The Yes Men (2003)

Directed by: Dan Ollman, Sarah Price, Chris Smith | 83 minutes | documentary | Starring: Phil Bayly, Dr. Andreas Bichlbauer, Andy Bichlbaum, Mike Bonanno, Patrick Lichty, Michael Moore, Sal Salamone

This documentary exudes the same atmosphere and ideology as the films of Michael Moore. Anti-big corporations, corporations and powerhouses that determine things that affect the rest of the world. Michael Moore is even in the documentary, commenting on Andy and Mike’s actions. Yet an essential difference with ‘Bowling for Columbine’ or ‘Farenheit 9/11’ is that in those documentaries almost all events that are filmed are manipulated by the maker himself. These would not have happened if the documentary had not been made. Moore organizes things himself to make his views clear and the public knows they are being manipulated but at the same time is also convinced by the strong views and ‘evidence’ that Moore gives through his actions. If even half were true, it would be bad enough is often the thought.
‘The Yes Men’ also shows things that are organized to convince people of certain points of view, but at the same time this film is very different because the makers of the film are not the main characters at the same time. The events would have happened even if they hadn’t been filmed and before the documentary starts, Andy and Mike have been busy with their actions for some time. What is striking here is the uncritical way of filming by the makers. If, like Moore, you make a film in which you determine everything that happens, it is logical that there is little criticism of his own ideas in that film. But here the creators and subject are separated, yet only one story is told. After watching this documentary, the innocent viewer, who until then in his life has not delved so deeply into the evil ways of the World Trade Organization, is convinced that the WTO is a pernicious organization that must leave as soon as possible. and is the cause of much, if not all, misery in the world! And there is no other way of looking at things.

Despite the lack of objectivity and criticism, the film is very captivating and humorous. She also claims not to be objective. The purpose of the film is probably not to show that Mike and Andy are right in everything they say about the WTO, but to show more people who believe very hard in something, go all out and do something for their benefit. ideals. This is in contrast to many people who only whine about everything that is wrong.
It is true that their plans and speeches seem controversial and should cause a lot of fuss, but they don’t really do so! They are not very effective in that regard. In all speeches, except one for students, the audience reacts lukewarm and remains very calm, while terrible things are said. The respect for the World Trade Organization apparently runs deep. Yet during the film there is great sympathy for the main characters. You get the urge to do things that might not save the world, but could at least help with that. Especially the very creative, courageous and humorous way in which Mike and Andy do this commands respect and admiration.

It’s also nice to see a documentary that isn’t about how difficult it is to make a documentary and that the weather is bad and the characters are so difficult and all that commentary from the makers about their own lives and such. This film is just fine just about the subject itself. There is a beginning, middle and end to it. A start with the preparation of the first congress they have been invited to speak at, as a WTO delegate and an end where the future of the WTO takes an unexpected turn. In short, an interesting and entertaining documentary with an original subject (Mike and Andy) and a fairly well-known theme (good versus bad, in this case imperialistic, power-hungry organizations). A film that makes you feel like you want to save the world yourself and that makes you realize that fighting globalization can also be done in other ways than chaining you up and fighting with the police.