There is something truly terrifying about The Invisible Doctrine, a documentary fronted by world renowned political activist George Monbiot. For the layperson, this film will instigate debates around a term that rarely gets mentioned, neo-liberalism. Over an hour and 15 minutes Monbiot walks audiences through the definitions, historical legacy, and long-term effects of this approach. One that systematically strips away the power from people, robs them of their individualism, and convinces them they are the problem.
One of the main objectives as laid out by Monbiot is to keep power away from the collective. To keep wealth away from anyone who might do something worthwhile with it, beyond making themselves richer. Without making any judgements and sticking to the facts laid out in black and white, Monbiot demonstrates how neo-liberalism has infiltrated and influenced different societies. By employing stock footage and his own talking heads, audiences are invited to disappear down the rabbit hole. He outlines the political rhetoric implemented most prominently by Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan during their special relationship in the ‘80s.
The Invisible Doctrine outlines the tenets of neo-liberalism as privatisation and deregulation, that shifted control of crucial public services into Conservative hands purely for profit. An approach that was mirrored by Reagen’s administration during his tenure as American President. Monbiot then explains how this ethos was taken up by other parties during their time in office, causing austerity to become the primary political policy.
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For audiences who might be put off by such an overtly political documentary, be aware that The Invisible Doctrine impacts everyone. The world is in turmoil and political parties both sides of the Atlantic are scrabbling to retain their identity. Public institutions in America are being systematically dismantled by an administration with a conspicuous agenda, and in Russia there are rumblings. Now more than ever, power appears to be in the wrong hands, with oligarchs and billionaires looking to insulate their position. What George Monbiot is doing through his dissection of neo-liberalism in The Invisible Doctrine is educating and intellectually arming those who need to know.
Every documentary has a purpose, and some hit their mark more than most. However, what this one does effortlessly is cut through the jargon and explain itself in simple terms. The Invisible Doctrine rarely gets bogged down by unnecessary tangents, and having a veteran of three TED talks at the helm is a masterstroke. Monbiot is a passionate academic who bridges the gap between theory and practice with straightforward explanations. Unpacking a narrative around the concept of neo-liberalism while sidestepping anything that might cause people to switch off.
More than anything, The Invisible Doctrine advocates and encourages audiences to explore this subject afterwards. Pertinent examples from recognised experts are shared with no expectations, other than the hope that people will act on this information. Areas of the world where a different approach has been embraced are highlighted, proving that these ideas work in practice. Giving power and control back to the people and places where it can make a difference. That is why this maybe the most important documentary people ever watch.
THE INVISIBLE DOCTRINE: THE SECRET HISTORY OF NEOLIBERALISM is now available on digital download and on demand.