Collapse (2009)

Collapse is a documentary film about Michael Ruppert (1951-2014), who was a social activist and a political dissident. Here is some basic information about this film which premiered in 2009:

** Director: Chris Smith

** Editor: Barry Poltermann

** Inspired by Michael Ruppert’s book A Presidential Energy Policy (2009)

** Available on DVD and via Amazon Prime Video

** Run time: 82 minutes

The only person interviewed in this film is Michael Ruppert. What is the topic? He talks about US domestic policy and US foreign policy. The focus is on the police, the FBI and the CIA. The focus is often on the energy crisis of 1973, on the economic crisis of 2008, and on global energy policy.

Sometimes the director Chris Smith will interrupt him and ask him: “Who are you? Why should we trust you? Why should we believe anything you say?”

When this happens, Michael Ruppert will offer some background information about himself. He is a citizen of the US. He was a police officer in Los Angeles for five years (1973-1978). Since then he has been a social activist and a political dissident. He has published a newsletter and broadcast a radio program. In addition, he is the author of several books.

The interview takes place in a big room which looks like an empty warehouse. From time to time old photos and old clips are shown. But most of the time we see and hear only Michael Ruppert. It is strange. Strangely captivating.

What do reviewers say about this film? Here are the results of three review aggregators:

** 71 per cent = Meta

** 78 per cent = IMDb

** 83 per cent = Rotten Tomatoes

The famous movie critic Roger Ebert (1943-2013), who was not easily impressed, was impressed with this film. He offered 4 of 4 stars, i.e. a rating of 100 per cent.

Owen Gleiberman reviewed the film in Entertainment Weekly. Here is a quote from his review:

“You may want to dispute [what Michael Ruppert says], but more than that, you’ll want to hear him, because what he says – right or wrong, prophecy or paranoia – takes up residence in your mind.”

As you can see, the average ratings are quite good, and some reviewers go higher than the average. They go all the way to the top.

I understand why. There is something fascinating about this person. Whether you agree with him or not, you will want to listen to him and hear what he has to say.

This film – which is based on several long interviews – becomes even more significant when we realize that Michael Ruppert is no longer alive. He took his own life in 2014. This film remains a fine tribute to him and the role he played for many years as a social activist and a political dissident.

*****