Trading Places (w/ Jamel Johnson)

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian and podcaster Jamel Johnson to break down the 1983 Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd comedy Trading Places. 

The team digs into the “nature vs. nurture” debate explored in the film. They also praise the film’s satirical depiction of the crusty upper class, while pointing out the film’s problematic racism and sexism. Finally, Jamel attributes the rise of neoliberalism in the 1980s in part to the success of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. 

A rough transcript of the episode is available here.
For next week, we’ll be watching the 1997 film and cultural phenomenon Titanic.

Links mentioned:

• Love Is Blind Exploitation (More Perfect Union)
• Bethenny Frankel Reality TV Union TikTok
• NOlympics LA

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Produced by The Lever | Artwork by Rufus Paisley

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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.