Erik Marshall

The Corporation gives an interesting historical account of the institution of the corporation in the United States and in the world. The film is clearly critical of the institution, as a droning female commentator begins the film by asking pointed questions about corporations. Through a mix of slick graphics, bountiful archival material, and interviews with the like of Naomi Klein, Michael Moore and Noam Chomsky, the film goes through the history of the corporation, its evolution over time, and the problems corporations, and the governments who fail to regulate them, create.

I often have students, at least those who have heard of them, ask why people protest the WTO and other organizations. Overall, I think this film is a good answer to a lot of these types of questions, as it addresses globalization, media pressure, marketing, corporate rights vs human rights, and many other important issues. This is also the greatest weakness of the film. It is about two hours long, but at times I felt like four. The filmmakers do a great job of covering much material, but in the end the viewer feels lost, powerless, and overwhelmed. Each of the topics of the film could be made into a feature length film, and I hope someone takes up the cause and does so. For example, I would love to see a film focusing on corporate consolidation in the media, and pressures on news agencies to come up with the “right” types of reports. Maybe Sheldon Rampton or Peter Hart could write it.

This film is a good complement to Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11 (about which see my earlier post). Where F911 is a specific attack on a specific individual, with hints here and there about globalization and wider issues, The Corporation deals with the larger issues, with a few very interesting case studies. For those looking for solutions, the film comes up short, but its website makes up for the fact, with issues, links, and fora galore. The two together make a great springboard for wider discussion and, possible, action.

This film is good for those confused about globalization, concerned about the environemnt, or uneasy about concentration of wealth. For those who know nothing about these issues, it is a must-see, as it will give you something to think and get angry about.