:
Karl E. Meyer,
Karl E. Meyer,
Michel Foucault,
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:
Mark Achbar,
Mark Achbar,
Peter Wintonick,
more...
see all cast/crew...
: Zeitgeist Films
: Documentary, Biographies, Political & Social Issues
: 167 min.
: English
see additional details...
Recently Rented By KateGlanz
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The Canadian documentary Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media presents a lengthy, detailed look at the political beliefs of celebrated intellectual Noam Chomsky. Casting only passing glances at Chomsky's groundbreaking work in the field of linguistics and his eventful life, filmmakers Mark Achbar and Peter Witonick instead focus on his activities as a political dissident and media critic. Particular attention is paid to his contention that the American mass media serves as a form of "thought control in a democratic society," with major news organizations systematically bending the truth to support the status quo. Chomsky defends this belief in numerous public appearances, lectures, and debates, siting as examples the widely divergent media treatment of genocidal activities in Cambodia and East Timor and the unquestioned acceptance of America's Gulf War policy. While opposing viewpoints and rebuttals are sometimes aired, the filmmakers quite clearly are in general agreement with Chomsky and even include humorous visual illustrations of his political theories, utilizing stock footage, on-screen diagrams, and the like. Despite its clear favoritism, the film nevertheless succeeds in making a thought-provoking case for these ideas and provides an intriguing glimpse into the life of a complex, driven thinker. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
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| Tasty brain food
by Sujata
July 14, 2006 - 11:37 AM PDT
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5 out of 5 members found this review helpful
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| This is not a movie to watch for its entertainment value. But if you're looking for an intellectually bracing analysis of the American media, then look no further. Chomsky has often been characterized as being as leftist as you can go without falling off the earth. Be that as it may, it's not necessary to agree with his political views to appreciate his analysis of the structure and rules of the media machine. Every system has an internal logic by which it works, and Chomsky lays bare some of the inherent rules by which the American media is structured and provides examples to back up his claims. The movie does deify Chomsky a bit, but regardless, there is plenty of food for thought here. |
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GreenCine Member Rating
(Average 7.78)
164 Votes
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