Syriana (2005)

This week we discuss Joker (2019), directed by Todd Phillips, which reimagines the DC villain as a troubled, impoverished man who becomes increasingly unhinged. Redwood is a platform for contributors to analyze the political ideas embedded in the entertainment we consume. Intro and outro music: Pistol Jazz, “Desperado” and "God Speed." Made in Japan.

In this episode we discuss In Time (2011), directed by Andrew Niccol, a film set in a dystopia where working people struggle to acquire enough "time" to survive while the rich can live forever. Redwood is a platform for contributors to analyze the political ideas embedded in the entertainment we consume. Where to watch: click here. Intro and outro music: Pistol Jazz, “Desperado” and "God Speed." Made in Japan.

In this episode we discuss two films: Nomadland (2020), directed by Chloé Zhao, and the short film Wasp (2003, 26 minutes), directed by Andrea Arnold. These films depict the lives of two working-class women who cope with poverty and the brutality of capitalism. Redwood is a platform for contributors to analyze the political ideas embedded in the entertainment we consume. Where to watch Nomadland: click here. To watch Wasp on YouTube, click here. Intro and outro music: Pistol Jazz, “Desperado” and "God Speed." Made in Japan.

In this episode we discuss Captain Fantastic (2016), directed by Matt Ross. The film explores life under capitalism through the story of a family who has attempted to distance themselves from its harmful effects as much as they possibly can. Redwood is a platform for contributors to analyze the political ideas embedded in the entertainment we consume. Where to watch: click here. Intro and outro music: Pistol Jazz, “Desperado” and "God Speed." Made in Japan.

In this episode we discuss Judas and the Black Messiah (2021), a film about the assasination of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and William O’Neal, the FBI informant who betrayed him. Redwood is a platform for contributors to analyze the political ideas embedded in the entertainment we consume. Where to watch: click here. Intro and outro music: Pistol Jazz, “Desperado.” Made in Japan.

In this episode, we discuss Gemini Man (2019), the story of a retired government hitman faces off against a private security firm's army of supersoldiers cloned from his DNA.  Redwood is a platform for contributors to analyze the political ideas embedded in the entertainment we consume. Where to watch: click here. Intro and outro music: Pistol Jazz, "Desperado" and "God Speed." Made in Japan.

In this episode we discuss Parasite (2019), directed by Bong Joon-ho, in which class conflict shapes the dynamic between the working-class Kim family and upper-class Parks. (Recorded in December 2020) Redwood is a platform for contributors to analyze the political ideas embedded in the entertainment we consume. Where to watch: click here. Intro and outro music: Pistol Jazz, "Desperado" and "God Speed." Made in Japan.

In this episode we discuss Alfonso Cuaron’s Children of Men (2006), a film set in a dystopia in which humans can no longer reproduce. Redwood is a platform for contributors to analyze the political ideas embedded in the entertainment we consume. Where to watch: click here. Intro and outro music: Pistol Jazz, “Desperado.” Made in Japan.

In this episode we discuss Stephen Gaghan’s Syriana (2005), a film based on See No Evil (Crown 2003), which recounts Robert Baer’s experience in the CIA. Redwood is a platform for contributors to analyze the political ideas embedded in the entertainment we consume. Where to watch: click here. Intro and outro music: Pistol Jazz, “Desperado.” Made in Japan. Episode cover art: Angie Nguyen