The Bunker – News without the nonsense Nakatomi one more time – Why DIE HARD is the most political Christmas movie
Dec 18, 2024
Join economist John Phelan from American Experiment as he dives into the political intricacies of 'Die Hard.' He argues that the film critiques capitalism and highlights blue-collar versus corporate values amidst 1980s America. John and host Andrew Harrison explore whether the movie is a critique of yuppie culture or a reflection of anti-foreign sentiment. Their lively discussion reveals how a holiday classic can echo today's socio-political landscape, making it not just a Christmas movie but a complex political commentary.
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McClane's Discomfort
- John McClane, a New York cop, is depicted as a man out of sync with the late 1980s.
- He represents a blue-collar archetype clashing with the era's yuppie culture.
Blue-Collar Nightmares
- McClane encounters various "blue-collar nightmares," including his estranged wife and a Japanese businessman, Mr. Takagi.
- This reflects 1980s anxieties about Japanese economic dominance.
Ellis and the Business Class
- Ellis, the slimy middle-management executive, embodies the 1980s business culture.
- His use of M&A jargon highlights his disconnect from the blue-collar world.
