Les Yes Men refont le monde

When I started watching this movie I said to myself 'Oh, no, another Occupy argument!' And I do not fully agree with their reasoning.

But I loved it! Every minute the film was getting better. At times it might remind you of a Michael Moore feature. But this one is fun. And cleverly done. Now I want to see their other features.

And I guess the appeal is in the position taken. They seem to identify the case quite clearly. But instead of starting to march to impose their point of view "The Yes Men" are doing an art happening through satire. It is for the first time that I see a shift from the mystic-totalitarian stance of "make the government obey ME" to letting people see for themselves. Thank you "The Yes Men" for the new perspective.

Contact me with Questions, Comments or Suggestions ryitfork @ bitmail.ch

About ten year ago,I had the pleasure of attending an evening of political humour in Hartford,Ct. One of the performances was half of a pair of pranksters known as The Yes Men (both were supposed to be in attendance that night,but only Andy Bichlbaum was present,as Mike Bonnano was home in bed that night,sick with the flu). Andy spoke of their pranks,especially disrupting the W.T.O. conference,posing as the CEO's of a financial firm. He screened a video of the prank. I,suffice it to say,was in awe. Some years later,the first Yes Men film made it's debut,which I was impressed with. Now,some years later, the second film is here. The documentary focuses on some of the pranks that they've pulled since then. Among the standouts,Andy Bichlbaum made an appearance on BBC,posing as a executive from Dow Chemical,making the announcement that Dow is finally taking responsibility for the 1984 Union Carbide chemical lead disaster in Bhopal,India (which of course,never happened,but it did cause Dow to take a major drop in their shareholders on Wall Street),as well as their posing as members of HUD (Housing & Urban Development),appearing in New Orleans,just after Hurricane Katrina,with the promise that HUD was finally going to do something about rebuilding there. Bichlbaum & Bonnano share credit for writing & directing this scathing,but funny documentary about two men who have a penchant for pranking people that they don't like much. Passing resemblance's to the films of Michael Moore,as well as a rather obscure fake documentary (mockumentary?)called 'Czech Dreams' from a few years back will be noticed. Not rated by the MPAA,this film has a rude word or two & some mild adult situations that would probably fly over the heads of children.

Trouble-making duo Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, posing as their industrious alter-egos, expose the people profiting from Hurricane Katrina, the faces behind the environmental disaster in Bhopal, and other shocking events.

These guys take on the disaster at Bhopal, the idea of human candles and discuss the wetlands' effect on Hurricane Katrina. Although they are not always successful (in fact, they seem to persuade almost no one) they are excellent at educating through the argument to absurdity.

These guys are clearly biased. While it is never explicitly stated that they are left or right, it seems pretty clear they tend to favor the liberal view. This may not sit well with some viewers and sit very well with others. I do not know -- clearly if you are pro-business or anti-business, you will look at this differently than others who have no opinion.

It has been many years since I have laughed so hard and for so long to the point where I risked sending myself into cardiac arrest. Let me say up front I'm a strong conservative and I realize these guys are about as liberal as they come - but at least I give them credit for realizing that humor is the best tool to attack the opposition.

Having been involved in many political campaigns as an analyst, I've often criticized liberals for having an angry and bitter disposition to anyone who thinks differently. I didn't see that in Andy and Mike. They come across as good natured, which as a conservative I can then always respect their opinion - even if I disagree.

Their pranks demonstrate just how gullible many in government and the media are - not to mention plain stupid. Being from Louisiana I can tell you it wasn't a difficult challenge to dupe the likes of a Ray Nagin (mayor of New Orleans) and Kathleen Blanco (at the time governor of Louisiana). But then, the scene where they get a respected businessman into a terrorist protective suit that looks like an obese cockroach with Halliburton stamped on the side takes "pranking" to a new level. Absolutely priceless!

Andy and Mike, I might not agree with your politics, but I love your methodology of promoting your position. I can't wait to see the next pranks you pull.

The Yes Men are back... and this time, their leftist guerrilla tactics prove much more effective than the first time around: The cinematic presentation is more professional, the pace is much livelier, the pranks are more elaborate and there is more additional background information and emotional resonance.

Still, some of the hoaxes remain childish and some new aspects on globalization bashing would be welcome, but all in all it's more than watchable stuff. (And the final stunt involving a famous newspaper is wonderful.)

7 out of 10 gilded skeletons