The Betrayal by Technology: A Portrait of Jacques Ellul (1992)

The Betrayal by Technology: A Portrait of Jacques Ellul, a 1992 documentary by Jan van Boeckel, immerses viewers in the profound musings of French philosopher Jacques Ellul.

This film, though not widely known, unveils Ellul’s insights into our technologically driven society.

Ellul’s perspective transcends mere gadgetry. He defines “technique” as the totality of methods rationally arrived at, with absolute efficiency in every human activity.

The machine, he asserts, is inherently antisocial. It plunges us into a tumultuous realm where progress and exploitation intertwine.

Ellul boldly challenges conventional wisdom. Capitalism, he argues, did not solely shape our world; the machine did.

Painstaking studies reveal that the machine’s progressive character perpetuated acute human exploitation. To restore order, we must question the very fabric of our society.

In his seminal work, The Technological Society, Ellul meticulously dissects how technology infiltrates every facet of our existence.

Influenced by Kierkegaard, Marx, and Barth, he dives deep into the complexities. His eloquence is a stark reminder: we are navigating an ever-evolving landscape.

The team from ReRun Produkties captured rare footage of Ellul during five days of intense interviews.

His words unfold like a captivating tale. At 82, he left behind a testament—a suite of solutions designed to enhance our world.

The Betrayal by Technology invites us to unlock secrets and embark on a journey toward understanding. Let Ellul’s eloquence guide us—it’s not just a tale; it’s a call to resilience.