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

A documentary looking 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 4 wins & 31 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 (as Hana Eltringham Whitfield)
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

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

Alex Gibney captured the footage of the Church of Scientology's headquarters by using an aerial drone.

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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

Paul Haggis: Cults, they prey on people, suggesting that, you know, you should be able to think for yourself and then tell you exactly how you have to think, or get out. And if you get out, there will be consequences.

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Connections

Featured in Docventures: Uskonto (2015)

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Soundtracks

Bohemian Rhapsody
(uncredited)
Written by Freddie Mercury
Performed by Queen

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.