The One Percent

The One Percent takes a look at the growing wealth gap in America. Directed by Jamie Johnson, an heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune, it takes a hard-hitting yet humorous approach to investigating the tiny percentage of Americans who control nearly half of the nation’s wealth. Johnson interviews a diverse range of individuals to explore the political, moral and emotional rationale behind this concentration of wealth.

The film features conversations with notable figures such as Nicole Buffet, Bill Gates Sr., Steve Forbes, Milton Friedman, Robert Reich and Ralph Nader. Johnson provides real-world examples of the wealth gap’s impact: he tours a dilapidated housing project in Chicago, rides with an enlightened taxi driver, and examines the human toll of unfair economics in the Florida sugar industry. The documentary also offers a rare glimpse into the world of the super-rich, including exclusive wealth conferences where strategies for preserving fortunes are shared.

Johnson’s unique position as a member of the Johnson & Johnson family grants him unprecedented access to wealthy individuals and events. This insider perspective allows for candid discussions about wealth preservation, management styles among the country’s wealthiest employers, and the potential dangers of such concentrated wealth to the American way of life. The film presents a range of viewpoints on wealth distribution, from those who defend the current system to others who advocate for change. It raises questions about social responsibility, economic fairness and the long-term sustainability of a society with such a vast wealth gap.