I had watched this in 2019, maybe not getting until the end. There are some deep flaws in this documentary, which did not let me get to the end of it the first time. So I will begin with these.
This movie has an idea, about internet, for example, and about Middle East politics. It tries to show the facts which are in agreement with the idea. Conveniently ignoring those facts that tend to go against the idea. I will try to give some examples without spoilering too much (but can you... spoiler a documentary?). It is stated that current politics takes decisions in incoherent ways and sows confusion intentionally without a definite end except avoiding risk - I might agree with the general message. Yet, the Russian intervention in Syria is presented as one of those "inexplicable decisions" taken without a reason and not understandable. This completely ignores that:
1 - Russia has maritime bases in Syria, and would most probably lose them if Syria became Isis land - this alone justifies intervention 2 - Russia - with all her ills - does consistently fight islamism which was rising in Syria
Also about Internet. Gibson is put in contrast with the EFF and its activism. Internet is shown as only a place where people can run away to hide from their failures in changing society. This place is ruled by malevolent corporations - this ignores the fact people all over the world do find *real* freedom through the Internet. In many different ways, the Internet did enable real, sincere expression of ideas which would have been impossible before. Many examples of this might be shown, but they are avoided because they would not support the idea behind the documentary. This is, in a way, a manipulation of reality just the same as the one which is exposed in the movie.
In any case, this movie came to my mind again during the Covid epidemics. And after watching the 2020 US elections...I revalued the general message, which is not perfect, but does offer interesting thought points such as:
The two "thoughts" this movie gave me are enough for it to deserve a 7. But they many distorted realities inside this very movie make it, sometimes, similar to a propaganda piece. Which makes me unable to give it more than a 7.
This movie has an idea, about internet, for example, and about Middle East politics. It tries to show the facts which are in agreement with the idea. Conveniently ignoring those facts that tend to go against the idea. I will try to give some examples without spoilering too much (but can you... spoiler a documentary?). It is stated that current politics takes decisions in incoherent ways and sows confusion intentionally without a definite end except avoiding risk - I might agree with the general message. Yet, the Russian intervention in Syria is presented as one of those "inexplicable decisions" taken without a reason and not understandable. This completely ignores that:
1 - Russia has maritime bases in Syria, and would most probably lose them if Syria became Isis land - this alone justifies intervention 2 - Russia - with all her ills - does consistently fight islamism which was rising in Syria
Also about Internet. Gibson is put in contrast with the EFF and its activism. Internet is shown as only a place where people can run away to hide from their failures in changing society. This place is ruled by malevolent corporations - this ignores the fact people all over the world do find *real* freedom through the Internet. In many different ways, the Internet did enable real, sincere expression of ideas which would have been impossible before. Many examples of this might be shown, but they are avoided because they would not support the idea behind the documentary. This is, in a way, a manipulation of reality just the same as the one which is exposed in the movie.
In any case, this movie came to my mind again during the Covid epidemics. And after watching the 2020 US elections...I revalued the general message, which is not perfect, but does offer interesting thought points such as:
- Politics does tend to create a perception of reality which is convenient to its means - this increases the detachment between politics and the voters, which do participate in the political process, but they do it mechanically and out of habit, fully knowing that the political ideas are out of touch with reality - because of blatantly absurdity - but in a way, avoiding to confront reality. This is a deep message which the movie does bring across and which is ... real. Evident all over this crisis.
- The Internet does contain information which could "save" the people and bring out reality. Because of how Internet is used, however, people tend to isolate themselves in bubbles where their own biases are reinforced. Or even brought to their extreme. This is well explained and researched.
The two "thoughts" this movie gave me are enough for it to deserve a 7. But they many distorted realities inside this very movie make it, sometimes, similar to a propaganda piece. Which makes me unable to give it more than a 7.