The Trotsky (2010)

[KurtFF8]

I made this post about the new movie "The Trotsky" at the Leftism in Film blog.

Source (http://leftisminfilm.wordpress.com/2010/11/08/the-trotsky-2010/)


Director: Jacob Tierney

When I started this site, I never thought I’d be writing about a teen comedy in the project to document, analyze, and display films with strong Leftist themes. But after seeing the film The Trotsky, that had to change. A teen comedy filled with references to the Spanish Civil War, a Ken Loach retrospective. Its director described it as “Reds (http://leftisminfilm.wordpress.com/2009/10/14/reds-1981/)in high school that makes you laugh” (YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkL8jTTaS5s))
http://leftisminfilm.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/thet1.jpg?w=300&h=187 (http://leftisminfilm.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/thet1.jpg)Boredom or Apathy?

The film has a very bizarre premise: the main character Leon believes that he is the reincarnation of Leon Trotsky. And to top that off with being a teen film, it was certain to make for a strange film (which isn’t to say a bad film). The main conflict (or contradictions) in the film revolves around the main character trying to live out his life the way that Trotsky did. Through this process he finds him self on more than one occasion trying to unionize (first his father’s workplace, then his high school).


The structure of the film is similar to many teen comedy films, and at first I felt that the premise was just a “wacky plot device” instead of an actual attempt to discuss the nature of class struggle. But as the film developed, the message of social justice and organizing resistance became the driving force and motivation for the characters. After a while into the film, the illusions of being the reincarnation of Trotsky took a backseat to the main characters drive to organize his fellow students.


One of the major themes in the film is about the struggle between “apathy and boredom” of the youth of Canada (which can certainly be applied to the United States as well). The principal of the school (an authoritarian or repressive figure for the film) is sure that the students are apathetic to the plight of Leon, and after the first attempt to organize a walk-out of class: the principal seems to be right, as most of the students do not take it seriously even though they walked out.
http://leftisminfilm.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/thet2.jpg?w=300&h=149 (http://leftisminfilm.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/thet2.jpg)


As Leon wrestles with this throughout the film, he plots on how to best mobilize his high school against their conditions to give them a voice. This is what the unique aspect of the film should be seen as and is what made me consider the progressive themes in it to not just be a plot device, but instead are the goal of the film.


This progressive message, guided by achieving socialism for the main character, is an interesting thing to appear in a film like this, and while it certainly won’t achieve a “wide release” that many Hollywood teen comedy films do, it’s an excellent contribution to the genre that for reasons that ought to be obvious aren’t of interest to the Left. But the way in which the contemporary youth, and the perceived apathy, are dealt with in the film is an interesting take that offers a bit of optimism for a generation who is often labeled one that just “doesn’t care.”


What do you guys think about the attempt to make a "progressive teen movie"?

[scarletghoul]

Havnt seen it but it seems like this movie takes the "young idealist teen communist" approach, which is of course a patronising version of "communism sounds good but doesnt really work". This is especially true in regards to Trotsky, who the bourgeoisie like to point to as a hopeful non-totalitarian form of communism which is destined to be crushed by stalinist brutality. The trotsky character in Animal farm is another example.

[Burn A Flag]

That sounds awesome. I watched the trailer and he sounds like me in regards to politics and women at my school, except without the sucess and the belief of being a reincarnation of Trotsky.

[scarletghoul]

i know a girl who has trotsky eyes, i try to avoid looking at her

[blake 3:17]

It seems like a good call on the film. I thought the movie was a lot of fun.

You did miss mentioning the Odessa Steps joke in the movie...

[Apoi_Viitor]

The trotsky character in Animal farm is another example.

Yeh, except not at all....

[KurtFF8]

It seems like a good call on the film. I thought the movie was a lot of fun.

You did miss mentioning the Odessa Steps joke in the movie...

Oh yeah, should have added that to the post. Oh well

[blake 3:17]

Don't worry. I found it hilarious when I saw, and an older CPer mentioned it to me. Just a nice little bridge within lefty film.

[Pirate Utopian]

I really liked this movie. The Ayn Rand joke is hilarious.

[scarletghoul]

is it gonna be shown in UK cinemas

[Tavarisch_Mike]

The movie is great! finally a good college-comedy :lol:

"Are you my Stalin?"

[DaringMehring]

I liked the movie

It had a lot of good imagery

And the central message, of people getting active and taking control of their own destiny, was good.

Plus there were some funny lines.

[IndependentCitizen]

Reading posters' comments, I'm glad it's not the bourgeoisie's attempt at making Communism look like evil fascist dictatorship.

[B0LSHEVIK]

WHOA!!!

I initially thought that this thread was BS or a prank. I hadnt heard about "Trotsky" and was surprised to find it! I'll watch it.

Its a movie, so, you cant be anal.

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

I watched this a few days ago (on Christmas) - so fucking cute.
It was nice to see a film that managed to:
- Be a teen comedy without being vapid or misogynistic
- Take an explicit revolutionary stance without being preachy or dogmatic
- Have an excellent soundtrack that wasn't intrusive or distracting
- Wasn't one of those goddamn leftist "glorious defeat!" films
- Be so fucking cute

So, I mean, sure, it didn't blow my mind, or usurp a position on my top five, but if I'd seen it ten years ago, it probably would have.

[thesadmafioso]

It doesn't really do much of anything well, but it was well rounded enough and not terribly bad in any one department to come off as watchable. It has enough wit to it to break the more generic molds of teen comedy, and it had a somewhat meaningful message which I thought blended pragmatic reality with idealism in a decent fashion. Of course most of the humor would be lost on your average teenager, but it mixes that with enough banal plot devices to hold their attention. And the same goes for your more hardened leftist, the humor and references hold their interest. Basically, it didn't do any one thing, but the mix provides for a decent film with somewhat of a mainstream appeal, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Overall I would summarize it as being an intriguing approach to the standard teen film, which was interesting enough to give it a bit more value than what it was loosely imitating.

[electro_fan]

ive heard good things about this film and want to watch it :)

[October1917]

After I watched this film, I got the feeling that it was more mocking Trotsky than anything. Especially when Trotsky called the old guy a menshevik. I laughed with the irony, since Trotsky himself was a menshevik.

The film was very cheesy at points, I mean, wince-worthy cheesiness, from the naivety of the main character, combined with awkward acting.

There are also two main inaccuracies which prove that he is in no way a reincarnation of Leon Trotsky(the very idea seems to reek of superstition), first off, he mets Stalin before he meets Lenin. This did not happen in real life. Secondly, he defeated Stalin. This did not happen in real life.

I think the film is a stalinist or otherwise mockery of Trotsky, which points out the naivety of Trotskyists, and their lack of actually knowing anything about the man they follow.

[B0LSHEVIK]

I just saw it last night. Its on netflix by the way!

Anyways, I was thinking in bewilderment as it was buffering that an American production company would make a teen-movie based on Trotsky. I mean, what does the average American know about Trotsky, or any other Bolshevik or the Russian revolution for that matter?

I then realized it was Canadian. When he talks to the former CP of Canada diplomat, or whatever he was. I guess Canadians are smarter than Americans!!!

9/10.

Its not bad. Its a funny movie. Just dont expect to be enlightened by it!

[Diello]

I'm clearly in the minority here, but I found the movie excruciatingly unfunny; much as I wanted to enjoy it, I couldn't even begin to. The star's affected comedic awkwardness really put me off.

It also seemed to take a condescending attitude toward leftism-- "lol, he wants to lead a strike!" "lol, he called that manager a fascist!" etc.

Admittedly, I quit about twenty minutes in; perhaps the movie shifted tone, perhaps I'm just being colourless and humourless à la Lenin. I do appreciate the fact that the film is both relatively mainstream and not explicitly anti-leftist. Also, I did find some of the lines funny ("You know I have nothing but contempt for Stalin!") aside from their delivery.

[A Revolutionary Tool]

Just watched it today on Netflix. I liked it.

[A Revolutionary Tool]

There are also two main inaccuracies which prove that he is in no way a reincarnation of Leon Trotsky(the very idea seems to reek of superstition), first off, he mets Stalin before he meets Lenin. This did not happen in real life. Secondly, he defeated Stalin. This did not happen in real life.

I think the film is a stalinist or otherwise mockery of Trotsky, which points out the naivety of Trotskyists, and their lack of actually knowing anything about the man they follow.
There can also be another possibility. You're taking it way to fucking seriously. I mean seriously, the film is Stalinist? I hope this wasn't your idea of a funny joke or something...

[Geiseric]

Haha... The film industry is stalinist! I haven't seen it but I will when it's convenient. Maybe i'll see it with a girl so I an seem smart by explaining the inside jokes that I know...

[Bardo]

I saw this a few weeks ago on netflix.

I thought it was funny how he calls his dad a fascist :laugh:

[MellowViper]

I just got it in the mail a few days ago and thought it was pretty funny. As far as indie films are concerned, it was much better than Napoleon Dynamite (though that's not really saying much). I cracked up on the part where he wouldn't let the girl dressed up as Ayn Rand into the social justice themed dance because of his no fascist policy. As far as the target audience goes, I think it would actually be a good idea if highschoolers did organize unions.

[MellowViper]

There can also be another possibility. You're taking it way to fucking seriously. I mean seriously, the film is Stalinist? I hope this wasn't your idea of a funny joke or something...

The protagonist even made it clear to his fascist, factory owning dad that he only held utter contempt for Stalin. lol

[RedHal]

Trotskyism how cute......

[Fabrizio]

Havnt seen it but it seems like this movie takes the "young idealist teen communist" approach, which is of course a patronising version of "communism sounds good but doesnt really work". This is especially true in regards to Trotsky, who the bourgeoisie like to point to as a hopeful non-totalitarian form of communism which is destined to be crushed by stalinist brutality. The trotsky character in Animal farm is another example.

Yes, the film is a plot by the bourgeosie to misdirect the youth away from Stalin. I suggest we pile up copies and build a bonfire.:thumbup1:

[Jimmie Higgins]

I was surprised by the movie because all the way through I was expecting some easy liberal out: "oh look how antiquated class struggle is, this kid just suffers from social alienation and needs a hug from his (fascist) dad". But as the OP pointed out, the silly concept kinda fell away and I loved how the other students who initially thought he was a weirdo actually moved from "boredom" to action when they saw they could actually change their boring situation.

The one sticking point for me: would someone who thought they were Trotsky adhere to a "great man" approach to history, let alone try and recreate history in new material conditions...:lol: who cares, the movie was light and fun. Wow, a light comedy about dead Russians, activism and struggle! Who'd have thought? It wasn't a hilarious movie and even the leftist inside jokes left me only laughing on the inside... but then again most teen comedies don't get me rolling on the floor with laughter either.

The "apathy" vs. "boredom" thing made the movie for me - what a smart way to make a point about activism and counter a widespread assumption about teenagers all at the same time. Even if the movie had nothing to do with leftism and was just a regular High School comedy, that theme would make it heads above 95% of the other movies in the genre (99.9% if you count the American Pie movies as part of the genre).

[Lunatic Concept]

Heres a place where you definitely cant watch it online, and it is certainly not DVD quality
http://stagevu.com/video/uxoaghtztrcb:thumbup1:

[Octopus]

Interestingly it reminded me of my own early attempts to form a Student Council which had an actual say, which led to a "Student Voice" board dictated by the senior staff members, not exactly what I had in mind. We were able to decide what colour paint the school used though.

I remember liking this film and it reminded me the sheer apathy of students at my school.

[apawllo]

I thought it was entertaining, although yeah...the premise was somewhat odd.

Another comedy about class struggle that was fairly enjoyable was Adventures of Power. It fits that Napoleon Dynamite mold also, which is sort of played out, but it's quality nonetheless.

[Jimmie Higgins]

Another comedy about class struggle that was fairly enjoyable was Adventures of Power.Actually, now that I think about it, a lot of teen comedies deal with class: usually it's someone (Molly Ringwald) who is from the wrong side of the tracts wanting to be with the popular preppy rich kids.

I once tried to develop a screenplay with a friend of mine that was a high school allegory of the rise of Hitler: it was going to be called "Zieg High". The premise is that the school is dealing with cuts and an unpopular girl gets a makeover which makes her popular and she becomes student body president and then the gym somehow burns down and she blames clique-rivilary for it and outlaws cliques and forces everyone to attend big spirit-rallies all the time... and you get the idea. By the end of the movie the JROTC are her personal enforcers, the PA system plays a looped recording saying things like "Sally is Your Friend" "Bask in Sally's Popularity and Gain in Popularity Yourself" "The Sun Rises to Illuminate Sally's New Highlights". In the final act, the stoners and jocks unite and take down the JROTC in guerrilla actions and then capture sally, drag her to the football field and set her on fire.

Funny, my friend kept saying that this movie could never be produced:confused:

Anyway, so I was sad when I first heard about this movie because the high-school historical analogue thing reminded me of my own failed script, but then again, this movie was a much better idea and ended up being about more than just shock value like the script my friend and I tried to develop.

[Rafiq]

Watched it on Netflix a couple days ago. I liked it.

[Rafiq]

The movie is somewhat enjoyable, however, it wasn't very politically correct.

For example, comparing students to workers.

[KurtFF8]

The movie is somewhat enjoyable, however, it wasn't very politically correct.

For example, comparing students to workers.

Eh, there's a point in the film where the school superintendent (or Canadian version of this position) warns them that striking state workers who do so illegal can go to jail, to which Leon replies "ah ha! but we are not workers, we're just students"

[DuracellBunny97]

I thought it was really good, Jay Burachell is awesome, the film was pretty funny, but I found it strange how much the principal looked like Lenin considering he was Leon's biggest opposition in the film.

[Jimmie Higgins]

I thought it was really good, Jay Burachell is awesome, the film was pretty funny, but I found it strange how much the principal looked like Lenin considering he was Leon's biggest opposition in the film.Yeah they actually juxtaposed a shot of the Principle and a shot of an image of Lenin in the same pose. I don't know what they were trying to say with that... I thought maybe it would turn out that the Principle was the character's "Lenin" to his "Trotsky" and that in the end it would turn out that the Principle was a demoralized ex-education reformer (the good kind, not the privatizing kind) and would have a change of heart or something. But nothing really happened with that so I don't know what they were trying to do there.

[Tavarisch_Mike]

The movie is somewhat enjoyable, however, it wasn't very politically correct.

For example, comparing students to workers.

If i just watched movies that where pc according to my views i wouldnt see annyone.

[Rooster]

If someone wants to watch this on DVD quality online then just do a quick google search for "the trotsky" on the megaupload website. I'd post a link but I haven't made enough posts yet :(

[Rooster]

I just watched it. It was mostly enjoyable. I did feel that it sort of softened the idea of revolutionary struggle but I guess it was mostly aimed at people who don't adhere to that much.

[Rafiq]

If i just watched movies that where pc according to my views i wouldnt see annyone.

Well, the movie was about Trotsky.

[Rooster]

Here you go: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=R3U2VGSY

Spanish subs. Either watch online or download.

[Fabrizio]

Well, the movie was about Trotsky.

Technically it was a comedy about a guy who thought he was the reincarnation of Trotsky.:sneaky:

[Rafiq]

Technically it was a comedy about a guy who thought he was the reincarnation of Trotsky.:sneaky:

Whatever :rolleyes:

[Fabrizio]

Whatever :rolleyes:

My point: it's a comedy, not a documentary.

[Rusty Shackleford]

now we need a college humor-epic trilogy called the Lenin. god if i were a film maker and was not adverse to being a profit hungry bastard. id make a film about a revolution in the University system right now. so much money. :laugh:

gonna watch the film now. ill tell yall what i think in a while. (because my opinion is of value on here)

[Dimentio]

Interestingly it reminded me of my own early attempts to form a Student Council which had an actual say, which led to a "Student Voice" board dictated by the senior staff members, not exactly what I had in mind. We were able to decide what colour paint the school used though.

I remember liking this film and it reminded me the sheer apathy of students at my school.

I started a zine once at High School where I attacked the policy of the School Catering to demand ID's from all students.

[BIG BROTHER]

I just saw it it was great!:lol:

I think it was great, is a bit inspiring, makes references to Trotsky and its funny.

Now like Rusty Shackleford put it, lets wait for the sequel: "The Lenin"

[Rusty Shackleford]

Ok, so that was actually creepy.

funny and inspiring at parts. but... yeah.

creepy ass kid.

some great references though.

[BIG BROTHER]

Ok, so that was actually creepy.

funny and inspiring at parts. but... yeah.

creepy ass kid.

some great references though.


He is creepy.....and kinda cute? :blushing:


Also I actually liked how they showed that a revolutionary student in a university wouldn't be out to subert and enslave all their schoolmates but rather would be fighitng for his/hers people's welfare :)

[GPDP]

Just saw it myself. It was awesome. There were a lot of jokes only a leftist would get, which is why my friend was clueless half the time. :D I definitely felt good at the end. I found myself raising my fist in the air a few times.

[Manic Impressive]

HaHa awesome really funny.

It kind of reminds me of Children of the Revolution which was about a guy who believed Stalin was his father and then started acting like him.

[Rusty Shackleford]

HaHa awesome really funny.

It kind of reminds me of Children of the Revolution which was about a guy who believed Stalin was his father and then started acting like him.
link to this movie?

[Manic Impressive]

I'm trying to find one as I'd love to see it again but so far no luck I know there's a torrent on pirate bay but my pc gets fucked from downloading movies, so if anyone finds a link to it let me know.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_the_Revolution_%28film%29

P.S. supporters of Stalin will probably hate it although it does feature a Stalin sex scene which may appeal to some.

[Manic Impressive]

Finally found one

http://www.megavideo.com/?d=5XLTZNHG

[Rooster]

I'm trying to find one as I'd love to see it again but so far no luck I know there's a torrent on pirate bay but my pc gets fucked from downloading movies, so if anyone finds a link to it let me know.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children_of_the_Revolution_%28film%29

P.S. supporters of Stalin will probably hate it although it does feature a Stalin sex scene which may appeal to some.

Ah, that was a good laugh. Thanks a bunch!

[Property Is Robbery]

I liked it. I don't know why people always have to hate everything.

[L.A.P.]

As a Stalinist, I can not believe that a movie about a high school Trotsky is being made and I'm shocked so all I have to say about this god damn fucking movie is...........I can't wait to see it and it looks awesome.

[Amphictyonis]

I saw it last night and felt they were at times somewhat poking a stick at socialism, making fun of it in a way as being some ineffectual school kids fantasy not to be taken seriously in "the real world". The scene where Black Panthers, Maoists and zapatista's were marching to the "social justice dance"....megh? It was, I felt, trivializing past struggles in a way. At least thats how I took it. I guess when I think class struggle I don't think comedy- think of it this way, if we lived in a communist nation and they made a film about a crazy capitalist kid who thought she was Ayn Rand running around trying to spread 'objectivism' without the film taking the capitalist perspective or objectivism seriously would you think it was a film promoting capitalism or making fun of it?

I would recommend it for people in their late teens or early 20's. I did laugh but again at times I felt like they were looking at socialism as some crazy dead cause. A relic from the past. Comedy material.

[Rusty Shackleford]

I saw it last night and felt they were at times somewhat poking a stick at socialism, making fun of it in a way as being some ineffectual school kids fantasy not to be taken seriously in "the real world". The scene where Black Panthers, Maoists and zapatista's were marching to the "social justice dance"....megh? It was, I felt, trivializing past struggles in a way. At least thats how I took it. I guess when I think class struggle I don't think comedy- think of it this way, if we lived in a communist nation and they made a film about a crazy capitalist kid who thought she was Ayn Rand running around trying to spread 'objectivism' without the film taking the capitalist perspective or objectivism seriously would you think it was a film promoting capitalism or making fun of it?

I would recommend it for people in their late teens or early 20's. I did laugh but again at times I felt like they were looking at socialism as some crazy dead cause. A relic from the past. Comedy material.


exactly.

[GPDP]

Did you guys miss the scene near the end where the tired ex-militant "leftist" professor explicitly recognized Leon as someone who would change the world? Or where the students backing Leon ask their fellow classmates if school should suck?

Sure, the movie does have a lot of comedy and pokes fun at a lot of leftist conventions, but at the same time, I think we ARE meant to sympathize with Leon's struggle, not laugh at it.

[Tim Finnegan]

I agree, the film seemed very much sympathetic to, if not to revolutionary Marxism per se, then certainly to radical leftism. It does not, I think, conflate Leon's own quixotic nature with the ideals he espouses, nor present them as invalid just because his approach is eccentric.

[KurtFF8]

I agree, the film seemed very much sympathetic to, if not to revolutionary Marxism per se, then certainly to radical leftism. It does not, I think, conflate Leon's own quixotic nature with the ideals he espouses, nor present them as invalid just because his approach is eccentric.

This was my interpretation as well. While his character was clearly quite silly and absurd (also meant to be seen as nearly delusional), the message of the film is still progressive I would say, with the viewer meant to sympathize with his efforts.

[Amphictyonis]

This was my interpretation as well. While his character was clearly quite silly and absurd (also meant to be seen as nearly delusional), the message of the film is still progressive I would say, with the viewer meant to sympathize with his efforts.

Ya I had mixed feelings it was as if the film was sympathetic but in a patronizing fashion. As if it had been made from the perspective that communist ideals are completely dead and foreign to most people. Hell, maybe they are in America. It was entertaining but I'd rather see a film that pisses people off, a film that really explains alienation, exploitation and makes average people think more about our relation to the means of production. I'm talking epic film here. Something most capitalists won't want to pay for :)

[Tim Finnegan]

Ya I had mixed feelings it was as if the film was sympathetic but in a patronizing fashion. As if it had been made from the perspective that communist ideals are completely dead and foreign to most people.
I'm not sure if that's fair. The film didn't really examine communism in any detail, but simply presented Leon's ideals as a fairly broad left-radicalism, which, as has been noted, the film seemed sympathetic to. While it certainly suggested that attempting to resurrect explicit Bolshevism would be quixotic at best- something which, I must say, it's hard to deny- I think that was really part of Leon's eccentricity, rather than a commentary on his ideals. After all, he won, which isn't something that the film-makers were likely to allow if they felt him to be nothing more than a rambling idiot.


Hell, maybe they are in America. It was entertaining but I'd rather see a film that pisses people off, a film that really explains alienation, exploitation and makes average people think more about our relation to the means of production. I'm talking epic film here. Something most capitalists won't want to pay for :)
I don't know, even relatively basic theory is often too heavy to work into a narrative without it ending up clunky and laboured. I think that you're better off illustrating that stuff, but in such a way as to suggest and encourage further investigation into the issues. Basically, you should be Ken Loach. ;)

Also, I found Leon's friend Laura to be incredibly attractive, for some reason. Anybody else get that, or just me?

[Lenina Rosenweg]

I finally saw The Trotsky last night. It was fun to watch but on the other hand it trivialized struggles.The portrayal of student politics was very lame and Leon's "action" wasn't remotely realistic.There were parts of the film which outrightly mocked the left, as in the scene where Leon hunts down someone named Vladimir Ulyanov in London, Ontario.

Louis Proyect had a good critique of the film.
http://louisproyect.wordpress.com/2010/04/29/the-trotsky/

The leftist name dropping, referencing Ken Loach for no discernable reason was annoying.

The part where Laura asks Leon how he can reconcile dialectical materialism with a believe in reincarnation and Leon quotes Terry Eagleton, "we have to let Marxism of the 21st century breath.." is hysterical.

The fim is not so much a lfet film as wry yuppie pomo humor If it gets some people a bit more interested in the life of Lev Bronstein, than its not a total loss.

[Os Cangaceiros]

Did he have a Stalin-esque counterpart in the film?

[Lenina Rosenweg]

Leon was opposed on what passed for a student council by an opportunistic hack type person. Leon called him "Stalin" several times.As far as I know this "Stalin" did not carry out bank robberies, wipe out the entire leadership of a Bolshevik Party, or operate a system of gulags. He did however seem to have made an alliance with a fascist (in this case the school principal) so I guess the analogy works.

Also, probably intentional the fascistic high school principal character looked like Lenin. To highlight this there was cameo with the principal side profiled in front of a picture of Lenin.More post modernist spoofing, I guess.

[theblackmask]

This movie sucked. It's like they took a typical yuppie teen movie and just randomly dropped USSR references into the script.

[Tim Finnegan]

I finally saw The Trotsky last night. It was fun to watch but on the other hand it trivialized struggles.The portrayal of student politics was very lame..
How so?


...and Leon's "action" wasn't remotely realistic.I really don't think that it was meant to be. Hence the whole "hero thinks he's Trotsky" thing...? :confused:


There were parts of the film which outrightly mocked the left, as in the scene where Leon hunts down someone named Vladimir Ulyanov in London, Ontario.Well, firstly, I understood the humour there to be Leon's quixotic insistence on his Trotsky narrative, rather than any broad stab at the left. (Which, to be honest, I'm not even sure I understand how you saw in it.)
Secondly, I'm think that scene was left pretty open-ended for a reason. The film had already established that, whatever Leon's delusions, he was quite capable of getting stuff done, so there's no reason to think that attaining a partner in crime was relegating himself to some extended historical re-enactment.
Thirdly, so what if they make fun of you? Taking yourself so damn seriously all the time is one of the reasons why everyone thinks we're a bunch of losers.


The leftist name dropping, referencing Ken Loach for no discernable reason was annoying.You didn't get that joke, then? :confused:


This movie sucked. It's like they took a typical yuppie teen movie and just randomly dropped USSR references into the script.
Do most "typical yuppie teen movies" involve the main character organising mass strike action? :confused:

[Lenina Rosenweg]

I have been involved in high school politics, many moons ago and it wasn't at all like in the film. True middle class American and probably Canadian HS kids are generally not all that politically aware but in a situation where you have a "school for the arts" that comes under heavy handed "fascistic" administration, the students would be much more political. The scene at the cafe or whatever it was when the issue seemed to be that "we're HS students and we need a voice" was liberal boilerplate. What were the specific issues involved?

The film wasn't a direct attack on the left but more a spoof on it.Left culture and history was a vehicle for the film's humor, it wasn't a left film.

I love the Ken Loach classics-Land and Freedom, etc. I saw The Trotsky late at night admittedly and I'm afraid the joke escaped me. There was a scene where a highschool teacher was talking enthusiastically about POUM and the Spanish Civil War. This teacher though had no other role in the film.Myself I only learned about POUM, Homage to Catalinia, etc. years after I escaped from highschool.

North American hgighschools are close to being prisons. The film could have been far more effective if it focused on real issues, however abstract instead of the vague, "we need a voice".

[KurtFF8]

It seems there is a lot of variety in interpreting this film on RevLeft right now

[theblackmask]

Do most "typical yuppie teen movies" involve the main character organising mass strike action? :confused:

You're right, the way for kids to get the girl and finally win the acceptance of their parents is to organize mass actions! :tt1:

Just because a movie makes passing references to socialist things does not make it revolutionary.

[Tim Finnegan]

I have been involved in high school politics, many moons ago and it wasn't at all like in the film. True middle class American and probably Canadian HS kids are generally not all that politically aware but in a situation where you have a "school for the arts" that comes under heavy handed "fascistic" administration, the students would be much more political.
Really? I attended a Roman Catholic high school, with all the disciplinarian bent that implies, and I don't recall any such politicisation. (I mean, we had several teachers who openly opined that Franco's faction was the Good One, to put the concept of "fascistic" administrations in perspective.)


The scene at the cafe or whatever it was when the issue seemed to be that "we're HS students and we need a voice" was liberal boilerplate. What were the specific issues involved?That, presumably, is what the union would go on to decide. You doesn't need to wait for the issues to nudge people towards actions before forming organisations capable of addressing them. I mean, isn't that what vanguardists Marxism is all about?


The film wasn't a direct attack on the left but more a spoof on it.Left culture and history was a vehicle for the film's humor, it wasn't a left film.I disagree. While it certainly used revolutionary Marxism as a vehicle in the manner you describe, I don't think it was as exploitative and careless as you suggest. Do remember, the film's concluding message was that popular mass action can successfully challenge existing authorities and make the world a better palce: is that not the very essence of leftism?


North American hgighschools are close to being prisons. The film could have been far more effective if it focused on real issues, however abstract instead of the vague, "we need a voice".You realise that it was a comedy, right?


You're right, the way for kids to get the girl and finally win the acceptance of their parents is to organize mass actions! :tt1:
Fair point, it indulged in some well-worn tropes, but I honestly think it is they which are the superfluous to the central mass action narrative, rather than the reverse.


Just because a movie makes passing references to socialist things does not make it revolutionary.
You don't think that achieving societal change through mass action, which is to say the plot of the film, is a "socialist thing"?

And I don't recall saying that it was revolutionary. (And probably for the best- we are, judging by this thread, a humourless bunch.)

[KurtFF8]

You're right, the way for kids to get the girl and finally win the acceptance of their parents is to organize mass actions! :tt1:

Just because a movie makes passing references to socialist things does not make it revolutionary.

Right, but if the main conflict of the film is about how to organize mass actions, then perhaps that does?

[RATM-Eubie]

I thought it was hilarious and funny.....

[tbasherizer]

It seems there is a lot of variety in interpreting this film on RevLeft right now

I think the split is primarily between the Funists and the Seriousists. I identify with the Funist tendency, as the film at least puts Trotsky's name and general idea of his cause into the quasi-mainstream while having a good time and bringing back my favourite host of PMK. I guess the Seriousists have taken too much to dissecting movies for a serious message.

I liked the movie, and the Battleship Potemkin reference had me laughing out loud, much to the confusion of my girlfriend. I can certainly understand where someone's confusion can arise if they conflate the film's mockery of the film's Bronstein with mockery of the real Bronstein or the Left in general. Its clear depiction of the school principle as a villain and its serious take on the boredom/apathy question, along with its placing of a member of the real Communist Party as the protagonist's mentor figure makes its stance on general leftism pretty clear. Besides, it shouldn't matter to us if a Western film doesn't sing the praises of the Glorious October Revolution, because it wouldn't be news if it didn't.

[RadioRaheem84]

I am surprised that no one got the anti-Bolshevist/Communist message of the film.

It was sympathetic to left radical causes and it showed that the people like Leon (Trotsky) are/were well intentioned, but the movie is pretty condescending and instead descends into the whole, "pragmatic liberal-leftism/progressivism" is the best solution.

It purposely did not go deep into Marxism at all and attempted to portray whatever left-radical stereotype the filmmakers have as being alien to regular people and thus unworkable.

The film was entertaining and took a sympathetic approach rather than a full on denunciation about leftism being akin to fascism (as two similar extremes), but it was still offered the same blather about moderating one's tone to achieve success that most movies have these days as a social message.

[Tim Finnegan]

If I recall correctly, Leon attained victory by holding his principle hostage. In what sense is that "moderating one's tone"?

[jake williams]

I have been involved in high school politics, many moons ago and it wasn't at all like in the film.
I was involved in high school student politics quite a bit when I was in high school, and even after, and quite a bit that was in the film resonated with me.

As for the film as a whole, I have extremely mixed feelings. I really enjoyed it as a film - it was a bit blocky or weirdly executed at points, but the writer/director wrote it when he was 17, and I think in the end it gets pulled off as an interesting aesthetic (and an unintentional commentary on being 17).

I felt a bit made fun of at points, as a leftist and particularly as a student activist in high school. But I also found a lot familiar, and to an extent it reflects the real-world ridiculousness of being politically active in high school.

What's politically problematic about the movie is obvious: the glaring and even a bit surprising lack of real class analysis (a problem of the "new left" in general, and not just in the film); the insinuation that (mass? class?) struggle is led or even carried out by isolated, idiosyncratic individuals; the reincarnation stuff and the Trotskyist silliness (eg. "Are you my Stalin, Dwight?" etc.).

But there is also plenty to like, particularly for me the emphasis on hard work and the fact that politicization and struggle take a long time, but that ordinary high school students can be brought in. It's emotionally and politically inspiring, and I think a lot of people who see this movie in high school could take it and do really interesting things.

At the end of the day though, the movie really has to be understood as a nostalgia flick about the director's own teenagehood, and home town (the Montreal in-jokes number almost as many as the leftist ones). I think as that, it makes a lot more sense.

[Le Libérer]

I couldnt make it through 30 minutes of it. I switched over to The girl with a dragon tattoo.

[Uncle Hank]

Slightly more than vaguely reminiscent of Wes Anderson's Rushmore, at least as I remember it. More than enough material to differentiate, but really not that original an idea. However we must be honest. I'm a Trotskyist so this is pretty obviously the best film ever made. I mean I loved Eisenstien's Oktyabr and everything, but as far as living up to the hype, all I have to say is: needs more Trotsky. :trotski: But then again, that applies to pretty much any political concept or representation, amirite? :thumbup1:

[Tim Finnegan]

I'm a Trotskyist so this is pretty obviously the best film ever made.
Really? Half your comrades seem to be saying the exact opposite... Do you people just toss a coin, or something? http://media.bigoo.ws/content/smile/miscellaneous/smile_280.gif

[Uncle Hank]

Is explanation necessary here? If so I was being amazingly witty and satirical by suggesting that everyone who doesn't like Trotsky acts like anyone who identifies themselves as Trotskyist has a gigantic hardon for Trotsky and would never imagine he could have made a wrong decision.




And if not then fuuuuuuck youuuuuuu. :crying:

[Tim Finnegan]

Oh, no, I got that it was tongue-in-cheek hyperbole, I just assumed that it what it was hyperbolising was approval. Much as a lot of other Trotskyists- such as the fella earlier who claimed that it was a Stalinist plot to defame Trotsky, perhaps jokingly, I have no idea- seemed to be taking the hyperbole in the other direction.

Basically, it seems that, here and elsewhere, it's a bit of love-it-or-hate-it piece for Trotskyists, and I'm not really sure why. Perhaps I'm just getting skewed results, for whatever reason.

[Struggle]

It's a good film. Communists will like it. Although, it does indeed take the 'naive Marxist teen approach'.

[The Man]

I hope they come out with a second one, where they finish Trotsky's life.

[Uncle Hank]

Oh, no, I got that it was tongue-in-cheek hyperbole, I just assumed that it what it was hyperbolising was approval. Much as a lot of other Trotskyists- such as the fella earlier who claimed that it was a Stalinist plot to defame Trotsky, perhaps jokingly, I have no idea- seemed to be taking the hyperbole in the other direction.

Basically, it seems that, here and elsewhere, it's a bit of love-it-or-hate-it piece for Trotskyists, and I'm not really sure why. Perhaps I'm just getting skewed results, for whatever reason.

Yeah, it is really hard to tell plenty of the time, and I definitely identify with you there. For quite a long time before I ever identified with Trostskyism specifically, I held quite near all namesake ideologies branching from Marxism lumped into one big sectarian circle-jerk, and was under the impression that distinguishing one from another would just give me a walk-on role in this apparent circle-jerk and I would be yet another sectarian prick, preaching sectarianism over unity. And while I can't say that hasn't come somewhat to fruition via identifying with Trotskyism more than any of the other schools of Marxism, I still attempt to hold true to the obvious principle of unity and that the fine print that sectarianism has to offer can be written into the annals of history after the necessary victories have been achieved. My point is this: I can wait to start murdering my fellow revolutionaries in the name of Trotsky; I can wait until self-emancipation in the larger sense has been attained on an acceptable level.

Holy fuck, that was so convoluted and off-base..yet I am too lazy to revise any of it! Run-on sentences galore! My apologies, the ol' rhetoric needs some work given my time spent away from any form of political..message board bullshitting. :(

[Public Domain]

I thought the movie was hilarious.

Maybe I just like to hear the silly leftist humour to help be more sure of myself or some crap. 'Yay they mentioned us!'

I WAS expecting something a little more communist and focused on proletarian revolution, but instead I got a pretty funny teen comedy about high school and apathy.

I've seen much worse.

I don't think it hurts the cause rather just does nothing for it.
(cept for the high school kids who'll all google Trotsky, find out he's a communist, and be one step closer to finding the path with just a little effort)

[KurtFF8]

This reminded me of The Trotsky for some reason

A4yno5yA1gE

[eric922]

I just started it, but netfilx is messing up so I need to wait till tomorrow. So far I'm loving it. It is really funny in a cheesy way, and you gotta love "Are you my Stalin, Dwight." Also his response to his dad calling him Stalin describes my reaction whenever anyone says all Marxists are like Stalin: "I have nothing but contempt for Stalin as you well know."

[Public Domain]

I just started it, but netfilx is messing up so I need to wait till tomorrow. So far I'm loving it. It is really funny in a cheesy way, and you gotta love "Are you my Stalin, Dwight." Also his response to his dad calling him Stalin describes my reaction whenever anyone says all Marxists are like Stalin: "I have nothing but contempt for Stalin as you well know."
Torrent it. Still has a few seeds on the pirate bay.

You'll have the full movie in like 30 minutes

[praxis1966]

I think the most surprising thing about this film is that what essentially amounts to an only slightly new take on a teen comedy warrants a five page thread and so much serious analysis on RevLeft. I finally watched it yesterday just to find out what all the fuss was over and I gotta say I found it kinda cute and that's about it. I got a few laughs out of it and for the most part found it pretty harmless. Frankly, I think any leftists who were seriously offended by it need to seek medical attention... To get the sticks removed from their asses.

As an aside, I think about the best thing about the film in question was that the preview section of the DVD had a trailer for Metropia (Saleh, 2009), a dope looking animated film of which I'd never previously heard. I plan on streaming that one today...

EDIT: It is worth mentioning the old axiom a la Mary Poppins, "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down." In other words, it's probably a good idea that a comedy involving left oriented themes exists. Makes it a lot easier to take than, say, Land and Freedom.

[Amphictyonis]

I think the most surprising thing about this film is that what essentially amounts to an only slightly new take on a teen comedy warrants a five page thread and so much serious analysis on RevLeft. I finally watched it yesterday just to find out what all the fuss was over and I gotta say I found it kinda cute and that's about it. I got a few laughs out of it and for the most part found it pretty harmless. Frankly, I think any leftists who were seriously offended by it need to seek medical attention... To get the sticks removed from their asses.

As an aside, I think about the best thing about the film in question was that the preview section of the DVD had a trailer for Metropia (Saleh, 2009), a dope looking animated film of which I'd never previously heard. I plan on streaming that one today...

EDIT: It is worth mentioning the old axiom a la Mary Poppins, "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down." In other words, it's probably a good idea that a comedy involving left oriented themes exists. Makes it a lot easier to take than, say, Land and Freedom.

I don't think you understand comrade. This film is an abomination and is a detriment to global revolution. It MUST BE STOPPED!




(lolz)

But seriously, ya, serious business this socialism stuff is.

[La Comédie Noire]

Did they have to call it "the Trotsky"?

[praxis1966]

But seriously, ya, serious business this socialism stuff is.

I agree, of course. Yet, while I hate to characterize things in such capitalistic terminology, in the marketplace of ideas presentation counts for a lot. In fact, in many cases it may be the only thing that counts as we're essentially trying to intellectually sell people on the worth of our ideals... It's about effective marketing. So while films like The Trotsky, Machete, The Live!, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy mightn't be as serious or sophisticated presentation as we might prefer, there's no getting around the fact that people find those movies vastly more entertaining than the dour, epically tragic presentation our philosophies generally get. Fact is, most people go to movies to be entertained first and foremost, not depressed.


Did they have to call it "the Trotsky"?

Well, yeah. It was about a kid who thought he was the reincarnation of Leon Trotsky.

[Amphictyonis]

I like the dour, epically tragic (dare I say realistic) depictions of capitalist oppression. Are there any films which depict this? Tell me and I'll go intellectually masturbate to it.

[Omsk]

I know an number of anti-capitalist movies.
A Corner in Wheat, The Crowd,An American Tragedy, Heroes for Sale,Our Daily Bread, Modern Times.]
Links - Corner in Wheat - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0000832/
The Crowd - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0018806/
Heroes for sale - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024115/
Our daily bread - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0765849/
Moder Times - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027977/

[mosfeld]

Here's a fun comparison: Trotskyites get "The Trotsky", a teen-comedy movie, while Maoists get "Mao: The Unknown Story" and other scandalous propaganda deemed as the truth thrown in their faces.

[Amphictyonis]

I know an number of anti-capitalist movies.
A Corner in Wheat, The Crowd,An American Tragedy, Heroes for Sale,Our Daily Bread, Modern Times.]
Links - Corner in Wheat - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0000832/
The Crowd - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0018806/
Heroes for sale - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024115/
Our daily bread - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0765849/
Moder Times - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027977/

All before McCarthyism. They were going to make a film about the Spanish Revolution (Orwell) staring Kevin Spacey but ended up scrapping it. I think the film "There Will Be Blood' is great but the anti capitalist/religious theme wasn't exactly packaged for mass understanding or I should say to be taken as a direct attack on capitalism and the Church. Most of the actual anti-capitalist stuff is online via documentaries or not made in America/Hollywood.

[Rooster]

Not to derail the thread too much but, would Angela's Ashes count as an anti-capitalist and anti-religion film?

[praxis1966]

I like the dour, epically tragic (dare I say realistic) depictions of capitalist oppression.

So do I, as evidenced by the list I gave Children of the Revolution in this post (http://www.revleft.com/vb/showpost.php?p=2056112&postcount=2). In fact, I rather enjoy films with that kind of tone even in the absence of some kind of political discourse. But I also realize that I'm in the minority when it comes to taste.


Are there any films which depict this? Tell me and I'll go intellectually masturbate to it.

Apart from the ones I gave in the link above, there are a ton. Check the "Recommended Viewing" sticky.

[Uncle Hank]

Here's a fun comparison: Trotskyites get "The Trotsky", a teen-comedy movie, while Maoists get "Mao: The Unknown Story" and other scandalous propaganda deemed as the truth thrown in their faces.
Yes. Never has there been produced a critique of Leon Trotsky. :rolleyes: Let's all just pretend like Maoists would never dream of fetishizing Mao's faux-martyrdom and use it at every turn to attempt to legitimize any move he made as anti-imperialist, true-blue (red?), action to preserve his communist utopia against counterrevolution. I know you must feel so downtrodden as an MLM on an online forum, because lord knows Maoists have no presence in the online leftist community. :lol:

[Amphictyonis]

The bible is true. Jesus loves me this I know, cuz the bible tells me so....sorry, this thread has gotten to the point of trolling. I deserve an infraction. Sorry, tendency wars ina thread about some teen movie= silly :)

ml2Ae2SIXac

Is the person who made this film a socialist?

[Uncle Hank]

The bible is true. Jesus loves me this I know, cuz the bible tells me so....sorry, this thread has gotten to the point of trolling. I deserve an infraction. Sorry, tendency wars ina thread about some teen movie= silly :)
Lolll, apologies, it just had been far too long since I had been able to do that behind the safety of a computer screen.

ml2Ae2SIXac

Is the person who made this film a socialist?
No, I never got the impression that Paul Thomas Anderson was overtly, or in any manner socialist. Given my limited knowledge of him this could be incorrect; but! The film itself is loosely based on Upton Sinclair's Oil!, which is one of the best muckraking pro-socialism novels ever written, imo. Keep in mind it is so loosely based that it is sometimes hard to reconcile the differences and come to terms with them being similar more than in setting and sharing a few sparse character traits and appearances. Yet, they do share more than vague similarities in relation to the political undertones of There Will Be Blood being quite similar to the bold anti-capitalist message contained in Sinclair's Oil!.

[mosfeld]

Yes. Never has there been produced a critique of Leon Trotsky. :rolleyes: Let's all just pretend like Maoists would never dream of fetishizing Mao's faux-martyrdom and use it at every turn to attempt to legitimize any move he made as anti-imperialist, true-blue (red?), action to preserve his communist utopia against counterrevolution. I know you must feel so downtrodden as an MLM on an online forum, because lord knows Maoists have no presence in the online leftist community. :lol:

Trotskyism is an international joke and not deemed as a threat anywhere. Why would it be when Trotskyites have been useful agents, police informants, etc., anyways? Trotsky gets treated like a saint in the west and his vision of "communism" is acceptable by the bourgeoisie because it is opposed to what was then actual existing socialism, "Stalinism", which was and is a threat to capitalism, as opposed to Trotskyism. Why do you think that "Animal Farm" and other Trotskyite propaganda is taught in school, anyways?

So basically, the point of my statement was that if Trotskyism wasn't a non-threatening joke ideology to the bourgeoisie, if Trotskyites weren't either agents, police informants or plain clowns and if Trotskyism was an actual viable road to socialism and communism, like Maoism is, then you'd have books like "Trotsky: The Unknown Story", and not shitty teen comedies called "The Trotksy" ;)

[Tim Finnegan]

Here's a fun comparison: Trotskyites get "The Trotsky", a teen-comedy movie, while Maoists get "Mao: The Unknown Story" and other scandalous propaganda deemed as the truth thrown in their faces.
Wait, what? Who are you blaming here? And for what? :confused:

[praxis1966]

Will you people kindly take your tendency wars back to Theory and Polemics, err, I mean Politics where they belong? Leave the Film & Lit section to the nerds just out for a good time.

[Decommissioner]

Movie was alright. It was better than what I thought it was going to be, but keep in mind my expectations were extremely low.

My main complaint is the main character, I just couldn't get behind him, I get what they were trying to go for, the quirky awkward main character dude, but its been done and I was never a fan. And the love story is so tacked on and unnecessary.

But I did find myself enjoying the movie more and more towards the end.

[Iraultzaile Ezkerreko]

-Sectarian Bullshit-

I see this kind of shit all over RevLeft and it's honestly gotten quite ridiculous recently. Seems like the only group that catches more flak than "Trotskyites" is the IS. If we are so counter-revolutionary and inherently bourgeois, why aren't we restricted or banned? And what's the point of having a forum for revolutionary leftists if there can't even be a discussion of a rather banal and pointless film without a god-damn tendency war breaking out and people turning to petty insults or lies?

[KurtFF8]

Will you people kindly take your tendency wars back to Theory and Polemics, err, I mean Politics where they belong? Leave the Film & Lit section to the nerds just out for a good time.

While I am always opposed to sectarian "tendency wars," I think a film of this subject deserves some genuine critical analysis instead of just sitting back and having a good time.

[The Man]

Does anyone know what song is playing when Leon is being taken to the police car near the end of the movie, and then Alexandra kisses him?

[praxis1966]

While I am always opposed to sectarian "tendency wars," I think a film of this subject deserves some genuine critical analysis instead of just sitting back and having a good time.

http://www.ichingastrology.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/MountainMolehill.jpg

[KurtFF8]

?

[Pirate Utopian]

Mountains out of molehills?

[x359594]

...I think a film of this subject deserves some genuine critical analysis instead of just sitting back and having a good time.

Any film what so ever deserves genuine critical analysis, and critical analysis for cinema takes account of the unique properties of the medium and would include a discussion of mise-en-scene, cutting, camera placement, use of color, sound editing. The content of any given film is mediated by all these elements, so any critical discussion would of necessity would take the unique properties of film into account. Otherwise it comes down to "I liked it or I didn't like it." And there's nothing wrong with that but it's not critical analysis.

[Agent Ducky]

I wanna watch this now. Zomg. It sounds pretty cool.

[praxis1966]

Mountains out of molehills?

^This one.


Any film what so ever deserves genuine critical analysis, and critical analysis for cinema takes account of the unique properties of the medium and would include a discussion of mise-en-scene, cutting, camera placement, use of color, sound editing. The content of any given film is mediated by all these elements, so any critical discussion would of necessity would take the unique properties of film into account. Otherwise it comes down to "I liked it or I didn't like it." And there's nothing wrong with that but it's not critical analysis.

Fair enough... But to whine about the fact that the kid thinks he's Trotsky and start a tendency war over it is ridiculous in my estimation given that it's mostly a teen comedy/rom-com. Focusing on the leading character's delusion of being the reincarnation of the historical Trotsky as opposed to oh, I dunno, the fact that it reinforces traditional gender roles is to me the height of myopia.

[KurtFF8]

Any film what so ever deserves genuine critical analysis, and critical analysis for cinema takes account of the unique properties of the medium and would include a discussion of mise-en-scene, cutting, camera placement, use of color, sound editing. The content of any given film is mediated by all these elements, so any critical discussion would of necessity would take the unique properties of film into account. Otherwise it comes down to "I liked it or I didn't like it." And there's nothing wrong with that but it's not critical analysis.

I agree with this actually, there's no such thing as "it's just a movie" or "it's just a book" or "it's just a video game" etc. etc.

[Landsharks eat metal]

Is there anything in this movie that would offend or bother someone who is moderately anti-communist? I am planning on watching this and need to know whether to leave my father out of movie night or not...

[praxis1966]

Is there anything in this movie that would offend or bother someone who is moderately anti-communist? I am planning on watching this and need to know whether to leave my father out of movie night or not...

I doubt it. The only people getting themselves wrapped around an axle about it are missing the forest for the trees. Yeah, it does have some left oriented themes like labor organizing. Yeah, it does name drop a lot of leftist thinkers. Yeah, the main character is delusional and thinks he's Leon Trotsky. But that's far from all of it. For me, mostly it's a coming of age story and teen/romantic comedy about an awkward kid trying to figure out what his identity is (something everyone does as a teenager without really knowing it until afterward). If your father isn't some kind of rabid neo-con, I'm sure he'll find plenty to like about it.

[Tomhet]

Can I watch this shit online? seems like it'd be enjoyable...

[∞]

I really liked this movie. The Ayn Rand joke is hilarious.

"This is a no-fascist zone."-:laugh:

[Manic Impressive]

Can I watch this shit online? seems like it'd be enjoyable...
http://www.megavideo.com/?d=R3U2VGSY

[∞]

I liked the part where he called his mentor a menshivik.

[Manifesto]

Finally saw this movie today! It's hilarious! :laugh: