- Genre
- Documentary
- Year
- 2013
- Runtime
- 1h29
0
Google and the World Brain
Unlocking knowledge, navigating power — the world’s brain online.
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Synopsis
"Google and the World Brain" is a thought-provoking 2013 documentary directed by Brendan Price that delves into the ambitious and controversial Google Books project. The film explores how Google's initiative aims to digitize vast amounts of the world's printed knowledge, creating a global, searchable digital library. Beyond the technological marvel, the documentary raises critical questions related to intellectual property, copyright law, privacy, corporate power, and the potential implications of centralizing so much information in the hands of one company. Through interviews with experts, authors, and activists, the film presents a balanced view on the promises and perils of digitizing human knowledge, inviting viewers to reflect on the future of information accessibility and ownership in the digital age.
Cast
Reviews
Critics have generally received "Google and the World Brain" positively, as reflected by its 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an IMDb score of 6.7/10. Reviewers commend the documentary for thoughtfully tackling complex themes surrounding technology, copyright, and surveillance. For example, Rotten Tomatoes praises the film as "an intellectually stimulating exploration that challenges viewers to think about who controls our collective knowledge." Similarly, IMDb user reviews highlight the documentary's ability to provoke important discussions about information ethics, though some viewers felt it could have offered a deeper exploration of opposing viewpoints. Metacritic does not have a score listed for this film, but several critics note Brendan Price’s balanced approach, blending interviews with experts and critics alike, which avoids sensationalism. However, a few reviews mention that the film occasionally leans towards skepticism of Google's role, which may not fully satisfy viewers seeking a purely neutral perspective. Overall, "Google and the World Brain" stands out as an enlightening documentary encouraging awareness and debate on the future of information management in the digital era.
