The American Ruling Class

This film is a must see for recent college grads or really anyone trying to figure out their place in this world. This film is truly a marvel...not only does it transcend neat classifications, "documentary," "drama," "musical" (of which it is all three) it elevates the subject matter-what are the social responsibilities and realities for those to whom much is given?- to a call for a generation to re-examine their blind ambition and think of the world their actions are creating. This film grapples, as many of us do, with the trade-offs between doing the things you love or that will benefits those around you, and ascending the ladder of success and fortune.

What is truly remarkable about this film is how effectively it uses satire to drive home its point. It resists condescension and engages the audience as intelligent, thinking beings. (finally!) A tour of affluence and influence in America, it sports a cast of very interesting and accomplished people. The "actors" - in a Q&A with the director we learned that the kids were not trained actors but actually recent Harvard and Princeton grads - delivered honest performances. Not to mention the fact that Lewis Lapham is a riot. I would be remiss if I failed to mention that there is stunning fusion of the message of the film with the film's musical numbers.

Well done, original and powerful.

Lapham narrates and guides two young investment banker wannabees through a post-modernist adventure into the private lives and thoughts of some of the America's most interesting and powerful people. If the information that Lapham attempts to distill from this powerful and effective documentary could be related to more people, perhaps the country would be in better shape. The movie is at times sad and frustrating-the nickel and dime singin' working class dignity is a poignant revelation- but overall it is a vision of hope for the future. I am not familiar with Mr. Lapham's political inclinations, but the film achieves a remarkable milestone, clearly identifying problems in contemporary America without assigning blame. The whole thing reminded me of Barak Obama's winning attitude and the hope of an intelligent and bi-partisan, or at least meritocratic solution to the world's toughest problems. The film suffers from a bit too much cuteness, but I have never seen such efficient use interviews with people that really matter. If you are interested in politics,history, or just care a lot about humanity, this is essential viewing.

This is an exceptional film both in content and in form.

Talking about class in America is hard. The very real role of top-down hierarchies that we all necessarily cooperate with and participate in is one that is usually shrouded in confusion (even that it exists) and to speak openly about it runs the risk of being judged subversive.

"The American Ruling Class" not only directly addresses the issue of elites in a "democracy", but also gets many of the leaders of the "ruling class" to talk about it as well (how did the filmmakers do that?). Usually a documentary on "class issues" is either a bombastic piece decrying the sins of the rich or is a clinical sociological exercise. "The American Ruling Class" is neither. It uses a fictional story of two recent Yale graduates who are trying to figure out what they are to do with their lives as a means to carry out a series of very real encounters and interviews with some of the leaders of American government, finance, philanthropy, and business. The "students" ask, "Is there a ruling class in America? And if so, what would I need to do if I wanted to become part of it?" They get some very revealing answers.

The uncomfortable edge of talking about class is muted by the fact that this film is genuinely entertaining. There are visual jokes and some nice songs that pop up just when things start to get over-serious. Rich, elite people are never presented as simple caricatures; they are shown as real people who care about America and are dedicated to keeping themselves and this country privileged.

I recommend this film as a way of introducing issues of class to friends and neighbors whether they are liberal or conservative. It is a good starting point for deeper discussions and you may find that those folks you thought were opposites on almost every political issue can find some common ground here.

This was entertaining, educational & humorous. Well done and highly recommended to people who still believe that there is more to life than the love of "the green". The world is in the motion of changing and our awareness levels as a global economy are heightened. It was a refreshing look at the new and upcoming and how perception can be so misguided. Traditional values are important, money holds value but people do count and there is enough to go around for everyone. Balance is the key, give back to move ahead. Empirarcal hierarchy is on a down slide and this movie did an excellent job demonstrating what the average working folk experience. Abolish exploitation and enhance the quality of life for people who put the "elbow grease" into an honest days work.

You must see American Ruling Class. Kids applying to college,college students and parents don't miss American Ruling Class. Kids about to graduate from college wondering about the job market- don't miss it. Lewis Lapham is sensational- his friends fantastic. Please see this movie- I have seen it three times!! High schools should show this film to their students! Guidance counselors and teachers should watch this film. This film is a must see for kids entering the finance power track too. I wonder if they will do American Ruling Class part 2? By the way students applying to schools or entering the finance world from overseas should not miss this film- quite an education for them too. Absolutely entertaining!!!