Johnson & Johnson heir Jamie Johnson was born into an ultra-rich family and stands to inherit an enormous sum of money on his 21st birthday. He is thus faced with the question: what does one do when one can do anything or nothing at all? Born Rich is (whether intentional or not) the result of Johnson looking up to his parents, down to his legacy, all around to his peers, and most importantly, within himself for the answer. If such introspection isn't hard enough for the common folk, it appears to be exceedingly difficult for the ultra-rich who habitually measure themselves by status rather than personal achievement.
Unavoidably guided by the weight of such measurement, Johnson gives us a glance at what everybody else is doing to answer that age-old question. No more than a glance is granted by the participants - other wealthy heirs and their parents - thanks to a deep sense of exclusivity and a hearty helping of insecurity prevalent within ultra-rich societies. But alas, no more than a glance is needed. With exceptions, their words and behaviors commonly reveal poor judgment and a unique lack of morality bred by a world in which moral dilemmas are handled by family attorneys. Perhaps that's why Jamie Johnson was sued to have one heir's appearance removed and waivers voided (it didn't work). By the end of it all, the movie-goer has passed out more letters of approval and condemnation to the parents and their children than he had come prepared to give. It is, no doubt, a movie which makes the viewer feel better about himself.
And yet, the question looms: what does one do with his life, when he doesn't have to do anything? Jamie Johnson seems to have found a spark. Despite the shortcomings of a first-time filmmaker, Johnson deserves more kudos than criticism for his work. One should applaud the intestinal fortitude to lift the veil - albeit a bit, but a coveted bit - on the lives of those born ultra-rich and the society in which they live, and also for making a legitimate effort to seek fulfillment and self-actualization in his life. In doing so, Johnson has actually accomplished something. He has overcome an often troublesome sense of life which deceptively presents itself as a mere dare to ultra-rich individuals who don't have to do anything if they don't so desire.
Unavoidably guided by the weight of such measurement, Johnson gives us a glance at what everybody else is doing to answer that age-old question. No more than a glance is granted by the participants - other wealthy heirs and their parents - thanks to a deep sense of exclusivity and a hearty helping of insecurity prevalent within ultra-rich societies. But alas, no more than a glance is needed. With exceptions, their words and behaviors commonly reveal poor judgment and a unique lack of morality bred by a world in which moral dilemmas are handled by family attorneys. Perhaps that's why Jamie Johnson was sued to have one heir's appearance removed and waivers voided (it didn't work). By the end of it all, the movie-goer has passed out more letters of approval and condemnation to the parents and their children than he had come prepared to give. It is, no doubt, a movie which makes the viewer feel better about himself.
And yet, the question looms: what does one do with his life, when he doesn't have to do anything? Jamie Johnson seems to have found a spark. Despite the shortcomings of a first-time filmmaker, Johnson deserves more kudos than criticism for his work. One should applaud the intestinal fortitude to lift the veil - albeit a bit, but a coveted bit - on the lives of those born ultra-rich and the society in which they live, and also for making a legitimate effort to seek fulfillment and self-actualization in his life. In doing so, Johnson has actually accomplished something. He has overcome an often troublesome sense of life which deceptively presents itself as a mere dare to ultra-rich individuals who don't have to do anything if they don't so desire.