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Propaganda: The Art of Selling Lies

Name: Propaganda: The Art of Selling Lies
Director: Larry Weinstein
Released: 2019
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2019

Not Rated

Director

Larry Weinstein

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Larry Weinstein’s documentary offers a sophisticated intellectual deconstruction of how power structures manufacture reality. It focuses on subverting dominant cultural frameworks and examining the mechanics of psychological manipulation. The film incorporates global voices to critique systemic disinformation, shifting the focus from a narrow Western perspective to a broader analysis. While it lacks specific representation for LGBTQ+ and disability communities, it provides a rigorous critique of the gendered and institutional hierarchies that underpin modern propaganda.

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Category Breakdown

Does Propaganda: The Art of Selling Lies have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not focus on LGBTQ+ identities or lived experiences. Instead, it looks at how propaganda uses gendered imagery to enforce traditional roles.

How does Propaganda: The Art of Selling Lies portray gender?

Fair

The documentary dismantles manufactured archetypes such as the 'heroic man' and 'idealized woman.' It highlights how state and corporate entities use these gendered hierarchies to manipulate.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Propaganda: The Art of Selling Lies?

Good

The film achieves meaningful representation through the inclusion of global artists like Kent Monkman and Ai Weiwei. Their presence broadens the perspective beyond a purely Western historical narrative.

How does Propaganda: The Art of Selling Lies represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film excels by critiquing how religion, patriotism, and the state weaponize truth. It explores how capitalist and state institutions use disinformation to maintain control.

Does Propaganda: The Art of Selling Lies include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's thematic overview.

Present on Screen

Includes diverse global artists like Ai Weiwei and Kent Monkman to provide varied perspectives.
Offers a deep critique of how state and corporate entities manipulate traditional gender roles.
Effectively challenges Western-centric narratives by exploring systemic disinformation across cultures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation or focus on LGBTQ+ identities and lived experiences.
Provides no discernible coverage or portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Does not prioritize identity-based casting in the traditional sense of representation.

Official Synopsis

From ancient cave paintings to Twitter feeds and deep fakes, propaganda's rapid progression hasn't compromised its potency. Tracing its effective use by religious figures, politicians and marketers, director Larry Weinstein crafts a persuasive study of the mechanics behind propaganda. This fascinating investigation confronts us with timely questions: If we grow up surrounded by propaganda, how do we know what is true? What risks are inherited by a society tricked into their perceptions? Freedom of speech is critical to a democracy's survival, yet demagogues have consistently exploited that freedom to coerce willing supporters. Contemporary artists, including Kent Monkman, Shepard Fairey and Ai Weiwei, analyze their politically motivated work, creatively co-opting the conventions of disinformation that have permeated their respective cultures. As our platforms for spreading ideas continue to expand in a digital age, dangerous lies have never been better disguised.

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