Wacko Magnet

It can be difficult finding a good documentary to watch.  Forget going to Blockbuster or Hollywood Video… their “Special Interest” selection doesn’t have much to choose from- maybe they have a few good films, but they mostly offer concert videos, Anime, and if you’re lucky they’ll have a copy of one or two Michael Moore movies.  But if you look carefully, perhaps on the internet or at an alternative book/movie store, you can find a worthwhile documentary.

Here is a list of movies I have found through lots of searching that are pretty interesting, you can often find them on YouTube, their own websites (like Zeitgeist:TheMovie), or at any alternative media source.

1.  Orwell Rolls in His Grave

This documentary is about how the media is not doing it’s job of being objective and neutral.  With all media (tv, cable, newspapers, etc) owned by only 8 corporations (many with ties to the Republican party) we really aren’t hearing the whole story on many issues.  Some stories are ignored completely- like the 2000 election recount.  It’s a good movie to see, even though think we all already know that Marie Osmond fainting shouldn’t be on the 6:00 news- something is obviously amiss.  Check out www.orwellrollsinhisgrave.com

2.  The War on Democracy

John Pilger wrote and directed this movie, it looks at past events where the US supported dictators in Latin America (Chile & Pinochet, Anti-Chavez in Venezuela, Guatemala, etc.).  The film looks at the sneaky backing of dictators, how the United States either knew about and/or supported dictator take-overs (like when Chavez was kidnapped).  It is interesting to see that part of Latin America’s history- for me, we didn’t learn about any of this in school.  Pilger also interviews an ex-CIA official, who acts like a complete ass and doesn’t do anything for getting people on his ’side.’   http://www.warondemocracy.net/

3.  Zeitgeist: The Movie

This is a little extreme, but it’s interesting.  www.zeitgesthemove.com

4.  Thin

This is a documentary that follows three women in an eating disorder clinic.  It looks at each of their stories, what led them to that point.  It isn’t super depressing or anything, but if you’re interested in that subject this is one of the few movies about it.  I watched it on YouTube.

5.  Baraka

This isn’t really a documentary, but you can probably find it in the Special Interest section at your local video store.  There is no talking, just music playing with different images that shows nature and the effects of civilization- it isn’t depressing- a good movie to watch when you’re high maybe?  It is a remake, the original is good too, I just can’t remember the name.

6.  Sicko

I’m sure you’ve heard reviews of this recent release, whether or not you like Michael Moore, you have to admit that he does a good job with this film.

7.  Scratch

This documentary is about turntablism, and whether or not you like this type of music it’s a really good movie.  It shows you that the art of scratching is just that- an art.  I personally love seeing how much time and knowlege goes into things like that.  Sometimes I think to myself “wow, those ___ are so lucky they fell into ___.”  This movie really shows you that these guys have a skill and talent, it’s not a simple form of music and they really really know their stuff! 

8.  DIG

This one is about the quick rise and fall of a band called The Brian Jonestown Massacre.  The lead singer is kind of nuts, but a musical genius.  The songs are really good and the band (when they existed) was beyond entertaining.  It’s too bad they are no longer together but I guess when you have so much talent and mental illness it’s difficult to get along!