War Made Easy

A timely look back on 50 years of spin and deception, from the Gulf of Tonkin to the Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Hawaii’s Last Queen

A series of coup d’etats cemented the grip of American businessmen on the nation of Hawaii around the turn of the last century, swiftly leading to its formal annexation by the U.S.

(go to Google Video)

While its narrative is less that of the Hawaiian people than that of their monarchs, this 50 minute documentary is a valuable insight into early American imperialism.

The Century of the Self

Adam Curtis’ acclaimed series examines the rise of the all-consuming self against the backdrop of the Freud dynasty.

Episode 1 – Happiness Machines

Episode 2 – The Engineering Of Consent

Episode 3 – There Is A Policeman Inside All Our Heads, He Must Be Destroyed

Episode 4 – Eight People Sipping Wine In Kettering

To many in both politics and business, the triumph of the self is the ultimate expression of democracy, where power has finally moved to the people. Certainly the people may feel they are in charge, but are they really? The Century of the Self tells the untold and sometimes controversial story of the growth of the mass-consumer society in Britain and the United States. How was the all-consuming self created, by whom, and in whose interests?

The Freud dynasty is at the heart of this compelling social history.

Taking Liberties

Released just as Tony Blair was leaving office, this film documents his ten-year war against civil liberties, begun as a way of protecting businesses from ‘harrassment’ but dramatically escalated as part of The War Against Terror.

(that was a trailer; click here to watch the whole film)

I had a few things lined up to go with this film, but decided they detracted from the seriousness of the issue. However, the soundtrack is ace, and that last song deserves reposting in its entirety without being talked over. So here, for your listening pleasure, is Jarvis with Running The World.

Frontline – Cheney’s Law

Today, Congressman and Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich is attempting to kick off impeachment proceedings against Vice President Dick “Darth Vader” Cheney, through the use of what’s called a priveleged resolution. The charges one could bring against Cheney are legion, and polls show that 54% of Americans want to see him impeached (the idea of impeaching President Bush, is slightly less popular, at 45%, but that’s still more than ever wanted to impeach Nixon).

This PBS documentary (56 mins) charts some of Cheney’s struggles for greater power, pitting the White House against Congress and the Department of Justice in particular.

Ministry Of Truth

A fascinating documentary (~30mins) that looks behind the scenes of British quasi-democracy. After discovering that MPs have no legal obligation not to lie, director Richard Symons embarks on a quest to introduce one, through a ‘Misrepresentation of the People Act’.

(click here to watch the whole programme)

You can view the bill – now called the ‘Elected Representatives (Prohibition of Deception) Bill’ – here. So far a total of 35 MPs have expressed support for idea; you can email your representative about it here and keep up to date with the latest news regarding its progress here.

The Miami Model

A film about the errrmmm… ‘enthusiastic’ policing at the FTAA protests in Miami 2003

The Agronomist

A dramatic portrait (87 mins) of radical broadcaster and human rights activist Jean Dominique, and of the political struggle in Haïti.  (h/t Fanonite)

Speaking of Haiti, here’s a shocking piece of news conveniently buried by the disappearance of Madeleine McCann a few months ago.

War On Democracy

In one of his best and most important films so far (94 mins), John Pilger looks at how the people of Latin America are subjugated to the imperial designs (or, “national interests”) of the United States – and how the people are fighting back.

The Corporation

A stylish and informative insight into corporate power, its history and its nature. (145mins). See also TheCorporation.com

Part two follows.