focus on hyper-individualism as it relates to economic mobility. They also critique the character of Doc Brown for his reckless “Silicon Valley-esque” scientific approach, and unpack the flawed sexual politics ascribed to the lead female character, Lorraine Baines McFly. 

A rough transcript of the episode is available here.
For next week’s movie, MVC will be watching Michael Cimino’s epic Western Heaven’s Gate.

Links mentioned:

• The Education Myth: How Human Capital Trumped Social Democracy (Cornell University Press, 2023)
• The Goldie Wilson Conspiracy (Yo! Black Pop Culture)

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Produced by The Lever | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen

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What is Movies vs. Capitalism [DEAD FEED]?

MOVIES VS. CAPITALISM explores the politics of your favorite films through an anti-capitalist lens. Each episode, hosts Rivka and Frank are joined by a guest for a critical discussion about a film and how it’s obviously a scathing indictment of late-stage capitalism.

MVC examines the crucial intersection between pop culture and politics — unpacking the ideological messages baked into some of your favorite movies.