A review of the 2017 film “The Circle”

Based on Dave Eggers’ best-selling novel, this movie explains how a powerful information technology company with a huge worldwide customer base – the Circle of the title – plans to introduce a series of clever innovations that seem to solve a social or political ill and introduce transparency and accountability but massively undermine personal space and individual liberty while defying any public or political control.

In the words of the public face of the company Eamon Bailey (Tom Hanks – and who wouldn’t trust him?): “Knowing is good, but knowing everything is better”. Completely taken in by the company’s vision is young newcomer Mae Holland (Emma Watson) who declares: “Secrets are lies. Secrets make crimes possible… Secrets need accountability”.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book but, in spite of some fine leading actors, the story does not seem to work so well on the screen as the shortness of time makes for a simplification of the arguments and the lack of drama is more noticeable in a film.

Link: my review of the book click here


 




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