The Emperor's New Clothes (2015)

I don't really follow celebrity culture, and just in case you think that means I'm far too highbrow to do so, I also am pretty bad at following the other end of that spectrum either. I mention this because Russell Brand is in both of those in some ways, and in both areas I am aware of him but little more than that – for some reason I don't care for him when I have seen him, but at the same time I would struggle to specifically tell you what I have seen him in. This film of course got more attention due to his involvement, and it was this publicity that drew me to watch the film, even if it was the message that I actually wanted to hear.In terms of that message, it is perfectly worthy and valid, and, as Brand says at the start of the film – really nothing you have not heard before. Problem with that sentence is that it is only part of the truth, because not only will you have heard all of this before, but predominately you will have heard it all done better too. Brand seems to have been identified as the key problem with the film, but for me the whole approach and tone of the film is off – okay it is off because it is modeled around the Brand brand (if you will) but this is not a solo project, there are other people who should have evened this out, not least of which is Winterbottom. The issue with the film is evident from the very start, because no matter its other faults, the film is at least consistent across its running time. It appears to be aimed at 'the people', or at least the perception of who 'the people' are. What this means in reality is that we have the 'geezer' factor turned up to 11, everything is a little bit cheeky, and things are played out in very simple terms, and with a very basic structure and approach.For some maybe this will win you over, but personally I found it grating and patronizing – and not just Brand. To focus on the content (as we should), the film has this great point, but it makes it far too simply; getting school children to yell out like the film is a panto doesn't work, and the film not having access to people beyond security guards also doesn't work. Many other devices and specifics fall flat, and the fact we have heard this all before does tend to come across even louder – and the fact it isn't working just highlights how much better others have covered the same material, whether in documentaries or in satirical news shows. This is my fundamental problem with the film – that it doesn't make its case at all well; however there is no point in me pretending that Brand himself is not a big part of this. His style and manner here seems so insincere and patronizing. His efforts to 'speak to the people' seem too labored, and his many throwaway sentences attempting to charm just grated on me; he does appear to have good intentions, but he overplays the act of 'I'm just a simple bloke me, just a local boy like yourself mate' – for example saying he doesn't know anything about Libor when he so clearly does, as if angry ignorance is something he thinks will appeal to those watching (which maybe is true, but it still speaks to his views on the 99% when he thinks such a character is one we will appreciate). To be fair, in the film people do seem to respond to this approach, so he may well be a matter of taste.Ultimately the film is Brand and it is hard to separate them. As such it is a film with a mostly worthy message and intent, but done in an insincere and messy fashion which seems to be trying to ingratiate itself to the populace but actually just comes off as an insincere act which at best is a bit grating, and at worst is patronizing and condescending.

Review: Although the subject matter is very interesting in this documentary, Russell Brand did get on my nerves after a while. I tried to take the movie seriously but the fact that he is a rich comedian who had his 5 minutes of fame in Hollywood, really didn't help. I did find the statistics mind blowing and I would love for some like Michael Moore to get to the root of England's problems which is troubling many people in today's day to day life. From the banking and tax problems to the corruption in politics, this documentary does cover a lot but I doubt that anyone who can change the problems, will take it seriously. From a personal point of view, I can't see how things will change in the UK with so many rich people getting richer and the poor people getting poorer. Its a problem that is happening around the world and there isn't anyone who is able to make a drastic change to the poverty, debt and corruption which is destroying people's life's and the sad fact of the matter is that everyone knows that it's happening and there isn't any light at the end of the tunnel. This documentary does bring a decent argument to the table but too many people are benefiting from the state of the world today. Russell Brand seemed more like Ali G than Michael Moore in this documentary but he does show passion for the subject matter and it would be good to see something positive come out of this movie. Interesting statistics!Round-Up: This documentary was actually put together well by Michael Winterbottom who also made the Look of Love with Steve Coogan and Trisha with Riz Ahmed. He has made over 40 movies in his career so he isn't new to the movie world and you can see some professionalism in the documentary but Russell Brand wouldn't have been my first choice to star in it. He has upset a lot of people with his personal views, before he decided to delve into the political world but he has a ruthless demeanor which is needed to take on these politicians who use clever words to get themselves out of tricky situations. I just hope that someone with clout will take on these tax dodging criminals and corrupt politicians because I really can't see how things are going to get better.I recommend this movie to people who are into their in depth documentaries about the problem with tax, poverty and corruption in the UK today. 4/10

After watching this documentary, the children were impressed so I asked them to reach for their mobile phones and google "how many phones are in the world". They know no other phones than mobile phones and no better source than Wikipedia. Probably, neither do you.Wikipedia told them that there are approximately over 6,800,000,000 mobile phones in use for a global population of 7,012,000,000. They also delighted themselves by looking up the breakdown by country etc. Please also do so yourself.Thirty, forty years ago no one could have thought that by today each person would have their own private phone line, much less in their pocket, and to boot, not just a phone but a computer.Yet the poor are getting poorer, we are told.I wonder what this documentary would have been like if instead of wealth, Russell Brand had had knowledge or commonsense. We will never find out.

The Pros:1) This is a very well made documentary in true Brand style - no holds barred presentation of the facts. 2) Winterbottom, Brand and their team should be congratulated for capturing a true reflection of current financial inequality and hardship in Britain (and to some extent, globally). 3) Easy to watch and relate to. Hard not to agree with everything Brand says, with compelling evidence of banking system corruption, government secret deals and corporate tax avoidance.I particularly enjoyed the scenes with the kids at the school and thought the analogy about sharing toys equally was powerful.Cons: Other than the obvious points: 1) that many of the figures presented could be argued for accuracy 2) the timing of the release to coincide with a British election is a bit suspicious. 3) very little if not zero critique of any Labour policies, therefore makes it clear where Brand's political party allegiance lies, which is fine, but it appears to be concealed.4) Whilst the subject matter is painfully true and this film should be seen by everyone - it is very light on any form of prescription or a "what to do next" or "what can you do now". Obviously the team have decided not to take that route - but it seems a missed opportunity if someone sits through 90 minutes, agrees with it and then goes back to watching Eastenders afterwards. Even a "Subscribe to the Trews" link would have been better than nothing... youtube.com/user/russellbrandConclusionRussell, thanks for putting yourself on the line to speak for the gross inequalities that exist in Britain. Regardless of what your motives might be - you are doing a great service to the human race.This film should be shown free and played on loop in the hope that Occupy or whatever organisation comes next - can be more widely mobilised in order to be successful.