Movies About Mind Control

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a 1975 dramatic comedy-drama film directed by Milos Forman, based on the 1962 novel by Ken Kesey. The film follows Randle McMurphy, a criminal who feigns insanity to avoid jail time and is sent to a mental institution where he clashes with the oppressive Nurse Ratched. With the help of his fellow patients, McMurphy rebels against the oppressive and authoritarian staff, attempting to inspire them to take back their lives and fight for freedom. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 dystopian crime film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Anthony Burgess's 1962 novel of the same name. The film follows the frightening tale of Alex, a charismatic and sociopathic delinquent youth in a near-future dystopian Britain. Alex and his gang of "droogs" embark on a night of ultra-violence which leads to the murder and rape of a writer and his wife. Alex is eventually arrested and sent to jail, and then to an experimental rehabilitation program in which he is subjected to psychological manipulation and conditioning. The program is meant to make Alex incapable of violence, but instead makes him unable to make moral choices, robbing him of free will. Alex is eventually released, but is unable to reintegrate into society. The film reflects on the implications of state control over individual behavior, and the cost of a loss of free will.

From Paul Greengrass, starring Matt Damon, Edgar Ramírez, Joan Allen, Julia Stiles
Rated PG-13

The Bourne Ultimatum is the third installment in the Bourne franchise and the conclusion to the Jason Bourne trilogy. This action-filled movie follows amnesiac spy Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) as he attempts to uncover his true identity and the secret behind his forgotten past. With the help of journalist Simon Ross (Paddy Considine), Bourne is able to track down the people responsible for setting him up and the conspiracy that nearly cost him his life. This thrilling film culminates in an intense showdown between Bourne and his former employers and enemies. Along the way, Bourne must use his impressive hand-to-hand combat and espionage skills in order to stay alive and gain the upper hand.

From John Frankenheimer, starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Janet Leigh, Angela Lansbury
Rated PG-13

The Manchurian Candidate is a classic political thriller that follows the story of Korean War veteran Major Bennett Marco (Frank Sinatra). While on a mission to rescue fellow soldiers, Marco and his platoon are attacked by enemy forces and taken captive. After being released and sent home, Marco begins to have strange nightmares about what happened in Korea. He soon discovers that his platoon was brainwashed by the enemy, and that the enemy has implanted a sleeper agent in the form of one of his comrades, Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey). When Marco and his former comrade, Sergeant Raymond Shaw, become honored guests of a political party, Marco suspects Shaw is carrying out a secret plan devised by a mysterious figure. With the help of a former comrade, Marco pieces together a dangerous plan to prevent the enemy from achieving their goal of influencing a U.S. presidential election.

From Doug Liman, starring Franka Potente, Matt Damon, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen
Rated PG-13

The Bourne Identity is a 2002 American action-thriller film directed by Doug Liman, based on the 1980 novel of the same name by Robert Ludlum. The film stars Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, a man suffering from extreme memory loss who must search for his true identity amidst a clandestine conspiracy within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). After being found adrift in the Mediterranean Sea by fishermen, he discovers that his memory is gone, leaving him with no idea who he is or where he came from. With the help of a former CIA operative, Marie Kreutz, he learns of his past as a highly-trained assassin and embarks on a mission to discover the truth behind his identity and his connections to the CIA. Along the way, he must evade the relentless pursuit of CIA agents who are determined to keep his secrets buried. Ultimately, Jason discovers his true identity and uses his newfound skills to confront those responsible for his current predicament.

From Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee
Rated PG-13

Malcolm X is a 1992 American biographical epic drama film about the African-American activist Malcolm X. Directed and co-written by Spike Lee, the film stars Denzel Washington in the title role, as well as Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman, Jr., and Delroy Lindo. The film chronicles Malcolm X's life from his early years to his rise as a leader in the Nation of Islam and his later falling out with the organization. It covers his transformation from a street hustler, to a criminal and eventually a religious leader, as well his tumultuous political and personal relationships throughout his life. It also examines the racism he faced in the United States and his struggles against it. Through archival footage, family photographs, and interviews with friends, family, and former colleagues, the film paints a complex portrait of Malcolm X and explores his legacy.

From Paul Greengrass, starring Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Joan Allen, Brian Cox
Rated PG-13

The Bourne Supremacy is a 2004 action-thriller starring Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, a CIA black ops agent attempting to find the truth behind his past. After Bourne's former mentor, Ward Abbott (Brian Cox), attempts to have him assassinated, Bourne is forced to go on the run to clear his name and protect his lover, Marie (Franka Potente). Pursued by a team of Russian assassins, Bourne fights his way through Moscow, Berlin, and India, determined to get to the bottom of the conspiracy. Along the way, he finds himself face-to-face with the mysterious figure who was responsible for his amnesia in the first place. With a mix of intense action sequences and high-octane drama, The Bourne Supremacy is an exciting and adrenaline-charged exploration of identity, loyalty, and revenge.

From Barry Sonnenfeld, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D'Onofrio
Rated PG-13

From Richard Donner, starring Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart, Cylk Cozart
Rated R

From Tony Gilroy, starring Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Scott Glenn
Rated PG-13

From Paul Greengrass, starring Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassel
Rated PG-13