Noam Chomsky: Rebel Without a Pause

Arguably the world's greatest contemporary intellectual voice of dissent, Noam Chomsky is no stranger to video and DVD, with a growing library of titles (particularly Manufacturing Consent) that are essential selections for viewers with an open mind and a healthy sense of political skepticism. Filmed primarily during his lectures at Ontario's McMaster University around the time of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, Rebel Without a Pause finds Chomsky holding forth on a wide variety of topics, mostly related to the state of world affairs in a post-9/11 context. Speaking in intimate conversational settings, classrooms, and sold-out lecture halls, Chomsky (who readily admits his lack of charisma as a speaker, explaining “it's the issues that people find interesting”) is lucidly sensible and deeply informed about media manipulation, the self-interest of those in power, the roots of anti-American sentiment, and the need for social activism to maintain a balanced and genuine democracy. While other colleagues and scholars express their supportive opinions of Chomsky (but also, the very real fear that his outspokenness could result in physical harm or even assassination), behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with tour manager (and wife) Carol offer an additional layer of depth and humanity to the man. Although any Chomsky-related material is timely by nature, the content of this film will remain relevant for years, whether it's viewed as cautionary warning or prophesy. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include 39 minutes of additional footage from a 2002 Canadian press conference, a text filmmaker statement, crew biographies, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a solid doc.] (J. Shannon)