Journalist Louis Theroux Takes on Controversial Church in Intriguing ‘My Scientology Movie’

Sandra Miska

Louis Theroux, the British journalist who, in his specials for the BBC, previously infiltrated the Westboro Baptist Church, the prison San Quentin and a mental hospital for pedophiles, travels to Los Angeles to take on the Church of Scientology in the aptly titled documentary, “My Scientology Movie.” Along for the ride is Marty Rathbun, a former top lieutenant to Scientology leader David Miscavige before defecting from the church in 2004. With director John Dower, the men set about gaining access into the Sea Org, an organization comprised of the most dedicated members of the church. Not surprisingly, no current Scientologist jumps up to be interviewed by Theroux. The church is notorious for harassing anyone they perceive as a troublemaker and when he posts on the Internet his intention to make the film, he is met with ominous warnings. One poster replies, perhaps jokingly, that “they” are probably taping Theroux already, but the truth does prove to be stranger that fiction when the journalist and his crew do indeed find themselves being tailed by strangers with camera.

With the release of Alex Gibney’s controversial and eye-opening Scientology doc “Going Clear” (which also featured Rathbun) and revelations from famous defectors such as actress Leah Remini in recent years, it’s safe to say that at this point in time, little can shock the public about this religion that was founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in 1955. “My Scientology Movie” doesn’t uncover anything new or earth shattering, although interviews with former members reaffirm what we already know – the organization is a money suck, Miscavige is a power hungry man who surrounds himself with sycophants and Scientologists are forbidden from having contact with those who speak out against the religion.

Unable to gain access to Sea Org, Theroux sets about creating dramatizations of what goes on in the church. To accomplish this he organizes casting calls to audition actors to play the shadowy, intense Miscavige, and, later, the most famous Scientologist in the world and Miscavige’s BFF, Tom Cruise. These scenes are mainly played for laughs, and it’s equal parts amusing and creepy to watch the aspiring movie stars inhabit theses roles.

However, the most fascinating scenes concern the easily triggered Rathbun, who is accused by his fellow defectors, including one that he assaulted back in the day, of not being as forthcoming as he could be. Tensions mount as Theroux continues to probe until the two reach a boiling point. Rathbun himself records what is perhaps the most disturbing scene in the doc, after he is accosted by a group of Scientologists sent to harass him.

“My Scientology Movie” opens March 10 in select theaters, on VOD, iTunes and Amazon Video.