MovieChat Forums > After Earth (2013) Discussion > Scientology themes?

Scientology themes?

posted 9 years ago by Gabe1972
12 replies | jump to latest

I've watched the film twice now (actually I could say I watched it once and stomached it a second time), but I still don't quite understand this argument that this film is influenced, and full of, Scientology ideas.

Most of us realize that Scientology is VERY odd, and it has some VERY odd ideas, but I still don't see them in here.

Could someone take the time and explain to me how this film has Scientology themes in it?

It's sort of the same thing with Battlefield Earth. Besides the film being dreadful, and being based on a book that the His Lord High Nutballness L. Ron Hubbard wrote, I don't even see any Scientology themes in that film, either.

Perhaps it's just that I don't know enough about Scienspwewligy, I mean Scientology, to see any parallels. Or perhaps it's just that I am not biased enough to take a sequence or idea and make it fit a Scientology motif. I say not biased enough as in I didn't look for it in the film, not that I don't think Scientology is a nutball cult, based on nutball teachings, by a nutball lying sack of nutballs.

Watch out, the Thetans are going to get you!!!

Again, though, could someone point out a few examples of this supposed Scientolgy motif in this film, and perhaps even in Battlespew Earth?

Thanks in advance.

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[–] cosmic_surveyor 9 years ago

The accusations and allegations are no different from those tossed at the Native Americans (savages), the Irish, the Jews, the Chinese, the Japanese (the last two, yellow peril), et al.

All one needs is a pinch of truth (L. Ron Hubbard association) and one can wrap around it gobs of lies.

Back in the late 1970's to early 1980's, I explored Hubbard's Scientology along with other interesting perspectives (Carlos Castenada, et al.). I did not find what was written subversive or undermining about Scientology. Since I was studying up on psychology and the various schools of thoughts on the psyche, I found similarities to Freud's psychoanalysis.

What was different was that self-psychoanalysis was frowned upon in Scientology; that whatever 'baggage' delaying one's efforts to reach maximum potential can/should only be brought to the surface by a trained fellow Scientologist.

It also happened around that time numerous references to Ponzi schemes and pyramid schemes were in the news. The requirement of a trained Scientologist ($$$) steered one towards a slippery slope of a pyramid scheme, IMO. I stopped exploring Scientology soon after.

Aside from the possible/probable pyramid scheme of Scientology, there was nothing wrong in the method(s) used to deal with the 'baggage' one carries around.

There are plenty of movies making references to therapy sessions attended by movie characters that imitate life. That is what Scientology offered, therapy sessions to overcome deep-seated neuroses that hamper one's achievements and enjoyment of life.

________________

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[–] Gabe1972 9 years ago

First, let me thank you for wasting my time with an answer that has absolutely nothing to do with the question I posed.

Secondly, in reference to your first sentence, you could not be more wrong or disconnected from the reality of the total difference. In addition, it is not my job to explain those differences to you. I suggest you take a reality pill and smell what you shovel.

Have a wonderful day. Perhaps you can write completely disconnected/unrelated answers to a few more questions posted on other boards.

"Well, the world needs ditch diggers, too."

[–] vortexrider 9 years ago

I agree that the reply of the first user is non-sense that doesn't have to do with the question.

I've watched the film about three times. One on purpose and two when it was just on. I also thought about Scientology and I can only think of two connections. One main one is thay Will Smith used to be involved with Scientology but apparently isn't anymore. Who knows for sure.

The theme in the film that also made me think about the stuff that cult teaches is the emphasis on how the commander's son Kitai(sp?) had a strong fear of the present because of the event he experienced in the past and his father constantly trying to make him overcome that obstacle. As far as I've read and videos I've watched it is the scientologists main line of attack on their opponents. They almost always reply with a fake laugh and ask the journalist or some protester about what secret fear they have. They keep telling them and new recruits that reason why they have health and psychological issues is because people refuse to "let go" of all past negative events.

However the film also contains a plot aspect that makes it unlike what Scientologists tell people which is that in the film they acknowledge neuroscience. There seems to be implied acknowledgment of psychiatry, which scientologists reject and scare people with. So it's if anything the connection is very superficial.

[–] NoahBody 9 years ago

Gabe1972
» Wed Mar 25 2015 09:11:44
IMDb member since August 2004
Post Edited:
Wed Mar 25 2015 09:13:46
First, let me thank you for wasting my time with an answer that has absolutely nothing to do with the question I posed.

The twit thinks scientology is legit. That should have tipped you off to stop reading

[–] culwin 9 years ago

I'll answer your question succinctly and accurately:
There aren't any "Scientology ideas" in this film.

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[–] spookyrat1 9 years ago

Academic experts on Scientology have generally dismissed the claims. http://gawker.com/after-earth-is-just-a-sh!tty-movie-not-scientology-pro-510569401 🐭

[–] Gabe1972 9 years ago

That's pretty much what I figured. Other than being ridiculous, sort of like Scientology itself, I don't see any connection between the two.

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[–] BDCNewYork 9 years ago

Actually vortexrider gave you the best and most accurate answer. I'd be suspicious of any "academic" study referenced on the 'Net.

[–] Gabe1972 9 years ago

Very true. Not only that, but I'd be suspicious of any academics who could actually sit through such drivel to be able to collect enough information to formulate an opinion. It truly is that bad. LOL.

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[–] brighterthanmusic 9 years ago

Yes this movie is Scientology propaganda, with very clear themes of the religion present.
http://pixel.nymag.com/imgs/daily/vulture/2013/05/31/31-after-earth-scientology-2.w529.h352.2x.jpg

[–] Gabe1972 9 years ago

I assume this is a joke.

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[–] pullgees 8 years ago

More Zen themes if anything, rooting oneself in the present moment, no fear etc.