Troll Inc.

Troll Inc. is an intriguing 2017 documentary that delves into the mysterious and controversial world of internet trolling. Directed by George Russell, the film features Andrew "weev" Auernheimer, Adrian Chen and Malik Pasha, who attempt to unravel the complexities of this digital phenomenon that has been long categorized as online mischief, particularly within various social media platforms.

The movie primarily centers around weev, whose real name is Andrew Auernheimer, a notorious figure within the cyber community. The American hacker and internet troll is depicted as the embodiment of the Anonymous Guy Fawkes masked figure, who has been subject to varying public opinions because of his polarizing activities online. His most infamous trick, by far, was the unearthing of information pertaining to thousands of AT&T customers in a bid to expose the corporation's security flaws. This infamous hacking incident led Auernheimer into legal trouble, serving as a pivotal point in the movie.

Adrian Chen, a contributor to The New Yorker, is another central character who has widely reported on internet culture, profiling some of the most active trolls and their effect on societal issue debates. Chen brings a journalistic perspective, providing an insight into the mind of a troll and the potential motivations behind their actions. Chen's involvement adds a layer of academic exploration to the movie and initiates a discussion about the broader implications of trolling for the society at large.

Malik Pasha, known for his significant documentary work, adds to the narrative by providing a more comprehensive view of the concept of internet trolling. Pasha's standpoint represents those who intend to explore the social and psychological ramifications of trolling on the individuals involved and their widespread effects on the cyber community.

Troll Inc. delves into this complex network, linking back to the contentious issue of freedom of speech and the extent to which its notion can be pushed in cyber environments. The film approaches this intriguing dilemma through a primarily educational lens and does an excellent task of identifying trolling as the internet's form of civil disobedience. It addresses the mixed opinions people harbor regarding internet trolling, with some perceiving it as a disturbing form of cyberbullying and others as a necessary evil in our increasingly digitized society, meant to challenge corporate or government entities.

Director George Russell takes us on an eye-opening journey through the movie, showing us interviews, snippets of court trials, and past footages of Auernheimer's life. Screen capture footage is used to a great extent to present the ongoing live trolling activities providing a terrifying reality of their omnipresence across internet platforms. The film is a hard-hitting visual experience that amplifies the film's overall theme.

Andrew Auernheimer's extreme ideology, paired with his unapologetic disdain for authority, becomes a representation for internet trolls worldwide, whether they share his views or not. While showing the audience a glimpse into his world, Troll Inc. poses several thought-provoking questions. What constitutes freedom on the internet, and at what point does it begin to contradict the right to safety and privacy?

While some view trolls as internet vigilantes who ensure giant corporations and government bodies do not undermine the freedom of the internet, others see them as a menace to internet safety and public discourse. The film does an excellent job drawing light to this moral dilemma without attempting to sway viewers towards one perspective. It allows the audience to witness the firsthand testimony of trolling incidents and weigh the validity of these actions themselves.

Overall, Troll Inc. is a deeply engaging documentary that successfully brings to light the hitherto obscure and devious worlds of internet trolls. It provides viewers with an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon as well as its far-reaching consequences. Both intriguing and provocative, the movie serves as a reflection of a profound digital era dilemma that has become more relevant with each passing year. The film is sure to leave viewers with a new perspective on trolls and perhaps even more questions about the thin line between internet freedom and irresponsible virtual behavior.