The Great American Dream, Infomercial Style: A Deep Dive

Big news from the indie film circuit! Grasshopper Films has just snapped up the North American distribution rights for a truly fascinating documentary titled, quite aptly, "You Need This." And get this – it's executive produced by the one and only Adam McKay, a name synonymous with sharp, satirical looks at modern society. Josh Polon is the director at the helm of this intriguing project.

So, what's it all about, you ask? Well, imagine a really sharp, often hilarious, yet deeply insightful journey into that bizarre, mesmerizing realm of direct response television – you know, those late-night infomercials promising everything from a six-pack in minutes to a fortune overnight. This film isn't just poking fun; it’s a genuine, satirical deep dive into this uniquely American phenomenon, linking it directly to our broader consumerist culture and, dare I say, the very fabric of the American dream.

The documentary brings us face-to-face with some truly legendary (or perhaps infamous, depending on your perspective!) figures from that fast-talking, quick-selling world. You'll hear from folks like Kevin Harrington, whom many will recognize from "Shark Tank," along with the late, great Don Lapre. These are the people who mastered the art of persuasion, the architects of those irresistible pitches that somehow always seem to find us at our most vulnerable.

"You Need This" really delves into how these slick productions, sometimes even unwittingly, play on our deepest desires and vulnerabilities. They promise those magical quick fixes – lose weight overnight, get rich without lifting a finger, solve all your problems with a single gadget. It’s a fascinating, and perhaps a little unsettling, look at how deeply ingrained the pursuit of happiness through consumption has become in the American psyche. It makes you pause and think about what we're really buying into, doesn't it?

Grasshopper Films is planning to roll this out with a theatrical run, which is pretty exciting for a documentary like this, before making it available on VOD. The deal itself was hammered out between Ryan Krivoshey, representing Grasshopper, and director Josh Polon, with the team at Submarine lending their expertise on behalf of the filmmakers. So, keep your eyes peeled; this is one doc that promises to be as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on the stuff we, well, "need."