The Corporation | Joel Bakan
The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power
The Corporation – 2003 | Joel Bakan
A documentary that looks at the concept of the corporation throughout recent history up to its present-day dominance.
Based on Joel Bakan‘s bestseller The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power, this 26-award-winning documentary explores a corporation‘s inner workings, curious history, controversial impacts and possible futures. One hundred and fifty years ago, a corporation was a relatively insignificant entity. Today, it is a vivid, dramatic, and pervasive presence in all our lives. Like the Church, the Monarchy and the Communist Party in other times and places, a corporation is today’s dominant institution. Charting the rise of such an institution aimed at achieving specific economic goals, the documentary also recounts victories against this apparently invincible force.
The Corporation is a 2003 Canadian documentary directed by Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott, based on the book The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Powerby Joel Bakan. The film critically examines the modern corporation as a dominant institution in society, exploring its historical evolution, legal status, and ethical implications.
Overview
The documentary traces the development of corporations from their origins as government-chartered entities with specific public functions to their current status as powerful entities with many of the legal rights of individuals. It focuses primarily on corporations in North America, particularly the United States, and discusses the concept of corporate personhood, which emerged from a Supreme Court ruling in 1886 that granted corporations rights under the Fourteenth Amendment.
Key Themes
- Corporate Personhood: The film critiques the legal notion that corporations are “persons” with rights similar to those of human beings, raising concerns about accountability and ethical behaviour.
- Psychopathy Analogy: One of the film’s provocative arguments is that corporations, driven by profit motives, exhibit behaviours akin to those of psychopaths. This comparison is drawn using diagnostic criteria from the DSM-IV, suggesting that corporations prioritise profit over social responsibility.
- Historical Context: The documentary discusses significant historical events, such as the Business Plot of 1933 and the rise of the military-industrial complex, to illustrate the growing influence of corporations on democracy and society.
- Case Studies: It includes various case studies and interviews with notable figures, including economists, activists, and corporate executives, to highlight the impact of corporate practices on society and the environment.
- Critique of Corporate Practices: The film addresses issues such as environmental degradation, economic inequality, and the suppression of dissenting voices in the media, emphasising the need for greater corporate accountability and social responsibility.
Reception and Impact
The Corporation has received critical acclaim, winning 26 international awards, including audience choice awards at the Sundance Film Festival. It has been described as thought-provoking and entertaining, provoking discussions about the role of corporations in modern life. The documentary has also inspired a sequel, The New Corporation: The Unfortunately Necessary Sequel, released in 2020, which further explores the implications of corporate power in contemporary society.
Overall, The Corporation serves as a critical examination of the pervasive influence of corporations, urging viewers to reflect on their role in shaping societal values and priorities.
Source: The Corporation – Documentary
Leave a Comment
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!