Watch The Shock Doctrine

The Shock Doctrine is a documentary film from 2009 that explores the concept of shock therapy as applied to politics and economics. Based on the book of the same name by Naomi Klein, the movie argues that the use of crises and disasters to justify radical policy changes has become a powerful tool of capitalist elites. Narrated by Klein herself, the film begins with the story of Ewen Cameron, a Scottish psychiatrist who worked for the CIA in the 1950s. Cameron's research into the effects of electroshock therapy and sensory deprivation on the human brain laid the groundwork for what came to be known as "psychological torture." His techniques were later used to break down prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and other American detention centers during the War on Terror.

From there, the movie explores how this same concept of shock therapy has been applied to entire countries, beginning with the military coup in Chile in 1973. Under the guidance of economist Milton Friedman and his Chicago School of Economics, the new regime led by General Augusto Pinochet implemented a radically neoliberal economic program that dramatically increased poverty and inequality. The same basic formula was later applied to countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, and Russia in the 1990s with similar results.

The film argues that these policies were not simply misguided or ineffective, but deliberately exploitative. The use of crises such as coups, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks allowed elites to impose unpopular policies without fear of resistance. The result was a kind of economic shock therapy that enriched the few at the expense of the many.

Along the way, The Shock Doctrine also explores related topics such as the rise of corporate-funded think tanks, the connections between the War on Terror and the repression of domestic dissent, and the struggle of resistance movements against capitalist imperialism. Interviews with activists, academics, and ordinary people affected by these policies provide a human perspective on the impact of shock doctrine policies.

The film ends on a note of hope, pointing out the numerous popular movements that have risen up in response to shock therapy policies over the years. While these movements have often been brutally repressed, the movie argues that they represent a powerful force for change in a world where neoliberalism still holds sway.

Overall, The Shock Doctrine is a sobering look at the dark side of capitalist globalization. It offers a sharp critique of the policies that have led to so much suffering and inequality around the world, while also celebrating the resilience and courage of those who have fought against them. Whether one agrees with its political views or not, the movie is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of complex issues that remain highly relevant today.

The Shock Doctrine is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.