Review: Collapse DVD

STUDIO: Film Buff/MPI | DIRECTOR: Chris Smith
RELEASE DATE: 6/15/2010 | PRICE: DVD $19.98
BONUSES: additional interviews with Michael Ruppert, updates
SPECS: NR | 80 min. | Documentary | 1.85:1 widescreen | stereo

RATINGS (out of 5): Movie | Audio | Video | Overall

Filmmaker Chris Smith (American Movie, The Yes Men) began this documentary by filming former LAPD officer and investigative journalist Michael Ruppert on the topic of the CIA’s involvement in drug smuggling in the ’80s. Collapse, however, subsequently became focused on Ruppert’s eerily correct predictions concerning peak oil, the current financial crisis and the bursting of the real estate and credit bubbles.

In straightforward, clear terms, Ruppert explains how the world has reached peak oil and predicts an inevitable oil shortage. (All of which is particularly timely with the BP oil spill crisis!) He also discusses the world’s unhealthy dependence on petroleum and the limitations of alternative sources of energy—everything from ethanol to coal and nuclear energy. Ruppert also delves into the financial crisis and explains such lingo as “fiat currency” and “fractional reserve banking” in a concise, easy-to-understand way. “It’s not that Bernie Madoff is a pyramid scheme. The whole economy is a pyramid scheme,” he states matter of factly.

For those concerned about a political angle, Collapse doesn’t lean left or right—Ruppert believes “conservatives” and “liberals” are artificial constructs—but rather, the film sounds the warning bell on where the world is headed and what we can do to prepare for an impending collapse. This is grim, disturbing stuff, and you wish you could dismiss it if only Ruppert’s arguments didn’t sound so probable.

For those who want more, the DVD special features has updates.

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