Deprogrammed

Deprogrammed is a gripping 2015 documentary feature film that takes a deep dive into the world of deprogramming, a controversial practice that aims to change a person's beliefs, often with forceful and invasive measures. This riveting film features the firsthand accounts of Balavanta Das, Hridayananda Das Goswami, and Ted Patrick, offering a multifaceted view of this highly divisive practice.

At the heart of the film is Ted Patrick, known as the "father of deprogramming." A man of strong convictions and steadfast beliefs, he dedicated his life to trying to help those he believed to be manipulated by dangerous and cult-like organisations. Possessing a personality as persuasive as the ideologies he fought against, Patrick presents a paradox that stirs a variety of conflicting emotions.

Balavanta Das and Hridayananda Das Goswami, on the other hand, represent the side of the individuals who were targeted by Patrick's deprogramming efforts. Balavanta Das is a former president of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in Miami, his spiritual journey and encounter with deprogramming shedding light on how forceful interventions can impact an individual. Similarly, Hridayananda Das Goswami, a scholar and spiritual teacher, offers a counterpoint to the narratives propagated by advocates of deprogramming.

Rather than taking a side, Deprogrammed presents these personal narratives to the audience, offering different viewpoints on deprogramming and leaving it up to viewers to form their own interpretation. This non-judgemental and impartial narrative style makes the documentary a fascinating exploration of the thin line between manipulation and conviction.

The film carries the audience on a captivating journey through archival footage, animated reenactments, and intimate interviews. It delves into the history of deprogramming, tracing it back to its roots in the post-hippie counterculture era of America. During this time, many parents, panicked by the rise of ‘cult’ movements and alternative lifestyles, turned to ‘deprogrammers’ like Patrick to ‘rescue’ their children.

Deprogrammed does not shy away from the complexity of its subject, tackling not only the questionable ethics behind such forceful methods, but also the often intricate nature of faith and belief systems. It explores questions about free will, persuasion and autonomy, delving into the psychology behind why people adopt and maintain certain beliefs.

The film specifically delves into the controversy of Patrick’s methods, exploring the questions around forced confinement, confrontational tactics, and wearing down of resistance, which are the hallmarks of deprogramming but also characteristics of psychological brainwashing. This paradox forms the crux of Deprogrammed, setting up an intriguing debate about the methodologies used to save individuals from what's perceived as harmful manipulation.

Deprogrammed is a must-watch documentary for those interested in the nexus of psychology, religion and belief systems. It offers a complex and thought-provoking look at the world of deprogramming through the lens of those who were both involved in its practice and subjected to its methods, ultimately encouraging the audience to judge for themselves whether deprogramming is a valid form of intervention, or a manipulative practice that infringes upon a person's fundamental right to belief and faith.

By the end of the film, audiences are left with deep, lingering questions, forced to grapple with the intensely personal and profoundly universal struggle between belief and manipulation. Deprogrammed serves as a mirror, reflecting societal fears and uncertainties back onto the viewer, pushing them to question where the draw the line between acceptable persuasion and outright manipulation.

In conclusion, Deprogrammed manages to not only thoroughly document a contentious and little-known practice but also to ruminate on the broader implications of control and belief. It is a truly compelling piece of cinema that leaves its mark long after the credits roll.