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The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz

The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz

Documentary · Crime · 2014

Programming prodigy and information activist Aaron Swartz achieved groundbreaking work in social justice and political organizing. His passion for open access ensnared him in a legal nightmare that ended with the taking of his own life at the age of 26.

Movie details

The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz

2014 Documentary · Crime 1h 45m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

7.9 / 10

Community rating

Programming prodigy and information activist Aaron Swartz achieved groundbreaking work in social justice and political organizing. His passion for open access ensnared him in a legal nightmare that ended with the taking of his own life at the age of 26.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Brian Knappenberger

Written by

Brian Knappenberger

Aaron Swartz

Aaron Swartz

Self

Tim Berners-Lee

Tim Berners-Lee

Self

Cory Doctorow

Cory Doctorow

Self

P

Peter Eckersley

Self

Lawrence Lessig

Lawrence Lessig

Self

Brewster Kahle

Brewster Kahle

Self

C

Cindy Cohn

Self

Court is in session

Put The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Auteur Devotee

“Form is the argument.”

Every composed frame and deliberate cut is evidence that control can be thrilling in its own right.

The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist

“Technique in search of a pulse.”

Immaculate construction is still construction. The film may be too busy proving its craft to feel alive.