By Richard Modiano
February 5th, 2025
Franklin Rosemont’s Surrealism, Bugs Bunny, and the Blues is an exhilarating, freewheeling exploration of the intersections between American pop culture, surrealist thought, and radical politics. As both a poet and a dedicated surrealist, Rosemont brings an infectious enthusiasm to his subjects, weaving together seemingly disparate elements—cartoons, music, labor history, and the revolutionary imagination—into a rich, interconnected tapestry of creative resistance.
At the heart of the book is Rosemont’s conviction that surrealism is not just an artistic movement but a way of seeing the world—one that uncovers hidden connections and challenges dominant narratives. He finds surrealist energy in the anarchic logic of Bugs Bunny, the improvisational genius of blues musicians, and the radical dreams of labor organizers. These figures, for Rosemont, embody a spirit of play, rebellion, and poetic subversion that align with the surrealist project.
What makes this book especially engaging is its refusal to be constrained by academic formalities. Rosemont’s writing is wildly associative, moving fluidly between historical analysis, personal reflection, and poetic speculation. He draws on a vast range of influences, from Marxist theory to jazz aesthetics, all while maintaining a conversational, almost conspiratorial tone that invites the reader into his surrealist vision.
For readers interested in the intersections of art, politics, and countercultural history, Surrealism, Bugs Bunny, and the Blues is both a thrilling and challenging read. It resists easy categorization, much like the subjects it celebrates, and demands that we rethink our assumptions about creativity, humor, and resistance. Rosemont’s work is a reminder that surrealism is not a relic of the past but a living force, one that continues to animate the most subversive and liberatory aspects of culture.
