The American Ruling Class (2005)

In this first of its kind "dramatic-documentary-musical", Lewis Lapham takes two young Ivy-League graduates on a tour of the corridors of power. The novice careerists must decide: should they seek to rule the world, or to save it?

Director:

John Kirby

Writers:

Lewis Lapham, John Kirby (additional story and dialogue),

Stars:

Lewis Lapham, Caton Burwell, Paul Cantagallo

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lewis Lapham	...	Himself - Introduced by
Caton Burwell	...	Jack Bellamy
Paul Cantagallo	...	Mike Vanzetti
Jessica Silver-Greenberg	...	Taylor Meade
Hollis Witherspoon	...	Emily Gann
Keith Witty	...	Garden Party Jazz Band
Steve Blum	...	Garden Party Jazz Band
Sam Hoyt	...	Garden Party Jazz Band
Catherine Mathis	...	Herself
Caroline Camougis	...	Herself
Kevin Wilson	...	Chef at the Pierre
Kathleen Landis	...	Diner
Eileen Eichenstein	...	Diner
Susan Tsao	...	Diner
David Robinson	...	Bartender at pier 63

Storyline

In this first of its kind "dramatic-documentary-musical", Lewis Lapham takes two young Ivy-League graduates on a tour of the corridors of power. The novice careerists must decide: should they seek to rule the world, or to save it?

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Plot Keywords:

elite | satire | ruling class | politics | affluence | 

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Taglines:

America Rules the World! But Who Rules America?

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Genres:

Comedy | Music

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Purchase DVD from Alive Mind Media

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 March 2007 (USA)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

[first lines]
Man: [singing] Here we are a sailing, adrift without a dream. We live for God and country, and yes our God is green. So put your arms around me, until the break of dawn. 'Cause late at night the great and mighty Wurlitzer plays on.

User Reviews

TARC- An investigation into politics that is long overdue.

Lapham narrates and guides two young investment banker wannabees through a post-modernist adventure into the private lives and thoughts of some of the America's most interesting and powerful people. If the information that Lapham attempts to distill from this powerful and effective documentary could be related to more people, perhaps the country would be in better shape. The movie is at times sad and frustrating-the nickel and dime singin' working class dignity is a poignant revelation- but overall it is a vision of hope for the future. I am not familiar with Mr. Lapham's political inclinations, but the film achieves a remarkable milestone, clearly identifying problems in contemporary America without assigning blame. The whole thing reminded me of Barak Obama's winning attitude and the hope of an intelligent and bi-partisan, or at least meritocratic solution to the world's toughest problems. The film suffers from a bit too much cuteness, but I have never seen such efficient use interviews with people that really matter. If you are interested in politics,history, or just care a lot about humanity, this is essential viewing.