The documentary 'The Last Class' shines a light on the life and work of Robert Reich, a man of small stature but immense intellectual prowess. With a box office success of $700,000, the film captures the final semester of this Berkeley professor and former Secretary of Labor, who has captivated audiences with his unique perspective on wealth inequality and political discourse.
But who is this Yoda-like figure? Reich, standing at 4'10" or 4'11", has a social media presence that rivals his physical height. His Twitter following of 1.4 million and over a million Substack subscribers hang on to his every word. But it's not just his online presence that makes him a star; Reich has also inspired thousands of students at UC Berkeley with his course, 'Wealth and Poverty'.
And now, the film's success is about to get a boost with a special one-time event, 'Education & Democracy Night', set to take place across the nation on October 22. This event promises to spark nonpartisan conversations about education, inequality, and democracy, topics that are at the heart of Reich's work.
But here's the twist: What started as a simple video project turned into a powerful documentary. Director Elliot Kirschner initially approached Reich for a video of his last class, but through the magic of filmmaking, it evolved into a moving portrayal of Reich's life and the passage of time. The film acknowledges Reich's journey, from his early teaching days to his current status as a social media influencer, and how it all ties into the arc of life and the inevitability of change.
Reich's ability to simplify complex issues is on full display when he discusses wealth inequality. He highlights the vast gap between the super-rich, like Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, and Jeff Bezos, and the rest of the population. He argues that their immense wealth distorts our perception of reality and limits our understanding of the world. But is this a fair assessment? Reich believes it's crucial to understand the consequences of such wealth to grasp the true extent of inequality.
Controversially, Reich doesn't hold back when discussing President Trump. He sees the current political climate as a 'great reveal,' showing that the real choice is between democracy and authoritarianism. He criticizes Trump's attempts to control academic institutions, arguing that universities should protect academic freedom and not cave in to government demands.
On a personal note, Reich shares a powerful story of his childhood friend, Michael 'Mickey' Schwerner, who stood up for him against bullies. Schwerner's tragic death at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan in 1964 had a profound impact on Reich's understanding of bullying. This experience shapes his view of the current political landscape, where he sees a bully in the White House, a theme that resonates with audiences.
As the film reaches a wider audience, it leaves viewers with a sense of hope. Reich's message is upbeat, focusing on the wonder of teaching and the potential of students to shape a better future. But is this hope justified in today's political climate? 'The Last Class' invites viewers to ponder this question and engage in a much-needed dialogue.
