In the thought-provoking documentary, “The Corporation,” a startling revelation emerges from the depths of constitutional law: corporations are recognized as individuals. This unconventional premise sets the stage for an exploration of the nature and extraordinary ascent of these dominant institutions in our society. With a captivating blend of wit, style, and comprehensive analysis, the film delves into the inner workings of corporations, examining their legal status, behavior towards society, and posing a compelling question: What kind of person would a corporation be?
Unveiling the Corporate World:
“The Corporation” features an impressive lineup of CEOs, top-level executives, and industry experts from diverse sectors such as oil, pharmaceuticals, technology, manufacturing, public relations, branding, and advertising. Alongside these voices, the documentary also includes interviews with notable figures such as Nobel-prize-winning economists, the first management guru, a corporate spy, and a wide range of academics, critics, historians, and thinkers. This collective exploration sheds light on the immense influence corporations wield in our lives.
Insightful and Transformative:
Combining the power of film and the fervor of a movement, “The Corporation” captivates audiences and astonishes critics with its incisive and thought-provoking analysis. By treating corporations as subjects of psychological evaluation, akin to ordinary individuals, the documentary offers a fresh perspective on their impact. Through a series of true confessions, case studies, and strategies for change, the film challenges the existing paradigm and encourages viewers to rethink their relationship with corporate entities.
Voices of Authority:
With interviews featuring 40 corporate insiders and critics, including renowned figures like Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, Milton Friedman, Howard Zinn, Vandana Shiva, and Michael Moore, “The Corporation” leaves no stone unturned in its quest to expose the truth. These diverse voices provide a rich tapestry of perspectives, strengthening the documentary’s credibility and furthering its mission to shed light on the exploitation of human rights and corporate malpractices. Notably, the film explores IBM’s ties to the Nazi regime, uncovering startling revelations about the darker side of these massive businesses.
A Comprehensive Endeavor:
“The Corporation” is not just a documentary; it is a movement aimed at instigating change. Alongside the film, author Joel Bakan penned the book “The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power,” offering a comprehensive examination of the topic. The documentary serves as a visual companion, complementing the book’s message and expanding its reach to a wider audience.
Recognition and Production:
“The Corporation” has received widespread acclaim, earning the Genie Award for Best Feature Length Documentary. Directed by Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott, the film boasts a stellar production team, including Joel Bakan as the writer and contributors Harold Crooks and Mark Achbar. Mikela J. Mikael lends her narration skills, while Leonard J. Paul’s music enhances the documentary’s impact. The cinematography by Mark Achbar, Rolf Cutts, Jeff Hoffman, and Kirk Tougas, as well as the editing by Jennifer Abbott, further elevate the film’s visual appeal.
Release date: June 4, 2004 (USA)
Initial DVD release: April 5, 2005
Official Website: thecorporation.com
