Popaganda: The Art and Crimes of Ron English (2005) User Reviews

Interesting but not great

[bob_roberts · 6/10 · 4 October 2005]

If you are expecting a funny, insightful and acerbic documentary like "SuperSizeMe", you'll probably be disappointed. There are funny moments, but the show just drags on to long and becomes a long advertisement for Ron's art, which is good if you are into that. Nothing really poignant to say about corporate America which we didn't already know. An interesting subject, no doubt, but the film is not very well produced or directed; could have been and should have been much better. I realize there was probably a small budget for the film, but better production really would have lent more credibility to the subject and the director. A condensed 1 hour version on Bravo would be perfect.

Pablo Picasso

[valis1949 · 8/10 · 15 June 2009]

POPAGANDA: THE ART & CRIMES OF RON English casts a critical eye on one of America's celebrated freedoms. Although Americans do enjoy the Right Of Free Speech, in order to be observed and understood on a mass scale, one needs vast personal riches, or the assistance of a corporate sponsor. And, a corporate entity will only disseminate points of view and information which are in line with policies indigenous to the business sector. So, if what you want to say is 'Pro-Status Quo', and you are super rich, or corporately connected, you are free to say what you will. However, for most of us, this will never be the case. The film also calls into question the concept that a corporation is automatically entitled to the rights and privileges accorded to an individual American citizen, yet these corporate rights come with hardly any responsibilities whatsoever. Huge corporations can threaten the health and well-being of large segments of the population, and continue to generate profits seemingly without restraint. What makes POPAGANDA: THE ART & CRIMES OF RON English such an enjoyable film, is that you are treated to a look at the verve and style of Ron English's beautiful artwork. Even if he were not so concerned about such important issues, his artistry would almost certainly be assured of a wide audience. Yet, the man insists on forcing viewers of his public art to consider issues of great political and social significance regardless of the questionable legal status of his intent. At the end of the film, you are left with the feeling that you have met a man who creates brave and beautiful works of Pop Art which also convey political and socially relevant insight and opinion of momentous importance.