The Power of Nightmares: The Rise of the Politics of Fear

Following the twin fortunes of Islamic fundamentalism and American neo-conservatism through the decades was a brilliant decision. Overarching this history is the sense that we are living in times where belief, confidence, and desire, whether political, economic, or individual, have failed.

This documentary observes that while neocons and Islamic jihadists may be sworn enemies, they are cut from the same cloth. The world isn't divided into the good and the evil, it's divided into those who believe in good and evil, and those who don't. The true enemy of the neocons isn't Islam, it's cultural and moral relativism. The true enemy of the Islamists isn't the West, it's moderate muslims. The world is a complicated place, but sometimes it appears stupid in its simplicity.

Like many great documentaries I can only fault it for not being longer, as I would gladly watch another six hours of well researched logically explained footage. In particular more depth about the revolution in Iran would have been very interesting. Has some jaw-dropping moments where politicians nonchalantly admit to fabricating falsehoods.

Excellent Documentary that brings a clarity to the otherwise incomprehensible thinking of Islamic Fundamentalists and, more interestingly, Neocons. Maintains an academic tone, yet cleverly undercuts that with humorous stock footage. Revealing the 'magicians tricks' of Neocons is especially satisfying to watch.

A pretty comprehensive look at how two ideologies born from the same dissatisfaction can have such immense consequences for the world. Informative, chilling, infuriating, depressing.

Fundamentalist mythmaking and its role as historical force. Like all other post 2000 Adam Curtis series, uncomfortable for Curtis' suspiciously assured tone throughout alone.

An incredible, mind-blowing piece. Towards the end, once you've learnt enough, some of the stuff just becomes hilarious - I couldn't stop laughing at the cave with the bedrooms and internet and shit.

Alongside The Trap, so far the best political documentary I've seen. Meticulously crafted, comprehensive, and entertainingly slick. It's a crying shame that gasbag Moore released Fahrenheit 9/11 the same year and became the darling of the left, because Adam Curtis covers the same ground and is so much better it's not even funny.

It's like "Zeitgeist," except real. Adam Curtis is absolutely brilliant and viewing this has prompted me to seek out everything else he has done.

Between this and The Century of Self, Mr. Curtis has succeeded in making me hate my country!... The way he parallels the rise of Islamic Fundamentalism and the rise of Neo-Conservatism in America is expertly researched and brilliantly articulated, and some of the connections that are brought to the surface are downright terrifying. The latter part, dealing with the Bush era, is just plain depressing because its still so fresh in our minds; the first two parts are must-see though.