The Machine That Made Us

The invention of the printing press was revolutionary in its time and remains one of the hallmarks of human achievement. With the printing press and the introduction of the printed word, the landscape of history was forever changed, and it continues to have a profound effect on our lives even today. The Machine That Made Us tells the story of that invention and its creator, Johann Gutenberg, an extraordinary genius and pioneer who faced considerable obstacles during a period of history fraught with political corruption and major religious conflict.

Narrated by and starring English comedian Stephen Fry, the film recreates the turbulent political and religious climate of the 15th century and examines the problems faced by Gutenberg. Fry attempts to build a copy of the machine in an effort to demonstrate the monumental accomplishment that was, and still is, The Machine That Made Us.