The issue of WR as a good or bad film is not the same as
it being a good film or a bad film about Reich.

Certainly some people will feel that if the film has little info on Reich and is
wrong about Reich in some ways that this automatically makes it a bad film....

In my opinion it is certainly not a bad film... it's release and essay information
over at the criterion collection web site reveals why this distributor of important world
films chose to include this film in their catalogue.

That said said, it certainly "is not the DVD you want to spin when introducing people to reich's work"

If however you know about Reich's work (or don't) but are interested in experimental films that
combine elements of narrative, documentary and non-narrative structure, and explore themes
of politics, sex, and culture... you might find you understand why as many people like this film, as don't
cheers
rr

Mans Right To Know - The Story of Wilhelm Reich
video.google.ca/videoplay

<please understand that this video is almost completely worthless. if it werent for the, maybe 15 minutes MAX of interviews of eva reich, myron sharaf and others, and some showing of orgone biotherapy. the rest of it is a total mess of nothing related to reich - in fact, this could be construed as a mocking of reich's legacy and thoughts.>

You have clearly misunderstood Makavejev, esa, and it is unfortunate that his work's depth has eluded you. Have you seen ANY of his other work? "Man is not a Bird?" "Innocence Unprotected?" "Sweet Movie?" "The Coca Cola Kid?" If you had, you would see that "WR" maintains a significant spot within his entire filmography -- one which documents humanity's (and, by extension, society's) inability to attain that which will free it from its own carnal confines. This is, in fact, one of Reich's major points -- in the "Mass Psychology of Fascism" or "the Function of the Orgasm," Reich refers to the very same process by which humans are, by nature, prone to seek freedom and liberation, whether it be through sexuality, creativity, concepts, or (even) political ideas. That is at the heart of the concept of orgone energy -- to use to it drive your own forward escape.

WR is not a *documentary* about Reich, the man or even his work or ideas. It is *inspired* by Reich, paying homage to the man and his work, by referencing them, but also illustrating how similarly confining elements appear in relationships, politics, and even in the Reichian work itself!

If you had missed that, esa, as it appears you have from your rather superficial and somewhat vapid analysis of WR, you have clearly misunderstood Makavejev and, in fact, Reich's work itself.

pffft.