MovieChat Forums > The Workshop (2008) Discussion > You've Got To Be Kidding Me...REALLY!

You've Got To Be Kidding Me...REALLY!

posted 10 years ago by enjoyprog
2 replies | jump to latest

There's so much I want to say about this movie (though at times I suspect it's a joke being played on the viewer). Sure, I could make a dozen jokes about the participants in this "workshop" but I'll do my best to restrain myself.

The history of mankind is littered with con artists; some promote un-burdening yourself of worldly possessions and demand you sign away your assets. In this pervert's case, he asks his attendees to indulge in group sex in order to find themselves spiritually. In some cases, it can be very dangerous. Think Jim Jones of the People's Temple in Guyana who followed a false prophet as they signed away their possessions and ultimately their lives.

Much in this movie (and life, too) is said about man's (or woman's) natural state or condition. That monogamy is not natural. I would agree with that but so what? Does that make a life of multiple sexual partners a healthy and fulfilling life?

Impulse is mankind's natural state; doing what feels good. This includes having sex non stop with everyone possible, consuming unhealthy food and never-ending leisure activity. Obviously, living a life of impulse will lead to the collapse of civilization.

The only person profiting from this workshop is the guru, his bank account and all the crabs that found a new home.

[–] streakyfuzzer 10 years ago

I don't know Paul Lowe and have never attended one of his workshops, so I am not replying to deny whether or not he is a fraud, nor whether others in this "industry" are or are not frauds, etc.

I only wanted to reply about your idea that what is being discussed in this film isn't about just "living a life of impulse". You make it sound as if he were telling everyone to just act like wild animals and deny your inner voice that reminds you to do the right thing, for example acting on your anger and killing your inconsiderate neighbor for whatever selfish crap they have done to you. Not all impulses are good, and one needs to when to not be impulsive.

I've seen THE WORKSHOP twice and, despite some of my own reservations about a thing or two (aliens, for starters) I find the message one of truth. I really do truly feel that the vast bulk of society's rules and ideas of "the norm" are complete *beep* and the message being conveyed is simply about letting them go so as not to be enslaved by other people's concepts anymore, to free ourselves of our stupid caring what other people think, so long as no one is being seriously hurt.

Myself, knowing that sex is a good thing, I simply do not feel right judging people for having free sex, and I do believe that it is a powerful way for people to bond with each other and lighten up. And quite frankly, YOU are the one being the pervert for suggesting that it is wrong.

Meanwhile, society, as we know it, needs a good collapsing. Bring it on.

[–] maxtshea 9 years ago

Absolutely. Everything this Paul is saying was cliche by 1979. I am a child of the seventies. My parents did EST. I did EST ("the young person's training"). Everybody in my parents' social circle was talking Human Potential Movement. Everybody had a new guru for every season. There were workshops, communes, cults, bogus ashrams, and bogus temples. I wasn't old enough to go to these things, but my child's ear certainly picked up volumes on the subject.

These self-help gurus did not ask for your soul, just your money.

I'm sad to see thirty-year-olds falling for the same con artists and false prophets the Baby Boom fell for.

A note for women. If an old goat tells you you're repressing your sexuality, kick him in the groin and walk out the door. That old goat wants to exploit you. Nothing more.

Monogamy might not be "natural" in the animal kingdom. It's okay for the animals because they have an unfallen nature. Man is fallen. Imperfect. Left to his own devices he will do evil. When Paul says monogamy is there to control you, he's right. Humans need to be controlled. I don't mean in fascistic way, but in a guiding way. The old folks were right. Monogamy is better for us. Open marriage is an oxymoron. Most of the time it comes to grief. It helps to come from the bourgeoisie if you're going to mess around. Money can soften some blows, but in the end, man, woman, children, all get hurt.