Watch Who is Arthur Chu? Jeopardy's Most Hated Player
- 2018
- 89 hr
As the name suggests, "Who is Arthur Chu? Jeopardy's Most Hated Player" is a documentary that delves into the life and times of Arthur Chu, one of the most polarizing contestants to have appeared on the popular American game show, Jeopardy! The documentary, directed by Yu Gu and Scott Drucker, throws light on Chu's unconventional and often controversial strategies during his twelve-game winning streak on Jeopardy! in 2014. Instead of following the norm of starting with the easiest questions and building up to the harder ones, Chu opted for a more aggressive approach by jumping around the board, hunting for Daily Doubles, and betting big.
This strategy earned him a lot of flak and criticism from the game show's loyal fan base who saw him as a "rule-breaker" and "cheater." But, it also made Chu a bit of a cult figure, with people either loving or hating him.
The documentary skillfully captures the rise of this unassuming insurance analyst from Ohio to a sudden and meteoric success on Jeopardy! Chu's unconventional ways, mysterious behavior, and his unique knack of buzzing in just before the questions were completed kept viewers engaged, and his performance on the show made him an overnight internet sensation.
Unfazed by the criticism, Chu continued to use his strategies, making him one of Jeopardy!'s most successful players in history. The documentary delves into the reasons behind his unconventional methods, his life before and after Jeopardy!, his perspective on the game, and the backlash he received from the show's hardcore fans.
It also offers insights into Chu's life outside the game show circuit, his challenges in fitting in, and his battle with online trolls, who hurled abuse and threats at him, ultimately leading to a breakdown.
The documentary features interviews with Chu himself, Jeopardy! executive producer Harry Friedman, Chu's wife Eliza, fellow contestants, and a group of Jeopardy! recruiters who spotted Chu in a college quiz bowl.
Through Chu's story, the documentary touches upon several larger themes, including the changing reality of television programming, the power of the internet and social media in shaping opinions, the psychological impact of sudden fame and notoriety, and the ever-present issue of racism, especially for men with an Asian heritage.
Overall, "Who is Arthur Chu? Jeopardy's Most Hated Player" is a well-crafted documentary that delves into the complexities of one man's journey from obscurity to instant fame and the psychological, social, and cultural implications of such fame. It offers a fascinating look at the world of competitive game shows and the intense scrutiny that contestants face. It's a must-watch not only for fans of Jeopardy! but for anyone interested in the changing face of media, fame, and the human mind.