The distinguished filmmaker John Walker joined Joseph Planta back in early October to discuss his documentary Assholes: A Theory, which is having a theatrical release now across Canada, and will be seen on the Documentary Channel shortly.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

John Walker joins me now. The distinguished filmmaker has screened his latest, Assholes: A Theory at the Vancouver International Film Festival in early October. It is to have a theatrical release shortly. Based on the bestselling book by Aaron James, the film looks at how assholes seem to be in the ascendency. Because of the unfortunate combination of social media, authoritarianism, and narcissism the asshole culture seems to displace civility and morality. The film, with engaging interviews with people like John Cleese, Sherry Lee Benson-Podolchuk, and many others, including Aaron James himself, looks at where we are, and why it’s as insidious as it is in finance, fraternities in college, Silicon Valley, and politics. Donald Trump seems to embody this, yet is he a symptom? I’ll ask Mr. Walker about why he decided to make this film, about what an asshole is, and why, as well as where we’re headed with the assholes and douchebaggery around us. John Walker’s films have screened at major international film festivals, and have received over sixty nominations for awards in Canada and other countries. He’s received 19 nominations from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, including the distinguished Donald Brittain Award. His previous films include Quebec My Country Mon Pays, Strand – Under the Dark Cloth (which won the Genie for best feature documentary), Men of the Deeps, A Winter Tan, The Hand of Stalin, and many others. Visit www.assholesatheory.com for more information on the film. The film is a co-production of the National Film Board of Canada. Mr. Walker co-produced, wrote, directed, and narrates the film. He joined me in person while in town back in early October. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, John Walker; Mr. Walker, good morning.

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