Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015)

An in-depth look at the inner-workings of the Church of Scientology.

Director:

Alex Gibney

Writers:

Alex Gibney, Lawrence Wright (book)

Stars:

Paul Haggis, Jason Beghe, Spanky Taylor

Won 3 Primetime Emmys. Another 3 wins & 29 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Haggis	...	Himself
Jason Beghe	...	Himself
Spanky Taylor	...	Herself
David Miscavige	...	Himself (archive footage)
John Travolta	...	Himself (archive footage)
Tom Cruise	...	Himself (archive footage)
Lawrence Wright	...	Himself
L. Ron Hubbard	...	Himself (archive footage)
Marjorie Cameron	...	Herself (archive footage)
Mike Rinder	...	Himself
Tony Ortega	...	Himself
Antony A. Phillips	...	Himself (archive footage)
Hana Whitfield	...	Herself
Kim Masters	...	Herself
Sara Goldberg	...	Herself

Storyline

A devastating two hour documentary based on Lawrence Wright's book of the same name. Scientology is laid bare by a film that skilfully knits together archive footage, testimonials from former high ranking officials and public, and dramatic reconstructions.

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Plot Keywords:

dianetics | scientology | based on book | e meter | reference to nicole kidman | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

HBO Documentary Films

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 June 2015 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Going Clear: Scientology & the Prison of Belief

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO Documentary Films, Jigsaw Productions, Sky Atlantic

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

There is a code of silence enforced upon Scientologists as part of the religion. It is also against the Scientology religion to co-operate with the demands of civil law or to "rat out" another Scientologist. This is directly from the Scientology Ethics Codes Book. These are "Suppressive Acts" which are grounds for expulsion: "Suppressive Acts include public disavowal of Scientology or Scientologists in good standing with Scientology Organizations. Public statements against Scientology or Scientologists. Testifying hostilely before State or public inquiries into Scientology to suppress it. Reporting or threatening to report Scientology or Scientologists to civil authorities. Bringing civil suit against any Scientology organization or Scientologist including the nonpayment of bills or failure to refund . Delivering up the person of a Scientologist without defense or protest to the demands of civil or criminal law."

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Goofs

(at around 8 mins) When Paul Haggis is discussing his beginnings with the church, a clip is shown claiming to be "London, Ontario." What is actually shown is a view of downtown Hamilton, Ontario, looking east from King Street and James Street. The bus clearly reads "West Hamilton". Also visible: Woolworth's, the Wright House, and Gore Park - downtown Hamilton landmarks.

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Quotes

Lawrence Wright: Scientology really is a journey into the mind of L. Ron Hubbard and the further you get into it the more like L. Ron Hubbard you become.

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Connections

Referenced in Late Night with Seth Meyers: Jack Black/Carly Fiorina/Pedro Martinez (2015)

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Soundtracks

Liebesleid
Written by Fritz Kreisler

User Reviews

Frightening

Documentary on the "church" of Scientology and its teachings. The first half of this is all about L. Ron Hubbard the founder of Scientology. It goes into detail about his life and beliefs and how he formed and developed the "church". The second half documents how the "church" changed and grew and used mind control and drew people into its beliefs...and wouldn't let them go. It gets into detail about their two star recruits--John Travolta and Tom Cruise. Travolta gets off pretty easy but Cruise comes off as a maniac. It also has interviews with former "church" members and their tales and revelations are nothing short of horrific.

Maddening and scary documentary that shows exactly what is going on with Scientology. People can say this is a pack of lies and dismiss it...but why is this so-called "church" not suing them for libel? Also the director and writer of this are former church members so they know what they're talking about. For many years I remember walking around Boston and I was approached by a handsome young man or a pretty young woman and asked if I wanted to take a "personality test". I always politely said no and went on my way. That was how Scientology used to recruit people. They always approached young men and women, got them to go to their offices (Boston had--and still has--a chapter) and started to indoctrinate them. The most disturbing thing about this is there is extensive footage of Scientology conventions that look and sound like Nazi rallies! Everyone should see this.