The Brainwashing of My Dad Review
By David Kempler
Is Your Brain Being Washed?
Originally, Jen Senko wanted to make a film about her father's personality changing as a result of his listening to right-wing political radio during his long commute to work. At least that was her belief. The father she knew growing up was a gentle, smiling man who rarely displayed anger.
After listening to talk radio for a while, he became an incredibly angry man, constantly spouting his new right-wing beliefs. Whether his behavior is caused by the radio or some sort of medical problem is up for grabs early in "The Brainwashing of My Dad".
Senko began this project as a
Kickstarter-funded film but its direction changed when so many people started telling her similar stories in their own relationships. This expanded it from a discussion of talk radio to the topic of the right-wing's strategy of changing the overall political discussion. Obviously, this is a very left-wing slant, so if you find that offensive, don't waste your time and money on this unless you crave being angry.
We see home videos of Senko's dad to show his change since his radio exposure, contrasting it with the old family videos, but we also have a smattering of interviews with Noam Chomsky, Edward S. Herman, one time Fox commentator Jeff Cohen, and author Claire Conner. They all similarly comment that the media manipulation was part of a vast plan with Roger Ailes of Fox, being one of its prime proponents.
Cartoonist Bill Plympton's distinctive animation adds to the festivities and makes it a bit more lighthearted, but the overall tone is depressing more than anything else. It's all just a waste of time in terms of changing anyone's mind because your opinion on this subject is already made up and it's not going to change. Those on the left will think this is truth. Those on the right will think this film is the actual brainwashing.
