Watch Encirclement

Encirclement is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the nature of globalization, the changing face of democracy, and the future of capitalism. The film, which was released in 2008, is directed by Richard Brouillette and features luminaries such as Noam Chomsky, Ignacio Ramonet, and Normand Baillargeon. The film takes its name from the idea that comes from the late French philosopher Guy Debord's thesis on the Society of the Spectacle. According to the thesis, the society in which we live doesn't just produce a series of visual images that are disseminated through various media, but instead, society 'encircles' by flooding with ever-increasing amounts of information.

Encirclement looks at the forces driving globalization, and it explores the various impacts that globalization has had on nations, people, and cultures. Famed intellectual Noam Chomsky provides much of the theoretical underpinning for the film, arguing that the economic globalization that has taken place over recent decades has caused vast and growing inequalities.

The documentary is split into two parts, the first concentrating on the global economy, and the second looking at new forms of democracy that are emerging in response to the shortcomings of liberal democratic institutions. The first part of Encirclement looks at the globalized nature of modern capitalism, making the case that the growth of the global economy has been unevenly distributed, with a small minority benefiting while the vast majority loses out.

The filmmakers argue that the transformation of capitalism from a localized, industrialized economy to a globalized, financialized one has led to a kind of "economic dictatorship." The film examines in great detail the influence of financial institutions on the world economy, and how they have become dangerously divorced from the real economy.

In the second part of Encirclement, the film shifts its focus to the changing nature of democracy. This section of the documentary examines the failures of Western democracies, highlighting their inability to address the pressing issues of the day, such as economic inequality and climate change. Ignacio Ramonet, who is known for his work on media and democratization, is prominently featured.

Ramonet makes the case that new forms of democracy are emerging, and that these new models hold the promise of a more equitable and just society. The film beautifully juxtaposes images of protests around the world with interviews with activists and academics, all of whom are engaged in the work of creating these new models of democracy.

Throughout Encirclement, the filmmakers use archival footage and interviews to paint a picture of the dangers posed by globalization and the failures of traditional democratic institutions. They demonstrate how ordinary people are being left behind in a rapidly changing world, and how the global elite are becoming increasingly disconnected from the rest of society.

The film's structure is novel, with the directors using slow-motion shots to underscore the themes of the documentary. The slow-motion shots are highly stylized, and at times, they seem almost surreal. In one sequence, we see a fish swimming in a tank, its gills flapping slowly in the water. The camera then pans up to show a group of men walking along a beach, the sand and sea swirling in slow motion around their feet. The use of slow motion in this way is highly effective, drawing attention to the beauty and complexity of the world around us while highlighting the danger of a society that is speeding up at an alarming rate.

Overall, Encirclement is a highly engaging and thought-provoking documentary. The film offers a trenchant critique of globalization and its impact on society, arguing that we need new models of democracy if we are to create a more equitable and just world. With insightful interviews with leading intellectuals, as well as stunning visual sequences, Encirclement is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.