Watch Maxed Out

Maxed Out is an eye-opening and hard-hitting documentary that exposes the dark side of America's obsession with credit and debt. Released in 2006, the film is directed by James Scurlock and features interviews with real people who have fallen victim to the predatory practices of the credit industry. The film is narrated by comedian Louis C.K. and features music by celebrated composer Jeff Danna.

The film opens with a montage of images that illustrate the ubiquity of credit in American society. We see people shopping with credit cards, filling out loan applications, and swiping their cards at gas stations and convenience stores. The narrator tells us that "credit is the lifeblood of the American economy," and that the average American household carries over $8,000 in credit card debt.

The film then takes us on a journey through the world of credit, starting with the history of credit in America. We learn that credit used to be a rare commodity, but that it became more widely available in the 20th century as banks discovered that they could make more money by lending to people than by investing in businesses. We see how credit cards were invented and how they became one of the most profitable products for banks.

The film then introduces us to a cast of characters, including a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet, a couple who are battling to keep their home from being foreclosed, and a debt collector who takes pride in his ability to intimidate debtors into paying. We learn about the tactics that credit card companies use to lure people into debt, including high interest rates, hidden fees, and deceptive marketing practices.

The film also explores the dark side of the debt collection industry. We meet people who have been harassed and threatened by debt collectors, and we see how some collectors resort to illegal and abusive tactics to get people to pay up. We learn that debt collectors are often paid on commission, which gives them a financial incentive to be aggressive and intimidating.

Throughout the film, the narrator and various experts offer commentary on the state of the American economy and the role that credit and debt play in it. We learn about the subprime mortgage crisis that was unfolding in 2006, which was caused by banks lending money to people who couldn't afford to pay it back. We also learn about the growing income inequality in America, and how the credit industry is exacerbating this problem by preying on the poor and working class.

Despite the grim subject matter, the film manages to be both informative and entertaining. The narrator's witty commentary adds a touch of humor to the proceedings, while the interviews with real people humanize the issue of debt and make it more relatable. The film's use of music is also noteworthy, with composer Jeff Danna providing a haunting and evocative score that underscores the film's message.

In conclusion, Maxed Out is a powerful and compelling documentary that shines a light on the dark underbelly of America's credit and debt industry. It is a sobering reminder of the perils of living beyond one's means, and of the need for greater regulation and oversight of the credit industry. The film's message is as relevant today as it was in 2006, and it is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the true cost of America's love affair with debt.

Maxed Out is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 65.