Film Lens
The Emperor's New Clothes is a documentary film directed by Michael Winterbottom, featuring Russell Brand. It addresses the growing economic disparity between classes, using archival footage from the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession. The film combines serious commentary with comedic segments, as Brand interacts with figures in financial districts of London and New York, including a notable confrontation with Lord Rothermere regarding his tax status.
Winterbottom stated that the film aims to show why nothing has changed since the financial crisis, focusing on the inequality between the wealthy 1 percent and the rest of the population. The film's content is designed to provoke thought about the extremes of wealth in society, with Brand's comedic style serving as a vehicle for delivering this message.
Why Watch
- •See Russell Brand confront Lord Rothermere in London.
- •Find out about the 'non-dom' tax status controversy.
- •Watch archival footage from the 2008 financial crisis.
Did You Know
•The film debuted in London on April 21, 2015.
•It has a 60% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 40 reviews.
•The film has a weighted average score of 53 out of 100 on Metacritic.
•The documentary features footage from the 2008 financial crisis.
Perfect For
Economic inequalityFinancial crisesRussell Brand fans