All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace

All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace (2011)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

A series of films about how humans have been colonised by the machines we have built. Although we don't realise it, the way we see everything in the world today is through the eyes of the computers.

Network
Scheduleevery Monday at 21:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

The Monkey in the Machine and the Machine in the Monkey
Season 1Episode 360 min

The Monkey in the Machine and the Machine in the Monkey

This episode looks at why we humans find this machine vision so beguiling. The film argues it is because all political dreams of changing the world for the better seem to have failed - so we have retreated into machine-fantasies that say we have no control over our actions because they excuse our failure.

At the heart of the film is one of the most famous scientists in the world - Bill Hamilton. He argued that human behaviour is really guided by codes buried deep within us. It was later popularised by Richard Dawkins as 'the selfish gene'. It said that individual human beings are really just machines whose only job is to make sure the codes are passed on for eternity.

The film begins in 2000 in the jungles of the Congo and Rwanda. Hamilton is there to help prove his dark theories. But all around him the Congo is being torn apart by 'Africa's First World War'. The film then interweaves the two stories - the strange roots of Hamilton's theories, and the history of the West's tortured relationship with the Congo over the past 100 years.

Jun 6, 2011

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E03The Monkey in the Machine and the Machine in the MonkeyJun 6, 2011
S01E02The Use and Abuse of Vegetational ConceptsMay 30, 2011
S01E01Love and PowerMay 23, 2011
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace' premiere?

'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace' premiered on May 23, 2011.

What is the genre of 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace'?

The show falls under the genre of Documentary.

Where was 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace' primarily filmed?

The show was primarily filmed in various locations, including the United States and Africa.

What is the central theme of 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace'?

The central theme of the show explores the relationship between humans, technology, and the natural world.

Who narrated 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace'?

The narration for the show was done by the creator, Adam Curtis.

What are some of the key topics covered in 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace'?

The show delves into topics such as ecology, technology, and the impact of systems on human behavior.

What was the critical reception of 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace'?

The show received generally positive reviews for its thought-provoking content and unique storytelling style.

Who were some of the notable interviewees featured in 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace'?

The show featured interviews with individuals such as Ayn Rand, Alan Greenspan, and Bill Clinton, among others.

What was the inspiration behind the title 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace'?

The title of the show was inspired by a poem of the same name by Richard Brautigan, which imagines a world where humans and nature are harmoniously overseen by benevolent machines.

How does 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace' approach the idea of utopia and dystopia?

The show explores the concepts of utopia and dystopia through the lens of technology and its influence on human society.

What sets 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace' apart from other documentary series?

The show stands out for its in-depth analysis of complex ideas and its ability to provoke critical thinking about the relationship between humans and the systems they create.

What was the production style of 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace'?

The show employed a mix of archival footage, interviews, and narration to present its thought-provoking content in a visually engaging manner.

What impact did 'All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace' have on its audience and critics?

The show sparked discussions about the role of technology in shaping human society and received praise for its ability to challenge conventional perspectives.

Cast

Adam Curtis

Adam Curtis

plays himself
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Characters

Presenter

Presenter

played by Adam Curtis
View all characters

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