Ivory Tower
Ivory Tower

Movie spotlight

Ivory Tower

2014
Movie
97 min
English

As tuition spirals upward and student debt passes a trillion dollars, students and parents ask, "Is college worth it?" From the halls of Harvard to public and private colleges in financial crisis to education startups in Silicon Valley, an urgent portrait emerges of a great American institution at the breaking point.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes67%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users70%
Director: Andrew RossiGenres: Documentary, Education, Social Issues

Plot Summary

Ivory Tower is a documentary that critically examines the escalating cost of higher education in the United States. It explores the complex factors contributing to this crisis, including the role of technology, student debt, and the changing landscape of traditional universities. The film features interviews with students, educators, and industry leaders who offer diverse perspectives on the challenges and potential solutions facing academia today.

Critical Reception

The documentary received mixed to positive reviews, with critics generally praising its timely subject matter and engaging presentation. While some lauded its exploration of the systemic issues in higher education, others felt it could have delved deeper into certain aspects or offered more concrete solutions.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for shedding light on the critical issue of rising college costs.

  • Seen as an informative and thought-provoking look at the challenges facing higher education.

  • Some critics felt the documentary was less successful in offering definitive solutions to the problems it highlighted.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a general agreement that the film effectively highlights the financial burdens of higher education and the need for reform. Many appreciated the diverse range of voices and the compelling examination of the problems, though some wished for more optimistic or actionable outcomes.

Fun Fact

The film was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2014, where it garnered attention for its topical and urgent message regarding the future of American universities.

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