#Doccie - Downfall: The Case Against Boeing

"Downfall: The Case Against Boeing" is a 2022 American documentary directed by Rory Kennedy that delves deeply into the tragic events surrounding the crashes of two Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, which resulted in the loss of 346 lives. The film examines not just the technical failures, but more critically, the corporate decisions and culture that led to these disasters.

Narrative and Themes

The documentary presents a powerful indictment of Boeing's shift from a company once revered for its engineering excellence and safety to one overtaken by Wall Street's demands for profit above all else. By interviewing a wide range of voices—from families of the crash victims to former Boeing employees and investigative journalists—the film illuminates how Boeing's rush to compete with Airbus led to compromised safety standards.

Central to the film is the flawed Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), a software system that forced the planes' noses down unnecessarily. Pilots were not informed about MCAS, nor were they trained to handle it, leading to catastrophic consequences. The documentary reveals Boeing's efforts to downplay the system’s significance to regulators and the public to expedite certification and sales, exposing a disturbing corporate culture of deception and greed.

Direction and Impact

Kennedy’s direction eschews sensationalism, aiming for a sober and clear recounting of events that are both technical and human in nature. While not breaking new ground with fresh revelations, the documentary’s comprehensive coverage and emotional impact come from voices often marginalized in mainstream reports, especially those of the victims' families and whistleblowers.

The film also contextualizes Boeing's downfall within broader trends of American corporate governance, where financial markets' pressure can eclipse public safety and corporate responsibility. The narrative stresses the importance of accountability mechanisms to ensure companies serve the public interest, not just shareholder profits.

Critical Reception

"Downfall" has been widely praised for its clear storytelling, detailed research, and emotional depth. Reviewers commend it as a blistering exposé of Boeing’s prioritization of profit over safety, underscoring the deadly consequences of such a mindset. The documentary has renewed public scrutiny of Boeing and sparked discussions about regulatory oversight and corporate ethics in the aerospace industry.

Conclusion

"Downfall: The Case Against Boeing" is an essential documentary for anyone interested in understanding how one of America's most iconic aerospace companies stumbled so catastrophically. It provides a clear, emotional, and comprehensive look at the preventable tragedies caused by corporate failures, making it a cautionary tale of the costs of putting profits before people.

[Click here to view full documentary]