Documentary
United States of America
Freakonomics is a 2010 documentary film based on the bestselling book Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. The film is directed by a team of acclaimed documentary filmmakers including Alex Gibney, Morgan Spurlock, Rachel Grady, Heidi Ewing, and Eugene Jarecki.
The film uses a mix of animation, interviews, and real-life experiments to explore Levitt and Dubner's unique approach to economics and their theories about the hidden side of many aspects of our lives that we take for granted. The film centers on several key themes, including the economics of drug dealing, the correlation between a child's name and their future success, and the impact of incentives on human behavior.
Throughout the film, the directors interview a range of experts, including Levitt and Dubner themselves, politicians, academics, and regular people on the street. They also conduct experiments and examine real-world examples to illustrate their points.
The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its thought-provoking approach and others criticizing its lack of coherence. Nevertheless, it remains a fascinating and engaging deep dive into the unconventional realm of Freakonomics.
