Park Avenue: Money, Power and the American Dream
Park Avenue: Money, Power and the American Dream contrasts the lives of residents on two different sections of Park Avenue in New York City. On one end, the Upper East Side of Manhattan houses some of America’s wealthiest individuals in luxurious apartments. Just across the Harlem River, the South Bronx section of Park Avenue is home to some of the poorest citizens in the nation.
Directed by Alex Gibney, the film uses this stark geographical contrast to illustrate the growing wealth gap in the United States. It argues that the American Dream – the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work – has become increasingly difficult to attain. The documentary suggests that the ultra-wealthy have used their financial resources to influence political processes, effectively “rigging the system” in their favor.
Gibney’s work features interviews with various individuals, including a doorman at 740 Park Avenue, journalists, and academics. It draws inspiration from Michael Gross’s book “740 Park: The Story of the World’s Richest Apartment Building” to provide context about the wealthy residents of this exclusive address. The film also discusses the political donations and lobbying efforts of billionaires like David Koch and Steven Schwartzman, suggesting these actions have led to policies that benefit the rich at the expense of the poor.
The documentary presents statistics and visual aids to demonstrate the extent of wealth inequality in America. It challenges the notion that hard work alone is sufficient for achieving financial success in the current economic climate. Through its comparison of the two Park Avenues, the film raises questions about the fairness of the American economic system and the true accessibility of the American Dream for all citizens.