Movie #123 Collapse *2009*

Michael Ruppert - Himself
Chris Smith (Director)

Whistle Blower, Alarmist, Prophet, Lunatic, Antagonist.  These are all names that the subject of the documentary Collapse have been called in the press.  Michael Ruppert is the creator of the newsletter From the Wilderness, a publication with intentions of exposing the "truth" behind government activities.  Especially those that have an air of conspiracy to them.  The articles in the newsletter have had subjects like:

• The CIA dealing drugs in the United States
• The federal government covering up activities in Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia
• Global warming in regards to cooperate knowledge and encouragement

The films centers on a very interesting subject that I knew little to nothing about.  Peak Oil.  Peak Oil is the point where oil manufacturing has reached it's peak.  Oil is a finite substance.  There is only so much to refine.  Ruppert is claiming that we have passed the 50% mark.  We are now producing oil at a rate faster than ever in order to keep up with our consumption.  Eventually we will run out of oil and Ruppert claims that there is nothing in place anywhere on earth to supplement this.

The doc did an excellent job of conveying the message of just how much we depend on oil.  At this very moment I am typing this blog on a plastic keyboard that contains oil.  If this is printed, the ink has oil.  Cars, tires, tractors, planes, plastics, any lubricants, almost everything that we use in a day has some natural oil or natural gas.

The doc only features Ruppert and he fills the running time with his rants and prophecies.  I found him to be an extremely fascinating character.  One thing I like about the doc is that is allows Ruppert all the rope he needs to hang himself.  He is an arrogant, self important figure.  His sarcasm and "I told you so" attitude allows for several uncomfortable moments.

To go along with the oil issue, the film touches on topics like over population, the financial collapse, mass agriculture and consumerism.  I enjoyed listening to Mr Ruppert, even if he seemed at times like chicken little.  If he is incorrect about the topic addressed, he provided me with food for thought.  If he is correct we all need to begin building bomb shelters and collecting organic seeds and shotgun shells.  This movie is availible via Netflix Watch Instant.  I gave the film ★★★.  Check out the Trailer Park to see for yourself.