Title: Programming the Nation Director: Jeff Warrick Fewer recent documentary films evince a bigger gap between potential level of intrigue and delivered interest than “Programming the Nation,” a shaggy look at the history of subliminal messaging in the United States that leaves one wanting for the pruning of a sensible editor. Flitting back and forth from 1950s and ’60s cinema and advertising to the alleged usage of subliminal tactics in everything from anti-theft devices, political propaganda, military psychological operations and advanced weapons development, Warrick’s film is interesting in pieces and patches, but ultimately done in by its own manic desire to cram in as much anecdotal detail as possible, no...
- 9/25/2011
- by bsimon
- ShockYa
Following scans of the documentary lineups for the upcoming Toronto and New York film festivals, let's glance at a few docs in theaters right now. Melissa Anderson in the Voice: "Inspired by a 2008 New York Times Magazine article by Alex Kotlowitz, Steve James's commanding documentary The Interrupters, about 'violence interrupters' in Chicago, who intervene in conflicts before they escalate into gunshots, unfolds as deeply reported journalism. Much like Hoop Dreams (1994), James's in-depth examination of the athletic aspirations of two African-American high school students, The Interrupters reminds us of the powers and pleasures of well-crafted, immersive nonfiction filmmaking — a genre vitiated within the past five years by a glut of cruddy-looking, poorly researched and argued titles."
The Interrupters has left New York [no, it hasn't! It's at the IFC Center through Tuesday — thanks, Thor!], but its cross-country tour extends into November. It opened last week in the UK, where more than a few reviewers noted the film's relevance to the recent London...
The Interrupters has left New York [no, it hasn't! It's at the IFC Center through Tuesday — thanks, Thor!], but its cross-country tour extends into November. It opened last week in the UK, where more than a few reviewers noted the film's relevance to the recent London...
- 8/26/2011
- MUBI
Director: Jeff Warrick When first-time director Jeff Warrick is unable to obtain comments from either of the surviving two Beatles regarding their use of backwards masking and subliminal messages, he enlists Queensryche singer Geoff Tate. (Tate being the most logical third choice after Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr?) Thankfully, Warrick also brings in Rolling Stone Senior Editor David Fricke and legendary rock and roll recording engineer and producer Andy Johns for back-up. The Judas Priest subliminal message trial from 1990 also makes an appearance, but does any of this footage convince me that hidden messages in music are able to influence human behavior? Ummm... No. Well, how about the use of subliminal messaging in cinema? Well, Warrick opts to bend the definition of "subliminal" in order to discuss Alfred Hitchcock, Francis Ford Coppola, William Friedkin and other directors who purposefully inter-cut [totally perceptible] images and/or sounds to solicit emotional responses to their films.
- 8/20/2011
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
It’s tough to keep track of everything Jeff Warrick’s subliminal-advertising documentary Programming The Nation? does wrong. First off, it looks cheesy: a little like a corporate training tape, with low-quality video and goofy visual effects. Then Warrick takes a smarmy Michael Moore-style first-person approach to his narration, making what should be a serious inquiry into the existence and effectiveness of subliminal advertising unnecessarily personal. He even starts the movie with images of the World Trade Center collapsing, saying that in the wake of 9/11, “I felt compelled to take a long, hard look around me,” and adding ...
- 8/18/2011
- avclub.com
Below director Jeff Warrick shares a scene from his documentary "Programming the Nation?," which takes a look at the history of mass-media subliminal messaging in America. The film opens Friday, August 19th at the Quad Cinema in New York, followed by a national roll-out via International Film Circuit. Over 7 years ago when I first decided to do a documentary on the alleged history of subliminal messaging in America, it's ...
- 8/17/2011
- Indiewire
Below director Jeff Warrick shares a scene from his documentary "Programming the Nation?," which takes a look at the history of mass-media subliminal messaging in America. The film opens Friday, August 19th at the Quad Cinema in New York, followed by a national roll-out via International Film Circuit. Over 7 years ago when I first decided to do a documentary on the alleged history of subliminal messaging in America, it's ...
- 8/17/2011
- indieWIRE - People
Programming the Nation? looks at subliminal messaging and subconscious manipulation in mass-media, pop-culture, politics. We asked writer/producer/director Jeff Warrick (founder of Ignite Productions) to tell us about his film. Geoff Tate, lead singer of Queensryche / courtesy Ignite Productions Programming the Nation? is a provocative new documentary about how our American society has allegedly been subconsciously brainwashed. It's also a modernized retelling of the biblical story of David and Goliath. In this case, 'David' is represented by me, the small, first-timer, indie-filmmaker, going up against 'Goliath,' the giant monolith of Hollywood studio, big-budget, franchise-driven, superhero releases. But in this issues-driven, social documentary, 'David' also represents You - the general, middle class, average American citizen - battling a 'Goliath' in advertisers, corporations, politicians and even our own military, for control of your mind and souls. Director Jeff Warrick / courtesy Ignite Productions Unlike other current affairs facing today's society - including the environment,...
- 8/15/2011
- TribecaFilm.com
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