The Corporation (2003 film)

Movie poster the corporation

The Corporation is a 2003 Canadian documentary film that critiques corporate business practices. Directed by Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott, and written by Joel Bakan, the film explores the nature, evolution, impacts, and possible futures of the modern business corporation. Defined as a "legal person," the documentary illustrates how this legal status enables corporations to have a powerful and pervasive influence on both society and the environment.

Synopsis

The Corporation begins by examining the concept of the corporation through its legal status as a person, a notion established under the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This legal framework allows corporations to engage in a wide range of activities, often with little regard for the ethical or moral consequences. The film presents a series of case studies and interviews with CEOs, whistleblowers, brokers, gurus, spies, players, pawns, and pundits, offering various perspectives on the role and influence of corporations in society.

The documentary is divided into segments that explore issues such as the pathological pursuit of profit and power, the impact of corporations on the environment, the exploitation of labor, and the manipulation of consumer behavior. It also discusses the concept of corporate social responsibility and the possibilities for reforming corporations to serve the interests of society and the planet.

Production

The idea for The Corporation was inspired by the book The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power by Joel Bakan. The filmmakers, Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott, collaborated with Bakan to adapt his book into a documentary format. The film took several years to produce, involving extensive research, interviews, and the collection of archival footage. Its production was funded through a combination of public broadcasting commissions, film grants, and private donations.

Reception

Upon its release, The Corporation received critical acclaim for its insightful analysis and engaging presentation of the subject matter. It won numerous awards, including the Audience Award for Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival and a Genie Award for Best Documentary. Critics praised the film for its comprehensive exploration of the corporate world and its impact on society and the environment. However, some critics argued that the film was overly long and occasionally biased in its portrayal of corporate practices.

Legacy

The Corporation has had a significant impact on public discourse about the role of corporations in society. It has been used as an educational tool in universities, non-profit organizations, and business schools to provoke discussion and critical thinking about corporate ethics, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. The film has also inspired a book, The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power, and a follow-up documentary, The New Corporation: The Unfortunately Necessary Sequel, which examines how the corporate world has evolved since the original film's release.

See Also

• Documentary film
• Corporate social responsibility
• Environmental sustainability
• Business ethics