The Yes Men Fix the World
How do you feel about Corporate America today? At least two men Andy
Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, know how they feel, and they are trying
their best to do something about it. They are probably the most
enterprising young men you will ever see on the screen in the film The
Yes Men Fix the World. Not only are they enterprising, but they
probably have the most chutzpah (nerve) and moxie of anyone you will
ever meet.
Their film, and their quest to “fix the world,” is ambitious as well as humorous. But how long will they be able to continue to get away with their stunts? Naturally, they get caught in their own deceptions after each one. Andy and Mike, somehow dupe their way into business conferences as the main speakers, representing themselves as corporate executives. How they manage this is anyone’s guess. As official spokesmen of these companies, they offer fixes for the problems created by these companies. For instance, in 2004, they gave a live announcement on BBC television that, as corporate executives of the Dow Chemical Corporation, the company was taking responsibility for the 1984 Bhopal catastrophe and would be adequately compensating the survivors. This is only one example, but they were able to manage to speak on behalf of Exxon, publish a faux New York Times with false information that, if true would be better for the world. You may have seen them on CNN’s Situation Room that covered their “attack” with two dozen Survivaballs on the United Nations. (Sometimes they don’t get away with their schemes and this resulted in the arrest of Andy!) But, after seeing the film, which I recommend that you do (you will love it), you will be certain that you haven’t seen the last of Mike and Andy as they continue their mission to “fix the world.” Let’s hope that, in their way, they can.
The Yes Men Fix the World was written, directed and produced by Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, co-directed by Kurt Engfehr. Animation is by Patrick Lichty. Running time is 87 minutes. Opens Nov.6, at Laemmle Sunset, Nov. 13, in Pasadena.
