Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief

Name: Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief
Genre: Documentary
Released: March 13, 2015
Duration: 119 min
Rating: 80

2015

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 67 Ratings

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8.2

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8.2	User Score Universal acclaim based on 67 Ratings

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Going Clear: Scientology And The Prison Of Belief

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Movie Details & Credits

Home Box Office (HBO) | Release Date: March 13, 2015 | Not Rated

Summary: Alex Gibney profiles eight former members of the Church of Scientology, whose most prominent adherents include A-list Hollywood celebrities, shining a light on how the church cultivates true believers, including their experiences and what they are willing to do in the name of religion. The film covers a broad range of material from theAlex Gibney profiles eight former members of the Church of Scientology, whose most prominent adherents include A-list Hollywood celebrities, shining a light on how the church cultivates true believers, including their experiences and what they are willing to do in the name of religion. The film covers a broad range of material from the church's origins—punctuated by an intimate portrait of founder L. Ron Hubbard—to present-day practices and alleged abuses as reported in the media. [Sundance]… Expand

Director: Alex Gibney

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 119 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Melissa Maerz

Mar 13, 2015

If Going Clear were a Hollywood thriller, I’d complain that it’s too over-the-top. But this is real life, which is hard to believe. And it’s disturbingly good. Read full review

Scott Foundas

Feb 2, 2015

For Scientologists, going clear refers to a coveted status awarded to those who have completed a certain level of auditing. But for the men and women on screen here, it means something else: reclaiming their own voices and demanding to be heard. Read full review

Leslie Felperin

Feb 2, 2015

This impeccably assembled and argued film represents a brave, timely intervention into debates around the organization that have been simmering for some time. Read full review

The Playlist Katie Walsh

Feb 2, 2015

Ultimately, Gibney's film is fascinating for the people in it. The filmmaking is nothing exceptional, but what is remarkable is the bravery shown by those who speak out in the film. Read full review

Joshua Rothkopf

Mar 16, 2015

For a group with property assets in the billions, it’s a major piece of the puzzle, revealing a critical failing: For a religion with so much to give, why do they do so little for so few? Read full review

Bilge Ebiri

Feb 2, 2015

Gibney’s a bit like a kid in an exposé-candy store here, and you can sense him trying to cram as much as he can into the film. Good for him: Going Clear is jaw-dropping. You wouldn’t really want it any other way. Read full review

Manohla Dargis

Mar 12, 2015

Mr. Gibney, who enters swinging and keeps on swinging, comes across as less interested in understanding Scientology than in exposing its secrets, which makes for a lively and watchable documentary if not an especially enlightening one. Read full review

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User Reviews

nameless

Apr 5, 2015

Wow, a real eye opener. No wonder you keep hearing things about them. Tom Cruise comes off as someone not very deep. He is a engaging actor but it really makes you think. A bit Michael Moore like because it has one point of view... then again Scientology doesn't have anyone speaking for themWow, a real eye opener. No wonder you keep hearing things about them. Tom Cruise comes off as someone not very deep. He is a engaging actor but it really makes you think. A bit Michael Moore like because it has one point of view... then again Scientology doesn't have anyone speaking for them that doesn't sound like anything but a robot. It was a bit creepy that all their trappings did have a bit of a Germany in WWII look.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

Zefyrus

Jun 20, 2015

A masterpiece of a documentary. I haven't heard of Scientology before, thus I cannot judge how deep the film went, but so far that it went it was as chilling as watching a documentary on Nazi Germany. This parallelization is also mentioned in the film for only a brief second, but it's veryA masterpiece of a documentary. I haven't heard of Scientology before, thus I cannot judge how deep the film went, but so far that it went it was as chilling as watching a documentary on Nazi Germany. This parallelization is also mentioned in the film for only a brief second, but it's very strong and accurate to ignore. Scientology should be indicted as a criminal organization and David Miscavige as leading a criminal organization, tax evasion and a dozen other obvious (in the documentary) crimes.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

DanDean

Apr 5, 2015

This documentary was one of the best I've ever seen, and I watch A LOT of documentaries.

Anyone who likes Dawkins, Hitchens, or Maher (etc) will love this. About 30 mins in, your jaw will drop and stay there. Plus, John Travolta and Tom Cruise like you've never imagined!

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

Tyranian

Dec 13, 2019

Really has to be seen to be believed, the loopiness of Scientology is on full display.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

duncan1964

Apr 17, 2015

If you've ever thought there was something a bit odd about Scientologists, prepare to have your preconceptions confirmed...and then some. Talking to people who had been in the religion for up to 30 years, this blows the lid on what is essentially a cult, and a dangerous one at that. What youIf you've ever thought there was something a bit odd about Scientologists, prepare to have your preconceptions confirmed...and then some. Talking to people who had been in the religion for up to 30 years, this blows the lid on what is essentially a cult, and a dangerous one at that. What you may have thought was a harmless pastime for some rich celebrities, seems to be far more sinister and dangerous, and being led by a megalomaniac who thinks he, and his organisation, are above the law of every country.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

Lyn

May 25, 2015

Few surprises here if you've read up a bit on Scientology. Still, the presentation feels honest, especially as you hear from people who were deeply committed to the church/cult but later developed doubts that were just as deep -- and disturbing.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

lunanul

Jun 3, 2016

Disappointing, highbrow tabloid journalism. Has a strong start with decent background on the roots of Scientology, but too soon devolves into a lurid exposé of the weird, dark innards of the church, with far too much focus on "star" members such as Cruise and Travolta. In the end, you mostlyDisappointing, highbrow tabloid journalism. Has a strong start with decent background on the roots of Scientology, but too soon devolves into a lurid exposé of the weird, dark innards of the church, with far too much focus on "star" members such as Cruise and Travolta. In the end, you mostly have a big pile of guts with very little analysis. Virtually none from professionals in religious studies, psychology, etc. While decrying the church's manipulative tactics and ends/means brutality, this film resorts far too often to the same methods in making its points. That said, if you know little of Scientology, it's a good place to start learning, especially if you're thinking of joining. :-)… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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