I.O.U.S.A. (2008)

Few are aware that America may be on the brink of a financial meltdown. I.O.U.S.A. explores the country's shocking current fiscal condition and ways to avoid a national economic disaster.

Director:

Patrick Creadon

Writers:

Patrick Creadon, Christine O'Malley,

Stars:

Robert Bixby, Humphrey Bogart, Warren Buffett

4 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Robert Bixby	...	Himself
Humphrey Bogart	...	Himself (archive footage)
Warren Buffett	...	Himself
George Bush	...	Himself (archive footage)
George W. Bush	...	Himself (archive footage)
Jimmy Carter	...	Himself (archive footage)
Bill Clinton	...	Himself (archive footage)
Stephen Colbert	...	Himself (archive footage)
Kent Conrad	...	Himself (as Sen. Kent Conrad)
Ander Crenshaw	...	Himself (as Rep. Ander Crenshaw)
Bing Crosby	...	Himself (archive footage)
Douglas Durst	...	Himself
Dwight D. Eisenhower	...	Himself (archive footage)
Gerald Ford	...	Himself (archive footage)
Alan Greenspan	...	Himself

Storyline

I.O.U.S.A. examines the rapidly growing national debt and its consequences for the United States and its citizens. As the Baby Boomer generation prepares to retire, will there even be any Social Security benefits left to collect? Burdened with an ever-expanding government and military, increased international competition, overextended entitlement programs, and debts to foreign countries that are becoming impossible to honor, America must mend its spendthrift ways or face an economic disaster of epic proportions. Throughout history, the American government has found it nearly impossible to spend only what has been raised through taxes. The film blends interviews with both average American taxpayers and government officials to demystify the nation's financial practices and policies. The film follows U.S. Comptroller General David Walker as he crisscrosses the country explaining America's unsustainable fiscal policies to its citizens. The film interweaves archival footage and economic ...

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Plot Keywords:

economics | national debt | financial crisis | entire title is capitalized acronym | acronym in title | 

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Taglines:

One Nation. Under Stress. In Debt.

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Genres:

Documentary

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some thematic elements

Details

Official Sites:

Roadside Attractions

Country:

USA

Language:

English Mandarin

Release Date:

14 November 2008 (UK)

Also Known As:

Untitled Patrick Creadon and Christine O'Malley/Debt Project

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$61,313 (USA) (22 August 2008)

Gross:

$820,967 (USA) (27 February 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

O'Malley Creadon Productions, Open Sky Entertainment, Peter G. Peterson Foundation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

References Girls Gone Wild on Campus 2 (2003)

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Soundtracks

"Born to Be Wild"
Words and Music by Mars Bonfire
© Songs of Universal, Inc. on behalf of Universal Music Publishing, A.D.O.
Universal Music Canada, Ltd. (BMI)
Performed by The Twang
Courtesy of xxs records

User Reviews

Entertaining, Educational, and Fast-moving

This documentary is simply outstanding. It has a fast moving pace, covering a tremendous amount of material, without losing a layman's audience. It is educational as well as entertaining. Of course, with the upcoming elections, the timing for the movie couldn't be better. It helps educate voters on one of the most important topics for the upcoming election. At the same time, it is not a partisan movie, and does not lay blame on one party over another. It seems fair in its portrayal of this problem and does not have an ulterior political motive. Finally, it is a great date movie because you will have plenty to discuss afterward.