The Men Who Stare At Goats ((free))

Scholars often link these bizarre 1970s experiments to the development of modern "enhanced interrogation" techniques. Critics argue that the humorous portrayal of "staring at goats" can sometimes mask the more disturbing history of and psychological torture programs. World Socialist Web Site declassified CIA documents from Project Stargate, or are you more interested in the biography of Jim Channon , the real-life "Bill Django"? Men Who Stare at Goats Author Jon Ronson - Time Magazine

Reviewers often compare its deadpan, absurd humor to the Coen Brothers or classics like Dr. Strangelove and Catch-22 .

, a Vietnam veteran, was the mastermind behind the concept, aiming to combine the warrior ethos with, as Ronson describes, "New Age" philosophies. Key Tenets of the Program: The Men Who Stare At Goats

The unit was led by Colonel Charles Beckwith, who had a strong interest in the paranormal and had written a book on the subject. Beckwith believed that certain individuals possessed psychic abilities that could be harnessed for military purposes.

The story behind The Men Who Stare at Goats is a bizarre blend of Cold War paranoia and New Age mysticism, detailed in Jon Ronson’s 2004 non-fiction book and later adapted into a 2009 satirical film starring George Clooney. The Core Premise Scholars often link these bizarre 1970s experiments to

"He’s wavering!" Ray shouted, triumphant. "He’s destabilizing!"

Jeff Bridges' character, Bill Django, is based on Lt. Col. Jim Channon, who actually wrote the First Earth Battalion Field Manual . Men Who Stare at Goats Author Jon Ronson

Vague, impressionistic sketches requiring heavy interpretation by analysts. Abruptly shut down due to complete madness and failure.