Collapse 2009

Americans are often eager to hear uplifting news, believing that a new president will amend past mistakes, that clean energy will overthrow polluting oil, and that innovative ideas will rejuvenate the economy. Generally, American commentators moderate their pessimism while hoping for brighter days ahead. Yet, is anyone truly ready to confront the worst?

Enter Michael Ruppert, a uniquely candid American. Formerly a police officer in Los Angeles, he transitioned into an independent journalist and made waves by forecasting the financial crisis through his self-published newsletter, From the Wilderness, at a time when many on Wall Street and in Washington were still in denial. Director Chris Smith, known for his insightful portrayals of outsiders in works like American Movie and The Yes Men, changes his approach in Collapse, opting for an interview format reminiscent of Errol Morris and Spalding Gray.

Within the confines of what looks like a bunker, Ruppert passionately narrates his experiences as a radical thinker while articulating the impending crises he perceives on the horizon. Utilizing the same news sources and data accessible to any Internet user, he offers a distinctive interpretation that sets him apart. His fervor particularly focuses on the concept of “peak oil,” a concern scientists have raised since the seventies regarding the eventual depletion of fossil fuels. Unlike other experts who engage in calm debates, Ruppert sounds a resounding alarm, painting a potentially apocalyptic future. As viewers absorb his rapid-fire opinions, they may waver in their perceptions, interpreting his rhetoric as either paranoid or disturbingly insightful. Notably, Smith allows the audience to draw their own conclusions.

Collapse also paints a vivid portrait of a solitary figure. Throughout the years, Ruppert has maintained steadfast loyalty to his convictions, often facing harsh opposition. He openly discusses the sacrifices he has made and the motivations that drive him. While other analysts dissect the intricate details of the economic turmoil, Ruppert posits that it signifies nothing less than the impending collapse of industrial civilization itself.