The Divide

"The Divide" is a thought-provoking and captivating documentary that meticulously examines the gaping economic divide tearing apart the heart of modern capitalist societies, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. Even though it has a striking roster of contributors, including political philosopher Noam Chomsky, British journalist Sir Max Hastings, and mathematician and data scientist Cathy O'Neil, the film stands out through the impactful stories of seven individuals living in both aforementioned countries. Their real-life stories not only portray the repercussions of wealth inequality but also underline the thoughts of the renowned figures mentioned above.

The 2015 film, directed by Katharine Round, turns a critical eye towards the world's capitalist systems, which the documentary argues have been increasingly engendering widespread economic disparity since the 1980s. Bringing a dramatic portrayal of societal divisions brought about by wealth disparity, "The Divide" conjures a critical discussion about the reality of contemporary society and challenges the audiences to question the essence of democracy, humanity, and equal rights.

Noam Chomsky, one of the most influential and pioneering figures in the fields of linguistics, philosophy, and politics, brings to the discussion well-argued points about the inherent flaws present in capitalist societies. Chomsky's sharp intellectual perspectives compel viewers to evaluate how societal divisions, based on wealth gaps, impact humanity, and the shared societal values we cherish dearly.

Similarly, the insights of Max Hastings, a renowned British journalist, and author, bolster the narrative of "The Divide." Hastings, who worked as an editor-in-chief of the Daily Telegraph, injects an in-depth understanding of the sociopolitical context of capitalism and its impact on wealth distributions. Through entertaining and sometimes discomforting reflections, Hastings invites viewers to contemplate the complexity of modern capitalism's aftermath on societies.

Cathy O'Neil, an American mathematician and author turned data-scientist, adds a technical but highly engaging dimension to the film. Known for her work critiquing the misuse of big data, O'Neil offers thought-provoking insights into how capitalist systems may manipulate, exploit and exacerbate wealth inequalities using data.

The experiences of seven different individuals from different walks of life and economic backgrounds accentuate the theme of the documentary. These stories include those of a Wall Street psychologist, a low-income African American mother in Kentucky, a fast-food employee, an NHS worker, a Walmart employee, and a gated-community resident. Their experiences demonstrate the living proof of the arguments postulated by the high-profile contributors, presenting a stark look at how the widening wealth divide impacts individuals, families, and communities.

While the documentary does not shy away from presenting the harsh realities of capitalism, it also showcases potential alternatives and how actions might be taken to address the issues at hand. It prompts viewers to question the status quo, encouraging them to think critically about societal constructs, the role of governments in ensuring equal opportunities, and the frightening future that might await us if the wealth divide continues to widen unchecked.

One of the film's strengths lies in its balanced approach; it neither demonizes the rich nor does it patronize the poor. Instead, it argues that, due to the systems in place, both ends of the wealth spectrum have their struggles and hardships, illuminating how the divide is not just a financial one, but mainly, a human one.

From the aesthetic point of view, "The Divide" triumphs in its presentation too. The film masterfully weaves together the statistical data, academic commentary, and personal narratives into a visually striking piece that is as emotionally stirring as it is intellectually stimulating. The cinematography, score, and editing amplify the impact of the stories, statistics, and commentaries the film offers, making it a poignant exploration of a critical contemporary issue.

In essence, "The Divide" is a compelling documentary that straddles the challenging balance of being informative and emotional, intellectual, and visceral. It is a film that forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the society they live in but also empowers them with the knowledge required for change. As a result, it is not just a documentary but also a call to action—a firm, urgent nudge to bridge the gap, repair the divide, and reclaim our shared humanity. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the modern capitalist world and their place within it.