“Trance Formation” is a provocative exploration of the complex relationship between civil disobedience and obedience in society. The documentary features the powerful words of Howard Zinn, who argued that civil disobedience is not the problem, but rather the problem lies in the obedience of people to the dictates of leaders, even in the face of poverty, war, and injustice.
The documentary is a thought-provoking meditation on the role of obedience in society. We see how obedience can lead to a multitude of problems, including poverty, starvation, stupidity, war, and cruelty. The documentary challenges us to question the ways in which we follow leaders blindly, even when their actions are morally questionable or harmful.
One of the strengths of the documentary is its use of Howard Zinn’s powerful words to frame the discussion. Zinn was a prominent historian and social activist who argued for the importance of civil disobedience in challenging authority and promoting social justice. His words provide a compelling backdrop for the discussion of the role of obedience in society.
The documentary also features a diverse range of voices, including social activists, philosophers, and artists, who offer their perspectives on the topic. These voices provide a nuanced and multifaceted view of the complex dynamics between civil disobedience and obedience, and the ways in which they intersect with issues of power, justice, and morality.
One of the weaknesses of the documentary is its lack of concrete examples or case studies to illustrate the points being made. While the documentary provides a powerful philosophical and ethical framework for understanding civil disobedience and obedience, it could benefit from more concrete examples of how these dynamics play out in real-world situations.
In conclusion, “Trance Formation” is a thought-provoking documentary that challenges us to question the role of obedience in society. The documentary offers a powerful philosophical and ethical framework for understanding the complexities of civil disobedience and obedience, and the ways in which they intersect with issues of power, justice, and morality. While the documentary could benefit from more concrete examples, it is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about the importance of challenging authority and promoting social justice.