Collapse

In this provoking documentary, filmmaker Smith focuses on the economic collapse theories of journalist and author Michael Ruppert (Confronting Collapse, 2009). Smith allows a passionate Ruppert to address the camera directly, with occasional questioning and intercut illustrative archival footage. Ruppert draws together various threads to argue that oil production has reached its peak and that with no satisfactory alternatives available, energy will become a drag on a global economy dependent upon infinite growth, fiat money, and debt. He foresees continued financial crises and a difficult transition to a sustainable global population and standard of living. Ruppert makes various allegations about the U.S. government and is very blunt in his assessments, saying he has the "ability to separate the ice cream from the bullshit." In a 2010 update to the March 2009 film, Ruppert comments on subsequent events. Viewers may dismiss Ruppert as a fear monger or see him as a prophet. Regardless, this film is highly recommended for a wide audience for its power to challenge conventional policy assumptions.—Lawrence R. Maxted, Gannon Univ. Lib., Erie, PA