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Deep Dive: Countdown to Zero (2010)

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Countdown to Zero
Countdown to Zero is a documentary film directed by Lucy Walker that argues the risk of nuclear weapon use has increased since the Cold War due to factors like terrorism and nuclear proliferation. The film features interviews with prominent figures such as Tony Blair, Jimmy Carter, and Mikhail Gorbachev, who discuss the current state of nuclear arsenals and the need for disarmament. The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in 2010 and was later screened at Cannes. It includes a musical score by Peter Golub and a contribution from Pearl Jam. The film's closing credits provide a phone number for viewers to text in support of nuclear disarmament, emphasizing the urgency of the issue.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Tony Blair and Jimmy Carter discussing nuclear threats.
  • •Find out about the role of nuclear proliferation in modern terrorism.
  • •See how the film connects to Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth.

Did You Know

•The film features interviews with over 84 people, including Robert McNamara.
•Countdown to Zero premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2010.
•The film was initially set for U.S. release on July 9, 2010, but changed to July 23.
•Gary Oldman narrated the film's prologue.

Perfect For

Nuclear disarmament advocatesPolitical documentary fansCold War history enthusiasts