Watch The Corporation

The Corporation, a 2003 documentary film directed by Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott, is an eye-opening exploration of the potential and the actual impact of corporations on the contemporary world. The film is based on Joel Bakan's book, The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power, which provides a scathing critique of the ways that corporations prioritize the pursuit of profits over the wellbeing of people and the planet.

The film follows a wide range of individuals, from activists to executives, as they grapple with the question of what the corporation is, what it does and what it means for our society, economy and environment. Through a sophisticated and varied array of interviews, research, archival footage and visual effects, The Corporation unfolds a compelling narrative that lays bare the extraordinary reach and influence of the corporate sector.

One of the key themes of the film is the legal personhood of corporations, which allows them to wield rights similar to those of human beings, while being exempt from many of the responsibilities and obligations that come with being a person. Through interviews with legal scholars and experts, the film explores the historical and legal context of corporate personhood, as well as the ways in which corporations have exploited this status to avoid accountability and scrutiny.

Another major theme of The Corporation is the relationship between corporations and the environment. The film highlights the many ways in which corporations have contributed to climate change and environmental degradation, from the oil and gas industry to food production and waste disposal. The film features interviews with leading environmental activists and researchers, each of whom provides a different perspective on the scale and scope of the environmental crisis, and the role that corporations play in exacerbating it.

The film also delves into the social and cultural impact of corporations on our daily lives. The film examines the ways in which corporations have transformed our culture and shaped our desires and aspirations, from the rise of consumerism to the prevalence of corporate branding and logos. The film features interviews with marketing experts and cultural critics, as well as ordinary citizens who are striving to resist the invasive and pervasive influence of corporate power.

Throughout the course of the film, viewers are treated to a host of fascinating and thought-provoking stories and anecdotes, from the history of Coca-Cola to the rise of Fox News, from the ethics of Nike to the machinations of the pharmaceutical industry. The film is carefully structured to keep viewers engaged and interested, moving seamlessly between different topics and perspectives, and drawing on a wealth of compelling images, sounds and stories to make its points.

As the film draws to a close, viewers are left with a sense of both urgency and possibility. The Corporation is a powerful call to action, challenging viewers to think beyond the narrow confines of their own lives and communities, and to consider the broader implications of corporate power for our entire planet. The film is both an indictment of corporate greed and a hopeful testament to the resilience and commitment of people who are working to create a more just and sustainable world. By the end of The Corporation, viewers are left with a renewed sense of agency, empowered to take action in their own lives and communities, and to challenge the status quo in order to build a better future for all.

Overall, The Corporation is a compelling and insightful documentary that offers a lucid and thought-provoking exploration of one of the defining issues of our time. Through a blend of rigorous research, critical analysis and compelling storytelling, the film offers a powerful critique of the many ways that corporations shape and influence our world, while reminding us of the transformative potential of people power and solidarity.

The Corporation is a 2003 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 73.