Merchants of Doubt

What's the best way to spin an issue? According to documentarian Robert Kenner, it is to introduce confusion into an argument. (Kenner based his film on the book by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway.)

Just look at politicians that deny climate change by bringing a snowball onto the floor of Congress. Or the small, but vocal minority of scientists found on Fox News and conservative-leaning websites with their skeptical analysis of the truth that the Earth is ecological meltdown.

It's a well-worn technique as old as a magician playing card tricks. Indeed it is a magician playing card tricks that Kenner uses as a visual metaphor to frame the argument of Merchants of Doubt, a well-meaning, but ultimately flat investigation of the way corporations protect their interests even after ample proof that they sit outside the facts.

Not that this film isn't without interest. The review of how the tobacco industry attempted to hoodwink generations with their arguments that cigarettes are not addictive makes for fascinating viewing. Drawing parallels to how this public relations strategy can be used to obfuscate any argument, be it consumption of cigarettes or the extent of global warming due to carbon emissions, makes for enlightening viewing.

But is any of this surprising to anyone who listens to NPR or watches MSNBC? The basic problem with "Merchants of Doubt" is that it is preaching to the choir. It is outrageous that scientific data can be manipulated by simply suggesting it is incorrect; but this film with its endless series of talking heads and coy, framing device of magician Jamy Ian Swiss working his act on an audience, doesn't bring anything new to table.

Rather it restates what most progressively-minded people believe: corporations will go to any length to protect their interests. If you want to be outraged by the obvious, make a point of seeing this slick, righteous documentary.