Democracy à la Maude 1997
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by National Film Board of Canada
Directed by Patricia Kearns
VHS, color and b&, 62 min.
High School - Adult
Political Science, Women's Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Melinda Davis, University of Tennessee College of Law Library, Knoxville, TennesseeMaude Barlow heads the 100,000 member Council of Canada, a group opposed to globalization and other free trade movements. Consequently she considers most, if not all, mega-business interests to be the "evil empire," and they are equally suspicious of her. Incorporating clips from public appearances and debates along with footage specifically taped for this film, this production is extremely easy to watch. The sometimes grainy segments have an appealing earnestness, and the polemic lacks obnoxious stridency. However, this film does indeed have an agenda and makes no pretense of presenting a balanced, objective look at the economic and social debate in Canada. As a portrait of a feminist political figure, Democracy à la Maude has much to offer the viewer and would be recommended for high school and up. Otherwise it is probably of limited use outside Canada.