The phrase, “Eat the rich,” originated during the French Revolution when philosopher, Jean-Jacques Rousseau stated, “When the people shall have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich.” Nowadays, rather than being a battle cry for beheadings, “Eat the rich” is used as a chant against growing wealth inequalities throughout the world. As a form of catharsis, more directors around the world are making movies to not only provide us entertainment but also comment on these inequalities that affect so many people.
Here are four movies from around the world that perfectly encapsulate the sentiment, “Eat the rich,” and help satiate a need for equity.
“SaltbUrn“
This film stars Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan, as the affluent Felix and sad Oliver as freshmen at the University of Oxford. When summer approaches, Felix offers Oliver a place to stay at his estate–Saltburn. The events that follow reveal a reality that’s not as it originally seems, and the plot pulls the rug out completely from underneath you. Director Emerald Fennell wonderfully crafts together a story that gets darker and darker as you peel back each layer.
“Parasite“
In 2019, Bong Joon-ho brought international eyes to the Korean film industry with the award-winning film “Parasite.” The movie is packed with a star-studded cast and details the symbiotic relationship that forms between two families. The events that follow provide sharp social commentary on the class disparities present. Throughout the film, your anxiety exponentially increases and the film is easily categorized as a must-watch.
“The Menu“
“The Menu” directed by Mark Mylod and written by Will Tracy and Seth Reiss is another instant hit from 2022. A young couple played by Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult travel to a remote island to taste the cooking of an acclaimed chef. However, the events that unfold are both terrifying and make your stomach drop. While the movie isn’t as straightforward with its class commentary as “Parasite,” the themes of wealth inequality resonate clearly in the script.
“Triangle of Sadness“
Finally, “Triangle of Sadness” directed by Ruben Östlund is another critically acclaimed film that, unlike “The Menu” or “Parasite,” flew under the radar. The film follows Carl and Yaya, along with a group of wealthy individuals, as they embark on a luxury cruise. Events take a turn for the worse when a storm hits the cruise ship and social dynamics between the wealthy guests and the ship’s workers begin to shift. The movie successfully combines comedy and uncomfortableness to draw attention to the characters as individuals and not simply two sides of a conflict.
These movies only touch the surface of wealth inequality around the world and how it affects everyday people. However, as more directors and writers try their hand at this style of filmmaking that challenges social institutions and economic structures, there will continue to be conversations set into motion that echo “Eat the rich!” commentary.