COLLAPSE (2009)

The documentary film Collapse (2009) is an exploration of the theories and writings of Michael Ruppert, a controversial author and former LAPD narcotics officer. Directed by Chris Smith, the film is a 82-minute monologue featuring Ruppert, interspersed with archival footage.

Ruppert believes that the world is experiencing an ongoing collapse of modern industrial civilization due to unsustainable energy and financial policies. He argues that the peak oil crisis, economic instability, and environmental degradation are all interconnected symptoms of a larger collapse.

The filmmakers distilled Ruppert's interviews into a single, uninterrupted monologue, accompanied by archival footage that illustrates his points. This structure allows viewers to engage directly with Ruppert's ideas and opinions, without mediation or interpretation.

Collapse premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2009 to positive reviews. Critics praised the film's unique structure and Ruppert's engaging presence. Entertainment Weekly's Owen Gleiberman called it "one of the few true buzz films of the festival," noting that viewers may disagree with Ruppert's ideas but will be drawn in by his passion and conviction.

Collapse is a thought-provoking documentary that presents Michael Ruppert's radical ideas about the collapse of modern civilization. Through its unique structure and Ruppert's compelling presence, the film encourages viewers to engage with his theories and consider the implications for our world.