Assholes: A Theory (2019)

In "Assholes: A Theory", celebrated filmmaker John Walker navigates the realm of obnoxious behavior, guided by the philosophical insights of Professor Aaron James's best-selling book of the same name. This documentary-style exploration dives into the underbelly of society, probing the concept of the "asshole" - a term James defines as someone benefiting from a deep-rooted sense of entitlement that shields them from others' grievances. The film delves into the complex relationship between narcissism and "assholism", distinguishing it from simply being a prick or a dick. It scrutinizes the prevalence of this conduct in different genders and geographical locations, from the glitzy culture of Los Angeles to the seemingly polite society of Canada, where a few contrary individuals and entities challenge the nation's courteous image. Walker and James ponder whether being an "asshole" is an innate or acquired trait, highlighting certain clusters where such behavior appears inherent. The film also explores the global impact of electing such individuals as leaders, often propelled by a wave of populism. In the ever-growing digital sphere, the influence of tech giants and internet trolls on the emergence and propagation of "assholism" is also examined. The narrative journeys into the heart of organizations dominated by "assholes", investigating the measures taken to eradicate "assholism" and its detrimental effects on structure, morale, and profit. Using a vibrant array of popular culture examples, the film addresses a crucial question: What does it mean to be an "asshole", and more importantly, how can their proliferation be halted? "Assholes: A Theory" serves as a thought-provoking investigation into the rise of this behavior, offering intriguing insights into personality and society.

Assholes: A Theory is a documentary movie featuring John Cleese and directed by John Walker.

Assholes: A Theory is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Filmzie, Plex, Plex Player, Pluto TV, Redbox, The Roku Channel and Tubi TV and it's also available on IndieFlix.

It is also possible to buy Assholes: A Theory on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies and Vudu.