Laura Hoerburger

Word count: 959

The Cinematic Exploration of Marxian Ideals: A Critical Analysis of "The Early Life
of Marx"

“The Young Karl Marx,” directed by Raoul Peck, delves into the early life of Karl Marx and

the genesis of historical materialism and communism during the 19th century. The film sheds light on

the economic, social, and political milieu of the era, including the emergence of the League of the

Just, which later transformed into the Communist Party. By depicting the European landscape amidst

urbanization and industrialization, Peck underscores the convergence of diverse ideas and people—a

phenomenon that catalyzed the rise of liberalism and the establishment of democracy. The concept of

private property is also explored, revealing its ties to capitalism and the exploitation of labor. In

essence, this analysis dissects the economic, social, and political factors that influenced classical

Marxism, challenging common misconceptions about Marxist ideology and its intentions.

In Marx's early years, Europe was experiencing significant economic transformations due to

the Industrial Revolution. This period was marked by a shift from traditional artisanal methods to

factory-based assembly line production, leading to widespread industrialization and the rise of

capitalism. These changes, often associated with mass production and the dehumanization of workers,

were critiqued by Marx. He argued that the new division of labor stripped workers of their sense of

purpose and identity, a concept he elaborated on in his 1844 work, "Economic and Philosophical

Manuscripts," as "alienated labor." Marx believed that the industrial system allowed owners to dictate

how work was done and denied workers ownership of their creations, conflicting with John Locke's

principle that individuals inherently own the fruits of their labor. The film "The Young Karl Marx"

depicts these themes through the harsh treatment of workers by Friedrich Engels’s father, exemplified

by his statement, "You get money for working, not for sleeping." The narrative further explores the

exploitation of workers when a manufacturing mistake leads to the women being thankful for not

being fired, reflecting the notion that repairing factories was costlier than hiring cheap labor in

Manchester. This situation underscores the imbalance between the abundance of labor and its low
valuation, resulting in poor wages. The movie also touches on how the bourgeoisie accumulated

wealth through the exploitation of workers, facilitated by the concept of surplus value, or the

extraction of unpaid labor. The spread of industrialization and capitalism brought about social

inequalities, child labor, and the fragmentation of families, highlighting the broader societal impacts

of these economic changes.

The film suggests that the era was marked by significant social shifts, notably urbanization

and the emergence of feminism. The mass migration to cities and consequent urbanization led to

worker exploitation, severe poverty, and the entrenchment of social hierarchies. These changes were

accompanied by poor living conditions and sanitation.

The scene where Engels first visits Mary illustrates the grim living situation of the Irish, portraying

their struggle and deprivation, akin to the societal upheaval depicted in Turner’s 1844 painting “Rain,

Steam and Speed,” which symbolizes the onset of the Industrial Revolution and its associated societal

shifts. Furthermore, "The Young Karl Marx" accentuates the burgeoning feminist movement. The

movie showcases the influential roles of Engels and Marx's wives, who challenge traditional

subservience by engaging in intellectual debates with prominent figures like Proudhon. Jenny, for

example, represents the era’s gender challenges, facing societal pressures for beauty and innocence

alongside restricted educational opportunities, yet she defies these constraints. The narrative also hints

at the gradual empowerment of women, as seen in their increasing labor participation and

acknowledgment of their contributions, which is symbolized in Marx’s interaction with the realist

painter Courbet, and his recognition of collective art in the urban context, signifying a broader

appreciation and respect for women’s roles.

The 19th century was a period characterized by the rise of liberalism, sparking initial

discussions on democracy and, conversely, communism. This era was marked by the clash between

liberal demands for individual freedom, education, and minimal government intervention, and the

conservative bourgeoisie’s preference for established social structures. Marx and Engels encapsulated

this conflict in their work, fueled by Engels' experiences and observations of extreme wealth and

poverty. Their partnership blossomed as they were driven by a shared recognition of talent and social

injustices. Initially, Marx and Engels leaned towards liberalism, but they eventually critiqued it for

failing to eliminate private property and class distinctions, thereby perpetuating inequality. Marx’s
exposure to social disparities reinforced the ongoing discourse on natural rights. Unlike Proudhon,

Marx didn’t advocate for anarchy, yet they concurred on the necessity of abolishing private property,

echoing the sentiment that a person’s value was tied to their possessions. Their communist ideology

emerged from the fusion of historical and materialist perspectives, suggesting that societal beliefs

were shaped by environmental conditions. Engels pointed out the absence of economic theories from

Ricardo, Smith, and Bentham in Marx's work, which later underpinned the Communist Manifesto.

The synergy between Marx’s writing prowess and Engels’ practical influence was pivotal in crafting

the Manifesto. Marx, influenced by German romanticism, viewed communism as a transformative

force capable of achieving universal freedom. He articulated this vision during his address to the

League of Just, emphasizing the historical narrative of class struggle.

In summary, "The Young Karl Marx" offers a compelling exploration of the 19th century's

societal, economic, and political landscapes that paved the way for the development of classical

Marxism. The film underscores the Industrial Revolution's injustices, such as worker exploitation and

the dehumanization of labor, which were opposed by Marx and Engels. It also accentuates the struggle

between liberal and conservative ideologies and the inadequacies of liberalism in rectifying social

inequalities. While Marx’s ideas on universal freedom were arguably ethically and morally sound, the

film suggests that his approach may have been flawed, leading him astray. Despite critiquing anarchy

and socialism, his theoretical framework had its shortcomings and arguably bordered more on

idealistic utopianism than practical reality.