Watch A**holes: A Theory

A**holes: A Theory is a documentary film directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker John Walker, based on the book of the same name by philosopher Aaron James. The film provides a comprehensive exploration of the phenomenon of "assholes" and attempts to answer the question of why they exist and how they affect society. The film is an analysis of the cultural, social and psychological implications of the world we live in, and the kind of behavior that often falls under the umbrella of "assholery". From Wall Street executives to politicians, the film takes us on a journey through various fields where this phenomenon is often seen.

The documentary opens with several people from different walks of life sharing their experiences with assholes, and how that intersects with their daily lives. The storytelling is innovative as it hooks the viewer in from the very start, with engaging anecdotes that are both amusing and thought-provoking.

The film features philosophical explanations, social analysis, academic research delivered by top psychologists, and the experiences of people who have interacted with "assholes." The goal is to understand assholery as not simply an individual trait but a broader societal issue than needs to be addressed. Along the way we find out that assholery is not limited to any particular gender, ethnicity, or orientation. It is a social behavior that is constantly affecting others in ways that can be hard to quantify.

The film also delves deeply into the roots of assholery, citing traits like entitlement, superiority, and narcissism that are thought to feed this behavioral pattern. The experts interviewed in the film provide a detailed look at the rise of the asshole personality type in modern society, exploring the ways in which emotional intelligence and empathy are being eroded, leading to the proliferation of self-centered and entitled individuals who value self-promotion and the pursuit of power over basic human decency.

One striking aspect of A**holes: A Theory is its comprehensive look at popular culture and how it contributes to the perpetuation of assholery. The film examines how popular reality shows like The Apprentice and Shark Tank perpetuate and reward asshole behavior, giving audiences a glimpse into the darker side of American culture.

Throughout the film, we meet individuals who have suffered at the hands of assholes in various areas of their lives, including their workplaces, romantic partners, and even home lives. These personal accounts add an emotional weight to the documentary and help highlight the real-life impact of asshole behavior.

The documentary is not all doom and gloom, however. The filmmakers are quick to offer suggestions for how people can deal with assholes, both on a personal and societal level. This ranges from standing up to bullies to advocating for change in terms of cultural norms and social values.

The film also draws attention to some successful initiatives that have been set up to combat the epidemics of asshole behavior. One example is corporations that have taken steps to foster community within their organizations and thereby increase their employee's social and emotional intelligence.

In conclusion, A**holes: A Theory is an engaging, informative and thought-provoking documentary that tackles a complex, and often difficult to address, social and psychological phenomenon. It is a lucid exploration of how humans act when they encounter power and anomie, as well as a call to action for those who want to make the world a more empathetic and understanding place.

A**holes: A Theory is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes.