You are here:

The Old School of Capitalism

Name: The Old School of Capitalism
Director: Želimir Žilnik
Released: 2009
Duration: 122 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

2009

Director

Želimir Žilnik

Runtime

122 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Želimir Žilnik’s documentary offers a non-Western perspective on the transition from state socialism to capitalism in Serbia. By focusing on local labor strikes and the impact of global economic shifts, the film challenges the perceived inevitability of capitalist hegemony. The film excels in its cultural critique, framing economic shifts as systemic imposition rather than progress. It uses the lived experiences of the Serbian working class to deconstruct dominant socio-economic frameworks and institutional authority. However, the film's focus on class and industrial conflict leaves gaps in identity-based representation. There is no clear evidence regarding LGBTQ+ identities or disability representation, and gender dynamics remain unconfirmed.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Old School of Capitalism have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. Its main focus is on class struggle and labor relations.

How does The Old School of Capitalism portray gender?

Fair

The film examines workplace power dynamics through industrial strikes. It highlights the ability to act of the working class against authority, but does not provide specific data on gender-based subversion.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Old School of Capitalism?

Good

The film centers the Serbian experience, providing a non-Western perspective. It uses international figures to highlight the tension between local identity and globalization.

How does The Old School of Capitalism represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film strongly critiques neoliberal institutions, presenting the shift to capitalism as the arrival of a 'new god.' It emphasizes systemic critique over Western economic ideals.

Does The Old School of Capitalism include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides a significant departure from Anglo-centric narratives by centering the Serbian experience.
Offers a powerful systemic critique of neoliberalism and the arrival of global capitalism.
Highlights the ability to act of the working class against institutional and economic authority.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation or exploration of LGBTQ+ identities and non-straight relationships.
Provides no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The degree of gender-based subversion within the labor narrative remains unconfirmed.

Official Synopsis

A mixture of documentary and fiction examines the new god of Capitalism offered to the Serbs with the ending of state socialism. We look at a number of strikes in Belgrade during the late 2000s and these introduce us to several characters playing themselves. Employees dressed in American football helmets and pads square up with employers' heavies in their bullet-proof vests, resulting in explosive situations. A visit from the Russian tycoon's representative and vice president Joe Biden's arrival further complicates the proceedings.

How are these scores produced? →