Tariffs & Turmoil: Must-See Films and Plays Explaining It All

Initially, when the Chronicle conceived the idea for this roundup, it aimed to highlight television shows, plays, and movies that would provide insights into understanding or coping with President Trump’s newly implemented tariffs. However, amid the dizzying pace of events typical of these times, we realized that our list needed to expand to encompass content helping us comprehend a recent 90-day suspension of those same tariffs.

If you aren’t too disoriented to hit play on something, here are the Chronicle’s top suggestions.

Economic panic

'It’s a Wonderful Life' (Movie, 1946)

If, as the tariffs were implemented, you observed the value of your 401(k) plummeting instantly, you could take comfort in the bank run scene from Frank Capra’s film. 1946 holiday classic .

When Jimmy Stewart’s character, George Bailey, works tirelessly to prevent his Building and Loan from collapsing by encouraging his community members to maintain faith and invest in one another amidst widespread anxiety, the film delivers an economic insight with broad relevance: The figures in our bank accounts aren’t fixed entities—they rely just as much on collective confidence as they do on tangible assets. While Frank Capra’s optimistic notion—that a well-meaning, inspiring leader can mend fractured communal ties and avoid disaster—may not always align with reality, it certainly offers solace.

— Lily Janiak

'The Lehman Trilogy' (Play, 2013)

A janitor sweeps scattered paper out of an empty skyscraper office. It’s deserted, as if rapture has struck. As a city soundscape below rustles through like desert winds, you don’t need words to know what’s happened: Lehman Brothers has just fallen, and the 150 years of building the country’s fourth-largest investment banking firm have amounted to nothing.

Stefano Massini’s play, adapted by Ben Power and executed with striking impact at American Conservatory Theater Last year, this builds upon Capra's message. No level of wealth provides protection. Anyone's shares could turn into worthless scraps of paper.

— Lily Janiak

‘Margin Call’ (Film, 2011)

There are three ways to earn a living in this world," says Jeremy Irons' Wall Street shark character reminiscent of Lehman in J.C. Chandor’s 2011 suspenseful film. "Be first, be smarter, or cheat.

Inspired loosely by the culture of unchecked greed leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, "Margin Call" skillfully depicts how the stock market is controlled by these so-called titans of industry dressed impeccably in designer suits. The film requires viewers' undivided focus — I must confess that some parts elude me during my first watch — yet the main message remains evident. As Gloucester says in "King Lear," "We're like flies to capricious children to the gods; they toy with our lives purely for amusement."

— Chris Vognar

Factory life

‘American Factory’ (Documentary, 2019)

No film captures the present-day economic struggle more effectively than Julia Reichert’s work. Steven Bognar’s documentary Regarding a Chinese firm reviving a dormant plant in Ohio and generating 2,000 employment opportunities, potential conflicts arising from cultural differences now pose a risk to its prosperity. Should President Trump’s tariffs genuinely encourage additional construction within the U.S., anticipate further tensions emerging between advanced tech business cultures and traditional blue-collar American workers.

— G. Allen Johnson

‘Retraction’ (Podcast episode, 2012)

If Trump believes that increasing the cost of imported goods will bring manufacturing jobs back to America, he should consider taking a look at what these jobs entail.

Mike Daisey’s solo performance "The Agony and Ecstasy of Steve Jobs," presented at Berkeley Repertory Theatre In 2007, they tried to address this issue by highlighting the terrifying work environment at Shenzhen's Apple factories through a radio program. “This American Life,” Which had devoted an episode to Daisy’s story, soon found out that Daisy had embellished his narrative, leading to a painful, but impossible-to-stop-watching, subsequent episode.

This entire episode ultimately highlighted just how simple it can be, when attempting to amplify the voices of those who are among the world's most disenfranchised, to inadvertently redirect focus toward glorifying the narrator instead.

— Lily Janiak

Media

'All the President's Men' (Movie, 1976)

A lot of people think that the impeachable offenses attributed to President Richard Nixon—obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress—are less significant than the accusations Donald Trump faced during his two impeachment proceedings in his first term (which included inciting an insurrection).

Alan J. Pakula’s “ All the President’s Men The film showcases Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein unraveling the Watergate break-in story, which ultimately resulted in Nixon's resignation, through exemplary journalistic integrity and cross-party adherence to constitutional principles.

— G. Allen Johnson

‘The Insider’ (Film, 1999)

While reporters struggle to adapt to the shifting landscape set by the Trump presidency and certain media executives attempt to gain favor with those in power, Michael Mann His thought-provoking 1999 thriller feels even more pertinent today.

The narrative revolves around the real-life experience of ex-"60 Minutes" producer Lowell Bergman, portrayed by Al Pacino, who managed to persuade cigarette company executive Jeffrey Wigand, played by Russell Crowe, to expose the questionable tactics within the industry. However, when faced with significant pressure from corporations during a substantial business deal, CBS News backed down instead of airing the story.

The film serves as an ode to tenacious journalism while also serving as a protest against media conglomerates. Both Crowe and Pacino deliver some of their finest performances here.

— Chris Vognar

Narcissist politicians

‘The Apprentice’ (Film, 2024)

Do you think President Trump will alter his stance (once more) regarding tariffs? Ali Abbasi’s portrait of Donald Trump (an Oscar-nominated Sebastian Stan ) and his ascent during the 1970s and '80s offers significant understanding into the present president's mindset. Nurtured by attorney/fixer Roy Cohn (who was nominated for an Oscar), Jeremy Strong The Trump approach of "attack, attack, attack"; "admit nothing, deny everything"; and "no matter what occurs, declare victory without ever conceding defeat" isn't merely a strategy; it's an entire lifestyle.

— G. Allen Johnson

'A Face in the Crowd' (Movie, 1957)

In Elia Kazan’s biting 1957 film, a charming yet treacherous nomad with a guitar (played by Andy Griffith) navigates the realms of politics and corporate control through the allure of television. This magnetic but unscrupulous figure named Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes manipulates those around him, even ensnaring a producer (Patricia Neal) drawn to his persuasive tactics. The collaboration between director Kazan and writer Budd Schulberg—known for both “On the Waterfront” and their involvement in naming suspected communists during the Red Scare era—foresaw a future where false populism serves only the elite class. Their portrayal remains prescient as it reflects a reality where superficial charm can be peddled at great cost to societal values.

— Chris Vognar

‘Being There’ (Film, 1979)

That Chauncey Gardner ( Peter Sellers He speaks his mind straightforwardly. He comes across as an average guy connected with common folks. In reality, he is Chance, the gardener. The profound insights attributed to him by a terminally ill tycoon (Melvyn Douglas) and the President of the United States (Jack Warden)—which they see as wise and candid—are merely unassuming remarks from someone whose mental capabilities are limited. This person understands life solely through TV programming.

Was this individual capable of shaking up both business and political realms? Absolutely, he was. Helmed by Hal Ashby and penned by Jerzy Kosinski based on his novel, "Being There" narrates the tale of a simpleton whose thoughts mirror those of a child, talks like one too, yet manages to be seated next to the president. This film serves as an allegory highlighting how politicians thrive when their audience remains largely uninformed.

— Chris Vognar

‘Duck Soup’ (Film, 1933)

Those are my principles; should they not appeal to you, rest assured that I possess alternative ones. Groucho Marx Rufus T. Firefly, who serves as the dictator of the financially ruined nation of Freedonia, represents the epitome of an anarchistic parody aimed at erratic, power-hungry leaders. Known for his skillful manipulation of language, he twists words with incredible agility. This does not imply that he understands his own actions.

Given a document from the Freedonia Treasury Department, he dismisses the notion that he wouldn't comprehend it with a laugh: "Why, even a four-year-old could grasp this report." Turning to his aide, he says, "Go fetch me a four-year-old child. This makes no sense to me whatsoever." Were he around now, maybe he would attempt to unravel the complexities of the current tariff situation.

— Chris Vognar

Leaving the system

‘Captain Fantastic’ (Film, 2016)

A leftist anticapitalist duo consisting of Viggo Mortensen and Trin Miller resides in the forest, bringing up their half-dozen offspring as self-reliant individuals. When the woman passes away, this leaves her clan with no alternative except to reintegrate into mainstream society. It’s a sweet movie regarding communities and their various transformations.

— G. Allen Johnson

‘Nomadland’ (Film, 2021)

Watch Chloé Zhao’s Oscar-winning movie Featuring Frances McDormand, or check out Jessica Bruder’s book, "Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century." These works focus on genuine individuals, primarily older Americans. living the van life Many of these individuals saw their retirement savings vanish due to the 2008 financial crisis. Might a downturn caused by tariffs lead to an entirely new cohort of people living in vans?

— G. Allen Johnson

Life on the margins

‘Wild’ (Film, 2014)

You may think of the wilderness as a refuge untouched by this year's political turmoil. However, the Donald Trump administration's cuts in federal funding also impact it. expand our utilization of natural resources This has led to a halt in the maintenance of certain sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, reducing its hikability.

If your plan was to cover all 2,650 miles of the trail this year—a milestone desired by numerous nature lovers—you may want to think about experiencing it secondhand instead. this 2014 movie , with Reese Witherspoon playing the role of the troubled young woman who is set on completing her journey. The movie provides an opportunity for viewers to temporarily leave behind the challenges of 2025 by diving into another person’s struggles—in this case, those of the author. Cheryl Strayed , as featured in the book the movie is based on, it also incorporates numerous breathtaking scenes of wild animals.

— Vanessa Labi

‘Sweat’ (Play, 2015)

If the purported aim of Trump’s tariffs is to address the plight of America’s struggling workforce, Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, set to be staged by Palo Alto Players in June, offers a grim depiction of this social stratum. In Reading, Pennsylvania, circa 2000, workers without union support earn between $7 and $8 an hour; their shifts at the mill are barely alleviated by engaging in wild parties at nearby bars or resorting to stronger substances for escape.

To them, NAFTA appears as an enigmatic presence that managers often invoke when employees become restless. American Conservatory Theater staged the production in 2018, actor Rod Gnapp portrayed the devastation inflicted upon the working class by capitalism in such a haunting manner that it continues to terrify me; as of 2025, this portrayal has only grown more distant from our current reality.

— Lily Janiak

Chris Vognar works as an independent writer.

Contact Lily Janiak, G. Allen Johnson, Vanessa Labi ljaniak@sfchronicle.com ; ajohnson@sfchronicle.com ; vanessa.labi@sfchronicle.com

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