The documentary 'The Last Class' has captivated audiences, shining 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 offers a unique perspective on Reich's journey as a scholar, social media influencer, and former Secretary of Labor.
A Yoda in Academia
Reich, standing at 4'10" or 4'11", draws a playful comparison to Yoda from Star Wars, known for his wisdom rather than his height. His influence extends beyond the classroom, with over 1.4 million Twitter followers and more than 1 million Substack subscribers. But it's in the lecture halls of UC Berkeley that Reich's impact is most profound, where his course 'Wealth and Poverty' has become a campus sensation.
The Final Chapter: 'The Last Class'
Elliot Kirschner's documentary captures Reich's final semester, providing an intimate look at the end of an illustrious academic career. The film's success is set to soar with a special one-night-only event, 'Education & Democracy Night,' scheduled for October 22 across 25 states and nearly 50 theaters. This event promises to spark nonpartisan discussions on education, inequality, and democracy, reflecting on Reich's enduring legacy.
From Modesty to Magnificence
Reich reveals that the film's evolution was unexpected. Initially, he believed it would be a simple video of his last class, but director Elliot Kirschner had a grander vision. Through masterful editing, the documentary became a moving portrayal, capturing the essence of Reich's journey.
A Life's Work: Teaching and Beyond
Reich's teaching career spans over four decades, including tenures at Harvard, Brandeis, and Berkeley, as well as government service. Now, at 79, he reflects on the film's emotional impact, which he attributes to the life arc it portrays. It's not just about his retirement but about the journey of life itself, from childhood to old age, and the inevitability of death.
Wealth Inequality: A Complex Issue Made Relatable
Reich's ability to simplify complex issues is on full display when discussing wealth inequality. He illustrates the vast gap between the ultra-rich, like Elon Musk, Larry Ellison, and Jeff Bezos, and the rest of society. By connecting their wealth to its real-world consequences, Reich makes the issue tangible. He argues that such wealth distorts our understanding of reality, citing examples like Musk's purchase of Twitter and Bezos' influence over the Washington Post's editorial decisions.
The Great Reveal: Democracy at Stake
Reich boldly asserts that the current political climate is not a traditional left-right battle but a choice between democracy and its absence. He calls it 'the great reveal,' a silver lining in an otherwise tumultuous time. As President Trump pressures academic institutions to conform to his ideology, Reich emphasizes the importance of academic freedom and the need to resist authoritarian demands.
A Personal History of Bullying and Resistance
The documentary takes a poignant turn when Reich shares his childhood experience of being bullied due to his height. He recalls a boy named Michael 'Mickey' Schwerner, a few years older, who protected him from bullies. Tragically, Schwerner became a Civil Rights martyr, murdered by the Ku Klux Klan in 1964. This experience shaped Reich's understanding of bullying, which he connects to broader societal issues, including racism and sexism. He sees the film's resonance as a reflection of the bully in the White House and the audience's recognition of this pervasive issue.
A Hopeful Message in Turbulent Times
Despite the film's exploration of challenging topics, it ultimately leaves viewers with a sense of hope. Reich highlights the wonder of teaching, the potential of students, and the excitement of learning. In a time of fear and despair, 'The Last Class' offers an upbeat message, focusing on the promise of the future and the power of education to inspire change.
