Few folks have rocked Jeopardy like Arthur Chu. Earlier this year, the seemingly unassuming insurance analyst got a shot on the perennial TV quiz show and instantly became a polarizing figure, hated and loved for his unorthodox tactics and refusal to back down to internet haters. During an impressive eleven-game winning streak, Arthur amassed $298,200 and a new king of the nerds was born. Since then, Arthur has leveraged his proverbial fifteen minutes of infamy to use as a megaphone for social commentary on a variety of issues.
Arthur is an interesting guy, and his story is a fascinating, unique take on the American dream. So naturally, some folks are making a documentary on him. Who is Arthur Chu? will be a look at the man, the myth, the legend, following him back to Jeopardy! next month for his final showdown, the Tournament of Champions. The filmmakers are currently in the throes of a Kickstarter campaign to make it happen.
Here's a video with some more information:
Here are some more details about the film:
Not only do you get interviews with Ken Jennings and Alex Trebek (*pending agent approval), but you get an inside look at the Jeopardy! studio. The first time since 1989! this has happened. But for us, this film is really about Arthur. It's about his experiences as an "Asian-American Champion," his fifteen minutes of viral fame, and the stance he has taken on a variety of social issues. As there is more Jeopardy! left to be played, we will be following Arthur to Jeopardy!'s final showdown, the Tournament of Champions, and experiencing everything with him first hand. We will discover the "clue" to the question Who is Arthur Chu? as the film unfolds, as Chu regains the limelight, and as he returns to Taiwan to visit the family who applaud him. We will let the viewer experience this unique world of Jeopardy! fanaticism and the landscapes that encompass Arthur's journey. We will grow as Arthur grows, and we will experience his set-backs in the same cinema verite fashion as I am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco, King of Kong, American Movie, Please Vote for Me, and a number of other films with a similar character-centered sensibility. Regardless of style, I think it's time to start addressing the real reasons why Chu had so many detractors. It's time to examine how he defies this notion of "the model race." Time to take a look at his strategy. Through this lens, we hope to give viewers a more intimate portrayal of the historic game show.
Arthur has proven himself to be an interesting, funny and intelligent guy far beyond the his Jeopardy! badassery, which was pretty fun to watch on its own. I'm looking forward to getting the "behind-the-scenes" look at his awesomeness, as well as following his journey back to the "Tournament of Champions." DO IT ARTHUR.
The goal is to raise $50,000 by September 17. As I write this, they could use some help. For further information about Who is Arthur Chu?, and to pitch in some cash to project, head over to the film's Kickstarter.
