Russell Brand: the general election is irrelevant in the face of inequality
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Version 0 of 1. Comedian-turned-activist Russell Brand said he felt “angry all over again” after watching a special screening of his documentary criticising growing inequality between the rich and the poor in Britain. The outspoken critic of capitalism and Britain’s political system attacks the behaviour of the banks, tax avoidance schemes and austerity measures in his film The Emperor’s New Clothes. Following a special screening at the Hackney Picturehouse in east London on Tuesday night, he said engagement in political issues and change goes beyond the general election, which he said was irrelevant. In an exchange with Queen guitarist Brian May, who was at the screening and hoped to persuade Brand to vote next month, he was asked whether “you really don’t want us to vote”. Brand interrupted: “It’s not like that mate, it’s just it’s not relevant. We’re going to do this shit anyway. “What I most support is people becoming activated.” He added: “Watching it, I get angry again. Because there’s an election it’s a good time to market a film about politics and people are more aware of politics. “I think people want me to talk about the election but watching it again it just makes me think there’s no justice, it’s dead.” The film features interviews with low-paid cleaners, supermarket staff and disabled workers about the effects of welfare cuts and austerity while he unsuccessfully attempts to question the heads of banks RBS and Lloyds about their bonuses. Related: Don’t listen to Russell Brand: refusing to vote will bring five more years of Tory government It also shows clips of Brand campaigning with at-risk housing tenants and protesting at Occupy rallies. After making his name as an edgy and rule-breaking comedian, Brand has become a vocal proponent of the anti-capitalist message and critic of free-market fundamentalism with his book Revolution, YouTube channel The Trews, and in appearances on Newsnight and Question Time. Injected with Brand’s sarcastic comedy, the film takes him from his home town of Grays, Essex, to the City of London and on to New York, meeting economic experts along the way. The film, made last year with television and film director Michael Winterbottom, will be released in cinemas on Friday. |