The point of this is to create a list of worthwhile films / movies / TV shows & series, that relate in a major way with an issue or issues this movement stands for. So make way for the propaganda! The hope is that these can be used to subtly influence family members, friends, co-workers - as a starting point, or supplement to getting them to turn off the television and start really thinking for themselves. Obviously not all of the below are 'pure', but I believe them to have more positives than negative. I also think it is important to try understand the main message / moral of the story, and how someone who has not yet been enlightened by liberty would interpret the film. Some movies are great on issues like individualism vs collectivism, but then might fall down in other areas. So if you have seen the film recently, and don't think that it belongs (negatives outweigh positives) definitely speak up. By all means, discuss the films... if you have seen a film, and recommend it - please give it a shout out.. Other issues to look out for below include; self responsibility over paternalism, anti-war, dystopia's, anti-big brother, justice, against collectivism, conspiracy (self interested politicians), anti-green agenda, bureaucracy, entrepreneurship, corporatism, the mafia, revolutions, drugs, corruption, police, pre-crime, mass media, ruling elites to name a few. What did I miss? Movies, shows, films that enlighten about the current state of affairs, as well as heed warning & inform should be added here. Also maybe provide a synopsis or blurb about it, as to why its such a classic / you are recommending it.
If I missed something, recommend it. If you don't understand why something is there, investigate and ask. If you don't think it should be there, make a case for it's removal. These were collected by myself at RPF with the help of others. I have updated it considerably, this is the most up to date version. Reviews were gleaned from here at Mises, LewRockwell for starters. Enjoy!
I doubt if there is any film that portrays anarchy in positive light. The list you have is just a general list of good movies. And its far too long to discuss in detail.
For example Citizen Kane is about a man not finding satisfaction in material wealth. Not relevant to anarchy and capitalism. Same with Wall- E , the usual suspects...
It would be far better to create a list of documentaries as we will be able recommend and share stuff that is actually relevant. I suggest anything by Adam Curtis.
The only one I would add would be "Boondock Saints".
Periodically the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of tyrants and patriots.
Thomas Jefferson
you12:The list you have is just a general list of good movies. And its far too long to discuss in detail.
My thoughts too. Listing the supposed theme of the movie next to it would have at least helped. But no list of recommended whatevers should be so long, people have limited time to devote to such things.
What would be nice is if the Libertarian/Anarchist movement had it's own director, like a mix of Ken Burns and Michael Moore, but capitalists. I think John Carpenter and Kurt Russel both lean toward libertarian views, but in hearing them speak they seem to equate libertarian with social issues/policy more so than economic issues/policy. I doubt either is interested to the point of becoming associated with an ideology or movement. Still, there's no real popularizer of free market ideas out there who can successfully point out the issues. I mean, even in Moore's pics he goes after the government sometimes, but for some reason no matter how deeply rooted the government is in the 'problem' he sees, he also invariably presents government as the solution. This to me is the ultimate issue to address. Whenever I talk or argue with people it always comes down to the idea that the government could 'work' in 'the right people' were in charge or if it would just do this or that, modify this or that approach slightly. A popularizer of libertarian and anarchist views would have to somehow try and get people to make the jump from seeing that it's a not a problem within the government, but that government is the problem. It doesn't and more importantly can't work as they wish it would.
The new Battlestar Gallactica District 9
Democracy is nothing more than replacing bullets with ballots
If Pro is the opposite of Con. What is the opposite of Progress?
Changeling (Angelina Jolie) is based on a true story of corruption in 20's LA.
Why does many a man write? Because he does not possess enough character not to write. ---Karl Kraus.
firstly, why alien? Granted no movie is devoid of statism but alien always seemed to me to be the story of corporate corruption par excellence.
Now for the suggestions:
Macross DYRL -a great cartoon movie about (from a libertarian perspective) a band of relatively free humans fighting a race of culture-less, socialistic giants bent on anihilating the last remnants of human creativity. At the end the power of human bourgeois music converts them to peace. (note: there is no backstory so unless you like macross the TV show or robotech, you ain't gonna like this)
Transformers the movie -another cartoon movie which serves as the best allegory of the fight between freedom and statism that I've seen. Basically it's about a giant transformer that eats planets and how the other transformers have to beat it. The main character uses a "matrix of leadership" to defeat the planet-eater.
Gods and Generals: It extols the virtues of the southern drive for independence so right of the bat it is more libertarian then most war movies.
and finally, Footloose -the classic tale of kevin bacon versus the town government and it's anti-dancing law.
In general, I think romantic western and mafia movies are the best since they demonstrate an alternative order to the state. I would generally go for ones which emphasize basic decency and honour. I don't approve of Goodfellows bc it's too nihilistic and unrealistic. Donnie Brasco should be on the list. I don't know why the Wire is there either. Don't think Scarface should be there. Red Dawn links to Robocop. The recent Law Abiding Citizen is a candidate. It was good until he started killing innocent ppl. I would also add The Devil's Own, Michael Collins, and Taken to the list. I also really liked the underline theme of the anime series, Berserk, where the main antagonist, Grffith, is the romanticized tyrant par excellance.
Conza88, you have way too much time on your hands.
At most, 5% of the population would need to stop complying to bring down the government.
Spideynw: Conza88, you have way too much time on your hands.
I think he developed that list a while ago.
My favorite online shop: www.cafepress.com/libertyphile
I think John Carpenter and Kurt Russel both lean toward libertarian views, but in hearing them speak they seem to equate libertarian with social issues/policy more so than economic issues/policy.
Clint Eastwood doesn't shy away from calling himself a libertarian. And since you include actors, Drew Carey (Reason contributor) is another to 'consider'. As well as Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
But hey, as an aspiring filmmaker, I'll happily take up the challenge. I've actually been writing a legal thriller set in an anarcho-capitalist society (basically a 120-page response to the supposed need for a final arbiter and the prospect of endless warfare between firms).
To the OP, you have far more films than I imagined, but I think I've found some you missed:
There Will Be Blood. Though hailed by many as an example of the dangers of greed, we need to remember that capitalism is not synonymous with greed. Daniel Plainview's speech to the townspeople about how their town will improve due to his drilling for oil (there will be a railroad, schools will be built, granaries set up, etc) is a great illustration of a capitalist's self-interested actions helping society at large. And Plainview, portrayed as being so competitive as to be mentally unstable, still cares for his workers and respects other's claim to property, even when there is a lonely hold out impeding his progress.
The Big Lebowski. The hero is a marijuana smoking pacifist that, by seeking to decrease a felt uneasiness (the rug really tied the room together), ultimately uncovers fraud. The police are portrayed as either useless or belligerent - the sheriff of Malibu calls it his beach community, and believes he has the power to decide who is and is not allowed in. He then assaults the Dude.
And since you included Firefly (good for you!), I imagine TV shows are applicable. In that case:
Deadwood. As a western, it kinda has to have libertarian sentiments. But on what other show will you see a government established in a whore house, with the self-appointed mayor saying things like, "More than providing services to 'em, taking people's money is what makes organizations real, be they formal, informal or temporary." It shares quite a few similarities with There Will Be Blood. Al Swearengen, like Daniel Plainview, is murderous, but still holds some respect for the property of others, as he tries to gain possession of a gold claim. The same is true for George Hearst, the real parallel to Plainview. Hearst is far worse than Plainview, though he also has a few inspiring monologues about the wonders of capitalism.
"Before the color, no white man - no man of any hue - moved to civilize or improve a place like this had reason to make the effort. The color brought commerce here, and such order as has been attained. Do you want to help Liberia, Odell?"
"I want to help myself. If Liberia is where my chance is, it's all right with me."
"Gold is your chance. Gold is every man's opportunity. And why do I make that argument? Because every defect in a man and in others' way of taking him, our agreement that gold has value gives us power to rise above. ...Gold confers power. Power comes to any man who has the color."
"Even if he's black?"
"That is our species' hope, Odell! That, uniformly agreeing on its value, we organize to seek the color!"
He then promises to burn down the camp, but come on! The series also illustrates Hoppe's concept of natural elites, at least as I understand Hoppe. The principal characters organize a response to several social crises, dealing with such issues as hostile neighbors, a plague, inevitable annexation by the US, etc. They take it upon themselves for moral reasons (arguably Seth Bullock) and pure selfish, business-related reasons (Al Swearengen, Cy Tolliver, etc.).
Arrested Development. Mostly because it's a good show. But it does portray the government as clueless and ultimately criminal, as it forces George Sr. to conduct illegal transactions and then jails him for it. It also criticizes Bush and the war in Iraq quite frequently.
I'm glad you have Wall-E in the list. I found it to be one of the most individualistic movies last year.
EDIT: And Stephen mentioned an anime, which reminds me of Full Metal Alchemist. It is set in a society in which there is a Prussian-like love of the state (more than you can imagine), while some characters bemoan the frequent wars initiated by the state. The state is ultimately seen as an institution to make war, in order to further the villain's goal.
"I am a sinner who does not expect forgiveness - but I am not a government official." - Francis Wolcott, Deadwood
Primer. I can't recommend it highly enough. Watch it on Google Video and don't read the wikipedia article.
you12:I doubt if there is any film that portrays anarchy in positive light.
The best I think would be Porco Rosso. "Porco Rosso: An anarcho-capitalist pig?" - seen it, it's pretty awesome. As for others - V for Vendetta... and basically the movies that deplore the state, big brother etc.. indirectly put anarchy in a positive light, because they do not offer an alternative, only that the leviathan is evil.
you12:For example Citizen Kane is about a man not finding satisfaction in material wealth. Not relevant to anarchy and capitalism. Same with Wall- E , the usual suspects...
Yeah, I am in agreement with Citizen Kane - I got the same 'moral' of the story when I saw it. Wall-E I have not seen, but it is about individualism from what others have said, and someone on lew rockwell blogged in favour of it.
Usual suspects have not seen either. Will look into both though.
you12:It would be far better to create a list of documentaries as we will be able recommend and share stuff that is actually relevant. I suggest anything by Adam Curtis.
fakename:firstly, why alien? Granted no movie is devoid of statism but alien always seemed to me to be the story of corporate corruption par excellence.
I was leaning against that as well. Will take it out. And add the suggestions, all of which were suggested elsewhere but I didn't add. Will update a lot at once, because the amount of links - means it needs to get admin approval. :)
xahrx: you12:The list you have is just a general list of good movies. And its far too long to discuss in detail. My thoughts too. Listing the supposed theme of the movie next to it would have at least helped. But no list of recommended whatevers should be so long, people have limited time to devote to such things.
Well the list was 320 responses condensed into one post. That is a good idea though. I could possibly add 'tags' after the links to show what issues the movie / series is associated with & why it is on the list. Not sure I have the time for that at the moment. On going project so we'll see. Additionally, there could be an overt / covert element. The movies like the Matrix, V for Vendetta, 1984 could be considered 'overt' since the message is explicit, while others are less obvious but still useful. The goal was to first collate and then it can probably be whittled down into a "Best of" or "Top 10".
Daniel: Spideynw:Conza88, you have way too much time on your hands.I think he developed that list a while ago.
Spideynw:Conza88, you have way too much time on your hands.
Yeah, a year ago. I just had to copy and paste it, then add some links and new suggestions. Got interested in it again as I used a gift-voucher to get a external hard drive. I like to collect anti-status quo, individualist dystopia books (Brave New World, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, This Perfect Day, 1984, Animal Farm etc.) and then extended that to media.
Some movies are pretty hard to get online, as well as offline and since *,000's of Ron Paul clips from supporters were removed because of 'copy right violations' recently on youtube and are now lost unless that person uploads it again, I thought it might be expedient to download & collect the films that have the same message; as my government plans to censor the internet - and I'd like to store them offline.
I'm sorry Conza, but I have to do this in all caps, because I'm screaming it in my head. They might not fit the propaganda shtick so well, but they deserve to be on a movie list:
CASABLANCA (Play it Sam. I don't know if I can remember-If you could play it for her you can play it for me, now play it!)
TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT (You know how to whistle don't you Steve? You just put your lips together, and blow.)
To a lesser extent, any and all Humphrey Bogart movies (The Big Sleep is another good one), and the Dollars Trilogy.
"Keynesianomics is a Ponzi scheme."
"You are correct in that Capitalism does not help with poverty, because it eliminates poverty altogether..."
"That wonderful strawman: greed."
Inequality bad.
Apocalypto (2006). See this review posted at LRC.
As has been suggested above, grouping them according to theme may be a good idea as well as producing smaller top 5 lists may be the most useful. Also of consideration when compiling these lists is to have a high regard for artistic quality as well doctrinal purity. Otherwise we'll end up like the Christians who'll watch anything however bad as long as it a Jesus Saves banner appears during the film; I'm a slightly more discerning Christian than that.
That being said I have a few films/programmes which are good artistically and politically-
The Trial A fantastic nightmarish adaptation of Kaftka's novel directed by Orson Welles. It shows the inherent maliciousness, inefficiency and pointlessness of the totalitarian regime. It's essentially an existentialist film so ranks very high on individualism and the importance of finding your own meaning; the latter I'm sympathetic too but assumes there isn't an objective meaning for anything.
The War Games (Dr Who story from the late 60s) It shows the callousness of government in war and how sometimes how the leaders of opposing forces are really on the same side; seems like a good evaluation of modern politics.
Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister (TV series) It is just the best satire of the British political system ever made: hilarious and incisive, political comedy comes no better than this. It is so accurate that if I ever taught a politics class I'd put it down as essential viewing.
Aladdin (Disney film) May seem an odd choice but is certainly a film promoting individual liberty (Jasmine's should be able to choose her own husband) and the importance of truth. A great film for both kids and adults. It will also be a healthy bulwark against the Islamifisation of the West.
The Lives of Others German film about the the Stasi which won best foreign language film at the Oscars a couple of years back. Not necessarily anti-socialist but shows the endemic corruption of the East German state and how even the smallest of actions and persons would be monitored under that system.
Another Doctor Story which is pretty good but not good enough to be recommended is the Seeds of Doom in which the villain is all for plant liberation; an obvious satire of vegetarianism.
Finally I'd like to add my support to There Will Be Blood and to highlight the best artistically and doctrinally film/tv show on your list: The Prisoner.
If you are to only watch one thing off the list it must be this. It is obsolutely brilliant and by far teh best tv serial I have ever seen. Suitable for all the family yet is more profound than most "adult" films is unrelenting in it's defence of personal liberty.
The atoms tell the atoms so, for I never was or will but atoms forevermore be.
Yours sincerely,
Physiocrat
Physiocrat: Finally I'd like to add my support to There Will Be Blood and to highlight the best artistically and doctrinally film/tv show on your list: The Prisoner. If you are to only watch one thing off the list it must be this. It is obsolutely brilliant and by far teh best tv serial I have ever seen. Suitable for all the family yet is more profound than most "adult" films is unrelenting in it's defence of personal liberty.
The Prisoner is amazing. People I know that saw it decades ago still refer to it often in casual conversation.
Think outside the monopoly paradigm. Net-based microsecession | Why anarchy hasn't worked
Conza88: Daniel: Spideynw:Conza88, you have way too much time on your hands.I think he developed that list a while ago. Yeah, a year ago. I just had to copy and paste it, then add some links and new suggestions. Got interested in it again as I used a gift-voucher to get a external hard drive. I like to collect anti-status quo, individualist dystopia books (Brave New World, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, This Perfect Day, 1984, Animal Farm etc.) and then extended that to media. Some movies are pretty hard to get online, as well as offline and since *,000's of Ron Paul clips from supporters were removed because of 'copy right violations' recently on youtube and are now lost unless that person uploads it again, I thought it might be expedient to download & collect the films that have the same message; as my government plans to censor the internet - and I'd like to store them offline.
Yeah, that is where I remember that list from. Did you ever get unbanned from RPFs?
Oh, man! You can't leave out Lionel Barrymore in :
"You Can't Take It With You" (1938)
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0030993/plotsummary
"Oh, I wish I could pray the way this dog looks at the meat" - Martin Luther
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