# The Circle

> 2017 film directed by James Ponsoldt

**Wikidata**: [Q21010849](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21010849)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Circle_(2017_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-circle

## Summary
*The Circle* is a 2017 science fiction thriller film directed by James Ponsoldt, based on the novel by Dave Eggers. It explores themes of privacy, surveillance, and corporate power in the digital age, following a young woman who joins a powerful tech company. The film stars Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, and John Boyega, and was produced by companies including Playtone and EuropaCorp.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: April 28, 2017 (United States)
- **Director**: James Ponsoldt
- **Genre**: Science fiction, thriller, drama
- **Production Companies**: Playtone (American), EuropaCorp (French), and others
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **IMDb ID**: tt4287320
- **Wikidata ID**: Q27131943
- **Sitelink Count**: 34 Wikipedia language editions
- **Runtime**: 110 minutes
- **Budget**: $18 million USD
- **Box Office Revenue**: $20.5 million USD
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 15%
- **Metacritic Score**: 43/100
- **IMDb Rating**: 4.2/10
- **Aliases**: Circle
- **Hashtag**: #TheCircle
- **Social Media Handles**: @WeAreTheCircle (Twitter, Instagram)

## FAQs
**What is *The Circle* about?**
*The Circle* is a dystopian thriller that critiques the ethics of technology and social media. It follows Mae Holland (Emma Watson), a young woman who lands a job at a powerful tech company called The Circle, which promotes radical transparency and surveillance. As she rises through the ranks, she grapples with the moral implications of the company’s invasive policies.

**Who directed and starred in *The Circle*?**
The film was directed by James Ponsoldt and stars Emma Watson as Mae Holland, Tom Hanks as Eamon Bailey (the company’s co-founder), and John Boyega as Kalden, a mysterious figure within The Circle. The cast also includes Karen Gillan, Ellar Coltrane, and Patton Oswalt.

**What companies produced *The Circle*?**
The film was produced by multiple companies, including Playtone (an American production company founded in the late 1990s) and EuropaCorp (a French film production company established in 2000). Other production entities involved include Likely Story and Image Nation.

**How was *The Circle* received by critics?**
The film received largely negative reviews, with a 15% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 43/100 score on Metacritic. Critics praised the timely themes but criticized the execution, pacing, and lack of depth in exploring its dystopian concepts.

**What are the key themes of *The Circle*?**
The film explores themes of privacy, surveillance, corporate power, and the ethical dilemmas of technology. It questions the consequences of a society where transparency is enforced, and personal boundaries are erased in the name of connectivity and progress.

**Where and when was *The Circle* released?**
The film premiered in the United States on April 28, 2017, with additional release dates in other regions, including May 25, 2017, and September 7, 2017. It was distributed by STX Entertainment and EuropaCorp.

## Why It Matters
*The Circle* matters as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and corporate overreach. In an era dominated by social media and data surveillance, the film highlights the ethical dilemmas of privacy, transparency, and the power dynamics between individuals and tech giants. While its critical reception was mixed, the film’s themes remain highly relevant, sparking discussions about digital ethics, corporate responsibility, and the future of human connectivity. It serves as a cultural artifact reflecting societal anxieties about the role of technology in modern life.

## Notable For
- **Timely Themes**: Addresses pressing issues of privacy, surveillance, and corporate power in the digital age.
- **Star-Studded Cast**: Features Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, and John Boyega in leading roles.
- **Dystopian Narrative**: Presents a chilling vision of a future where transparency is weaponized.
- **Mixed Critical Reception**: Despite its ambitious themes, the film received poor reviews, making it a case study in the challenges of adapting complex novels to film.
- **International Production**: A collaboration between American and French production companies (Playtone and EuropaCorp).
- **Cultural Relevance**: Reflects contemporary fears about social media, data privacy, and the influence of tech corporations.
- **Box Office Performance**: Earned $20.5 million worldwide on an $18 million budget, indicating moderate financial success despite critical pans.
- **Adaptation of a Bestselling Novel**: Based on Dave Eggers’ 2013 novel of the same name, which was a commercial and critical success.

## Body
### Overview and Synopsis
*The Circle* is a 2017 American science fiction thriller film directed by James Ponsoldt and based on the 2013 novel by Dave Eggers. The story centers on Mae Holland (Emma Watson), a young woman who secures a job at The Circle, a powerful and influential tech company that champions radical transparency and connectivity. As Mae becomes more entangled in the company’s culture, she discovers the dark consequences of its policies, which blur the lines between public and private life. The film explores themes of surveillance, corporate ethics, and the erosion of personal boundaries in the digital age.

### Production and Development
The film was produced by several companies, including:
- **Playtone**: An American film and television production company founded in 1998, known for projects like *Band of Brothers* and *The Pacific*.
- **EuropaCorp**: A French film production company established in 2000, founded by Luc Besson, known for films like *Lucy* and *Taken*.
- **Likely Story**: An American production company involved in films such as *The Squid and the Whale*.
- **Image Nation**: A production company based in Abu Dhabi, known for co-producing international films.

The film’s budget was approximately $18 million USD, and it grossed $20.5 million worldwide. Despite its modest financial success, it received largely negative reviews from critics, who praised its timely themes but criticized its execution and pacing.

### Cast and Characters
The film features a high-profile cast:
- **Emma Watson** as Mae Holland, the protagonist who joins The Circle and becomes a key figure in its transparency initiatives.
- **Tom Hanks** as Eamon Bailey, the charismatic co-founder of The Circle who promotes the company’s vision of a fully transparent society.
- **John Boyega** as Kalden, a mysterious figure within The Circle who challenges Mae’s beliefs.
- **Karen Gillan** as Annie Allerton, Mae’s friend and mentor at The Circle.
- **Ellar Coltrane** as Mercer, Mae’s ex-boyfriend who represents the resistance to The Circle’s ideals.
- **Patton Oswalt** as Tom Stenton, another co-founder of The Circle with a more ruthless approach to achieving the company’s goals.

### Themes and Cultural Impact
*The Circle* delves into several critical themes:
- **Privacy vs. Transparency**: The film questions the ethical implications of a society where privacy is sacrificed for transparency, reflecting real-world debates about data surveillance and social media.
- **Corporate Power**: It critiques the influence of tech giants and their ability to shape societal norms and individual behaviors.
- **Digital Ethics**: The narrative raises concerns about the moral responsibilities of technology companies and the potential misuse of personal data.
- **Human Connectivity**: The film explores the paradox of hyper-connectivity leading to isolation and loss of authenticity.

These themes resonate strongly in the modern era, where issues of data privacy, corporate responsibility, and the impact of social media are increasingly relevant. The film serves as a cautionary tale, prompting audiences to reflect on the consequences of unchecked technological advancement.

### Release and Reception
*The Circle* was released in the United States on April 28, 2017, with additional release dates in other regions, including May 25, 2017, and September 7, 2017. The film was distributed by STX Entertainment and EuropaCorp.

Critical reception was overwhelmingly negative. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 15% approval rating, while Metacritic gave it a score of 43/100. Critics praised the film’s timely themes but found fault with its execution, pacing, and lack of depth in exploring its dystopian concepts. Despite its flaws, the film’s themes remain highly relevant, contributing to ongoing discussions about technology and society.

### Related Entities and Connections
*The Circle* is connected to several notable entities in the film industry:
- **Science Fiction Film**: The film belongs to the science fiction genre, which explores speculative and futuristic concepts.
- **Thriller Film**: It is also classified as a thriller, evoking excitement and suspense.
- **Drama Film**: The narrative includes dramatic elements, focusing on character development and emotional conflict.
- **Playtone**: The American production company behind the film, known for its work in both film and television.
- **EuropaCorp**: The French production company that co-produced the film, adding an international dimension to its production.

### Technical Details and Identifiers
The film has several technical identifiers and properties:
- **IMDb ID**: tt4287320
- **Wikidata ID**: Q27131943
- **Runtime**: 110 minutes
- **Budget**: $18 million USD
- **Box Office Revenue**: $20.5 million USD
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 15%
- **Metacritic Score**: 43/100
- **IMDb Rating**: 4.2/10
- **Aliases**: Circle
- **Hashtag**: #TheCircle
- **Social Media Handles**: @WeAreTheCircle (Twitter, Instagram)

### Legacy and Influence
Despite its mixed reception, *The Circle* has contributed to broader cultural conversations about technology, privacy, and corporate power. Its themes align with growing concerns about data surveillance, social media influence, and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies. The film’s adaptation of Dave Eggers’ novel has also brought renewed attention to the source material, which continues to be discussed in academic and literary circles.

### Conclusion
*The Circle* is a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical dilemmas posed by modern technology. While its critical reception was lackluster, the film’s themes remain highly relevant, making it a valuable contribution to discussions about privacy, surveillance, and corporate influence in the digital age. Its star-studded cast, international production, and timely narrative ensure its place in contemporary science fiction cinema.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4287320/)
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