Owen Jones meets Michael Sheen | 'Brexit appealed to abandoned communities'
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- Опубліковано 1 тра 2024
- Michael Sheen is a legendary actor who has played, amongst others, Brian Clough, Tony Blair and David Frost. He's also a proud Welshman, who grew up in Port Talbot. He told me he believes the Brexit campaign's message of 'take back control' resonated strongly with British communities that have felt abandoned by successive governments since the miners' strike in the 1980s. Communities that have been left behind in the rush towards globalisation.
We also discussed the similarities between the Brexit vote in the UK and the reasons for Donald Trump's popularity in the US, the lack of working class actors in film and television in the UK and why that may be damaging our society and his own stirring speech on the importance of the NHS.
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I'd vote for him! He talks a lot of sense, and is obviously a thoughtful, as well as an articulate man. Thanks for this interview.
What a very balanced and enjoyable conversationalist Michael is to listen to.
Until he insulted the party I voted for I would have agreed with you.
if you get upset when people insult the political party you voted for, maybe politics isn't for you...
I didn't say I was upset. I'll stay interested in politics pretty much to vote against anything you or your fellow arrogants believe in.
I disagree. Sheen reckons the EU re-distributes money to poor areas. It doesn't - it gives the money to people who are already rich - such as David Cameron's father-in-law. This is because it's only the rich land owners who can afford to build wind farms etc. Do you know of any poor people who have been given EU money? I can't think of a single one!
EU regulations, especially for light infrastructure and environmental preservation meant much of Wales' coastal areas and deprived (ex-industrial areas as described in this video) rural areas received a lot of funding from the EU. Wales gained a lot from the EU. Now Wales will suffer its loss and the neglect of the neoliberal capitalists who will further try to finanicialise our economy and siphon more and more value into London.
Sheen's knowledge is highly impressive. Don't agree with him on everything, but its very hard to fault his logic or his understanding of the psychology of many of those who voted Brexit.
That was absolutely brilliant - very fair, very balanced and absolutely spot on. I think he nailed it with Trump, in a sense what he's been able to do is tap into a feeling that millions of Americans have, that is not usually represented by politicians.
I agree, Trump's the Catalyst regardless of what comes after, He's stirred the biggest pot of excrement and there is no putting the lid back on the pot.
I think honestly it's the failure of modern politicians that allows Trump to do what he is doing, if we learned anything from brexit and the phenomenal rise of Donald Trump it's that politicians have failed miserably at their jobs. If he is elected it will be the validation of the peoples rejection of modern day corrupt incompetent politicians and in a way i think that needs to happen.
Nice to here Michael popped into my hometown of Ystradgynlais. I left 22 years ago when I was 18, there was no choice, he is absolutely right that we were left to rot post de-industrialisation, when I go home it's depressing to hear the views of my friends on the Labour Party. Corbyn has an uphill struggle to convince people to support a party that, in the South Wales Valleys, spent the 90s and 2000s ignoring it's base and continuing the Thatcher Legacy. They understand the Tories not giving a fuck about the Valleys, but the betrayal of the Blair and Brown Governments is something felt deeply, but never talked about outside of those communities. UKIP is seen as a breath of fresh air because it's the party without a history as far as a lot of people are concerned, but I don't know a single person who likes Neil Hamilton.
If Labour want to win back South Wales before its too late, then it must hammer the point that it's not just about looking after the urban vote, it needs to have a plan to replace the "Supermarket, Call Centre or Dole" economy that school leavers face especially in the Swansea Valley, or any future education policies will be a waste of time.
Call center and dole seem more optimistic over here its supermarket a low pay gimmick apprenticeship in coffie or office, though purly care home otherwise do not bother there is nothing.
easiest interview i think Owen has ever had to do tbh...this guy is full of thoughts
Such an amazing guy and incredible actor. So incredible grounded and great too that the interviewer listened!
fun fact: when you upload things to The Cloud, it actually gets sent straight to Michael Sheen's hair. that is the cloud.
I like this calm, rational but passionate views. Part of the problem has been the divisive rhetoric and toxicity in politics at the moment there are valid reasons why most people voted leave in the referendum as well as those that voted remain, but the way it has been handled is shambolic and embarrassing. We need better discussions and debate on topics like these with a broad range of opinions and a way to find common ground somehow to help us all move forward - wishful thinking, probably!!
Sheen is bloody brilliant. He's clearly highly intelligent and talented; he didn't just act amazingly in the Americans, he also directed those two episodes last season where Martha leaves to go to Russia. Those were probably the best episodes that there have been of The Americans
He wasnt in the Americans?? That was Matthew Rhys
lol@@brownie43212
He is more articulate and nuanced in his responses than most politicians
Sheen is one of the most humble, intelligent and empathic people I've ever heard speak. The world needs more people like him, and in particular we would all benefit from leaders who were more like him.
Fancy seeing you here 👀👀
Shocking statistics. 7% educated at private schools yet these people dominant the top.professions. explains a lot.
Even if he looks nothing like him, I'd love to see Michael Sheen play Nye Bevan at some point. His NHS speech was fantastic. A genuine Welshman who cares for his home.
This aged very well
@@art837arm Yeah, going to see Michael in Nye in a couple of weeks in Cardiff.
Michael has the gift of making everything understandable and when you understand, you become interested and want to engage. Why are politicians unable - or unwilling - to work this way????
I just love Michael Sheen.
I believe that Michael Sheen's observations & perception on the past are realistic & factual. As for Communities being a way forward for (Wales & England ) I totally agree with him ! So I shall continue this battle in North Wales as the people of Wales cannot survive until 2020 emotionally or financially intact. It is Blairite lunatic philosophy to believe that they should , promoted by the majority of Labour Party PLP''s .In 2017 we shall hopefully have a General Election & those of us who are united on the left against austerity in Wales can lead the fight forward for a humane & just society for all Welsh Communities .
Michael Sheen is brilliant, generous, kind, outrageously funny, and incredibly talented. I could watch all day and never get enough.
Thank you for a reasoned argument on post industrial Britain.
All these comments discussing Sheen as a luvvie leftie who’s opinion isn’t welcomed because he’s become wealthy and famous clearly aren’t realising he’s defending the working class. He’s says so himself that his path to success has now been eroded
I resent leaving the valleys because of the absence of employment. Yes, my prospects are a lot better than my parents and grandparents for the fact that I have left but, I feel like I've really missed out on a sense of community that is pervasive among my elders.
Owen how did you discover your passion for writing/politics? What/who supported you to become what you are today?
grow up.
Danielle Mac Cultural Markism
I really enjoyed the interview. Thank you! I certainly think Michael Sheen would be a good man in politics.
The most intelligent comment on politics at the moment. Brilliant interview
The ironic thing is that people in the communities he described, believed the propaganda put forward by those who abandoned them. They will be the ones who will actually suffer the most with the economic mess caused by Brexit.
Terrific interview, great insight from Michael, and what he said about the younger generation is so relative,, they've not experienced the solidarity we had, the social clubs, the community fabric, you worked hard and played hard with the same people, and you stood alongside them when they were in crisis. But Thatcher, Murdoch and Dacre etc, didn't want unity, divide and conquer has won the day.
Absolutely brilliant. Heartbreaking that these beliefs are so rarely stated, but, scarily, little believed.
Yes, Michael for PM - very level headed and intelligent person, enjoyed listening to him without fast forwarding!
Great interview. I would love to see Michael Sheen as PM, if only for the fact that it would mean we got to see Sarah Silverman in No. 10.
One of the aspects of "taking back control" is pinning down the political establishment. They will no longer be able to say "Oh well, we can't do that because Europe won't let us, or we've got to enact this legislation because the EU wants to do German coal workers a favour, or, we must help the Spanish fishermen, or, we can't have all those poor migrants waiting at Calais we'd better be nice and pander to the French. No crooked Eurojudge can dictate that we pay "compensayshun" to the families of terrorists killed trying to blow us up, or give the vote to rapists, or axe murderers in prison.
Freedom from the EU means that our establishment stands all falls on its own decisions, without anyone to blame it on. That's what they don't like.
It looked like you were interviewing him in Sloane Square, one of the poshest parts of London - thats another reason why people can't stomach well paid actors telling other people how to live - the contrast is just too great. He s absolutley right about why rich people are the most successful in acting, and another reason is that rich people also have THE BEST connections ...... which if we are honest is what every showbiz industry is made up on. All the top 'models' now are children of famous people, and same with actors if you think about it. Actors who made it like Michael are now very rare.
It was in the House of St Barnabus, which is a charity in Soho that helps homeless people back into work. We paid them for the room. So maybe don't write him off because of how the room (that I picked) looked.
Ok sorry!! I apologise.
That's literally never happened to me before on UA-cam! Thanks, apology accepted. Have a nice day.
Adam Sich haha really! I can admit when I'm wrong! Also Michael Sheen is actually my favourite actor in the whole world lol so I do like him, it was just an observation that I got wrong lol.
I am an EU citizen, I think that before anything else, there's should be a more accurate information about EU and also Brexit. As the world is, and for people to have the life standard that we have today, means that countries need to be closer to eachother. The sense of take over control of your own country, is a false sense of security. Unfortunately I saw this kind of thought before and the result never was good.
I love this man ! Martin i admire you.
He's called Michael. But Martin Sheen is also a decent man
Michael Sheen, a gentleman and a scholar
Goes to show that true wealth can never be earned from hard work. You have to be BORN into the establishment to find yourself anywhere secure in this country.
That kind of negative thinking will see yourself defeated before you even begin to battle with the added side effect of a crisis of self esteem.
Call Me Gaffer you're not talking about Michael in this instance I hope?
Mick E Nope this is just the actual truth. You're either elite rich, or anything else is basically you grinding for money with no security.
I'm glad he beat the collapse. he's one of they actors (& I do include actresses) who are very understated in their roles, almost a not-quite supporting actor, but their very presence & skill can make on ok movie into a f***ing amazing movie (think Hopkins, Walken, Mortensen & the like). & strip away the roles & acting, what a wise & surprisingly down-to-earth man.
Excellent interview Owen we need to get this message across to people who only get told the tories version of events.
Bravo!!
I don't agree with him. The EU doesn't re-distributre money to poor people - it gives it to the already rich, such as Cameron's father-in-law.
I think the reason why actors tend to come from rich backgrounds is because an acting career is a risk (big risk of failure) - if your parents are wealthy, you can afford to take that risk. This is because you'll get the support to do an alternative career that's good if it doesn't work out. If you're poor and an acting career doesn't work out, your qualifications are almost useless and you can't afford to re-train.
Why is acting dominated by privileged people? Because nobody without a trust fund can gamble so much on something so high risk. I know a handful of Cambridge/Oxford people who have tried to be actors and failed catastrophically. They get by only because they have support.
Directx45000 You’re ignorant. There are a lot of actors who come from humble backgrounds that don’t have trust funds. In fact, most do.
All the best actors have stories to tell.. Dont discredit the hard work struggling actors do to make ends meet
Michael was statesman like and knows he subject. He cares about Wales and it's (our) people. Anyone any idea what the furled brow face pulling was about from Owen?
That's his listening face.
All just words. He saw acting as the quickest way to get out of Wales, that's how much he cares.
@@vordman wrong he lives in port Talbot
I wonder if you lay a map of former coalfields over a map of the most Brexit areas, you'd test out what Sheen was saying....I think he's right. Brexit was not about racism it was about communities stripped of wealth jobs and vitality using the only thing they had left ....their vote! Ignoring them will only drive them to the right.
Most pertinent bit for me was his words about the Corbyn leadership of the party being given the chance to fly or fail - if he's not given this chance we may see many more years of the left divided.
What an interesting man! Thanks Owen!
So so interesting this needs to be heard thank you
That was interesting interview 👏🏻
I love Michael and Owen. Top interview!
Michael Sheen is a very intelligent man.
I'd vote for him - he says so many things that I am totally in agreement with. Intelligent caring man
Awesome!
Nice interview I been hoping to hear what his views are on this , I believe it's just the start for him and we will seeing him more and more within the polictical. I feel us brits are now starting to get numb with all this and fed up and we are going to just follow like sheep and just put up it. His views are very refreshing and honest which is what we need
That bloke has his finger on the pulse...excellent interview. The one thing he should have said however was the reason why people voted for "Right Wing Numpties" and not their traditional Labour party was because their history of supporting Labour was of being let down or abandoned by politicians who maintained a comfortable living for themselves whilst the communities they represented were left without hope.
Excellent interview.
The Labour party could a lot worse than have Michael Sheen make speeches. At least he understands the problems that are leading the working class toward populism.
can these be subtitled before they're put out please? The auto generated stuff from UA-cam is way off...
Adam's written out a lot of it for a Facebook version. We'll try and get the rest done for UA-cam. It takes a long while though.
I can't guarantee they'll make any more sense than the auto generated ones thouhg.
Owen Jones Owen, I think there's an option on UA-cam that if activated, it allows everyone to take part in the transcriptions. It's fast and that would help a lot to all those (like me) who watch you from a non-English country. Thanks!
Hey Enrique, appreciate the suggestion but there are reasons I can't do that.
Lining up the subtitles now, so won't be long.
Adam Sich It's okey, thank you for your hard work, though.
Why do you think it matters what a celebrity thinks about Brexit .. They all live in a privileged bubble
Untrue in this case.
A very good actor with some interesting opinions and a good interview. I personally have lost faith in all politicians. I truly wish that wasn't the case.
Ahhh Michael... I just can't stop staring at his beautiful hands... With some of his guestures he does, I see Aro 😍
Really interesting and engaging discussion. He actually tries to engage with the reasons why people voted in the way they did, even if he disagrees with their choice. I also agree with him on how important it is to our culture to maintain a civilised debate and not descend into an insult-hurling slanging match. Unfortunately, one or two contributors to the thread below show that his fears are justified.
Hi Owen your interviews are an interesting way to connect to and understand brittish thinking and complexity as nation, I'm from southamerica and this is a good channel to appreciate & grasp what's going on in your society particularly after brexit ,love your shrewd questions & comments but I've got a petition to make: Would you Please talk a little slower? sometimes you're difficult to follow. Thanks in advance, keep up the good work!
great guy.
DEFINITELY MICHAEL SHEEN FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!
Why won't you debate Douglas Murray? Running scared is my theorem.
That's a poorly conceived theorem if you ask me. The category of reasons not to engage in a debate with douglas murray has a more than a single degree of freedom.
So glad to hear him discuss John Osborne
Would love to have heard what was cut out mid conversation there.
Didn't Owen refuse to share a Sky platform with Milo? Hence not participating in the trading of ideas where the populous can judge which ideology benefits them most. Sheen makes the general point that this should be done while Owen nods along.
I watched him in The Damned United last night. Bloody good actor. Good activist too!
When you randomly figure out the endochronological connection between Birdman starring Michael Keaton and Stockholm Syndrome from using social media.
Brexit appealed to abandoned communities. No. Ebbw Vale in Wales received the most money from Europe and they wanted out.
Thanks Owen. As a poor working class guy I mostly base my political views on that of wealthy celebrities. Thanks for giving our views a voice.
Just shut the fuck up and do as your told peasant, only oxbridge and luvvie lefties know what's best for you, show some fucking gratitude; they work tirelessly and selflessly for you, doing all the brain work for you so you don't need to worry your little proletariat head, and yet you still want to have your own opinion?!?!? to voice your disgusting opinion even?!?!?? Come the workers' revolution you're going to be the first against the wall pal the way you're going, so just fucking watch it!!
So wealth and fame mean he cannot voice his opinion? Yes, it would be nice to hear more from the man on street, but who would pay attention?
Pond Life.
DJ Duncan You're right, I'm just a dumb working class person from middle England. I can't be trusted to vote or know what's good for me. That's why I listen to Owen Jones and leftist celebs. They know what's best for idiots like me.
***** "fucked up the country" lmao dude, don't be so dramatic.
Yes Owen. Michael Sheen for PM. Definitely
People from privileged backgrounds doing well for themselves isn't exactly a hard one to figure out. Think of what you could achieve with money in the bank and no bills to worry about.
The bit at 3:50 about having different opinions without being shouted down as scum was ironic considering how outlets like the guardian have been behaving post-brexit. Apparently more than half the country are either abandoned, ignorant, and uneducated working class communities or xenophobic little Englanders. Either way they're considered wrong rather than having a different opinion. Ridiculous, all kinds voted for both leave and remain. Left, right, working/middle/elite class, black, white, immigrants, etc. The so called disenfranchised working class don't number enough to have won brexit.
It wasn't some community wide cry for help or punch to the face of elitists or reaction to globalisation. It was people being asked if they wanted the uk to be independent and globally focused or part of a European superstate where our own needs aren't always heard. The EU has been a mess for years and they don't even want to acknowledge it. Of course other issues like wealth distribution, immigration, etc were side issues but the idea of 'independence' is a powerful one. I don't see many people calling the Scottish ignorant?
excellent comment.
Immigration wasn't a side issue it was a major issue to working class voters having their jobs taken by immigrants ,employers are happy to take on immigrants for one they'll usually work for less money and two the government subsidises immigrants over indigenous workers
chris wilson
- of course for low skilled workers immigration is a massive issue. I know decent people in the construction industry that have gone full right wing against immigration because of the effect it's had. However, across the board brexit wasn't won off the back of immigration. That's based on polls and stats. Even those workers affected by immigration only want to see more control. Yet there are those that like to taint brexit by saying it was won by xenophobes and racists, which is total rubbish.
person8203 Dont listen to the xenophobic russish from the media Britain has taken in millions of foreigners how can we be xenophobic its just a case of self preservation bringing in loads of unskilled labour into the country when there are no jobs for them has the makings of a social and economic disaster
chris wilson
- I think this is the part many on the remain side are struggling to understand. It's easy for them to package all leavers up as 'the migrant hating bad guys' because it avoids confronting real problems with social cohesion. It's not the migrants themselves that's the problem it's the volume, particularly low skilled. Public services struggle to cope, jobs are effected, progression stunted. You can't add hundreds of thousands to a population each year without problems. I'm all for immigration as long as there are sensible and fair controls.
I'd vote for him
Communities dont make me laugh, i live for myself and answer to nobody.
Answer to nobody? are you sure? no employer, no bank nor land lord?
Yes Nobody.
Alphonse Gabriel So you're a wealthy man of independent means?
Something like that.
I'm not sure you can possibly have solidarity and maximum diversity(globalisation) at the same time
You can't. Globalisation is mainly for the elites. Working class don't want it really, thats why brexit happened, they took the only chance they could for their voice to be heard. The current left is too middle class, too borgois and out if youch with the majority.
You should go into politics Michael, this country desperately needs people with your kind of passion in parliament, you could make such a difference.
Regional control of investment through local banks. The carpet bagging of building societies was bad enough, but centralised investment just makes London stronger.
great work owen jones
Michael Sheen comes across as a Guardian reader! I'm working class but...........
Telling that, neither interviewer or interviewee know why people are concerned about immigration. Complete mystery to both of them.
Great interview! Some one atleast talking sense.
I know a woman who voted Brexit because she thought "let's throw the cards in the air .. see how they land". I know a man who voted Brexit because in his view EU leaders are extra terrestrials with malign intent. The detail of the politics and economics of Brexit went over my head .. I looked at who was in the two camps. In my view there were fewer crazies in the Remain camp. Ironically I therefore aligned myself with, among other people, Cameron and Osbourne. Was it an easy call ? I don't think so.
the MA-SHEEN !
Hi Owen, Loved the interview, really interesting point of view. I'd love you to eventually interview Mark Blyth of Brown University who i feel has a unique way of explaining how we have reached this point both politically and economically.
I heard that Michael Sheen is leaving Hollywood to become an activist. I wish him the best of luck.
But Martin you got on your bike and went to drama school why should the people of Port Talbot stay and indulge you in your sentimental view of working class communities? Why don't you go back and fight for Port Talbot?
He does it ALL THE TIME! He's here continually, doing just that!
Why is it surprising the majority people in top professions were educated privately? They are better schools - thats why people pay.
love him to do a new look back in anger type film
Clever man.
OK, Very nice! Very articulate! Comes from Stockport! I am not very familiar with Michael Sheen. I will have to look him up.
Sixties Labour was the best thing to happen to the UK ever.
And Attlee's post-war government did a lot of good.
+dan taylor Almost agree. 1940s Labour was the best thing, 1960s a pretty good continuation. But since then? 1970s useless PM Callaghan, 1980s Militant, 1990s globalist New Labour of Blair, Mandelson, Campbell, . . . .
Yeah that's fair, agreed
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:00 🎤 Michael Sheen discusses acting is dominated by privileged backgrounds
01:26 🎭 The pathway into acting is disappearing, reducing opportunities
02:45 🎦 Media and entertainment swayed heavily towards privately educated
03:38 💬 Need healthy debate across range of voices without abuse
04:31 🏭 Port Talbot shaped by industry at its heart now declining
05:59 🏠 Forcing abandoned communities to move takes away their identity
07:20 🗳️ 'Take back control' resonated in deindustrialized communities
08:47 👐 Rediscovering community cohesion and belonging through cooperation
09:43 🤔 Immigration concerns not directly visible in these communities
11:04 🇺🇸 Trump taps into similar economic insecurity and resentment
12:53 ⚖️ Labour must reconnect with working class communities it has lost
13:49 💊 NHS represents wider consensus on social safety net being dismantled
Made with HARPA AI
Having only ever heard him speak "in character" before, I'd never heard him talking in his own accent. Da iawn boi!
Always thought he was a great actor, but now I'm wondering if he's continuing the tradition of the likes of Richard Burton (also from the Port Talbot area) and Stanley Baker.
And Anthony Hopkins
@@phillip2632 Thanks for your comment. It made me rewatch / relisten to Michael Sheen all over again. What a thoughtful, sincere, articulate chap he is.
As we now know, Jeremy Corbyn didn't make it. :-( And the problems remain, only even more so now.
Some key words in that interview that sum up the current state of affairs. A large, if not majority, of people feel like they have 'lost control', they feel 'alienated' and 'their communities abandoned'. They want to 'take back control', and they want someone to 'be the face of their fears and concerns'. As Michael says, UKIP and Trump understand this (even Teresa May has jumped on the band wagon and the SNP tapped into the same message).
So why do the vast majority of the PLP still persist with their Blairite and, if I'm being kind, centrist approach to politics? Most working class people don't trust them. In fact, they feel they are part of the very self-serving establishment that has put the interests of the corporate elite before the people they are supposed to represent. And by challenging Corbyn's leadership they managed to reinforce and further entrench this belief that they are part of the problem.
Brian Clough played by Sheen for PM !
4:20 quick mood change
Another interesting video! I'd love to see you interview Nicola Sturgeon.
I hope he does enter politics, he has the understanding, the insight and experience to bring people together.
Who wants "authentic, accurate" productions? I hate "gritty" type things, I'd much rather have escapism and entertainment
he seems to understand more about what is going on than the politicians - the yearning for community - togetherness - also - people do not want welfare from the EU - they want opportunity and dignity
All Jokes aside. He really should run for parliament, everything he says is just spot on