Watch The Notorious Mr. Bout

The Notorious Mr. Bout is a documentary film that delves into the life of Viktor Bout, a Russian entrepreneur and arms dealer who was considered by many to be the "Merchant of Death." Directed by Tony Gerber and Maxim Pozdorovkin, the film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and was later released on DVD and video on demand.

The film uses a combination of interviews, archival footage, and animation to tell the story of Bout's life and career. It begins with his childhood in the Soviet Union, where he grew up dreaming of becoming a pilot. We learn that he eventually achieved his goal and served in the Soviet Air Force for several years before starting his own aviation company. Despite his success as an entrepreneur, Bout was drawn to the world of arms dealing, and he soon became known for supplying weapons to conflict zones all over the world.

The filmmakers interview a wide range of people, including former business associates, members of the media, and law enforcement officials, in order to provide a detailed portrait of Bout's rise and fall. Some of the most compelling interviews come from Bout himself, who provides his own perspective on his life and actions. While he denies any involvement in illegal activities, he also acknowledges that he was aware that some of his clients were using his planes to transport weapons and other illicit goods.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it explores the complex geopolitical issues surrounding arms dealing. Bout's clients ranged from African warlords to the Taliban, and he was able to profit greatly from the chaos and violence that these conflicts created. The film shows how Bout's business was able to thrive in part because of the complicity of governments and the failure of international law to regulate the arms trade.

Another theme that emerges from the film is the idea of Bout as a global player. The filmmakers show how he was connected to a vast network of people and organizations, and how he was able to move seamlessly from one country to the next, often under false identities. They also document how he was able to evade law enforcement for years, using his wealth and connections to stay one step ahead of the authorities.

Despite the film's focus on Bout's life and business, it also provides a wider context for his activities. The filmmakers show how Bout's story is emblematic of larger issues related to corruption, conflict, and greed. They raise important questions about the role of the arms trade in perpetuating violence and suffering around the world, and about the responsibilities of governments and individuals in addressing these issues.

Overall, The Notorious Mr. Bout is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that provides a comprehensive look into the life of one of the world's most notorious arms dealers. It offers a nuanced and complex portrait of Bout, showing him not simply as a villain but as a complex and multifaceted figure. At the same time, it raises important questions about the larger issues that his story represents, and encourages its audience to think critically about the forces that shape our world.

The Notorious Mr. Bout is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.