Jon Greenaway, a writer and former academic, returns to discuss his book "Capitalism: A Horror Story". He explores the chilling relationship between capitalism and horror, revealing how modern films expose Marxist themes and societal fears. The conversation delves into Gothic Marxism, emphasizing the emotional experiences wrought by late capitalism. From the symbolic readings of monsters to body horror in a post-COVID world, Greenaway urges listeners to find revolutionary hope within horror, igniting a discussion about the potential for a Utopian future.
Gothic Marxism serves as a crucial framework for understanding how contemporary horror reflects societal anxieties within capitalism.
The aesthetic dimensions of horror are inherently political, necessitating an integration of critique and visionary hope in Marxist philosophy.
Body horror illustrates societal vulnerabilities and existential fears, while provoking discussions on shared experiences and the notion of the 'other'.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Gothic Marxism and Horror
The conversation emphasizes the importance of Gothic Marxism as a lens through which contemporary horror can be understood. This approach delves into how horror films reflect cultural and philosophical anxieties within society, particularly under capitalism. By examining modern horror, insights can be gleaned about the collective unconscious and the various fears prevalent in late capitalism. Such an analysis fosters a richer understanding of how horror art allows political and social issues to manifest, revealing the persistent nature of these underlying concerns.
The Role of Aesthetics in Political Analysis
The discussion reveals a critique of those who dismiss the aesthetic dimensions of Gothic Marxism as mere stylistic choices. It argues that aesthetics are deeply political and cannot be separated from the ideological implications they carry. Drawing from Ernst Bloch's concepts, the conversation highlights the necessity of integrating both cold and warm streams of Marxism to create a holistic political philosophy that embraces both rigorous critique and visionary hope. This intertwining of aesthetics and politics enriches the critique of cultural phenomena by revealing connections between artistic expression and societal realities.
Body Horror in a Post-COVID World
The analysis of body horror suggests that it acts as a reflection of our fragility and societal pressures in the post-COVID era. This genre questions how bodies are perceived socially, delving into our deep-seated fears of vulnerability, contamination, and mortality. In films like David Cronenberg's works, body horror surfaces as a means of grappling with the discomfort of living in an era rife with existential dread. Ultimately, the chapter posits that body horror can either foster solidarity through shared vulnerability or manifest as a source of violence against the perceived 'other.'
Cultural Reflections in Film Franchises
The conversations surrounding the Purge and Saw franchises elucidate the ways in which these films mirror contemporary societal issues. They serve as metaphors for the disposability of life in neoliberal contexts and the troubling elements of biopower that govern our reality. By engaging with Akhil Mbembe's concept of necropolitics, the discussion reveals how these films illustrate a society that increasingly views population segments as expendable. This critical lens unmasks the underlying critique present in mainstream horror, urging audiences to confront pressing socio-political dilemmas.
Monstrosity and Resistance
The podcast explores how marginalized groups, including trans people, are often labeled as 'monsters' in the context of reactionary politics. This phenomenon reflects wider fascist and oppressive dynamics within society, demonstrating how the act of dehumanization extends to various targets across the political spectrum. Acknowledging that fascism thrives on othering, the conversation stresses the importance of building solidarity among these groups to counteract the machinery of exclusion. The discussion resonates with the need for inclusive politics grounded in compassion and empathy, steering away from fear-driven narratives that seek to divide.
What does it mean to see horror in capitalism? What can horror tell us about the state and nature of capitalism? Blending film criticism, cultural theory, and philosophy, Capitalism: A Horror Story examines literature, film, and philosophy, from Frankenstein to contemporary cinema, delving into the socio-political function of the monster, the haunted nature of the digital world, and the inescapable horror of contemporary capitalist politics. Revitalizing the tradition of Romantic anticapitalism and offering a “dark way of being red”, Capitalism: A Horror Story argues for a Gothic Marxism, showing how we can find revolutionary hope in horror- a site of monstrous becoming that opens the door to a Utopian future.
