Category Archives: Neoliberalism

Book Talk: “Magical Thinking, Fantastic Film, and the Illusions of Neoliberalism” by Michael J. Blouin

It’s a little unsettling for me to come across other books that are eerily close to my own work. Having written a PhD dissertation and subsequent monograph on superhero movies and neoliberalism, and more recently completed a book on fantastic fiction and … Continue reading

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Trump Media: A Film Studies Syllabus (V)

Over the past week, I’ve assembled a long list of films that I thought might be appropriate choices for reflecting on Trump’s presidential campaign, and what I still can’t see as anything but the dystopian nightmare of an actual Trump administration. The themes … Continue reading

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Trump Media: A Film Studies Syllabus (IV)

Throughout the Trump campaign, I’ve had endless arguments with other white people over the degree of racism in Trump’s campaign. It seemed completely obvious to me that the phrase “Make America Great Again!” was primarily a direct appeal to white supremacy. But I have encountered responses … Continue reading

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Book talk: “Platform Capitalism” by Nick Srnicek

For some years now, I’ve been a degenerate addict of social media. Hardly an hour goes by on an average day without checking my Twitter and Facebook feeds repeatedly. And as soon as some idea strikes me, I must confess that my … Continue reading

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Trump Media: A Film Studies Syllabus (III)

In the previous two sections of this provisional Trump-era film studies syllabus, I have grouped together films that examine two key thematic aspects of Donald Trump as a political phenomenon: first, how populism has been expressed and critiqued through Hollywood film; and … Continue reading

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Trump Media: A Film Studies Syllabus (II)

As the second thematic section of my work-in-progress post-election film studies syllabus, I have selected a few films that engage with the ongoing commercialization of media. Already a huge problem for the democratic process in all capitalist countries, the growing involvement of capital in … Continue reading

Posted in Film analysis, Neoliberalism, politics, Superhero stuff, Television, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Trump Media: A Film Studies Syllabus (I)

Struggling as I’ve been in these first few days after Trump’s election to do something –anything!– constructive, I started seeking out films that I felt might offer some insight, inspiration, or critical reflection of a world that has suddenly gone from … Continue reading

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On “The Queen of Versailles” and the contradictions of capital accumulation

This week, I finally watched to the end last year’s popular documentary The Queen of Versailles, which had been sitting on my to-watch shelf for far too long. While I had initially been drawn to it by its fun, snappy trailer, … Continue reading

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Look at me! Look at me!

After the whirlwind of the Capitalist Superheroes publication and book launch, I’m trying to get back on top of my long-neglected Medicine blog. The first things I suppose I should add here are the video recordings of my recent public … Continue reading

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Superheroes in the Obama age

Now that the American presidential elections are upon us, I am suddenly inundated by requests to comment on the state of popular culture during the Obama presidency. Strange as it sounds, I must admit that I am perpetually befuddled by … Continue reading

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