Film No. 42 (2015) Going Clear: Scientology and the Prisoner of Belief June 22nd.

Film No. 42 (2015) June 22nd. 6:40 PM LUNA SX Fremantle.

 

"They sell it all in the beginning as something quite logical". (An ex-disciple describing their Scientology experience)

 

Going Clear: Scientology the Prisoner of Belief.

 

After watching this riveting feature, Going Clear, I'm baffled as to why; one,a "crackpot" like Hubbard, a prolific Sci Fi pulp fiction writer could believe in most of his fanciful writing and two, how thousands of people became disciples to these, in some case, quite sinister beliefs. The church today is diminishing in numbers but expanding as a business enterprise. Interesting!

Alex Gibney (Enron & The Armstrong Lie) is a thorough documentary film maker. In a recent interview it was interesting to hear him talk about taking his raw footage then handing it over to his editor,in this case Andy Grieve, and having total confidence the film will emerge as he intended without him having to look over his shoulder. Gibney is a a documentary film maker of the expose' type. With Scientology (cult or religion) in his sights he has found the perfect fodder. 

We first learn of the origins of Scientology. Gibney incorporated excellent home footage of Hubbard discussing all dimensions of his world, the impression being that Scientology was born of simplistic ideas from a complicated figment of his imagination. How he was charismatic enough to attract the disciples he did  baffles me. But once the battles with the US internal revenue were finally won, thus gaining Scientology religious status, the evidence was that big business was a motivation for its existence.

It would seem Scientology is a far more sinister organization in contemporary times. Auditing is an important tradition of the cult; here an individual reveals truths about their lives to the "church." It becomes a record which is held for purposes only people higher up the "food chain" can know. I can't help but wonder what they hold over Tom Cruise and John Travolta; neither seem totally comfortable in their P.R. roles for the organization. But then again who cares. I did however enjoy the ride Gibney took me on.  9GUMS