Citizenfour (2014)
This installment of Living Room Cinema features films that offer telling revelations about their chosen subject matter. I’m happy to report that I was able to watch them all for free from the shelves of my local library.
Citizenfour (2014) is a riveting documentary directed by Laura Poitras. In 2013, Edward Snowden made public classified documents that exposed the N.S.A. for actively spying on us, the U.S. citizens. The film captures Snowden in real time as he coordinates with a few select reporters in releasing the information.
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief
Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015) is a harrowing documentary directed by Alex Gibney. This is the most comprehensive look into the secret world of Scientology that I have seen, and there are devils in the details. Hopefully Going Clear will serve as a cautionary tale.
Where to Invade Next
Where to Invade Next (2015) is a thought-provoking documentary directed by Michael Moore. Unlike many of his other films, Where to Invade Next showcases the positive that he finds. Spoiler alert: Moore makes a compelling case that other countries have prospered for their people by implementing the American ideas and ideals that we have decidedly abandoned.
