McLibel (film)

Anti-McDonalds protest Leicester Square London 20041016

McLibel is a 2005 British documentary film directed by Franny Armstrong and Ken Loach. The film chronicles the infamous McLibel case, a legal battle between the multinational fast-food corporation McDonald's and two environmental activists, Helen Steel and David Morris. The case became one of the longest trials in English legal history and highlighted issues related to freedom of speech, corporate power, and the right to protest.

Plot

The film follows the story of Steel and Morris, who were sued by McDonald's for distributing a pamphlet titled "What's Wrong with McDonald's?" The pamphlet criticized the company's practices, including its impact on the environment, health, and labor conditions. Despite lacking the financial resources of McDonald's, Steel and Morris decided to represent themselves in court, leading to a protracted legal battle that lasted over a decade.

Production

McLibel was produced by Spanner Films and features a mix of interviews, courtroom footage, and dramatizations. The film was initially released in 1997 as a shorter version but was later expanded into a feature-length documentary in 2005. Ken Loach, a renowned British filmmaker, contributed to the dramatized segments of the film.

Reception

The film received critical acclaim for its in-depth exploration of the McLibel case and its broader implications. It was praised for its compelling narrative and the courage of Steel and Morris in standing up to a powerful corporation. McLibel has been screened at various film festivals and has been used as an educational tool in discussions about corporate accountability and free speech.

Impact

The McLibel case had a significant impact on public perception of McDonald's and corporate practices in general. It also led to changes in British libel law, making it easier for individuals to defend themselves against defamation claims. The case is often cited in discussions about SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) suits and the importance of protecting activists' rights.

See also

• McLibel case
• Helen Steel
• David Morris
• Ken Loach
• Spanner Films
• SLAPP

Related pages

• McDonald's
• Freedom of speech
• Corporate accountability
• Environmental activism
• British legal history