Watch Who Is Arthur Chu?

Who Is Arthur Chu? is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary that examines the life and career of Arthur Chu, a controversial contestant on the game show Jeopardy!. Directed by Scott D. Corporate and released in 2017, the film provides an intimate look at the man behind the buzz, exploring Chu's personal history, his motivations for competing on Jeopardy!, and the ensuing fallout from his appearances on the show.

The documentary begins by introducing us to Chu, who quickly captures our attention with his uncanny grasp of trivia and quick wit. A self-described "professional nerd," Chu has been preparing for Jeopardy! for years, using his encyclopedic knowledge of facts and pop culture to hone his competitive edge. But as the film progresses, it becomes clear that there is more to Chu than just his trivia prowess.

One of the primary focuses of Who Is Arthur Chu? is the backlash that Chu received after his Jeopardy! appearances. The film takes us through some of the more contentious moments of Chu's time on the show, including his use of unconventional strategies like jumping around the board and hunting for Daily Doubles. These tactics earned him both praise and criticism from viewers, some of whom accused him of ruining the game with his unorthodox approach.

The film also delves into Chu's personal life, exploring his upbringing as the child of Chinese immigrants in the United States. Through interviews with Chu and his family, we learn about the challenges and discrimination that he faced growing up, and how these experiences shaped his worldview and approach to competition. Chu's wife, Ang-Ling, is also featured prominently in the film, providing insight into their relationship and the impact that his sudden fame had on their lives.

Throughout the documentary, we are treated to a range of perspectives on the Jeopardy! phenomenon, including interviews with former contestants and longtime host Alex Trebek. While the show is undoubtedly a celebration of knowledge and intellectual prowess, the film also acknowledges some of the more problematic aspects of Jeopardy!'s format, such as its reliance on esoteric and Eurocentric categories. Chu himself is open about his reservations with the show, acknowledging that he sees it as a "flawed vessel" for the kind of competition and knowledge that he values.

Despite its serious and often heavy subject matter, Who Is Arthur Chu? is never dull or boring. The film is masterfully edited, weaving together interviews, archival footage, and various media clips to create a fast-paced and compelling narrative. Director Corporate also imbues the film with a sense of humor and playfulness, capturing Chu's irreverent and often self-deprecating sense of humor. It is this mix of seriousness and levity that makes the film such a pleasure to watch.

In addition to its exploration of Jeopardy! and trivia culture, Who Is Arthur Chu? also touches on broader cultural and political issues. The film discusses Chu's involvement in various online communities, including Reddit and Twitter, and how these platforms have affected his outlook and approach to activism. Chu is open about his belief in using his platform to speak out on issues of social justice, and the documentary provides a window into how he navigates these complex and often fraught conversations.

Ultimately, Who Is Arthur Chu? is a must-watch for anyone interested in game shows, trivia, or pop culture more broadly. But it is also a powerful exploration of identity, fame, and the intersection of personal and public life. Chu is a fascinating and multifaceted subject, and director Corporate does an admirable job of presenting his story in a way that is both entertaining and enlightening. Whether you are a fan of Jeopardy! or simply a curious observer of contemporary culture, this film is sure to leave you thinking long after the credits roll.

Who Is Arthur Chu? is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.