Two Yale graduates, Jack Bellami and Mike Vanzetti, navigate contrasting career paths while exploring the influence of wealth and power in American society.
Synopsis
Two Yale graduates, Jack Bellami and Mike Vanzetti, navigate contrasting career paths while exploring the influence of wealth and power in American society.
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Synopsis
Lewis Lapham, editor of Harper's Magazine, poses a critical question: does America have a ruling class? The film follows two Yale graduates, Jack Bellami and Mike Vanzetti, as they navigate their post-college lives. Jack, from a wealthy background, chooses a career in banking at Goldman Sachs, while Mike, from a middle-class family, pursues writing. Through their contrasting paths, the documentary features interviews with figures like Walter Cronkite and James Baker III, addressing the influence of wealth and power in American society.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Lewis H. Lapham, editor of Harper's Magazine.
- Follow Jack Bellami's path to Goldman Sachs.
- See Mike Vanzetti's struggle as a writer.
Did You Know
- The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2005.
- Kurt Vonnegut and Robert Altman both died before the film aired.
- The film features interviews with 16 notable figures, including Walter Cronkite.
- Azealia Banks appears in an uncredited cameo as a child in the film.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote and directed The American Ruling Class?
The American Ruling Class was written by Lewis H. Lapham and directed by John Kirby.
What is the runtime of The American Ruling Class?
The runtime of The American Ruling Class is 85 minutes.
When did The American Ruling Class have its theatrical premiere?
The American Ruling Class had its theatrical premiere at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in April 2008.
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