Inequality for All

Plot summary

In the wake of the 2007–08 financial crisis and the rise of the Occupy movement, the issue of income inequality has gained public awareness. Over the last thirty years, before the latest recession, the U.S. economy doubled. But, according to this documentary, these gains went to a very few: the top 1% of earners now take in more than 20% of all income—three times what they did in 1970. Inequality is even more extreme at the very top. The 400 richest Americans now own more wealth than the bottom 150 million combined. While this level of inequality poses a serious risk to all Americans, regardless of income level, much of the rhetoric on this subject has been fueled by anger and resentment from a frustrated middle class who feel their birthright—the American Dream—has been taken away from them.

Robert Reich, author, professor at the University of California, Berkeley, official in three administrations, including United States Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton, narrates the film. Reich is a thinker on the topic of inequality, having spoken on the subject for nearly three decades.

Structurally, the film is organized around a central "spine", in which Reich speaks directly to the audience about key economic topics. As Reich elaborates on each sub-topic, the film cuts to newly shot footage of real people and real lives, as well as archival footage and experts that address the points of his lecture. Throughout the film are graphics that expound upon statistical data.

Reception

The film received a rating of 90% on Rottentomatoes, counting 62 reviews.

Carole Cadwalladr wrote in The Guardian: "A really astonishingly good movie that takes some big economic ideas and how these relate to the quality of everyday life as lived by most ordinary people". Peter Rainer of The Christian Science Monitor called the film a "compelling class lecture".

About the filmmakers

Jacob Kornbluth is the award-winning director of Sundance Film Festival selections Haiku Tunnel and The Best Thief in the World, and has been a fellow in the Sundance Screenwriting and Directing Labs, and a North American finalist for the Sundance/NHK New Filmmakers Award.

Jen Chaiken is an Emmy award-winning narrative and documentary producer with credits including HBO’s My Flesh and Blood and Naked States, Family Name, and Big Eden, and is also a principal partner of the independent film production company 72 Productions.

Sebastian Dungan began his career in film at Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros.-based Witt-Thomas Films and is an award-winning producer with such credits as Transamerica and Afternoon Delight (in post), and a principal partner of the independent film production company 72 Productions.