Quillette Narrated

Benn Steil’s engrossing new biography of Henry A. Wallace is a timely cautionary tale and a masterpiece of 20th-century American history. Iona Italia reads Misadventures of a Stalinist Stooge by Ronald Radosh. Published in Quillette on 26 April 2024.

The article delves into Jean-Luc Godard's transition from his early cinematic period, characterized by eclectic experimentation and cultural references, to his Maoist phase under the influence of Jean-Pierre Gorin. Gorin, a Marxist critic, introduced Godard to postmodernist and Marxist theories, leading to a shift in Godard's filmmaking style and themes. This shift was marked by an overt critique of American capitalism and imperialism, as seen in films like "Two or Three Things I Know About Her" and "Week End." Godard's collaboration with Gorin in the Dziga-Vertov Group produced politically charged films, but they received mixed reviews and were criticized for their didacticism and lack of artistic merit. The article also discusses Godard's personal life, including his marriages, his falling out with former colleagues like François Truffaut, and controversies surrounding his antisemitic remarks.

The article titled "Toward Ruin or Recovery?" by Larissa Phillips explores the author's personal experience with rape in Italy in 1993 and reflects on the recent allegations made by Celeste Marcus against Yascha Mounk. Marcus, the managing editor of Liberties journal, detailed her recovery process following an alleged sexual assault by Mounk, a colleague, two and a half years ago. Phillips criticizes the modern feminist response to rape, arguing that it fails women and victims of rape by perpetuating a sense of hopelessness and vengeance rather than focusing on practical solutions and support. Phillips discusses how the feminist movement's efforts to redefine rape have led to confusion and ambiguity, with the definition expanding to include not only physical violence but also emotional pressure, manipulation, and lack of verbal consent. She references historical moments, such as the expansion of the definition of rape during feminism's second wave, and highlights the proliferation of rape culture discourse in the 1990s, particularly on college campuses. Drawing on her own experience of being raped in Florence, Italy, Phillips recounts the assault and her attempts to resist, reflecting on the conflicting advice she had received about how to respond to such situations. She criticizes the notion that fighting back is not prioritized in feminist discourse, highlighting research that suggests physical resistance, when combined with other strategies, can increase the chances of avoiding rape. Overall, Phillips argues for a more nuanced and practical approach to addressing sexual violence, one that combines support for victims with efforts to challenge and prevent rape culture. She calls for a reevaluation of feminist rhetoric and a return to strategies that prioritize empowerment and agency for women. Published 20 March 2024 on Quillette.com. Written by Larissa Phillips. Read by Iona Italia.

The article discusses the legacy and final works of filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 91. It reflects on Godard's unconventional career, marked by experimental films and shifts in style and ideology. It mentions his last known movie, "Le Livre d’Image," which received mixed reviews for its abstract and fragmented nature. The article also highlights a surprise film, "Vent d’Ouest," initially believed to be a work of Godard but later revealed as a hoax directed by David Legrand. It explores the complexities of Godard's cinematic approach, with some critics praising his innovation and depth, while others criticize his lack of narrative coherence. The article concludes by reflecting on Godard's most acclaimed film, "À Bout de Souffle," and its significance in cinematic history.

A restoration of history, in all its complexity, is critical to escaping the polarized, rigid, and often insane political environment we now inhabit.

New pharmaceuticals appear to offer a genuine solution to the problem of excess appetite, that uncontrollable urge to eat more than we need to that keeps so many of us fat.

Greg Ellis reads My Misspent Years of Conspiracism, Jamie Palmer's essay about his obsession with the JFK assassination.

Greg Ellis reads Video Games and the (Male) Meaning of Life, Presidential candidate Andrew Yang's essay on why so many men prefer gaming to real life.

Greg Ellis reads Feast and Drink For Our Community’s Health, Claire Lehmann's essay about the meaning of Christmas. It was published in Quillette on 25th December 2018.

Greg Ellis reads The Defenestration of Domingo, Heather Mac Donald's essay about how the famous opera singer fell victim to the #MeToo movement. It was published in Quillette on 18th October 2019.

Greg Ellis reads Are Canadians Becoming More Racist? This Week’s Election Proved the Opposite, Jonathan Kay's essay about the recent election in Canada.

Greg Ellis reads How David Graeber Cancelled a Colleague, Claire Lehmann's article on how a prominent anthropologist and self-styled anarchist tried to ruin the reputation of a former collaborator. It was published in Quillette on 9th September 2019.

Greg Ellis reads A Letter From Hong Kong, Peter Baehr's essay about the pro-democracy movement in the former British colony and its impact on his students. It was published in Quillette on 3rd September 2019.

Greg Ellis reads How An Anonymous Accusation Derailed My Life, Stephen Elliott's essay about being accused of rape on the Shitty Media Med list in 2017. It was published in Quillette on 25th September 2018.

Greg Ellis reads Universal Basic Income and the Threat of Tyranny, Shai Shapira's essay on why UBS could lead to despotism. It was published in Quillette on 9th October 2017.

Greg Ellis reads In Defense of Decency, Robert McLeod's essay arguing for more civility when we disagree with each other about politics and social justice.

Greg Ellis reads Coming Together to Honor a Dead Rock Star—And Ward Off Our Demons, Neil Gray's essay about the suicide of Scott Hutchinson of Frightened Rabbit. It was published in Quillette on 21st July 2019.