Red Scare Podcast Summary: "Megalopolis" Episode (October 9, 2024)

Hosted by Anna Khachiyan and Dasha Nekrasova

1. Personal Anecdotes and Mood Discussions

The episode begins with Anna and Dasha sharing their personal experiences related to their menstrual cycles, highlighting the impact on their moods and daily lives.

• Dasha (00:27): "I'm honestly, like, in a daze from menstrual cramps. It's crazy."

• Anna (01:04): "Menstrual seclusion isn't going too well."

This segment sets a candid and relatable tone, emphasizing the hosts' openness about their personal struggles.

2. Political Commentary: JD Vance Debate

Anna and Dasha delve into the recent political debates, particularly focusing on JD Vance's performance.

• Anna (07:03): "He did [well] really well was that he restored us to the time when debates were more intellectual."

They commend Vance for bringing a more policy-focused and articulate approach to the debates, contrasting him with more spontaneous figures like Donald Trump.

• Dasha (11:35): "He clearly is very well spoken, very well prepared."

The hosts express optimism about Vance being a positive development for the Republican Party, noting his potential to shift the party towards a more moderate stance.

3. Review of Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis"

The core of the episode centers around Anna and Dasha's in-depth discussion of the film "Megalopolis," directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

Aesthetic and Narrative Analysis

They critique the movie's aesthetics and narrative coherence, describing it as a jumbled and outdated portrayal that fails to deliver a coherent Randian narrative as anticipated.

• Anna (49:06): "Megalopolis is Francis Ford Coppola's Lost in Translation."

• Dasha (62:58): "He cannot offer a critique of the right."

The hosts argue that Coppola's vision is a mishmash of outdated styles and incoherent storytelling, comparing it unfavorably to classics like "Fountainhead."

Character and Performance Evaluations

Shia LaBeouf's performance is highlighted as a redeeming factor amidst the film's shortcomings.

• Anna (71:34): "Shia LaBeouf is what people think Joaquin Phoenix is."

Aubrey Plaza is also praised for her role, contributing positively to the film's overall impact.

Themes and Political Allegories

Anna and Dasha explore the film's attempt to parallel contemporary political issues, such as immigration and abortion, but criticize its execution as superficial and inconsistent.

• Anna (57:13): "There are very striking parallels with Fountainhead, but they're very superficial, cosmetic."

They express disappointment that the movie doesn't fully commit to its intended ideological narratives, resulting in a muddled thematic presentation.

4. Abortion and Immigration Discourse

The hosts transition to discussing real-world issues like abortion laws and immigration policies, drawing parallels to the film's themes.

Abortion Laws

Anna and Dasha debate the complexities surrounding abortion legislation, emphasizing the nuanced positions they hold.

• Dasha (27:39): "The medicalization of the abortion is perhaps a little extra."

They critique both extreme pro-life and pro-choice stances, advocating for more pragmatic and compassionate approaches.

Immigration Policies

The conversation shifts to immigration, where they analyze political maneuvers and rhetoric surrounding deportations and migrant treatment.

• Anna (24:05): "If you say that, yes, we're gonna deport them all, then that implies that it's gonna be brutal and Holocaust-like."

They argue against hyperbolic narratives and stress the importance of humane and realistic immigration reforms.

5. Additional Topics: Elon Musk and Modern Culture

Anna and Dasha briefly touch upon figures like Elon Musk and cultural phenomena, expressing mixed feelings about their influence and representation in media.

• Dasha (44:30): "He rubs me the wrong way, mostly due to being South African."

• Anna (45:04): "Elon is like the first industrial scale technologically advanced genocide." (Note: Potential misquote or context lapse)

Their discussion highlights a skepticism towards modern tech moguls and their societal impact, aligning with their broader cultural commentary.

6. Concluding Thoughts on "Megalopolis"

Wrapping up their review, the hosts reiterate their disappointment with "Megalopolis," citing its lack of coherent storytelling and failed ideological execution.

• Anna (123:15): "It's a very big book." (Referencing Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead" in relation to the film)

• Dasha (123:55): "It's better to move on and not blame other people for holding you back."

They conclude that while the film attempts to tackle significant themes, it ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling and unified message.

Notable Quotes

• Anna (07:03): "He did really well was that he restored us to the time when debates were more intellectual."

• Dasha (11:35): "He clearly is very well spoken, very well prepared."

• Anna (49:06): "Megalopolis is Francis Ford Coppola's Lost in Translation."

• Dasha (71:34): "Shia LaBeouf is what people think Joaquin Phoenix is."

• Anna (57:13): "There are very striking parallels with Fountainhead, but they're very superficial, cosmetic."

Conclusion

In this episode of "Red Scare," Anna and Dasha provide a candid and critical analysis of Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis," intertwining their discussion with contemporary political issues like abortion and immigration. Their insightful commentary underscores the challenges of translating complex ideologies into mainstream media, all while maintaining their signature blend of humor and sharp critique.

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Follow Anna on Twitter: @annakhachiyan

Follow Dasha on Twitter: @nobody_stop_me