Obsolete

Obsolete is a 2016 thought-provoking documentary film directed by Aaron and Melissa Dykes that analyzes the socio-economic consequences of rapid technological advancements on manual labor as well as the working class in contemporary society. With Aaron Dykes, Joe Joseph, and Melissa Dykes lending their knowledgeable perspectives, the film raises questions about the nature of progress, automation's impact on society, and how it redefines the very essence of work and life.

The film primarily focuses on how technological advancements in various fields, like robotics, information technology, and artificial intelligence, have been replacing manual labor across various sectors. It's not only a technical film but also delves deep into the social and economic implications of these changes. It explores the meaning of work and employment in contemporary society, while questioning the paradox of progress and its possible harmful effects on human beings' very existence.

Aaron Dykes, a well-regarded researcher and radio host, and Melissa Dykes, a longtime investigative journalist, play themselves in the film. They deploy their deep understanding of the subject matter to provide insights and root the film in facts and grounded hypotheses, avoiding any slide into sensationalism. Joe Joseph, another investigative journalist and radio host, also lends his trenchant analysis to the documentary. The trio makes the narrative intriguing and informative, maintaining the viewers' engagement throughout its run.

The documentary follows a balanced approach in outlining the impact of automated technology on various sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, retail services to create a comprehensive picture of the "obsolete" nature of much of human work in the face of technological advancements. It is an examination of increasing productivity coupled with decreasing employment, laying bare the clashes between technology and human resources that often go unnoticed.

Obsolete stands out in its genre by diverging from most documentaries' standard format. It diligently avoids over-dramatization and alarmist rhetoric. Instead, it focuses on factual analysis and offers a steady stream of researched data and expert insights. The use of compelling narration, interviews, and archival footage adds depth and perspective, giving the film a unique cinematic quality. At the same time, a realistic and pragmatic tone is maintained to preserve the authenticity of the subject matter.

The film does a great job explaining various concepts related to automation. For instance, it delves into the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI), positing it as a potential solution to the issues raised by automation. However, rather than providing a definitive answer, it poses this as an open question, urging viewers to explore further and form their own conclusions.

Despite dealing with a complex issue, Obsolete manages to maintain an accessible narrative that doesn't require its audience to be technological experts. The film's success lies in its ability to inform and provoke thought, holding a mirror to society while offering a road map to navigate the future in an era of accelerated technological growth. The film encourages viewers to question the purpose of technological advancement and whether it indeed contributes to human progress or precipitates an erosion of human worth and resources.

All in all, Obsolete is a compelling exploration of our society's increasing reliance on technology and its effects on traditional employment models. It is not just about the grim reminder of the problems we might face in the future stemming from rapid automation; it's also about the potential solutions and alternative paths we could take to ensure a future where technology and human lives coexist in harmony and equity. The film's mixture of a powerful narrative, compelling visuals, and thought-provoking questions make it a must-watch for those interested in the intersection of technology, society, and the future of work.