Comedian Kate Willett joins the hosts to discuss 'Rosemary’s Baby'. They explore themes of control over women's bodies, Mia Farrow's performance, and the film's reflection of 60s political turbulence. The conversation dives into Catholicism, gender bias, and gaslighting, drawing parallels to modern issues like social media manipulation and anti-capitalist activism.
Rosemary's Baby serves as a metaphor for women's body control.
The film critiques traditional Catholic practices and spirituality.
The protagonist's choice reflects surrender and maternal instincts within societal expectations.
Deep dives
Interpreting Feminist Themes
The podcast discussion delves into the feminist themes present in the film 'Rosemary's Baby.' It explores how the protagonist's vulnerability, trust in others, and eventual choice to embrace motherhood despite the dark circumstances she faces reflect deeper commentary on the female experience and societal expectations during that era.
Critique Through Catholicism
The podcast reflects on the portrayal of Catholicism in the film, noting the juxtaposition of the dark satanic rituals with the sterile and ritualistic nature of Catholic practices. It hints at a critique of the lack of mysticism and spirituality in traditional Catholicism, contrasting it with the eerie and symbolic rituals depicted in the story.
Maternal Surrender and Choice
The discussion focuses on the protagonist's final decision to embrace motherhood to the devil's child as a blend of surrender and agency. It considers how her choice to love and care for the monstrous baby reflects a complex mix of acknowledging the oppressive system she is part of and the inherent maternal instincts and societal expectations tied to motherhood.
Influence of Wealth and Social Standing on Trust and Manipulation
Wealthy elite characters in the movie bestow a stinky tannous root necklace upon a young couple, symbolizing trust associated with money and status. The necklace, though repulsive, reflects how societal standing and wealth can influence trust levels. The manipulation tactics used by the characters prey on the couple's class vulnerabilities, highlighting the theme of trust, power, and manipulation within the context of social hierarchy.
Gaslighting, Healthcare Gaslighting, and Societal Gaslighting
The movie intertwines themes of gaslighting in personal relationships, healthcare, and societal structures. Characters engage in gaslighting tactics, casting doubt on the protagonist's reality. The narrative parallels real-life experiences with healthcare gaslighting, emphasizing the challenges faced by women seeking accurate diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the discussion expands to societal gaslighting, reflecting on propaganda, misinformation, and manipulation tactics used by those in power to control narratives and perceptions, leading to a call for collective action and awareness.
Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian Kate Willett for a conversation about the 1968 horror classic Rosemary’s Baby. They discuss how the film is an overt metaphor for the domination and control of a woman’s body, Mia Farrow’s incredible performance as a woman being gaslit by her husband and neighbors, and how the film’s generational dynamics mirrored the violent political upheavals in the U.S. during the late ‘60s.
MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
