The Elizabeth Holmes documentary You Can See Everything is experiencing massive global success, driven largely by a collaborative team of Canadian creators. Directed by comedian Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, the three-hour film examines the disgraced Theranos CEO as she faced an 11-year prison sentence for defrauding investors.

How much Canadian influence is in the film?

While the subject matter is rooted in an American tech scandal, the production relies heavily on talent from the north. The film utilized an efficient, small-scale production model with approximately seven on-site crew members. A significant portion of this team, much like Fielder himself, hails from Canada.

Fielder, a Vancouver-born director, has built a career centered on themes of authenticity and truth. His background includes:

  • A Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria
  • Early comedy work on CBC's This Hour Has 22 Minutes
  • Success with series such as Nathan for You and The Rehearsal

The context behind the production

Fielder's transition from business student to acclaimed filmmaker provides a unique lens for this project. His work often explores the fickle nature of truth, a theme that carries over into this documentary. The collaboration began when Oppenheim approached Fielder to work together, leading to a project that blends prestige documentary filmmaking with Fielder's signature deadpan comedy style.

Critics note that the film functions more as a character study than a standard true-crime report. By focusing on the complexities of truth, the documentary has captured the attention of audiences navigating a "post-truth" era. One notable scene involves Fielder using the classic "Who's on First?" comedy routine to test Holmes's ability to understand linguistic nuances, which she struggled to parse.

This approach has led to significant industry buzz, with the documentary currently vying for top honors at the Oscars. The film's ability to blend serious investigation with comedic fixation has made it a standout release.

FAQ

Who directed the film?

The documentary was co-directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim.

What is the film about?

It is a character study of Elizabeth Holmes, the former Theranos CEO, focusing on her history of dishonesty and the nature of reality.