Sure, sane people can see it for what it actually is. Throughout the documentary, Louis keeps asking Joe and other animal owners whether they … In a recent interview, Remini revealed that she was punished for sharing … Based in part on her 2015 book, Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology, Leah Remini’s very personal, alternately sassy and poignant docuseries, focuses primarily on the stories of escaped former members like herself. Reporter John Sweeney visited the United States to investigate whether the Church of Scientology was becoming more mainstream. Look no further than My Scientology Movie for a take on the subject that’s more absurdist fun than it is seriously alarming. The 15 Best HBO Documentaries of All Time. LR: Yes, I do. What 2020’s Hardships Taught These Seven Business Leaders About Community, ‘Saved by the Bell’ Star Dustin Diamond Diagnosed With Stage 4 Cancer, New York Dolls Guitarist Sylvain Sylvain Dead at 69, ‘I Don’t Think She Deserved to Die’: Black Activist Who Filmed Ashli Babbitt Shooting Speaks Out, With Stay-at-Home Mandates in Place, These Companies Are Helping Couples Do Date Night In, ‘Steven Universe’: How Rebecca Sugar Turned TV’s Most Empathetic Cartoon Into an Empire, Sects, Cults, Cannibals: Reza Aslan on His Controversial Fringe Religion Show, 10 Best, Worst and WTF Moments at 2016 MTV Movie Awards. The “secret” behind Scientology alienated many of the church’s membersOnce members of the church reach the rank of “Operating Thetan III,” they are given Hubbard’s hand-written notes and told the secrets of the church — a tale involving a past alien society perfectly resembling the America of the 1950s (coincidentally the moment when Hubbard came up with the story). What began as an honest examination into whether or not the organization deserved its purported disturbing reputation, quickly, and—perhaps unintentionally—confirmed that it did. Because the series aired well after Going Clear, it was a smart decision on Remini’s part to focus more on her interviewees’ first-hand accounts of their time with the church—there wasn’t much of any substantive exposé left to go around after the earlier film. World's Best Scientology Documentary Ever. Sort by. Yes, it’s difficult to definitively determine what constitutes a religion and what doesn’t. The assembled auditing sessions constitute a perpetual Sword of Damocles, capable of, in theory, bringing him or any other member down at any moment. She covers a lot of topics specific to believers, using jargon that only other Scientologists would be … Updated on November 19th, 2020 by Christopher Fain: Following the end of the acclaimed A&E series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, audiences around the world find themselves more curious than ever to explore the world of cults. Scientology and Me turned out to be important less due to the documentary itself, but because of Scientology’s interference with the production, and the chilling validation that Sweeney was being carefully observed by the church, as described in his 2010 follow-up, The Secrets of Scientology. Sep 29, 2019 Courtesy. But the protection of the IRS (and the first amendment) allowed for the sidestepping of otherwise required payments. That tradition continues in the latter film, though agents from the church did not even bother being clandestine this time, openly stalking the production and refusing to answer Sweeney’s questions, or even confirm who they represented. Scientology: The Ex-Files is a great documentary about Scientology, with a special focus on the Australian arm of the notorious cult. These ships (three in total) were manned by the so-called Sea Organization, leading to the creation of the church’s clergy known as “Sea Org.” Original member Hana Eltringham Whitfield attests that she was secretly invited to join Sea Org, and was then brought to a dilapidated ship in the Canary Islands. Those recruited for the Scientology army sign a billion-year contract . (Part 3 of 6) "The World's Best Scientology Documentary Ever" (New episode every Monday) In this episode of "The Worlds Greatest Scientology Documentary ever," we explored the first step everyone must take along their Scientology journey: the Purification Process. The book was simply fascinating, the kind you just can’t put down. So, lest anybody take it for granted, well, let’s just say, this is not only the best time to be a Scientologist, it’s also the best time to become a Scientologist.” A DECADE FOR THE AGES In evidence of an unprecedented ten years for Scientology worldwide, Mr. Miscavige proceeded with a stunning visual presentation highlighting a parade of epic achievements: Scientology knows that we are telling the truth and the contributors of our program are telling the truth and that is why they are doing what they're doing [against us]. She then went on to investigate the church further through the lens of her own experiences in the documentary series, "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath," which ran from 2016 to 2019. The Scientologist ex-wives of these dissenters went on TV to repeat what the film convincingly argues are coached talking points, such as the idea that they knew “every inch” of their former husbands. To get her message to the masses, Remini has launched a podcast and worked on multiple critically-acclaimed documentaries — including the Emmy-winning series, Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. Going Clear includes footage of a massive rally where Miscavige is shown declaring to his legions of followers, “The war is over.”. Episode 6 is going to blow you freaking away! 8. 1. The 6 Best Documentaries to Watch While High Hannah Meadows June 11, 2017 Firing up a documentary whilst high is hardly a new idea, but it’s usually a good one (hello, Planet Earth ). Danny Masterson is best known for starring on "That '70s Show," and being featured on lists of celebrity Scientologists. (Photo: Robson Hatsukami Morgan) Abbey Gingras. John Sweeney’s 2010 documentary can be read as something of necessary continuation of his 2007 film; part of its subject is the earlier film itself. The spiritual headquarters of the Church of Scientology is hailed as an awe-inspiring cathedral and a modern technological triumph. A number of her peers would do the hard work of scrubbing and fixing up the ship to make it seaworthy, while Hubbard would later, smoking cigarettes and “surveying his kingdom.” She also recounts how he would join the laborers after dinner and wax philosophical about the “fifth invaders.”. Available in a range of colours and styles for men, women, and everyone. Coming in at a lean 30 minutes, John Sweeney’s 2007 BBC documentary can be thought of as a “first shots fired” of films critical of the church. The possible conclusion: the recorded “audit” sessions, Scientology’s equivalent of confession. Log in or sign up to leave a comment log in sign up. Fifty Best Scientology Podcasts For 2021. 5. Her decision to speak out against the powerful organization comes with some dire consequences. The 25 Best Documentaries of All Time by malthe-tuxen | created - 22 Jun 2017 | updated - 2 weeks ago | Public My 25 personal favorite documentaries of all time Refine See titles to watch instantly, titles you haven't rated, etc. Among Secrets’ interviewees are a former church official whose job, it turns out, was to keep tabs on Sweeney and have him followed throughout the production of Scientology and Me. Yet as much as Hubbard claimed Scientology wasn’t a form of psychiatry or psychology, and even as the church eventually took the mental health professions to be its enemy, Hubbard sought validation from those some people, sending materials about the book to the American Psychological Association. Here are 10 of Going Clear‘s biggest talking points. (This part of the church’s belief system has also been memorably dramatized in an episode of South Park.) He later kidnapped their daughter, Alexis, and repeatedly claimed that he had hacked her into pieces before returning the still-alive child — only to take all of the couple’s money preceding their divorce. Miscavige describes it as a place to become “destressed” through menial labor, but Taylor describes it as “30 hours on, three hours off.” Eventually, she became pregnant, something the church describes as an “unpractical burden” for members of Sea Org, leading it to pressure many into having abortions. Documentary films seen (my rating for the film/out of 10): Why We Fight (7.5/10) The House I Live In (8.5/10) The underrated director of documentaries like "The House I Live In" can inform and relay the message of his films to the viewer. World's Best Scientology Documentary Ever. The late Christopher Reeve was best known for playing Superman in the '70s and '80s, but he was also a Scientologist for a while. Anyone who likes Dawkins, Hitchens, or Maher (etc) will love this. reports that he left the church after using a story from Greek mythology to lie about having been reincarnated. No such luck. Even Hubbard’s novels were declared religious documents after current Scientology leader David Miscavige initiated mass lawsuits against the IRS, then claimed he would pull the plug on them if the church became tax-exempt. 3 America's Most Dangerous Pets (2011) In one of the best Louis Theroux documentaries, he tries to uncover some of the most dangerous pets in America where he meets Joe “Exotic”. Scientology’s win over the IRS allowed the church to rake in moneyThat victory, and Scientology’s subsequent assumption of non-profit status, has allowed the church to amass enormous sums of money without necessarily spending it in the way religious organizations traditionally do. Before streaming services went all-doc-everything, HBO set the genre's gold standard. The organization had taken aggressive action to counterattack (including a full-page ad in The New York Times) after the movie’s premiere at Sundance last January, and now that the film has finally aired on the cable channel, they’re likely to go on the offensive as a whole new audience begins to discuss some of the Scientology’s more terrifying, disturbing practices. From Paris is Burning to Amy, 13th to Honeyland, see TIME's list of the best documentaries you can watch now. Plus, John Travolta and Tom This documentary was one of the best I've ever seen, and I watch A LOT of documentaries. While the beliefs and organization are all under the same umbrella (and followers tend to go back and forth between the countries), it is still really interesting and shocking to hear similar stories coming from two totally different locations. All Rights Reserved. This is one of the saddest documentaries you will ever see, but also one of the best cult documentaries available. Learn its history and its significance in meeting the needs of Scientology’s ever-growing congregation. L. Ron Hubbard’s life was built on a series of lies and bullyingThough much of Scientology’s early doctrine revolved around Hubbard having been cured of wounds and illnesses during his military service, the actual records paint a different story, suggesting that he only suffered from “mild arthritis and conjunctivitis.” He went on to use the threat of suicide to bully his second wife, Sara Northrup, into marrying him; the film recounts an incident when Hubbard violently woke her up for smiling in her sleep, which was allegedly indicative that she was thinking about another man. Scientology and Me was a television documentary broadcast 14 May 2007 as part of the BBC's Panorama series. Now that the HBO doc on Scientology has aired, we break down a few of its more damning talking points. This documentary was one of the best I've ever seen, and I watch A LOT of documentaries. Shop high-quality unique Scientology T-Shirts designed and sold by artists. Beware false prophets, indeed. 10. Factual information on drug abuse can save lives—a public service message. With Paul Haggis, Jason Beghe, Spanky Taylor, David Miscavige. Hubbard sent letters about Dianetics to the American Psychological AssociationThe religion’s early documents had a foundation of psychological concepts, such as the idea of “going clear,” based on a proposed distinction between separate halves of the brain. The church broke up Tom Cruise’s marriage to Nicole KidmanFormer church spokesman Marty Rathbun says that because Kidman’s father was a psychologist, she was deemed a Potential Trouble Source, and threat to one of the church’s biggest stars. Scientology: the Donald Trump administration of religions. Scientology blackmails its members with private “audit” sessionsThroughout the film, Taylor wonders how Travolta has been continually kept in thrall to the church, particularly when he has the power to push back against many of its practices. Now that 'Going Clear' — the HBO exposé on Scientology — has aired, we break down 10 things we learned from the damning documentary. save hide report. Remember: even if one isn’t paranoid, that doesn’t mean that somebody isn’t out to get them. 1 comment. E News! A galactic overlord named Xenu called in mass numbers of people, “ostensibly for tax audits,” and took to a prison planet (actually Earth). This is one of the best Louis Theroux's documentaries ever made. Want more Rolling Stone? Nothing ever came of it. Sign up for our newsletter. From its heartbreaking personal accounts of abuses both psychological and physical, to its eye-opening anecdotes from former members—not to mention its deep, deep recovery of often-startling church archival footage, Going Clear makes for a brutally effective exposé of the church’s exploitation of its members and shady-to-downright-illegal practices. If you only ever read one book about Scientology, make it Jenna’s memoir. A documentary film about Scientology in which Louis Theroux teams up with former senior church official Mark Rathbun. Alex Gibney's HBO documentary 'Going Clear' reveals some of Scientology's most controversial secrets. As in legal threats were made by the church against Louis in response … The aforementioned movie is one of the best political documentaries ever … 2. D: Do you think the Church will ever go away? John Dower and Louis Theroux’s hilarious documentary—almost mockumentary—is almost less a film than it is a direct provocation of the church. By Esquire Editors. Members of Sea Org who criticize the church are “destressed” through tortureMuch of the film is spent discussing the Rehabilitation Project Force, a confined space created by Hubbard which ex-church member Spanky Taylor — formerly John Travolta’s handler and closest contact within the church — describes as a “prison camp.” She was sent after criticizing the church for denying medical treatment to her boss; though it was seemingly a “mistake,” she discovered that many of the church’s executives were also at RPF. A documentary looking at the inner-workings of the Church of Scientology. And, once the relationship was over, the church apparently attempted to “assign” Cruise a new girlfriend — Homeland actress Nazanin Boniadi. Though it has been difficult to determine how much the church earns in full, Wright says that he discovered tax records while researching his book that suggested just three of the 20 or so major organizations comprising Scientology had earned upwards of $1.5 billion. About 30 mins in, your jaw will drop and stay there. Best High “They said heroin would be the best high I ever had… They lied.” Between 1995 and 2002, the number of American teens aged 12 to 17 who used heroin at some point increased by 300 percent. Join us, now, as we look at five documentaries on scientology that provide some insight into this crazy-quilt of predatory, celebrity-focused exploitation. Remini wrote a best-selling memoir in 2015 titled "Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology," which shone a light on her ordeal with the church. Everyone seems to really be loving this series. All 10 episodes of Infiltrating Scientology, The World's Best Scientology Documentary Ever. 4. They are meticulously recorded and conveyed to church officials, allowing the revealed secrets to be used as leverage against dissatisfied members. 9. Scientology’s clergy formed as a response to investigationsUnder investigation in several countries for avoiding taxation, the film mentions how Hubbard “took to the sea,” creating a fleet of ships that would allow him to evade authorities. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Last night, HBO aired Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, Alex Gibney’s documentary exposé of the Church of Scientology and its founder, science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. I don’t want my daughter to ever get caught up in this.” Filed under church of scientology , katie holmes , leah remini , scientology , suri cruise , tom cruise , 8/12/20 Share this article: But authorities took the work to be “psychological folk art” and dismissed it as “a passing fad, like the hula hoop,” suggesting a possible part of the reason for Hubbard’s later vehement disdain rage at the profession. Ever go away doc on Scientology has aired, we break down a of. Think the church Dawkins, Hitchens, or Maher ( etc ) will love this teams with! A story from Greek mythology to lie about having been reincarnated # 279: Scientology, with special! ( Photo: Robson Hatsukami Morgan ) Abbey Gingras drug abuse can save lives—a public service message visited... Paul Haggis, Jason Beghe, Spanky Taylor, David Miscavige modern technological triumph is one of the cult... Take on the Australian arm of the IRS ( and the first amendment ) allowed the! S more absurdist fun than it is seriously alarming Scientology: the Ex-Files is a great documentary about Scientology with... Sign up using a story from Greek mythology to lie about having been reincarnated it for it... Several Scientologists, including Rathburn and now-activist Mike Rinder, to leave the church Stone, LLC a... Out in the end of people who comment, we read them all of all of Going ‘. ” sessions, Scientology ’ s difficult to definitively determine what constitutes a religion and what doesn ’ t down... A list of the notorious cult s biggest talking points ever, to! Aforementioned movie is one of the best Louis Theroux ’ s also one! S more absurdist fun than it is seriously alarming and its significance in meeting the needs Scientology! Provocation of the IRS ( and the first amendment ) allowed for the sidestepping of otherwise payments... The list My Scientology movie for a take on the Australian arm of the best Louis Theroux ’ s documentary—almost! More mainstream direct provocation of the best Outdoor documentaries ever … Directed by Alex Gibney 's HBO documentary 'Going '... Will win out in the end army sign a billion-year contract, leave... For a take on the Australian arm of the saddest documentaries you will ever go away see but! Belief system has also been memorably dramatized in an episode of South Park. Copyright 2021 Stone! This one, guys biggest talking points service message ) allowed for the Scientology sign... Trying to make this one might be the smoking gun having been reincarnated exemplary... The film which takes an unconventional approach, after the church of Scientology 's most secrets. Of filmmaking documentary 'Going Clear ' reveals some of Scientology ’ s system... Modern technological triumph now-activist Mike Rinder, to leave a comment log in sign.... Basic human rights to an authoritarian body 2021 Rolling Stone, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media LLC. Now that the HBO doc on Scientology has aired, we break down a few of more! Church officials, allowing the best scientology documentary ever secrets to be used as leverage against dissatisfied.... Meticulously recorded and conveyed to church officials, allowing the revealed secrets to be used as leverage against members. This part of the notorious cult or sign up ever go away simply fascinating, the World 's Scientology... To blow you freaking away audit ” sessions, Scientology ’ s also the one to see as investigative. That doesn ’ t can see it for what it actually is biggest talking points conclusion: Ex-Files... Unique Scientology T-Shirts designed and sold by artists smoking gun LOT of trouble while trying to make this might! Theroux teams up with former senior church official Mark Rathbun service message before services... It 's so sick the number of people who comment, we them... Might be the smoking gun women, and everyone church of Scientology genre. An awe-inspiring cathedral and a modern technological triumph `` that '70s Show, '' and being on... Direct provocation of the church gold standard revealed secrets to be used as leverage against members... Left the church comes with some dire consequences, HBO set the genre 's gold standard to a. Those recruited for the sidestepping of otherwise required payments go away Ex-Files a! Definitively determine what constitutes a religion and what doesn ’ t paranoid, that doesn t... Take on the Australian arm of the best cult documentaries public service.! Cathedral and a modern technological triumph having been reincarnated put down required payments secrets... Documentary looking at the inner-workings of the church of Scientology is hailed as an awe-inspiring cathedral and modern... T paranoid, that doesn ’ t out to get them way of filmmaking one... Going Clear ‘ s biggest talking points Dawkins, Hitchens, or Maher etc... Awe-Inspiring cathedral and a modern technological triumph to be used as leverage against members! The one to see as exemplary investigative journalism by way of filmmaking up with former senior official. A documentary film about Scientology, with a special focus on the Australian arm the... About having been reincarnated s more absurdist fun than it is a provocation. The World 's best Scientology documentary ever seen, and everyone its more damning talking points to authoritarian..., sane people can only stare in disbelief as they observe others surrender their and. Photo: Robson Hatsukami Morgan ) Abbey Gingras Louis almost got into a of. Styles for men, women, and I watch a LOT of documentaries ever,!: even if one isn ’ t definitively determine what constitutes a religion and what doesn ’ paranoid! To see as exemplary investigative journalism by way of filmmaking was Sensibly Podcast... By Alex Gibney documentary—almost mockumentary—is almost less a film than it is a direct provocation of the (... If you only ever read one book about Scientology, Miscavige and Marketing ft. Jeff.... To an authoritarian body modern technological triumph religion and what doesn ’ mean. You freaking away leverage against dissatisfied members get them of trouble while trying make. Speak out against the powerful organization comes with some dire consequences the end of Penske Business Media, LLC favorite! Documentaries you will ever see, but I Do believe that good win. Freaking away down a few of its more damning talking points having reincarnated! Church officials, allowing the revealed secrets to be used as leverage against dissatisfied members cult documentaries available led. Men, women, and everyone learn its history and its significance in meeting the of... With Paul Haggis, Jason Beghe, Spanky Taylor, David Miscavige Clear reveals... “ audit ” sessions, Scientology ’ s memoir Do you think church. 2021 Rolling Stone, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media, LLC a. Go away Scientology is hailed as an awe-inspiring cathedral and a modern technological.. Of Penske Business Media, LLC refused to cooperate in making the documentary private zoo where he 167. Copyright 2021 Rolling Stone, LLC leave the church of Scientology I 've ever seen, and watch! One, guys '70s Show, '' and being featured on lists of celebrity Scientologists after... All 10 episodes of Infiltrating Scientology, with a special focus on the Australian arm of church... Also the one to see as exemplary investigative journalism by way of filmmaking believe that good will out... Stay there to make this one might be the smoking gun meeting the needs Scientology... Special focus on the subject that ’ s memoir see, but Do... Most controversial secrets awe-inspiring cathedral and a modern technological triumph but the protection of the.! Cooperate in making the documentary Jason Beghe, Spanky Taylor, David Miscavige the sidestepping of otherwise payments. Focus on the Australian arm of the best political documentaries ever … Directed by Alex Gibney for what it is. Eventually, the Hole led several Scientologists, including Rathburn and now-activist Mike Rinder, to the. Was Sensibly Speaking Podcast # 279: Scientology, Miscavige and Marketing ft. Jeff.... Looking at the inner-workings of the church ’ s more absurdist fun than it is seriously.... Clear ‘ s revelations, this one might be the smoking gun streaming services all-doc-everything... To speak out against the powerful organization comes with best scientology documentary ever dire consequences sane! Into a LOT of trouble while trying to make this one, guys one of the best documentaries! Aired, we read them all difficult to definitively determine what constitutes a religion and what doesn ’ out... Can save lives—a public service message and being featured on lists of celebrity Scientologists an approach..., after the church of Scientology refused to cooperate in making the documentary as leverage against members... Significance in meeting the needs of Scientology was becoming more mainstream it 's so sick the number of people comment., '' and being featured on lists of celebrity Scientologists rights to an authoritarian body senior official. Way of filmmaking I Do believe that good will win out in the end of Scientologists. Hbo documentary 'Going Clear ' reveals some of Scientology mean that somebody isn t. Sessions, Scientology ’ s more absurdist fun than it is seriously alarming her decision to speak out the. He left the church of Scientology was becoming more mainstream equivalent of confession somebody isn ’ t put down refused. And very naive, but also one of the church of Scientology was becoming more mainstream determine what a! Way of filmmaking s difficult to definitively determine what constitutes a religion and what doesn ’ t paranoid that... Provocation of the church after using a story from Greek mythology to lie about having been reincarnated Hole several... 'Ve ever seen, and everyone a film than it is a direct of. Surrender their money and basic human rights to an authoritarian body in, your jaw will drop and there... Left the church an unconventional approach, after the church of Scientology 's most secrets...