Watch The Flaw

The Flaw is a documentary film directed by David Sington and released in 2011. The movie focuses on the root causes of the 2008 financial crisis, examining the societal and cultural factors that contributed to the disaster. The film features interviews with several prominent economists, journalists, and academics, including Robert Shiller, Louis Hyman, and Andrew Luan. The interviews are combined with animated scenes, news clips, and historical footage to provide a nuanced and engaging exploration of the crisis.

The Flaw argues that the 2008 financial crisis was not simply the result of a few bad actors, but rather a symptom of deeper systemic issues in the American economy. The film identifies several contributing factors, including the rise of consumer debt, the proliferation of complex financial instruments, and the deregulation of the financial industry.

One of the key themes of the film is the idea that the crisis was driven by a fundamental misunderstanding of risk. The film argues that financial institutions relied too heavily on computer models and mathematical equations to assess risk, rather than taking a more human-centered approach. This led to a situation in which the risks of certain investments were dramatically underestimated, setting the stage for the collapse of the housing market and the subsequent financial meltdown.

The film also explores the cultural and psychological factors that contributed to the crisis. For instance, it looks at the rise of the so-called "get-rich-quick" mentality, which encouraged people to take out increasingly risky loans in pursuit of short-term gains. It also examines the role of media in promoting a culture of consumerism and debt.

Overall, The Flaw is an informative and thought-provoking film that offers a compelling analysis of the 2008 financial crisis. Rather than simply blaming a few individuals or institutions, the film seeks to explore the deeper structural factors that contributed to the disaster. It does so in a way that is both engaging and accessible, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand one of the most significant financial events of the past few decades.

The film has been praised for its clear and concise presentation of complex economic concepts, as well as its ability to humanize the crisis by highlighting the stories of ordinary people who were impacted by it. It also offers a sobering reminder of the long-lasting impacts of the crisis, both in terms of the economic damage that was done and the social and political consequences that continue to be felt today.

Overall, The Flaw is a must-see film for anyone interested in understanding the root causes of the 2008 financial crisis. Through its insightful analysis and engaging presentation, it offers a valuable and thought-provoking perspective on one of the most significant events of our time.

The Flaw is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.