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The Kleptocrats

Name: The Kleptocrats
Director: Havana Marking, Sam Hobkinson
Released: 2018
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

2018

Not Rated

Director

Havana Marking, Sam Hobkinson

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The documentary stands out by shifting the investigative focus away from Western perspectives. By centering the 1MDB scandal in Malaysia, it offers a complex view of global power and sophisticated international crime. However, the film's focus on financial crime limits its scope. The absence of LGBTQ+ and disability representation lowers its overall diversity score. Nonetheless, the film effectively challenges Western economic dominance. It portrays wealth pursuit as a destabilizing force that transcends national boundaries and traditional morality.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Kleptocrats have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include characters or stories focused on LGBTQ+ identities. There are no representations or derogatory stereotypes related to LGBTQ+ individuals.

How does The Kleptocrats portray gender?

Fair

The documentary mainly features influential male figures such as Jho Low and Riza Aziz. It examines male-dominated political structures and exposes how these hierarchies were used for systemic theft.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Kleptocrats?

Good

The film challenges Western-centric investigative approaches by focusing on a non-Western political crisis. It highlights the high ability to act of Malaysian figures and avoids the 'developing nation' victim stereotype through a nuanced perspective.

How does The Kleptocrats represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative criticizes Western financial systems and global capitalism. It shows how Hollywood was used for money laundering, positioning Western commercial interests as part of the problem.

Does The Kleptocrats include disability representation?

Minimal

The documentary does not focus on disability, neurodivergence, or chronic illness.

Present on Screen

Challenges Western-centric investigative approaches by focusing on a non-Western political crisis.
Provides a sophisticated critique of global capitalism and Western financial complicity.
Highlights the high ability to act of Malaysian figures, avoiding 'developing nation' victim stereotypes.

Limited or Absent

Does not include characters or stories focused on LGBTQ+ identities.
Primarily focuses on male figures, limiting gender diversity.
Does not address disability or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

In full-on investigative mode, reporters from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Hollywood Reporter doggedly pursue the story of US $3.5 billion missing from a Malaysian wealth fund. They trace the dirty money, via real estate deals and movie financing, back to the top tiers of the Malaysian government. Incredibly (but oh, how fitting!), the audacious swindlers chose to back the 2014 blockbuster The Wolf of Wall Street. Hollywood A-listers, including Leonardo DiCaprio, attended lavish parties hosted to launch the film. The embezzlement was orchestrated by a flamboyant fancier, Jho Low, and Riza Aziz, the stepson of the then-Malaysian Prime Minister. As the truth finally comes to light, assets are frozen and the fall-out begins.

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