Engrossing film about Scientology from Alex Gibney, who made that excellent film about Enron. It has some awesome footage: the mysterious L Ron Hubbard chatting away to camera, ditto the just-as-mysterious David Miscaviage. There's inhouse Scientology videos including their own attempt at an anthem, footage from conventions, home movie footage of adventures on the boats with L Ron. There's also hidden camera stuff of Scientology thugs trying to shake down people.
There's also some great "talking heads" - Paul Haggis would be the best known, but there's also some former top level Scientology people (one an Aussie whose accent can still be heard). It also discusses the role of Tom Cruise and John Travolta in the Church.
My two cents on this topic: Scientology is no sillier than any other religion, and should never be banned, it just needs to be subject to the rule of law. Like other religions it is susceptible to exploitation from particularly controlling/charismatic people, which seems to be what is happening with Miscaviage. Like many other businesses they keep their competitive edge via exclusionary business practices, suppressing criticism, use of ground troops and relentless effort.
It's a classy documentary with some excellent photography. Miscavige would make a great Bond villain - a Sejanus or Philip the Arab who managed to hang on to his power. Fascinating stuff.
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