Fascism on Film Podcast

'Network': When the corporations take over the airwaves

Not even Sybil the Soothsayer could have predicted how much Paddy Chayefsky and Sidney Lumet's 1976 film "Network" would mirror today's world of infotainment and the corporatization of media.  "Network" is a film that continues rewarding repeat viewing, as it offers up new ways to examine the U.S. population's fascination with realty television, and how the lines obscure between truth, fiction, and the vox populi.  If you've never before seen "Network" there may never be a better time to watch this masterful look at the power of television and those behind-the-scenes willing to go to any length to corrupt it for the sake of ratings and stockholders.

'The Great Dictator': Farcical fascism

"The Great Dictator" kicks off Season 3 of Fascism on Film. Charlie Chaplin takes on Hitler and the Nazi's in a biting satire that is noted today for its historical importance in cinema. But does it hold up as a farce or has time diminished its power. James Kent and Teal Minton examine how funny or unfunny fascism can be with this look at "The Great Dictator."

'Melania': When a propagandist message fails to materialize

In a special one-off episode of Fascism on Film, we take a look at the pay-to-play Amazon-purchased documentary, "Melania" which fails as both documentary and as MAGA propaganda. It isn't sure of its subject or who its intended audience is for.  James and Teal break down every inaugural dress measurement and bizarre soundtrack music cue for this dreadfully dull filmmaking undertaking. Watch "Melania" at your peril, or just listen to this podcast episode.

'I'm Still Here': When they come for you

In the Season 2 finale of "Fascism on Film," James and Teal break down the 2024 film, "I'm Still Here." Walter Salles' look at Brazil under military dictatorship in the 1970s is a chilling reminder that what was once another nation's past, strikes an eerily similar note to what we've allowed ourselves to occur in the present. "I'm Still Here" tells the true story of one Brazilian family that seemingly has it all until one day, authoritarianism catches up with them. Enjoy this episode, and James and Teal will return in 2026 with an all new season.

'A Special Day': The Machismo Meet-Cute of 1938

1977's "A Special Day" is a heartfelt romance of Hitler and Mussolini’s infamous cementing of their two nations culminated in a 24-hour Roman holiday. No, but it is set on the same day as that day-long event. However, in the Roman suburbs, we get a different meeting of two mismatched strangers, Marcello Mastroianni and Sophia Loren bring a story of humanity and heartbreak set amidst the backdrop of a political ideology that doesn’t allow homosexuality. "A Special Day" is a masterwork of cinema, and a dive into a world under fascism's rule.