Top 10 Populist Movies

Earlier today, I posted a blurb about some of the movies claimed by the Libbies. Turns out, in the late ’90s, the Orange County Register published a list of the Top 20 libertarian films as determined by the editors of the paper. The criteria they used? They looked for films “that encourage individualism over tyranny, self-responsibility over paternalism, and, well, that offer a hearty dose of against-the-grain individualism.”

Their choices?

1. Brazil
2. A Man For All Seasons
3. Braveheart
4. Invasion of the Body Snatchers
5. The Fountainhead
6. Fahrenheit 451
7. Casablanca
8. Schindler’s List
9. The Quiet Man
10. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
11. Gone With the Wind
12. What About Bob?
13. The Searchers
14. The Ten Commandments
15. Ninotchka
16. Sleeper
17. Duck Soup
18. Star Wars
19. Network
20. The Godfather

So, just as I dubbed Iowa the most likely candidate for the Bizarro FSP, I couldn’t help but think of the likeliest responses to the Freedom Films. What would be the most Populist films of all time?

Like the Register’s editorial board, I considered the criteria:

I. The protagonist must represent an underdog majority against an oppressive and powerful few.
II. Absolute morality exists and altruism is rewarded (no objectivist thought in these films).
III. The pursuit of wealth leads to moral compromise or personal emptiness.

Unlike the Register’s board, I chose only ten films. In no particular order:

1. Seabiscuit

An underdog racehorse as a metaphor for Americans suffering through, and trying to recover from, the Depression. Top quotes:
-Charles Howard: “Sometimes when the little guy… he doesn’t know he’s a little guy, he can do great big things.”
-Narrator (on the New Deal): “For the first time in a long time, someone cared. For the first time in a long time, you were no longer alone.”
-Charles Howard: “I know this is a fancy track and all, but I think they ought to open up the infield so normal folks can come see the race. You shouldn’t have to be rich to enjoy something like this.”

2. The Wizard of Oz

The original populist allegory: Dorothy forms a coalition of farmers (scarecrow), wage-earners (tin man) and WJB himself (in lion form here) to take on the Eastern elite. If only they’d kept the silver slippers from the book…

3. Norma Rae

Kind of a no-brainer here. The uncaring, profit-seeking mill owners and managers exploit their employees until said employees realize the power of collective action and unionize. Bonus points for Sally Field’s portrayal of Norma Rae – a realistic everywoman.

4. Field of Dreams

For my money, a better antidote for ’80s greed and atomization than Wall Street (which also makes the list). This one has it all: money is an unworthy goal, bankers are greedy, altruism is rewarded, and a national reconciliation is achieved. The line to sum it up: “for it is money they have and peace they lack.”

5. Roger and Me

Probably still Michael Moore’s best film, and certainly his most unabashedly populist. General Motors closes its Michigan plant with an eye on profits and indifference to the community, and the city falls apart. Kinda sad that the protagonists in the movie (the mostly under-educated, out-of-work auto workers) are mocked by today’s Bill Maher “liberals.”

6. Dave

Average good-guy and President look-alike Dave Kovic “becomes” President for some months. In that time, he fights to save a homeless shelter, makes government responsible for achieving full employment (public works?), and generally becomes a “man of the people.” His approval ratings sky-rocket.

7. The Best Years of Our Lives

Good movie overall – very pro-American, very pro-community. Still, this one makes the list for Al Stephenson’s drunken speech as part of his rebellion against the bank that employs him. First, he suggests that if traditional (conservative) banking principles had been applied to the war, America would’ve lost. Then, he suggests that the bank needs to be more “human,” more “generous.” Bonus points for the fact that Ayn Rand once testified before Congress about Communist propaganda and was disappointed she was not given the opportunity to talk about this film.

8. Erin Brockovich

The amoral corporation, the everyday protagonist, and the underdogs defeating the powerful.

9. It’s a Wonderful Life

This seems to be the most hated movie of all time (“the collectivist romp”) according to the Libbie lists I’ve been reading. I can see why. George Bailey may never achieve his original dreams of traveling the world or becoming an architect, but he ultimately realizes that happiness comes from playing a role in a community. People are good, unchecked capitalism (Pottersville) leads to urban decay and alienation, and greedy bankers (Henry Potter) are perfect villains. And one of the most crowd-pleasing endings in film history. Best line: “To my brother George, the richest man in town.”

10. Wall Street

Yeah, I appreciate the “Greed is Good” speech for exposing the id of free-market capitalism, but the movie is really grounded by the Martin Sheen working-class-good-guy hero (and union rep). Without him, it’s just a critique of greedy ’80s culture without an alternative ethic.

Honorable mentions: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Cinderella Man, Places in the Heart, Good Will Hunting, Jerry Maguire, State of the Union, Silkwood, Class Action, Robin Hood.