Orientation is designed with only one thing in mind...making the viewer want to do Scientology services. It presents conditions in Scientology organizations that, while in theory are very nice and uplifting, differ greatly from the actual tone and atmosphere of a Scientology church. It is is formatted in a manner that attempts alter the viewers perceptions of their own lives in such a way that they will feel that the trouble spots of their lives can only be handled via Scientology. If you have ever seen an Army recruitment video and thought to yourself, "Geez...could that possibly be more heavy-handed and over-dramatic" then you will probably get the same impression of "Orientation"...a slick-looking commercial without an ounce of soul.
22 Reviews
Comedy at its best.
ezrocker3 September 2006
This film is pure propaganda. I actually went to a Scientology "church" here in Orlando and sat through this film. Every single person in the film was an actor, trying to convince us of the "greatness" of this cult. The problem was not the actors themselves but rather the horrible job they did in acting and giving testimonies. If I wanted to here testimonies from people I want to hear actual accounts. Imagine watching 60 Minutes and not getting real interviews but watching actors (and real bad ones) tell the stories, this is exactly what it is like. Another problem is that there is part of the film where about 20-30 people are interviewed all actors, arranging from all walks of life also very politically correct and they all said "I am happier" or some form of that thought. It was pure propaganda and brain washing. A very weak minded or depressed person or a person with very low self esteem would fall into their lies. The icing on the cake was at the end when the man doing the whole film approached the camera and said "If you do not agree with this you are simply stupid." WOW! That was the last straw. For 40 minutes I sat in there and watched it and was totally insulted. My intelligence was insulted the most, there is no way to believe that L Ron Hubbard discovered the governments "grand plot" to bend our minds and control us and that he is the one who discovered this (by the way he was a fiction novel writer before he created this "religion". Anyway... this film should be in the comedy section. If you want a few laughs check it out. But beware if you are depressed, self conscience or have low self esteem watch it with someone who will be able to expose the lies.
Shame MST3K never got a hold on this one...
Kraorh11 January 2001
The movie: okay, this was bad. Unspeakably bad, but to the person informed about the truth about Scientology, kind of funny in a very sad way (think "Battlefield Earth," only worse, and with a lot of the same people involved). The audience won't be getting an unbiased view of this cult, but that's to be expected in a feature produced by the Church. What's unexpected is the degree to which it is pure, unadulterated propaganda, at a level that would make Leni Riefenstahl blush with envy. For example, Kirstie Alley, with a look of seriousness that is unsettling, declares, "Without Scientology, I would be dead today." The viewer is paraded with a number of Scientology suits, each with their own title. (One person, introduced as the "Director of Processing," acts as Orwellian as his job title implies. A sinister, b-movie villian chuckle, and the exaserbated sigh, (paraphrased) "The world out there is such a corrupting influence. We really have our work cut out for us in breaking our new recruits of that influence." Ick.
Nevertheless, the propaganda of this film is produced in such a cheesy way that the film approaches self-parody. When actors like John Travolta are tapped as intellectual spokesmen (no offense to Travolta, but he isn't exactly Stephen Hawking), when L. Ron Hubbard is portrayed as the ultimate renaissance man/prophet/saint with utter sincerity, it's difficult to take any of the film's claims seriously. And as self-parody, you almost don't even need the MST3K crew to heckle the show; one would have to have the intelligence of peanut brittle to be unable to do it oneself.
Despite a rating of 1, I will recommend people see this movie at their local Scientology centers (the only place this movie can be seen), if anything else, for a good laugh, and a view at how intellectually bankrupt this excuse for a film really is. A word of caution though: after this film, I and the group of friends I saw it with were split up and separately "interviewed" by members of the church. They were reluctant to allow us to leave, and were eager to have us confess personal shortcomings that caused us distress and difficulty in life, which of course they alone could solve. How you choose to handle this is up to you, but I ultimately found any attempt at a dialogue futile. I recommmend that you treat this situation like you would a telemarketer, politely thank them for their movie and their time, but state you aren't interested and leave. Certainly don't give them personal info like your address and phone #.
So sit back, wait for the movie to start, bring your own popcorn (since they don't provide any), and say together with your companions, "MOVIE SIGN!!!"
Nevertheless, the propaganda of this film is produced in such a cheesy way that the film approaches self-parody. When actors like John Travolta are tapped as intellectual spokesmen (no offense to Travolta, but he isn't exactly Stephen Hawking), when L. Ron Hubbard is portrayed as the ultimate renaissance man/prophet/saint with utter sincerity, it's difficult to take any of the film's claims seriously. And as self-parody, you almost don't even need the MST3K crew to heckle the show; one would have to have the intelligence of peanut brittle to be unable to do it oneself.
Despite a rating of 1, I will recommend people see this movie at their local Scientology centers (the only place this movie can be seen), if anything else, for a good laugh, and a view at how intellectually bankrupt this excuse for a film really is. A word of caution though: after this film, I and the group of friends I saw it with were split up and separately "interviewed" by members of the church. They were reluctant to allow us to leave, and were eager to have us confess personal shortcomings that caused us distress and difficulty in life, which of course they alone could solve. How you choose to handle this is up to you, but I ultimately found any attempt at a dialogue futile. I recommmend that you treat this situation like you would a telemarketer, politely thank them for their movie and their time, but state you aren't interested and leave. Certainly don't give them personal info like your address and phone #.
So sit back, wait for the movie to start, bring your own popcorn (since they don't provide any), and say together with your companions, "MOVIE SIGN!!!"
Seeing this movie was the single most hilarious experience of my life
mdehart_8524 July 2005
The previous comment sums this movie up perfectly. A friend and I took a visit to the church of Scientology and saw the film for the fun of it. When the guy came back in to talk to us after the film was over I almost burst out laughing. We somehow managed to keep it inside, but when we walked out the door and around the corner I laughed the hardest I have ever for five minutes straight. Thanks Scientology!!!
I would definitely recommend seeing this film for the sheer hilarity of it. But I wouldn't go telling them my name or address (it's fun to be someone else for an hour anyway). And if you do end up going be sure to bring up psychology and psychiatry they really against it and it's hilarious to hear the reasoning behind it.
I would definitely recommend seeing this film for the sheer hilarity of it. But I wouldn't go telling them my name or address (it's fun to be someone else for an hour anyway). And if you do end up going be sure to bring up psychology and psychiatry they really against it and it's hilarious to hear the reasoning behind it.
a "cult" classic among the ironic slacker set
SarahWF20005 May 2001
Warning: Spoilers
A friend and I went in to watch this in Washington D.C. while we were stuck there for a few hours in between layovers. It was mind numbingly bad. It was very similar to the Simpson's Troy Mclure public service announcements. My favorite line, and this may be a spoiler, so don't read on if you haven't seen it................... the robotic narrator suddenly turns sinister and says something like " You could accept the light of scientology......or you could PUT A GUN TO YOUR HEAD, go ahead, it's your choice" and then he starts smiling serenely. The constant mention of some highly suspect process called " purification" was also slightly terrifying. I highly recommend watching it with a group of friends if you have some time to kill, it would probally make an interesting drinking game if you could sneak some alcohol into the center. The funny thing is, I read Dianetics, and was somewhat interested in learning more about it, but after seeing the video, I was deeply disturbed and I wouldn't even consider it now. I wish the Hari Krishner center would make a celebrity orientation video so I could have something else to do.
this should not be watched by anyone, anywhere - anytime
mollyrosez20029 July 2006
Hi. I have never seen this film and I probably never will. So, how, you may ask yourself, can I leave a relevant review? Extensive study of Scientology should prove to anyone that it is hardly a religion or a church. It is a cult created by a man and maintained to this day in order to amass wealth and power for those in its higher echelons. Much has been written about the true nature of this "church" - often by ex-members. These people do not carry irrational grudges against Scientology - they simply want the truth to be exposed. For your own sake, your family's sake, and for the sake of your nest-egg - do not bother with this silly and dangerous cult and do not allow your loved ones to, either.
Highly Americanised propaganda for a suspicious organisation
Youthquake678 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Like for the vast majority of people (i.e. non-Scientologists) this is simply a heavily subliminal, subjective, and utterly bizarre insight into Scientology. Presented as an introduction to the "religion" (which it spends a lot of its time arguing its case for), this short documentary constantly attempts to entice the viewer into its world without really explaining what a Scientologist actually believes in, followed by plenty of overly exaggerated statistics of the literary successes of its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, and its number of headquarters and followers. In regard to his books, "They sell out fast", apparently.
Scientology is more or less the QVC lover's religion, or at least this video makes it appear that way. The video claims itself to be against materialism yet likes to show off the elaborate buildings and boats only the few higher ranking Scientologists will get to enjoy and not be enslaved in, the latter factor of which goes without mention. The dialogue has some interesting moments: "Materialists cannot disprove the existence of God, they just say there isn't one" - huh?
The last few minutes are truly epic to the point where I wish I was raised Catholic. Actor Larry Anderson (note: now an ex-Scientologist) really goes for it, pointing at the camera (complete with hypnotic, mind-influencing music this side of Disney) and iterates "If you walk out and never mention Scientology again, you are perfectly free to do so...it would be stupid, but you can do it. You can also dive off a bridge or blow your brains out. That is your choice." Don't mind if I do...
Scientology is more or less the QVC lover's religion, or at least this video makes it appear that way. The video claims itself to be against materialism yet likes to show off the elaborate buildings and boats only the few higher ranking Scientologists will get to enjoy and not be enslaved in, the latter factor of which goes without mention. The dialogue has some interesting moments: "Materialists cannot disprove the existence of God, they just say there isn't one" - huh?
The last few minutes are truly epic to the point where I wish I was raised Catholic. Actor Larry Anderson (note: now an ex-Scientologist) really goes for it, pointing at the camera (complete with hypnotic, mind-influencing music this side of Disney) and iterates "If you walk out and never mention Scientology again, you are perfectly free to do so...it would be stupid, but you can do it. You can also dive off a bridge or blow your brains out. That is your choice." Don't mind if I do...
Hilarious Infomercial, but Rather Uninformative
akheugel6 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I got from this movie exactly what I expected from viewing it online after seeing it mentioned on a site critical of $cientology. It was heavy handed and absurd. I laughed several times. It proves Poe's Law, though real it was such a joke.
They claim it gave a great deal of information on what $cientology is when most of the time it was just repeated praises of the religion and L Ron Hubbard. Most infomercials I have seen aren't this bad-they at least vaguely describe how their product works (even if deceptively) instead of just fawning over a product and its creator.
Some stuff that struck me as funny-not in order--
They go on for a bit showing court documents that $cientology is classified legally as a religion. If you have to do that there is a good chance there are reasons people question it-even my sociology of religion professor said he wasn't sure it was a religion and seemed more like a business and money making scheme.
"You could walk out that door....You could also jump off a bridge and blow your brains"-strange way of getting people to join the religion.
"We have a room dedicated to Ron" and they keep claiming Hubbard was an accomplished writer though his writing sucked and was cheesy sci-fi.
"$cientology saved my life"-this part was just over the top infomercial crap
I paraphrase but they equate naturalism with creating and use of the atomic bomb (many people involved in that were religious) "these men who don't believe in god are not godly men" though Hubbard was clearly an atheist and implied religions were all made up by poor confused thetans trying to make sense of their suffering.
They claim it gave a great deal of information on what $cientology is when most of the time it was just repeated praises of the religion and L Ron Hubbard. Most infomercials I have seen aren't this bad-they at least vaguely describe how their product works (even if deceptively) instead of just fawning over a product and its creator.
Some stuff that struck me as funny-not in order--
They go on for a bit showing court documents that $cientology is classified legally as a religion. If you have to do that there is a good chance there are reasons people question it-even my sociology of religion professor said he wasn't sure it was a religion and seemed more like a business and money making scheme.
"You could walk out that door....You could also jump off a bridge and blow your brains"-strange way of getting people to join the religion.
"We have a room dedicated to Ron" and they keep claiming Hubbard was an accomplished writer though his writing sucked and was cheesy sci-fi.
"$cientology saved my life"-this part was just over the top infomercial crap
I paraphrase but they equate naturalism with creating and use of the atomic bomb (many people involved in that were religious) "these men who don't believe in god are not godly men" though Hubbard was clearly an atheist and implied religions were all made up by poor confused thetans trying to make sense of their suffering.
A few words on this movie and inevitably the way I perceive Scientology
Horst_In_Translation31 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The title "Orientation: A Scientology Information Film" from over 20 years ago pretty much describes perfectly what these 36 minutes are about. This is a movie that everybody who (potentially) wants to join the religion of Scientology is instructed to see. And here we already have one issue. Scientology does not push this onto anybody, but there are recordings of trolls who pretended considering joining Scientology only to see and (illegally) record this one to mock it and have millions of others mock it too. You can certainly say that Scientology is the scapegoat religion and has been for a long time already. This goes so far that even famous members like Alley or Travolta who are also on the cast list here are discriminated against for their very personal choices. Tolerance only goes as far as they understand for many people and for many that isn't far at all. I read in the other reviews that Scientology should be forbidden, the copies of this video should all be deleted and that Hubbard's written works should all be burned. Welcome to the Middle Ages and it is funny how it is especially those standing in the first row against Scientology who otherwise emphasize the freedom of speech and opinion. There are also no lies in this film and many people promoting their agendas, especially politicians, could learn from that.
The rating here on IMDb really says it all. I am sure 100 or probably more of the people rating it a 1/10 have not even seen it. That's why I am tempted to give the film a perfect 10/10 to bring in some balance here, but that would mean I'd stoop to their levels. Ask 100 people on the street if Scientology is bad, then 99 will say yes and 90% of them will not be able to provide a tolerable explanation. It is one of the prime examples of the media having fueled hate and fear in people. I personally don't really care about the contents as I am not a religious person and had no intention of joining before or after the film, so I accept the suggestion made at the end that I am free to leave after watching and go on with my life without Scientology, which sounds way more reasonable than all the blind hate. Overall, people who rate this a 1/10 only do so because of blind anger, maybe even brainwashing. Even if you think Scientology is nothing but a business scam, you can impossibly say that by the looks of it and the production values this was a 1/10. Learn to act objectively. Editing, direction and acting are never on a disastrous or even bad level. I found it pretty competent actually given the fact that no professional filmmakers were in charge here. And as for the religion existence debate: If I had to pick, then my preference would certainly be Scientology over the one that kills hundreds of innocent people, mothers and children through terrorist attacks every single week. I could write some negative stuff here too, but this was done enough in the other reviews already. Unjustified most of the time. Overall, I give this slightly over half an hour a thumbs-down. Don't watch it and I am sure Scientology is absolutely fine with skipping it if you don't intend to join.
The rating here on IMDb really says it all. I am sure 100 or probably more of the people rating it a 1/10 have not even seen it. That's why I am tempted to give the film a perfect 10/10 to bring in some balance here, but that would mean I'd stoop to their levels. Ask 100 people on the street if Scientology is bad, then 99 will say yes and 90% of them will not be able to provide a tolerable explanation. It is one of the prime examples of the media having fueled hate and fear in people. I personally don't really care about the contents as I am not a religious person and had no intention of joining before or after the film, so I accept the suggestion made at the end that I am free to leave after watching and go on with my life without Scientology, which sounds way more reasonable than all the blind hate. Overall, people who rate this a 1/10 only do so because of blind anger, maybe even brainwashing. Even if you think Scientology is nothing but a business scam, you can impossibly say that by the looks of it and the production values this was a 1/10. Learn to act objectively. Editing, direction and acting are never on a disastrous or even bad level. I found it pretty competent actually given the fact that no professional filmmakers were in charge here. And as for the religion existence debate: If I had to pick, then my preference would certainly be Scientology over the one that kills hundreds of innocent people, mothers and children through terrorist attacks every single week. I could write some negative stuff here too, but this was done enough in the other reviews already. Unjustified most of the time. Overall, I give this slightly over half an hour a thumbs-down. Don't watch it and I am sure Scientology is absolutely fine with skipping it if you don't intend to join.
This movie was just plain awful. It deserved a Razzie
Prince_of_Persia6 July 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is an introduction to what Time Magazine and Reader's Digest have called "The Cult of Greed", otherwise known as the Church of Scientology. If you want to learn what the film is about, go ahead and visit your local Church of $cientology and watch it. Just make sure you leave your wallet at home.
Your indoctrination begins simply and cheaply with a personality test, or stress test. Then you learn that you need to join the church to fix your problems. Then you learn that you need to spend money for various courses to fix your problems. These courses aren't very expensive at first, but just wait...they get over $1000 each soon...and then over $10000 later...and to achieve the highest levels in the church it costs over $300,000 !!! You'll learn about L. Ron Hubbard (but not the truth...you need to visit a search engine to learn the truth) You'll learn about Dianetics, but you won't learn that it is a 50 year old bunch of psychobabble and nonsense that has no research to back up its scientific sounding claims.
You learn that "thetans" and "engrams" infest your mind and cause you to feel pain and unhappiness.
But you won't hear what thetans are until you fork over $100,000. When you get to OT III Level of Scientology, (Operating Thetan III), also called "The Wall of Fire", you'll learn that 73 million years ago Galactic Overlord named Xenu blew up billions of space aliens in a volcano on earth and released the souls (what LRH calls "thetans"). These thetans -- thousands of them per person -- infest your mind and body and are the direct cause of all your ills.
And you'll discover that Xenu and every other bad thing that has happened in the entire history of the universe is a direct result of psychiatry. Yes, for trillions of years psychiatrists have been battling to take over the universe.
Only by paying even more money can you remove these Body Thetans and rid the universe of the psychiatrists once and for all.
Sound crazy? I think so too, but its the god awful truth. Do the research. Please don't waste your time, money and sanity on this dangerous cult. Visit a search engine and type in "Scientology". Read both sides of the story and make up your own mind.
"You could walk out that door and never think about Scientology again, and it would be your choice. It would be incredibly stupid, but you are free to do that. You could also jump off a bridge, or blow your brains out. That would be another choice." --Closing remarks from an introductory film from the Church of Scientology. (this is the point where you must tell them you left your wallet in the car and high-tail it out of there)
Your indoctrination begins simply and cheaply with a personality test, or stress test. Then you learn that you need to join the church to fix your problems. Then you learn that you need to spend money for various courses to fix your problems. These courses aren't very expensive at first, but just wait...they get over $1000 each soon...and then over $10000 later...and to achieve the highest levels in the church it costs over $300,000 !!! You'll learn about L. Ron Hubbard (but not the truth...you need to visit a search engine to learn the truth) You'll learn about Dianetics, but you won't learn that it is a 50 year old bunch of psychobabble and nonsense that has no research to back up its scientific sounding claims.
You learn that "thetans" and "engrams" infest your mind and cause you to feel pain and unhappiness.
But you won't hear what thetans are until you fork over $100,000. When you get to OT III Level of Scientology, (Operating Thetan III), also called "The Wall of Fire", you'll learn that 73 million years ago Galactic Overlord named Xenu blew up billions of space aliens in a volcano on earth and released the souls (what LRH calls "thetans"). These thetans -- thousands of them per person -- infest your mind and body and are the direct cause of all your ills.
And you'll discover that Xenu and every other bad thing that has happened in the entire history of the universe is a direct result of psychiatry. Yes, for trillions of years psychiatrists have been battling to take over the universe.
Only by paying even more money can you remove these Body Thetans and rid the universe of the psychiatrists once and for all.
Sound crazy? I think so too, but its the god awful truth. Do the research. Please don't waste your time, money and sanity on this dangerous cult. Visit a search engine and type in "Scientology". Read both sides of the story and make up your own mind.
"You could walk out that door and never think about Scientology again, and it would be your choice. It would be incredibly stupid, but you are free to do that. You could also jump off a bridge, or blow your brains out. That would be another choice." --Closing remarks from an introductory film from the Church of Scientology. (this is the point where you must tell them you left your wallet in the car and high-tail it out of there)
I'll be darned...
BattagliaBot31 October 2001
Two of the most dilligent people I ever hired were scientologists so I decided to check out the movie when someone handed me a free ticket for it on the sidewalk and I was glad I did. They never talked much about their beleifs so when I saw the movie I learned a lot. I thought it was straightforward and didn't dodge any issues and got the points about the religion across very well. I don't see what the problem is. I don't get the nastiness of some other things written here. Whats the point of being mean to someone about their religion? When your raised in religion A, then religion Z will seem strange to you. It's the same if reversed. That's what's wrong with the Taleban nut cases, they can't stop hating and leave other people to live and enjoy life.
Back to the movie, it simply seemed to follow an outline of what you'd ask if you had heard a little about scientology, like the answers fo an FAQ, It's What you always wanted to know about scientology but didn't have anybody to ask. The color and quality was good and the sound was terrific, better than I thought I'd hear in a small set-up. No reason not to go see it if someone hands you a ticket, its free and you learn something you didn't know about a religion you weren't raised in.
Back to the movie, it simply seemed to follow an outline of what you'd ask if you had heard a little about scientology, like the answers fo an FAQ, It's What you always wanted to know about scientology but didn't have anybody to ask. The color and quality was good and the sound was terrific, better than I thought I'd hear in a small set-up. No reason not to go see it if someone hands you a ticket, its free and you learn something you didn't know about a religion you weren't raised in.
Oh my goodness...
iam-now20 January 2008
I have never seen this "film" and i doubt that i will ever have the urge to, however i can make a comment about it, or rather, the so called "religion" itself.
I have seen recently in the media articles containing content related to said "religion" mostly with actors (Tom Cruise) stating that, and i quote "If we come across a car accident we must stop, we have to do this because we are the only ones who can do anything" Umm well unless you are a Doctor, qualified paramedic, nurse, a holder of a first aid certificate or have some knowledge of first aid at the very least then HOW just HOW are you the members of Scientology the only ones that can help/do anything? In my years of service in the Ambulance service i have not yet come across one person who does not fill the above criteria who has been able to "outdo" so to speak, the afore mentioned skills/criteria.
2nd point/comment: Recently on a local TV show in the am i was privy to seeing a journalist from the USA tell his story on the church of Scientology and the celebrities who are part of it, one comment this man made was "Celebrities who join the 'C.O.S' tend to be Gay, but they hide this fact by getting married, having children and become highly respected members of the C.O.S" and then went on to say, "Oops, i should not have said that should i?*laughing*" The only one i can think of off the top of my head was Tom Cruise, well kind of makes you think huh? What makes their 'religion' any better than the rest? These people need to take a long hard look at themselves and realise that no one person/entity is any better than any other...
I have seen recently in the media articles containing content related to said "religion" mostly with actors (Tom Cruise) stating that, and i quote "If we come across a car accident we must stop, we have to do this because we are the only ones who can do anything" Umm well unless you are a Doctor, qualified paramedic, nurse, a holder of a first aid certificate or have some knowledge of first aid at the very least then HOW just HOW are you the members of Scientology the only ones that can help/do anything? In my years of service in the Ambulance service i have not yet come across one person who does not fill the above criteria who has been able to "outdo" so to speak, the afore mentioned skills/criteria.
2nd point/comment: Recently on a local TV show in the am i was privy to seeing a journalist from the USA tell his story on the church of Scientology and the celebrities who are part of it, one comment this man made was "Celebrities who join the 'C.O.S' tend to be Gay, but they hide this fact by getting married, having children and become highly respected members of the C.O.S" and then went on to say, "Oops, i should not have said that should i?*laughing*" The only one i can think of off the top of my head was Tom Cruise, well kind of makes you think huh? What makes their 'religion' any better than the rest? These people need to take a long hard look at themselves and realise that no one person/entity is any better than any other...
Good way to find out for yourself what Scientology is.
AW-739 November 2001
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this film and found it very informative. It tells how the Church is organized and what the Scientology religion is. It also had information regarding Scientology ceremonies, which are similar to other religions. The film is very direct and straightforward. If you want to honestly find out for yourself what Scientology is, I highly recommend this film.
I was interested in the comments by various people in the film. There were many ordinary people who said that they had received benefits from Scientology. There were a lot of different professions represented - from artists to office professionals.
The quality of the production is also quite good. It's easy to watch with good, crisp sound.
I was interested in the comments by various people in the film. There were many ordinary people who said that they had received benefits from Scientology. There were a lot of different professions represented - from artists to office professionals.
The quality of the production is also quite good. It's easy to watch with good, crisp sound.
Mikey Likes It!
ModelMaterial-25 November 2001
I thought this was a remarkable little film. It won't win Oscars, but these guys pull no punches. I lost my once-strong interest in philosophy at college when Nietzsche and Schiller and Sartre (Oh, my!) seemed to orbit endlessly around word games inside of unreal hypotheticals inside of self adulation (or flagellation). If I wanted to make a film about layoffs in Dearborn or dot-com geniuses, they were no help in deciding whether to, which to, or why to.
Orientation seems to present Scientology (and maybe I'll find out someday) as an action-oriented philosophy. (Dead French philosophers are now cursing Monsieur Hubbard, I can tell. One's actions? Guided by philosophy? Quelle horror!) The film showed plenty of different people, famous and not so, who had benefitted from Scientology. These guys seriously want to do something useful with their lives, and Scientology seems to be the way they have found to carry out that desire. Of course, the actors in the film were scripted and rehearsed, but I thought they evinced a sincerity that pushed right through the screen. We've all seen the 2-dimensional infomercial cut-out housewives and hail fellows. This is a very "real" bunch of people in the film.
My friend asked me how I could believe the actors because they were all Scientologists. Wouldn't they just be saying things to get you to like their religion? So I asked him why, with a hundred other religions, and presumably a few other careers available to them, these people would become Scientologists and spend their entire working days working at it as a profession in the first place? Go back a few years in their lives and ask what changes had Scientology wrought in their lives that made them choose it in the first place?
I watch for sloppy edits and bad transitions in TV all the time and found none here. Unlike lots of short films, its focuses were sharp, and the sound wasn't echoic or hollow. I liked the guy who tackled head-on why some people criticize Scientology. Overall, it was a good film. I bought a book. So far, Hubbard is more understandable -- and productive! -- than Hegel.
Orientation seems to present Scientology (and maybe I'll find out someday) as an action-oriented philosophy. (Dead French philosophers are now cursing Monsieur Hubbard, I can tell. One's actions? Guided by philosophy? Quelle horror!) The film showed plenty of different people, famous and not so, who had benefitted from Scientology. These guys seriously want to do something useful with their lives, and Scientology seems to be the way they have found to carry out that desire. Of course, the actors in the film were scripted and rehearsed, but I thought they evinced a sincerity that pushed right through the screen. We've all seen the 2-dimensional infomercial cut-out housewives and hail fellows. This is a very "real" bunch of people in the film.
My friend asked me how I could believe the actors because they were all Scientologists. Wouldn't they just be saying things to get you to like their religion? So I asked him why, with a hundred other religions, and presumably a few other careers available to them, these people would become Scientologists and spend their entire working days working at it as a profession in the first place? Go back a few years in their lives and ask what changes had Scientology wrought in their lives that made them choose it in the first place?
I watch for sloppy edits and bad transitions in TV all the time and found none here. Unlike lots of short films, its focuses were sharp, and the sound wasn't echoic or hollow. I liked the guy who tackled head-on why some people criticize Scientology. Overall, it was a good film. I bought a book. So far, Hubbard is more understandable -- and productive! -- than Hegel.
My advise is see it for yourself
wiz_kid14 January 2002
Everyone has their own opinion, however, who knows if those opinions belong to people you would even listen to. My advise is to see the movie for yourself.
It gives you an overview of the Church of Scientology, it is very open and very frank. Honesty is the best policy, so those just wanting to take strips off Scientology don't need to bother. This film is for people who are actually interested in finding out what it is about.
Orientation is about the Scientology organizations themselves, it gives you a detailed tour of an organization and explains what each area does.
As I said, check it out for yourself and make your own decision.
It gives you an overview of the Church of Scientology, it is very open and very frank. Honesty is the best policy, so those just wanting to take strips off Scientology don't need to bother. This film is for people who are actually interested in finding out what it is about.
Orientation is about the Scientology organizations themselves, it gives you a detailed tour of an organization and explains what each area does.
As I said, check it out for yourself and make your own decision.
Orientation
rogerlh2128 November 2001
Orientation gives a new person to Scientology an overview of the religion and its views.
It's not an entertainment film, but is more a briefing to bring people up to snuff about the religion.
I'd recommend this film if you are seriously interested in improving yourself, especially if you are searching for more meaning in life.
I can recall visiting my friend's Buddhist Temple, going to a Unitarian Meeting and visiting several Christian churches when I was seriously evaluating religions and what they had to offer.
If you are in that mind set or somewhere close, go view the film. You'll at least have an idea about what Scientology is and you can make up your own mind.
It's not an entertainment film, but is more a briefing to bring people up to snuff about the religion.
I'd recommend this film if you are seriously interested in improving yourself, especially if you are searching for more meaning in life.
I can recall visiting my friend's Buddhist Temple, going to a Unitarian Meeting and visiting several Christian churches when I was seriously evaluating religions and what they had to offer.
If you are in that mind set or somewhere close, go view the film. You'll at least have an idea about what Scientology is and you can make up your own mind.
The Basic Facts About Scientology
tinasziget26 October 2001
I felt Orientation was a very informative movie and gave me a well-rounded view of what Scientology is about. I have heard a lot of conflicting information regarding Scientology and this film provided me with many facts as well as personal testimonials by everyday people and celebrities like Kirsty Alley and John Travolta. However, it was very straightforward in it's description of the religion and it's practices, then clearly leaves it up to the viewers to take this information and decide for themselves if this is something they would be interested in finding out more about. I distinctly got the impression Scientology was trying to say: "Here is the truth about what Scientology is - take it or leave it", and I appreciated the honesty.
I was quite impressed by the professional quality of the film as well. I would not have expected such a high level from a Church.
I recommend this film to anyone who is interested in finding out about Scientology.
I was quite impressed by the professional quality of the film as well. I would not have expected such a high level from a Church.
I recommend this film to anyone who is interested in finding out about Scientology.
What you always wanted to know about Scientology...
ProfWatcher24 January 2001
This educational film dives straight into what Scientology is and is not. It differentiates Scientology from psychology, etc., where "professionals" subtly tell you what you should think. Scientology's counselling -- called "auditing" from the Latin word "audire" (to hear or listen, which is what the counsellor mostly does) -- only guides the person to investigate and uncover his or her own best solutions.
Mostly, the film forever rid me of the idea that some compartment of my brain is where the "I" or the soul resides. I always thought/knew that I was/am a spirit and this film helped make me more secure and unshakeable in that knowledge.
It showed how the E-Meter works and why it is such a help in guiding a person to find the exact cause of some problem. You know how you wonder, "Is it this, or is it that, or maybe so-and-so?" The E-Meter's needle tells the counselor which way to direct your inner explorations.
The film straightforwardly goes into why the controversies about Scientology have arisen. But I won't reveal those tidbits.
It is not a commercial film. It can only be seen -- as far as I can gather -- at a Scientology church or mission, and no admission is charged.
I liked it because I thought it walked the middle of the road in telling people about Scientology.
If you think the real "you" might be something more than electrical charges running around a collection of neural pathways, and switching chemicals on and off, you'll probably like this movie. And if you think the real "you" might be able to improve your self, this film might reallyopen important doors to self-awakening.
Mostly, the film forever rid me of the idea that some compartment of my brain is where the "I" or the soul resides. I always thought/knew that I was/am a spirit and this film helped make me more secure and unshakeable in that knowledge.
It showed how the E-Meter works and why it is such a help in guiding a person to find the exact cause of some problem. You know how you wonder, "Is it this, or is it that, or maybe so-and-so?" The E-Meter's needle tells the counselor which way to direct your inner explorations.
The film straightforwardly goes into why the controversies about Scientology have arisen. But I won't reveal those tidbits.
It is not a commercial film. It can only be seen -- as far as I can gather -- at a Scientology church or mission, and no admission is charged.
I liked it because I thought it walked the middle of the road in telling people about Scientology.
If you think the real "you" might be something more than electrical charges running around a collection of neural pathways, and switching chemicals on and off, you'll probably like this movie. And if you think the real "you" might be able to improve your self, this film might reallyopen important doors to self-awakening.
Surprisingly informative.
winwinbiz14 November 2001
I was a Philosophy major in my undergraduate studies. I worked in the film industry, mostly in Hollywood, for decades and am a profession writer by trade. When it comes to film, I'm what you'd call "A tough audience". I don't know exactly what I expected this short film to be, but it definitely exceeded my expectations.
For one thing, I found the work impressively well crafted. It was pleasing to watch and to listen to.
I was taken with how straightforward the data was presented about Scientology, its practices and about Hubbard, the founder. Rather than trying to side step the controversy over the subject, it put the controversy directly on the table and did, to my thinking, an excellent and credible job of allowing the viewer to reach his own conclusions. It claims to have discovered and refined the long sought after technology that can assist a person to move out of his current condition and evolve to higher states of being within his own lifetime.
Sounds good. I'm going to look into it further.
I highly recommend this short film to anyone who has strong interest in learning more about Scientology or spiritual development in general.
At the very least its an enlightening experience presented in a high quality fashion
For one thing, I found the work impressively well crafted. It was pleasing to watch and to listen to.
I was taken with how straightforward the data was presented about Scientology, its practices and about Hubbard, the founder. Rather than trying to side step the controversy over the subject, it put the controversy directly on the table and did, to my thinking, an excellent and credible job of allowing the viewer to reach his own conclusions. It claims to have discovered and refined the long sought after technology that can assist a person to move out of his current condition and evolve to higher states of being within his own lifetime.
Sounds good. I'm going to look into it further.
I highly recommend this short film to anyone who has strong interest in learning more about Scientology or spiritual development in general.
At the very least its an enlightening experience presented in a high quality fashion
Anyone with a sincere interest in self-betterment who would like to receive more information about Scientology would greatly benefit from this film.
freedom-217 November 2001
When I first walked into a Scientology church in 1976, it would have been great to have been able to view the Orientation film. I had read Dianetics, but was otherwise unaware of Scientology, and had to gradually obtain the information available in this film.
I was surprised how much information had been provided in this film in only approximately 37 minutes, and could immediately see the value of this film to a new person.
The film was very professionally done, with beautiful photography and excellent performances from the various actors and actresses.
It provided information on the range of services available for spiritual improvement at the church, as well as some recommended books for new people.
It also explained the reason for and sources of the controversies that have been associated with the church, and very effectively differentiated the religion from the Stone Age pseudo-sciences, Psychiatry and Psychology.
I especially liked the testimonials from Scientologists from all walks of life. Some of the more famous Scientologist celebrities also shared their positive experiences with Scientology.
I feel that the most important message in the film is that Scientology does provide a way out of the muck for those individuals with the integrity and persistence to honestly apply the technologies of the religion to their lives.
I would highly recommend this film to anyone with a sincere interest in self-betterment who would like to receive more information about the church.
I was surprised how much information had been provided in this film in only approximately 37 minutes, and could immediately see the value of this film to a new person.
The film was very professionally done, with beautiful photography and excellent performances from the various actors and actresses.
It provided information on the range of services available for spiritual improvement at the church, as well as some recommended books for new people.
It also explained the reason for and sources of the controversies that have been associated with the church, and very effectively differentiated the religion from the Stone Age pseudo-sciences, Psychiatry and Psychology.
I especially liked the testimonials from Scientologists from all walks of life. Some of the more famous Scientologist celebrities also shared their positive experiences with Scientology.
I feel that the most important message in the film is that Scientology does provide a way out of the muck for those individuals with the integrity and persistence to honestly apply the technologies of the religion to their lives.
I would highly recommend this film to anyone with a sincere interest in self-betterment who would like to receive more information about the church.
Everything you always wanted to know but may have been afraid to ask!
mswgraven6 November 2001
I came away from this movie saying, "WOW! They sure didn't pull any punches!" If someone wondered what Scientology was all about, this movie tells them. It very clearly shows what Scientology offers and just who L. Ron Hubbard was. Nicely done and very informative. Highly recommended to anyone who would like to know and isn't afraid to look!
Excellent Overview Of This Subject
morgie5522 December 2008
All negative comments from disgruntled ex-members aside, I thought the movie quite well-made.
What's especially interesting is that they go over Hubbard's fiction works. He wrote much more than science fiction, which was a small fraction of his writing output in the 1940s.
Also interesting were the interviews with real people. Yeah, there was Travolta and Alley. However, there was also a stunt double, a homemaker, a businessman and other real people telling what they got out of the subject.
Of course church members will ask to talk to you. Why not? People are really looking for answers. If you want them, then listen. It even says at the end of the film that you don't have to check it out. But you should.
Thanks.
What's especially interesting is that they go over Hubbard's fiction works. He wrote much more than science fiction, which was a small fraction of his writing output in the 1940s.
Also interesting were the interviews with real people. Yeah, there was Travolta and Alley. However, there was also a stunt double, a homemaker, a businessman and other real people telling what they got out of the subject.
Of course church members will ask to talk to you. Why not? People are really looking for answers. If you want them, then listen. It even says at the end of the film that you don't have to check it out. But you should.
Thanks.
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