Programming the Nation?
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Metascore
33 out of 100

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 10 Critics What's this?

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  • Summary: Media, politics and pop-culture. PROGRAMMING THE NATION? takes an encompassing look at the history of subliminal messaging in America. According to many authorities, since the late 1950s subliminal content has been tested and delivered through all forms of mass-media including Hollywood filmmakers Alfred Hitchcock and William Friedkin. Even our modern military has been accused of these practices in the "war on terror" against soldiers and civilians both abroad and at home. With eye-opening footage, revealing interviews, humorous anecdotes, and an array of visual effects, the film categorically explores the alleged usage of subliminals in advertising, music, film, television, anti-theft devices, political propaganda, military psychological operations, and advanced weapons development. Director Jeff Warrick makes it his personal mission to determine if these manipulative tactics have succeeded in Programming the Nation? Or, if subliminal messaging belongs in the category of what many consider urban legend. (International Film Circuit, Inc.)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 5 out of 10
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    Sep 22, 2011
    70
    Warrick finds subliminal messaging in political campaigns, military operations and even in the music played in big box stores. Warrick is also rightly concerned by the power of media conglomerates to manipulate the news.
  2. Boxoffice Magazine
    Reviewed by: Ray Greene
    Aug 19, 2011
    60
    Programming the Nation is a lo-fi, issues-driven documentary carried along by the strength of its ideas rather than its artless desktop aesthetic.
  3. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Bill Weber
    Aug 15, 2011
    38
    A pseudo-investigative documentary shakily committed to the subject of subliminal messaging in America, but curiously indulgent about giving the singer of Queensryche time to spout off about whatever enters his head.
  4. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Mark Holcomb
    Aug 17, 2011
    30
    The results are irritating, occasionally educational, and frustratingly insight-free.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. billyjackX
    8
    This is a movie about the things going on around us that we're all somehow blissfully unaware of- all of us but Jeff Warrick and his crew of rabble-rousers (including Noam Chomsky and the lead singer of Queensryche). A collection of solid interviews pulls the thing together- it's an insightful little doc and Warrick's concern for the subject is readily apparent. A must-watch for anyone interested in the true nature of marketing.… Expand
  2. Phigamm2
    7
    The critics seem to be focusing solely on the film's visuals which, granted, are problematic. But beneath the scratchy surface is a film with conviction and an earnest drive to get to the truth, whether it exists or not. The discussions in the film are balanced and the interviews are thorough and diverse. I would have liked a bit more rage and indignation, and better production values, but ultimately this film proved educational and thought provoking. 7/10… Expand

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