New Documentary Explores Orwell’s Relevance in Today’s Political Climate
Editor’s Note: “Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5” premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and is set to open at the IFC Center in New York City on October 2, followed by a screening at the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles on October 9.
In a world increasingly characterized by misinformation and political strife, the themes of George Orwell‘s seminal work, “1984,” resonate more than ever. This is the premise of Raoul Peck’s new documentary, “Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5,” which draws parallels between Orwell’s dystopian vision and contemporary global politics. The film serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by authoritarianism and the erosion of truth in the digital age.
The Irony of Free Speech
On January 8, 2021, Donald Trump Jr. took to social media to lament his father’s suspension from Twitter, claiming it was a sign that “free speech no longer exists in America.” This statement, however, is steeped in irony. The elder Trump’s actions-spreading falsehoods about the 2020 election and inciting an insurrection-echo Orwell’s warnings about the manipulation of truth and the rise of totalitarianism. The disconnect between the Trumps’ rhetoric and the realities of their actions highlights a troubling trend in modern discourse, where the very principles of democracy are often undermined by those who claim to defend them.
Orwell’s Enduring Legacy
Despite the cultural ubiquity of Orwell’s work, many seem unable to grasp the full implications of his warnings. Terms like “Big Brother,” “doublethink,” and “thoughtcrime” have entered the lexicon, yet the lessons of “1984” remain alarmingly relevant. Peck’s documentary aims to bridge this gap, making Orwell’s insights accessible to a new generation grappling with similar issues.
Peck, a Haitian filmmaker known for his politically charged works, previously gained acclaim for “I Am Not Your Negro,” which examined race relations in America through the lens of James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript. In “Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5,” Peck employs a similar approach, weaving together Orwell’s writings, archival footage, and modern news reports to illustrate how the fears articulated in “1984” have manifested in today’s world.
Structure and Themes
The documentary is structured around the infamous party slogan from “1984”: “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” Each segment delves into these concepts, exploring their implications in the context of contemporary politics.
War is Peace
The film opens with a historical overview, including footage of George W. Bush declaring war on Iraq, juxtaposed with images of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in Palestine. This segment underscores how war is often framed as a necessary evil for the greater good, a narrative that Orwell critiqued in his work.
Freedom is Slavery
Peck then shifts focus to the mechanisms of modern fascism, examining how right-wing movements cultivate complicity among their supporters. The growing income inequality crisis is also highlighted, illustrating how economic disenfranchisement can lead to political extremism.
Ignorance is Strength
The final segment tackles the rampant misinformation propagated by conservative media outlets and the rise of anti-intellectualism. In an age where facts are often overshadowed by sensationalism, the film argues that ignorance has become a tool for maintaining power.
The Trump Connection
Unsurprisingly, a significant portion of the documentary centers on Donald Trump. Peck draws parallels between Trump’s cult of personality and the omnipresent surveillance of Big Brother in “1984.” While some may find the focus on Trump somewhat dated, given the evolving political landscape, the film effectively illustrates how his administration’s disregard for truth mirrors Orwell’s warnings.
However, the documentary occasionally feels like a rehash of familiar arguments, covering ground that has been extensively analyzed in various essays and articles. Despite this, Peck’s thorough research and persuasive narrative provide a compelling case for the relevance of Orwell’s insights.
A Broader Perspective
While the film excels in drawing connections between Orwell’s work and contemporary issues, it falls short in exploring the complexities of Orwell’s own life and beliefs. Peck briefly acknowledges Orwell’s other works, such as “Animal Farm,” but largely neglects to delve into the nuances of his personal and political limitations.
Orwell’s background as a member of the British middle class, coupled with his occasional lapses into sexism and classism, are not sufficiently examined. This oversight raises questions about how his privileged perspective influenced his portrayal of the working class in “1984.” Peck’s choice to apply Orwell’s concepts to modern systemic racism, while thought-provoking, could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of Orwell’s own biases.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
“Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5” culminates in a montage of scenes from various adaptations of “1984,” ending with a poignant reminder of Orwell’s belief in the potential of the common people to effect change. While the film’s conclusion may feel somewhat optimistic, it serves as a call to action for viewers to remain vigilant against the encroachment of authoritarianism.
As the documentary illustrates, the fight for truth and justice is ongoing. Peck’s film not only serves as a reminder of the lessons of “1984” but also challenges us to confront the realities of our own time. In a world where misinformation reigns, the question remains: how do we find the strength to believe in a better future?
“Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5” opens at the IFC Center in New York City on October 2 and at the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles on October 9, offering audiences a timely reflection on the enduring relevance of Orwell’s work.
