McLibel is a documentary film directed by Franny Armstrong for Spanner Films about the McLibel case. The film was first completed, as a 52 minute television version, in 1997, after the conclusion of the original McLibel trial. It was then re-edited to 85 minute feature length in 2005, after the McLibel defendants took their case to the European Court of Human Rights.

[edit] Production

The 1997/52 minute version was shown at film festivals worldwide, and bought for TV in about ten countries. The 2005/85 minute version was released theatrically in the UK, USA, Australia and other countries and sold to TV round the world, notably to BBC2 (as part of their prestigious "Storyville Classics" season, where it achieved one million viewers at 10pm on a Sunday night) and CBC in Canada. 

The film features courtroom reconstructions of the trial directed by notable UK film director Ken Loach, who gave his time for free. It also features interviews with Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation, Morgan Spurlock, Keir Starmer, (the UK's Director of Public Prosecutions since 2008), and Howard Lyman of Oprah/Mad Cow infamy.

[edit] Reception

As of August 2004^[update], the producers estimate that more than 25 million people have seen the film.^[1]

An anti-McDonald’s leaflett campaign in front of the McDonald’s restaurant in Leicester Square, London, during the European Social Forum season, 2004-10-16.

[edit] Critical response

The film has a 100% Tomatometer rating based 11 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.^[2] Metacritic gave the film a rating of 81% based on 4 reviews.^[3]

Dennis Harvey of Variety Magazine describes it as "an alarming if ultimately inspiring David-and-Goliath parable for today".^[4]

[edit] Home media

The DVD version was released in 2005 and features more than six hours of extras, including a spoof McDonald's commentary track from comedian Rob Newman.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official website
• McLibel at the Internet Movie Database

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