Perfect Bid: The Contestant Who Knew Too Much

Perfect Bid: The Contestant Who Knew Too Much, released in 2017, is a gripping documentary that offers a unique perspective into the television game show industry, unraveling an intriguing narrative that keeps the audience hooked till the end. The plot revolves around Theodore Slauson, an avid fan of the popular American TV show, The Price is Right, catching the highs and lows of his colorful journey, to reveal the real-life drama behind television's cheerful game screen.

Directed by CJ Wallis, the film dives into the world of Theodore Slauson, a math teacher from Texas who never missed an episode of the longest running TV game show, The Price is Right. Slauson's childhood love for the program translated into a lifelong obsession through which he became an expert of the show, committing every product and its price to memory, amounting to around, but not limited to, over 30 years of data.

The film magnificently humanizes Slauson, intricately demonstrating his love for the mathematics, critical thinking and competitive spirit that The Price is Right brings out in him. His mathematical prowess and meticulous note-keeping leads him to gradually establish control over what appears like a game of chance to average viewers. His obsession extends not just to playing the game, but further to maintaining extensive records over the years on product prices and betting strategies, showcasing his mental agility as a math whizz.

The documentary also features interviews with the show’s long-term producer Roger Dobkowitz and the iconic host Bob Barker who lend insight into the mechanics and history of the show. The titbits shared by Barker and Dobkowitz add depth and context to Slauson's journey, indirectly highlighting how the show’s production team initially viewed him. They paint a humorous yet poignant picture of the show's backstage drama and overlooked details.

Perfect Bid: The Contestant Who Knew Too Much is not merely a story about a game show’s most ardent fan, but it delves deeper, conveying the nuances of the journey and passion of an outlier. This documentary exposes the irony of a game show scandal where no rules were broken and no standards were compromised, yet causing massive upset and considerations. The film uses Slauson's journey as a lens to scrutinize the impact of human perseverance and insight on a game viewed by millions as a simple chance of luck.

The film is an intriguing exploration of how a simple fascination can take an unexpected turn, shaking an institution to its core. While every fan dreams of getting a chance to participate in their favorite show, Slauson makes this dream come true multiple times, emerging as an unforgettable figure in the history of The Price Is Right.

One of the high points of the film is how effectively it underscores Slauson's dedication and intelligence without demonizing him. His skill in memorizing statistics is awe-inspiring yet chilling, and his ability to become a statistical anomaly in a game of chance is a testament to his genius.

However, the narrative is not all roses and cheers; it subtly brings into question the idea of fairness. Does having a good memory and a capability to crunch numbers qualify as an unfair advantage in a game that is designed around guessing prices? The movie raises these tough moral and ethical concerns, prompting intellectual debates around game show standards, luck, and skill.

The movie isn’t just a thrilling roller-coaster ride through Slauson's unforgettable exploits on the show; it's an engrossing examination of one man's genius against the backdrop of one of the world’s most-watched television programs.

Featuring interview and testimonies from key figures in the game show’s history, Perfect Bid: The Contestant Who Knew Too Much narrates an engaging story about an unlikely game show hero whose unparalleled dedication to a TV program continues to boggle minds and stir discussions. The film is a feast for fans of The Price Is Right, and a must-watch for those seeking an inside look at the enigma that is Theodore Slauson, revealing just how much a contestant knew.