This is an exceptional film both in content and in form.Talking about class in America is hard. The very real role of top-down hierarchies that we all necessarily cooperate with and participate in is one that is usually shrouded in confusion (even that it exists) and to speak openly about it runs the risk of being judged subversive."The American Ruling Class" not only directly addresses the issue of elites in a "democracy", but also gets many of the leaders of the "ruling class" to talk about it as well (how did the filmmakers do that?). Usually a documentary on "class issues" is either a bombastic piece decrying the sins of the rich or is a clinical sociological exercise. "The American Ruling Class" is neither. It uses a fictional story of two recent Yale graduates who are trying to figure out what they are to do with their lives as a means to carry out a series of very real encounters and interviews with some of the leaders of American government, finance, philanthropy, and business. The "students" ask, "Is there a ruling class in America? And if so, what would I need to do if I wanted to become part of it?" They get some very revealing answers.The uncomfortable edge of talking about class is muted by the fact that this film is genuinely entertaining. There are visual jokes and some nice songs that pop up just when things start to get over-serious. Rich, elite people are never presented as simple caricatures; they are shown as real people who care about America and are dedicated to keeping themselves and this country privileged.I recommend this film as a way of introducing issues of class to friends and neighbors whether they are liberal or conservative. It is a good starting point for deeper discussions and you may find that those folks you thought were opposites on almost every political issue can find some common ground here.

There are very few movies that warrant the blowing of me away. Enough about me.At first glance, this movie might appear a bit erudite. Go right ahead and move past that - if you listen carefully, you will hear scintillating brilliance and dry urbane wit that rivals Monty Python's Quest for Holy Grail.Of course this is not a comedy. But sometimes, dry can be humorful in an incredulous, eye-opening sort of way.One of the things that absolutely floored me is how revealing this movie is. You will see people who are the real deal (extraordinary people from powerful places and top positions in the stratosphere of the global elite) say astounding, unbelievable things. And, they mean every word. It's mindblowing.Don't be surprised if you say to yourself, "Did I hear correctly?" "No, I couldn't have heard that - let me rewind..." "They're joking, right?" "This is a put on... isn't it?" "Are they impersonators? Dub-ins?" "Are they who they say they are?" "How did the movie director get them into this movie?" "Astounding!" "I can't believe it!" Your head will swivel. You will definitely have to watch this movie over and over again to savor every enlightening moment, every little zinging nuance.One reason is, because, there's so much depth amongst the flashes of light and dark. It's mesmerizing. Small, simple little phrases here and there that have the weight of dark matter.There's this quote from Voltaire - look for it. It's extraordinarily timely, considering today's economic climate... It involves "corporatism." One beauty of this movie is that it allows you to draw your own conclusions. It provides information. You provide the thinking. The Acting and Actors... Great acting by two student actors who play Yale grads. One of the actors is actually a Harvard grad - how funny is that? You KNOW there was a dig in there, some way...Another student actor was from Princeton, another, Stanford. I wonder if any were from... Yale. After all, we're talking about the political, affluent, power elite... would any Yalie participate in this most delightful movie? Other ways this movie rrrocks...The script is perfection, the acting, superb, actors, well chosen, the music, most excellent, and the actual real people who played themselves - stupendous.The movie opens with a with a surreal exaggeration of an Ivy Leaguey gathering in the garden. The stage is set with verbal poetry in motion. It's like pastel vellummy old paper, crispy and faded at the corners. Dry. Jaded. Ennui'd. Just the right touches to take the Ivy League theme a touch over the top, and yet not.And the soundtrack and music... worth putting on in the background while you're studying or working. You know how classical music increases work production? The music in this movie does that for me even though it's not classical.This movie is a MUST HAVE as you will most definitely want to watch it over and over again. You'll see things you totally missed, every time. This movie is... aBUNdant. Overflowing with meaning and discovery.If there ever was a movie for a lifetime, this is it. Also check out Half Moon Street with Sigourney Weaver.I hope I'm allowed to say that!

This was entertaining, educational & humorous. Well done and highly recommended to people who still believe that there is more to life than the love of "the green". The world is in the motion of changing and our awareness levels as a global economy are heightened. It was a refreshing look at the new and upcoming and how perception can be so misguided. Traditional values are important, money holds value but people do count and there is enough to go around for everyone. Balance is the key, give back to move ahead. Empirarcal hierarchy is on a down slide and this movie did an excellent job demonstrating what the average working folk experience. Abolish exploitation and enhance the quality of life for people who put the "elbow grease" into an honest days work.

An awesome doc , movie, musical. this director John Kirby is amazing! I think it was a good look at how to use the system to change it from with in the system. Using rich well to do and exposing them to rich thought and questioning instead of blinder ridden ambition.Bless This guy he will go far.Loads of Famous folks and great musical numbers! GO JOHN KIRBYI think it is an amazing look at the future of America. The essence of thought will open ambition lust and brass ring front runners into thinking men.RENT IT BUY IT SEE IT.LEWIS LAPHAM is so amazing.