Merchants of Doubt

2014 • 93 minutes

About this movie

Inspired by the acclaimed book by Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway, Merchants of Doubt takes audiences on a satirically comedic yet illuminating ride into the heart of conjuring American spin. Filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the curtain on a secretive group of highly charismatic, silver-tongued pundits-for-hire who present themselves in the media as scientific authorities – yet have the contrary aim of spreading maximum confusion about well-studied public threats ranging from toxic chemicals to pharmaceuticals to climate change.

Ratings and reviews

Great movie. Best film based introduction I've ever seen to the dark art of industry sponsored science denial from scientists, historians, reporters and even a brave ex-politician. The film is both entertaining and informative. This film can get you started on a journey of learning that will help you separate out the junk science and the phony pseudo-scientists from real thing. After you see this movie, read the book.

If you want your worst fears about the decline of rational American dialogue confirmed, this film should do the trick. While we all know that PR firms are paid to lie and deceive, to see Marc Morano brag about his ability to portray himself as an expert in a field about which he knows nothing and then go on to freely admit harassing his enemies with suggestions of physical violence via email is actually unnerving. What does it say about our situation when a man brags about his bad character. The film clearly shows how charlatans who peddled cigarettes are sometimes the very same charlatans who deny climate science. I'm going to try to have a public showing in our town.

Hi, This movie is above average. Trump is a merchant of doubt. Thanks. God bless. Aaron