Inside Landmark Forum (transcript)

Pieces a Conviction

"Voyage to the Land of the New Gurus"

Open on set of Pieces a Conviction

HOST ELISE LUCET

Good evening.  Tonight, a special edition of “Incriminating Evidence.”  An unprecedented investigation of the secret world of the new merchants of happiness.

In a society that’s losing its bearings, there are more and more of them, coaches promising to improve your performance, live better with others.  We are going to dive into the heart of one of those companies.  It never opens up to television cameras.  Maybe this is what they don’t want you to find out.

CUT TO LANDMARK FORUM LEADER ALAIN ROTH, LEADING SEMINAR

Let the fear enter your body, your breathing, your gut.

NARRATOR

This is a company with surprising methods.  80 people closed up in a big hotel for 3 days, subject to the whims of one man.

CUT TO ALAIN ROTH
(coaching a woman in The Forum)

You’re an asshole.

WOMAN

Yes I’m an asshole, but I love her.

ALAIN ROTH

It’s serious.  No, you don’t love her!  You love yourself!

NARRATOR

Try to imagine.  We made our preparations in utter secrecy.  With this miniature camera and high-tech equipment, we got inside this company.  It’s called Landmark Education.  Started in America, it’s in 26 countries.  At least 700,000 people have been seduced by it.

CUT TO ANONYMOUS LANDMARK PARTICIPANT

They made me feel I was valued, exceptional.  I would open a four-lane highway in my life.

NARRATOR

But it’s not harmless, at least that’s what French authorities think.  Since 1995, Landmark Education has actually been considered a cult.

CUT TO PSYCHIATRIST JEAN-MARIE ABGRALL

These guys aren’t trained, as if tomorrow you set up shop as a psychotherapist.  That’s what’s shocking.

NARRATOR

Improving your life, happiness, reconciling with loved ones.  Everyone wants that.  This company understands that well.  But in the voyage through life, no one walks away unscathed.

CUT TO COUPLE SITTING AT DINING TABLE, WIFE:

Anyone could be taken in.  Anyone could be taken in by this.

HOST ELISE LUCET

In a few moments, we’ll go inside Landmark Education’s world.  Or rather, we’ll infiltrate this organization.  The images you’ll see are sometimes shocking, Some of the people you’ll see are mistreated, destabilized.  They crack.  We’ll talk with our guests: lawyers, experts in brainwashing and cults, but also with men and women like you and me, who once thought Landmark Education could help them feel better.  But first, the facts.  Here we begin our unique voyage.