It’s A Wonderful Life (w/ Melanie Vesey)

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian and actor Melanie Vesey for a cheerful yet critical discussion about Frank Capra’s classic Christmas film starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, It’s A Wonderful Life. They discuss how the film’s depiction of American and liberal idealism may have something to do with its staying power. They also question why Jimmy Stewart’s character George Bailey didn’t simply go on a vacation or two, and suggest that the film’s alternate reality of “Pottersville” actually looked pretty fun. 

A rough transcript of the episode is available here.

Links:

• Netflix Turns To South Korean Writers And Crews As Hollywood Strikes. But They Feel Exploited Too (Los Angeles Times, 2023)

For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching A Muppet Christmas Carol.

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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?

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.