The Rise of Jordan Peterson

The Rise of Jordan Peterson is a compelling 2019 documentary that provides an intimate and exhaustive portrayal of an influential intellectual figure, Jordan B. Peterson. The film features contributions from notable individuals, including Gregg Hurwitz, renowned thriller novelist and comic book writer, and Ethan Klein, a prominent figure in the YouTube community. The documentary is a nuanced exploration of Peterson’s controversial ideologies, personal life, and his rise to global prominence.

The Rise of Jordan Peterson’s narrative driven format focuses on the intriguing journey of Peterson; thoughtfully examining his transition from a psychology professor at the University of Toronto to an enormously influential and significantly contentious public intellectual. Through a series of interviews, lectures, and footage of public appearances, the film offers deep insights into Peterson’s philosophical viewpoints, and highlights his sharp wisdom and academic prowess.

The film is unsparing in its portrayal of Peterson’s most provocative moments. It takes a close look at his opposition of Canada’s Bill C-16, which aimed to include gender identity and expression as protected grounds in the Canadian Human Rights Act. Peterson’s contention with the bill gained him notoriety and fueled his ascent as a globally recognized figure, while simultaneously cementing his position as one of the most controversial individuals of our time.

Peterson’s impassioned speeches and debates regarding free speech, political correctness, and identity politics have energized many and irritated others, leading to extreme reactions from his supporters and detractors alike. This film diligently depicts these aspects, seeking to represent both the acclamation and criticism Peterson has garnered in the wake of his rapid rise.

His alternative perspectives on traditionalism, postmodernism, and masculinity have attracted a broad base of followers who see him as a catalyst for change and a champion of free speech. However, these viewpoints have also brewed controversy, causing him to be labeled by some as a figure of hate and discrimination. The movie places these contradicting perceptions in the foreground, offering viewers a rounded perspective of Peterson’s influence and reach.

A noteworthy feature of this documentary is its attempt to humanize Peterson beyond his public persona. Delving into his personal life, it brings to light aspects of his character that are distinct from his polarizing ideological positions. Scenes with Peterson's family, friends, and behind-the-scenes footage serve to show the man behind the controversies and paints an empathic picture of his personal life.

The documentary also includes interviews with prominent individuals who have influenced or been influenced by Peterson. Gregg Hurwitz provides his unique perspectives on Peterson's ideologies and their implications for society. Ethan Klein, well-known for his societal commentary, adds another layer of depth to the conversations, discussing the impact of Peterson’s messages within the digital space.

The film does not shy away from tackling the ramifications of Peterson's ideologies, looking at both the positive and adverse effects. It portrays how his words have had stirring effects on countless individuals around the world, influencing societal and political debates. The documentary aims not just to report Peterson's rise but to set it within a broader social context, providing an analysis of our society's current ideological climate.

The Rise of Jordan Peterson is a comprehensive and fair portrayal, neither glorifying Peterson’s ideologies nor condemning them outright. Instead, it aims to provide an understanding of the man and the ideas that make him such a complex and consequential figure. It asks probing questions about free speech, political polarization, and what the popularity of such a polarizing figure can tell us about society at large.

The documentary reflects, above all, the contradictions that make Peterson such an enigmatic figure. He is at once a free speech crusader, a scholarly critic of political correctness, a defender of traditionalism, and a starkly polarizing public figure. The film invites us to grapple with these paradoxes and offers an engaging perspective on Peterson and the world that has embraced and rejected him. It is a thought-provoking reflection on what elevates a figure like Jordan Peterson to global prominence and the tensions that this rise has elicited across political and ideological lines. This must-watch documentary delves headfirst into these complexities, offering a unique survey of one of the most controversial figures of our time.