Surplus: Terrorized Into Being Consumers (2003)

This is one of the best documentaries I have seen on this subject. The use of repetitive visuals is very effective in getting the message across because often times thats what it takes to get people to understand what is being said. The entire documentary is done in a stylish and artistic way that draws the viewer to watch and listen more closely. Some may argue that this is another lame propaganda film but I would argue against that because what this documentary shows is the insanity that we have created for ourselves, and the realization of where the world is headed unless we stop to think about what we are doing to ourselves as a society and as a planet. For those who say that this documentary was more flash than message, I can only say that only a person without any forward vision would say something like that. I applaud Erik Gandini for his avant garde style and if in the future I choose to make my own film, I will seek any advice he has to offer me.

A very unusual documentary about consumerism. I preferstatistics-filled, dry, just-throw-the-facts-at-me types ofdocumentaries. I find most of Michael Moore's humor distracting to hismain points, for example. This film uses a variety of techniques toappeal to emotions. For instance, it uses a sometimes annoying, sometimes surprisinglyeffective tactic of repeating sound bites. The footage ranges fromprotests to interviews. Footage includes a Cuban teen's reactions tovisiting McDonalds, to European homeless people, to Microsoft's SteveBallmer dancing around screaming to motivate Windows programmers at aconference. It's truly unusual, but despite my preference for "drier"more fact-oriented documentaries, I found this unusual emotion-appealfilm quite enjoyable and effective. That surprised me; perhaps it willyou too?

This is without doubt one of the most convincing and impressive documentaries I have ever seen. It is very in-your-face and not subtle, and you might not agree with the message (consumerism is bad), but anyone would have to admit that this film is very, very well made.It's form is highly original. For example, there's a quick montage of the world's leaders (Bush, Blair, Poetin, Chirac etc.), who's voices have been erased, and replaced by a new one, literally 'putting words in their mouths'. Great!And I should mention the editing, which is in accordance with the images and music. The whole film playes like a musical piece, with repeting themes, set-ups and climaxes.For the original form alone, you should see this when you have the chance. Even when you think capitalism is okay.

It was quite a good movie actually, very well put together visually. I would have liked to see more dialogue and maybe a bit more debate going down. Basically what it was a depiction of John Zerzan's claim for a huge dismantling project of consumerism and everything that goes with it. In a way Zerzan (who you can gather is an anarchist, or has anarchist tendencies) is a bit idealistic, he wants us to return to a hunter/gatherer society where everyone lives in peace and happiness.The doccy has images of loads of speeches (Bush after 9/11, mike Balmer (Microsoft), Blair, Fidel Castro, and loads of others). and includes one (my favourite) where bush goes: "We must not let the terrorists scare people... to the extent where they don't shop." it's brilliantly cut with music and other visuals.The movie has a bit of a music video feel to it, but that makes it even more "enjoyable", it makes it a bit more accessible to some people who don't really know about protests and wat-have-you. One memorable part was where you have the head of Adbusters speaking, and the visuals are all the hot shot corporates and presidents who are "synched" to his words, brilliantly done!Another striking thing was where you had Fidel Castro speaking, and he is going on about how Cubans are free and have true democracy and true choice and then they cut to a scene in a shop where there are only about 3 different kinds of shoes and how they ration food and this one chick who went to Europe who was blown away by the bright lights, big city and fast food.Then it swings back to Zerzan who goes justifies the use of violence at protests infused with images of protests outside G8 meetings. Visually, a brilliant movie, and although I don't agree with a few of Zerzan's means or ends, I do agree the problem(s) he highlights. Politically, also brilliant as it makes the problems easily accessible to the average person who might not know that much about stuff, while I never felt "oh yeah, I know that s***, yawn" even if you don't feel like checking it as a "message movie", the part where they interview sex doll manufacturers is quite funny.I'd definitely recommend surplus.