LOCALDEV (alonovolabs)

Worth watching 2009-08-06

Reviewer: Jos Pols

Nutshell review - Although it is certainly worth watching I feel that the documentary splits it's focus between the subject matter, namely that the media are controlled by entities who have an alternative agenda to that of enlightening the public about world events and issues, and trying to show who Noam Chomsky is and what he has done. The subject matter is fascinating and is presented well enough although not, in my opinion, with sufficient breadth and depth. I think a much broader scope could have been undertaken in respect of the primary subject matter.

Better than Michael Moore 2009-06-30

Reviewer: B.Friendly

While Michael Moore movies such as Roger and Me have its place, something a bit deeper would be this movie about the influence the media has on our thinking and perception of the world, especially world events. This is a long, two-part documentary with very interesting information about Vietnam and East Timor. The movie makers also let a lot of Chomsky critics speak, so the viewer really does have to make his own decision whether or not Chomsky is too radical in his analysis. Great movie for group discussion. Also allows for a closer look at Chomsky the man. He does remind me of Woody Allen at times, though of course so much more profound, no?! William F. Buckley being at the beginning of the star list is rather misleading, but you do see the editor of the New York Times here quite a bit.

Timeless classic. 2009-02-11

Reviewer: P. Sokol

I have seen this documentry many times before and even if it has been made in the early 90's, It's content is still very relevant today on how the media functions and of unchanged US foreign policy. The film goes much deeper then snipets of Noam Chomsky's many talks around the world, it also goes into his upbringing and inluences which led him to be the much loved dissident he is today. This film is a must see, whether you are a fan of Noam Chomsky or not.

The movie that has become a movement. 2008-05-04

Reviewer: Preston C. Enright

This is more than a film, "Manufacturing Consent" has long been a tool of peace workers who wanted to inform others of the shameful U.S. policies toward countries like East Timor. This film's segment regarding the U.S. support of Indonesia's invasion of East Timor was used to raise awareness and galvanize support for the independence struggle that took place on that island nation, culminating in its becoming a member of the United Nations and a pair of East Timorese winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Beyond that, "Manufacturing Consent" has exposed the institutional flaws of a media that is owned and sponsored by corporate powers. This theme is further explored by the director, Mark Achbar, in his equally enlightening documentary The Corporation. In the several years since it was released, countless people have turned their media criticism into media participation, and have developed the sorts of alternatives that have been so desperately needed. Countless magazines, blogs, small publishing houses, documentaries and other media tools have created options that were not available in the past. Conferences on media reform attract thousands of people, such as the gathering hosted by "Free Press" each year. And books by radical democrats like Chomsky have become best-sellers 9-11, and are promoted by populist reformers like Hugo Chavez Hegemony or Survival: America's Quest for Global Dominance (American Empire Project).

Another reviewer expressed his wish that every American would see this film; and slowly but surely, a tipping point size of the population is either coming to know of Chomsky's work, or is coming upon the work of people who have been influenced by Noam's penetrating analysis - people like Robert McChesney The Problem of the Media: U.S. Communication Politics in the Twenty-First Century, Phyllis Bennis Challenging Empire: How People, Governments, and the UN Defy US Power, Robert Jensen Citizens of the Empire: The Struggle to Claim Our Humanity, Michael Moore Sicko (Special Edition), Paul Hawken Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Social Movement in History Is Restoring Grace, Justice, and Beauty to the World and so many others.

For other Chomsky material, I'd recommend the books of his long-time collaborator, David Barsamian of "Alternative Radio" which has a large catalogue of Chomsky lectures, interviews, and debates with figures like Richard Pearl. What We Say Goes: Conversations on U.S. Power in a Changing World is the most recent collection of their dialogues. See also Z Magazine which has been publishing Chomsky articles and interviews for over two decades.

"At this stage of history, either one of two things is possible. Either the general population will take control of its own destiny and will concern itself with community interests, guided by values of solidarity and sympathy and concern for others, or, alternatively, there will be no destiny for anyone to control." - Noam Chomsky

talk about "must see" 2008-03-21

Reviewer: Bob

It is NOT about Noam Chomsky. Chomsky quite frankly isn't really *that* interesting as a personality to study and watch movies about. Needless to say, his accomplishments as an intellectual in the field of linguistics -modern linguistics being almost invented by him, and of course as the arch-critic of US power par-excellence, make him fascinating. He is a genius, obviously. But it is what use he put his razor sharp analytical mind and photographic memory that is incredible. So look at the results. Aside from that, his life is his own and he views it really as none your business and nothing any of us should care about. What matters is his work and while the film does delve into the personal to an extent, this documentary is focused on *the media*.

If you have an interest in understanding the world you live in, watch the documentary and read the book. Buy the DVD, watch it with friends, talk about it, share it with others.

Years ago a friend made a remark to me, something along the lines of, "Chomsky looks more and more right". This was years before the build up to the Iraq War. Sadly, Chomsky's analysis (along with Edward Herman) of the corporate media is still as accurate as ever, if not more so. This film wont make you feel good, but it'll help make you a bit smarter.