Orwell Rolls in His Grave is, as another viewer wrote, more important than Michael Moore's recent documentary, Farenheit 9/11, because it really does a fantastic job of analyzing the role of the modern American media and its consequences upon democracy. Granted, Moore's documentary does make known the faults of the mainstream media, but the Farenheit 9/11 is much more of a criticism of American foreign policy, as well as related economic and social issues. 'Orwell Rolls in His Grave,' instead crucifies the whole system.
It is not surprise that this documentary gained even minimal independent release, as it could have serious repercussions in rousing the public into a meaningful social upheaval and fuel the fires for a real grassroots movement in this country. As Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont says, along with others interviewed in this film, you cannot publicly attack the system. Michael Moore's films are easy to criticize because they are very propagandic, at least when he becomes condescending in trying to get his point across, whereas this one presents it all to you in solid, unbreakable form. Media studies students and others interested in critical analysis of politics and the media will find this to be a highly beneficial tool, as it covers all ground, including a brief historic outline of the political press in this country and, surprisingly, an overview of the organization of think tanks to illustrate how George Orwell's cautionary novel, 1984, has become a reality.
With companion reading such as Howard Zinn's "The People's History of the United States," Noam Chomsky's "Manufacturing Consent," Ray Bradbury's "Farenheit 451," George Orwell's "1984" and "Animal Farm," and companion viewing of Robert Greenwood's recent documentary, "Outfoxed" (for the technical and procedural faults of the American mainstream media), these materials can the set the foundation for a responsible, appropriately judicious citizenry.
Make this movie famous.
