Payback

Payback is an innovative, thought-provoking documentary from 2012 that intertwines economics, philosophy, and anthropology in a unique and compelling way. Featuring insights from acclaimed author Margaret Atwood, investigative journalist Eric Schlosser, and former media baron Conrad Black, this film takes a deep dive into the concept of debt in its various forms.

Canadian filmmaker Jennifer Baichwal directs the documentary, which is primarily based on Atwood’s 2008 non-fiction book, "Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth". However, rather than creating a linear adaptation of the source material, Baichwal uses it as a jumping off point, structuring the documentary in a way that allows it to branch off into several episodic explorations. These are set in a variety of disparate contexts and geographical locations.

From these wide-ranging perspectives, Payback explores the overarching concept of debt, understood not only in the financial sense but also within societal, moral, and environmental paradigms. It's a film that challenges its audience's preconceptions and understanding of what it means to owe and be owed.

Margaret Atwood’s involvement lends this documentary a philosophical perspective as she discusses her own views and interpretations of the issue. The film utilizes clips from her lectures, interviews, and discussions where she speaks about debt as a human construct that sits at the crossroads of religion, society, and morality.

Eric Schlosser, known for his investigative journalism, particularly in the field of fast food industry (his book "Fast Food Nation" is a well-known critique of the industry), brings in another dimension. Schlosser interacts with subjects such as farmworker rights, exploring how unfair wages and labor exploitation can lead to a form of societal debt.

Conrad Black, a former media tycoon who spent time in prison for fraud, offers an insider's perspective in a different kind of debt – one to the law and society. His inclusion in the movie’s narrative isn’t a mere celebrity cameo; his frank and open reflections on his actions and subsequent punishment offer a unique viewpoint to the audience.

Rather than relying on talking heads or dry economic analysis, Payback is a visually engaging film. Baichwal gives viewers a landscape of global examples showcasing different aspects of debt and payback -from Albanian blood feuds, a legal battle between Florida tomato pickers and their corporate employers, to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the immense environmental debt created by it.

Stepping outside the traditional mold of economic documentaries, Payback is almost poetic in its narrative scope and cinematic approach. This ambitious and wide-ranging exploration is designed to ignite discussion and thought among the audience. It makes a persuasive case about the universal presence and implications of debt, which stretch far beyond its typically conceived parameters.

In sum, Payback manages to explore a complex topic with creativity, sparking philosophical discussions and offering an intriguing array of perspectives. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from presenting different sides of the subject, resulting in a multifaceted portrait of debt in modern society. For those who enjoy innovative, thought-provoking documentaries, Payback is a must-see.