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

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$230,194

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

Features Saturday Night Fever (1977)

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Soundtracks

Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)
Written by Mickey Newbury
Performed by The First Edition
Courtesy of San Juan Music Group, LTD.

User Reviews

Bravo to All Who Contributed to this Documentary!

It's about time the truth of what goes on in Scientology behind closed doors is revealed in a mass media format. This documentary has opened up the flood gates, so all of the world can hear first- hand from ex-members what this cult is REALLY all about. Believe everything you hear and see. The abuse is completely accurate. Sea Org members (staff) are slaves and at the whim of their sadistic masters...anything goes. I know this first-hand; I was one of their slaves. This documentary is a must see!

This movie lays out and proves through engaging interviews with disaffected members that Scientology is like any powerful organized "religion." It's run by a few "untouchables" who hold the reins to all the power. Those few who are not held accountable for their actions, believe the human code of ethics does not apply to them. Their reasoning is the end justifies the means. To keep control, dehumanizing tactics are necessary to control the rank and file. The film plays an important role in documenting the eyewitness testimony of the many inhumane abuses that occur in this organization. Cloaked in secrecy and hidden from the light of scrutiny, the executives of this cult do as they please. The physical, mental, and emotional abuse is like a POW camp. I just finished reading the book "Unbroken" and the stories I heard in this documentary remind me of what happened to Louis Zamperini when he was under the control of "The Bird." My hope is that this film opens up a dialogue for a call to action to help those who have been at the mercy of the "few."