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Culture Industry

The Promise of Video Games

The Promise of Video Games

Helldivers 2 uses the video game form to raise fundamental questions about agency and intention. Unfortunately, like so much of the culture industry, it ultimately compromises its core message for the typical rewards of the entertainment industry.
Pawel Kaczmarski Apr 1, 2025
Critical Cul-de-Sac

Critical Cul-de-Sac

Contemporary film criticism increasingly takes the form of a ceaseless hunt for hidden messages in movies. In addition to producing outlandish interpretations, it is also confusing the role of art in society.
Jarek Paul Ervin Nov 2, 2023
Are You My Customer?

Are You My Customer?

Recent service industry hero tales like The Menu, A Gentleman in Moscow, and The Bear are not crafted for the people whose work they romanticize, but for their bosses, managers and customers. What message are these stories meant to deliver?
Catherine Liu Aug 16, 2023
I Spy With My Glass Eye

I Spy With My Glass Eye

The <em>Knives Out</em> franchise stymies political consciousness by gratifying the desire for reality to conform to the liberal viewer’s fantasies.
Matthew Joy Mar 15, 2023
Death Drive in Blue

Death Drive in Blue

Are you sure you weren’t rooting for the Americans all along?
Sam Kriss Mar 8, 2023
Tár Money Grindset

Tár Money Grindset

The culture industry makes fun of classical music even while defending it.
Catherine Liu, Drake Tyler Mar 1, 2023
Does It Matter That Contemporary Art Doesn't Tell Us About Society Anymore?

Does It Matter That Contemporary Art Doesn't Tell Us About Society Anymore?

No, and that’s OK.
Harold Florida Oct 12, 2022

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