The One Percent

The One Percent, released in 2006, is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary that delves into the lives of America's wealthiest elite, the top one-percent who hold more wealth than the bottom 90 percent of the population. Directed by Jamie Johnson, an heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune, this film provides no-holds-barred access to a world that most of us can only imagine.

The film stars Nicole Buffet, granddaughter of the influential investor Warren Buffet, Chuck Collins, an author and inequality expert, and Steve Forbes, a wealthy publishing executive and two-time Republican Presidential candidate. Each offers contrasting viewpoints and personal anecdotes that contribute to the nuanced narrative of this provocative documentary.

Johnson, the director and narrator, represents the perspective of a billionaire-in-waiting, who is beginning to grapple with the moral implications of his wealth. He admits his privileged background and expresses discomfort with the wealth inequality that gives him significant advantages. This film is notably Johnson’s second venture into the exploration of wealth after the critically acclaimed “Born Rich”.

Nicole Buffet gets candid about her experiences with wealth, and how it impacts relationships and personal identity. In a rare and intimate insight, she discusses her grandparents’ philosophy on money, and shares her own struggles with the expectations and realities tied to her family’s wealth.

Chuck Collins, another heir who decided to give away his inheritance, steps in as an advocate for greater economic equality. Having dedicated his life to studying and combating income disparity, Collins provides a thorough analysis of the economic systems that perpetuate wealth accumulation in just one percent of the population.

Steve Forbes presents a stark contrast to Johnson and Collins. As a staunch defender of capitalism and economic conservatism, Forbes believes that wealth is a result of hard work and investment. He argues that wealth isn’t necessarily intrinsically bad and doesn’t see the current system as flawed, but rather as an avenue for economic growth and opportunity.

While the film primarily focuses on the viewpoints of the super-rich, it also portrays the employees who cater to their whims and needs, thus providing a broader perspective on the impacts of wealth inequality. Johnson interviews various staff members from his family's numerous estates, including the housekeepers, gardener, and security personnel. Their testimonies, often heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, invite viewers to evaluate the stark divide between the super rich and the average worker.

The One Percent strongly draws on the age-old debate – who deserves to be wealthy and why. It explores the complex imagined boundaries of class, wealth, privilege, and inequality. Importantly, the movie doesn’t just state the facts about income inequality; it teases out its hidden dimensions, analyses its structural causes and goes to great lengths to elicit its social consequences, all while focusing on individuals who embody various aspects of this economic divide.

Unlike traditional documentaries filled with statistics and graphs, The One Percent is teeming with personal experiences and perspectives, thereby raising fundamental questions about justice, privilege, and the American Dream.

The film is a fascinating watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of wealth distribution and the lives of America's wealthiest citizens. It aims to educate viewers about the dynamics of wealth inequality, engender empathy, and provoke thoughtful discourse on fostering more equitable economic structures.

Overall, The One Percent is an intimately revealing documentary that cuts deep into the heart of American wealth. This film is not just about the wealthy; it is about all those who make up the fabric of American society. It challenges preconceived ideas and encourages dialogue, making it an essential viewing for those interested in the societal implications of wealth disparity and the ever-growing wealth gap.