Debt dollars don't make sense
Alyse Thompson
Issue date: 10/23/09 Section: News
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Scurlock's film, which took a year to complete, speaks of the trend that is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S, living in debt.
"I chose the other big addiction in America," said Scurlock in reference to Morgan Spurlock's documentary "Super Size Me."
Scurlock originally wanted to create a documentary about obesity but Spurlock beat him to it. Instead, he chose to research people living outside of their means.
Scurlock also anticipated making a comedic documentary, but his idea changed once he began to create his work.
"I didn't intend to make a dark, tearful film," Scurlock said. "I thought I would make a documentary about people being stupid."
The 86-minute movie covers a multitude of credit-related topics including the stories of various individuals struggling with debt - even to the point of suicide.
"I was thinking that it would be funny about prissy rich kids, but when I heard all these stories about suicides and people's lives being over, it took me by surprise," said freshman pre-veterinary medicine major Catherine Kerperien after viewing the film.
Additionally, the documentary also discussed credit card companies preying on unaware college students by enticing them with free gifts into deplorable deals.
"Always pay cash for everything," Scurlock said. "That is the thing that will make you wealthy. That is the best advice. Don't believe the credit card solicitations."
Furthermore, the film did not just look at the victims of credit card debt. It also examined the profit-seeking ways of the credit card companies, debt buyers and the implications of inaccuracies made by credit bureaus.
After the presentation, students were given the opportunity to ask Scurlock questions. One student brought up the topic of student loans, a subject that is pertinent to many at Western.
"Student loans are a huge problem," Scurlock said. "There are two things that can stick with you for 10 years. You could kill someone or take out a student loan … We are setting you guys up to fail."
"Maxed Out," which was released in 2007, won the Special Jury Prize at the South by Southwest film festival.
For those interested in other work by Scurlock, he will also release a book in April or May entitled "King Larry." This novel, published by Simon & Schuster, will explore the mysterious disappearance of a billionaire after a plane crash in the western Pacific.
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