Watch The One Percent

The documentary film The One Percent, released in 2006, offers a deep look at one of the most contentious issues of modern society: economic inequality. Featuring interviews with both noted academics and individuals who are on the front lines of addressing this issue, the film offers a clear and compelling argument that growing inequality is not only morally problematic but also threatens the very foundations of democracy.

At the center of the film is the idea that, in America, the gap between the top 1% and everyone else is widening at an alarming rate. According to figures cited in the film, the top 1% of Americans control more wealth than the bottom 90% of Americans combined. As a result, the film argues, there is an increasingly concentrated pool of resources that is leading to a stratified society where opportunities, political power, and even basic necessities like healthcare and education are becoming less accessible to average citizens.

To explore this topic in depth, the filmmakers interview a range of individuals from different backgrounds and viewpoints. These include economists like Chuck Collins, who argues that inequality is not only bad for society as a whole but also bad for the 1% themselves. According to Collins, a healthy democracy requires a robust middle class that can participate fully in civic life and share in the benefits of growth. When the middle class is hollowed out, as it is increasingly happening in America, the result can be a society that is more prone to instability.

Another interviewee is billionaire entrepreneur Steve Forbes. Although Forbes is part of the 1%, and thus a potential target of criticism, he actually makes the case that economic inequality is not always a problem. According to Forbes, if individuals have the freedom to strive for greater wealth through entrepreneurship and innovation, then a certain amount of inequality is to be expected. What is important is that the playing field is not tilted in favor of the wealthy, and that everyone has access to basic opportunities like education and healthcare.

The filmmakers also profile individuals who are directly impacted by inequality. For example, they speak with Nicole Buffet, the granddaughter of billionaire Warren Buffet. Despite her family's wealth, Nicole grew up feeling disconnected from her father, who was consumed by his business interests. Like many children of ultra-wealthy families, Nicole also struggled to find her own sense of purpose and direction in life.

In addition to these personal stories, the film also examines the policy implications of inequality. For example, the filmmakers argue that tax policies favoring the wealthy, like the carried interest loophole, have made it easier for the 1% to maintain control over resources. They also argue that the privatization of formerly public goods, like healthcare and education, exacerbates inequality by making these basic needs more expensive and less accessible.

Overall, The One Percent is a fascinating and thought-provoking examination of one of the most pressing issues of our time. By bringing together a range of voices and perspectives, the filmmakers offer a nuanced and complex view of this complex problem. Whether you are part of the 1%, part of the 99%, or somewhere in between, this film is sure to challenge your assumptions and spark lively debates about the future of American society.

The One Percent is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.