"The Forecaster" is a gripping documentary that delves into the life and predictions of Martin Armstrong, a financial strategist who developed a computer model based on the number pi and other cyclical theories to predict economic turning points with eerie accuracy. Released in 2014, the film was directed by Marcus Vetter and Karin Steinberger.
Synopsis:
The documentary revolves around Martin Armstrong, a former US-based trillion dollar financial advisor who developed a computer model that could seemingly predict the future.
His forecasts, based on his Economic Confidence Model, gained him a following from global investors and even some world leaders. However, when Armstrong foresees the 2008 financial crash, he finds himself in a whirlwind of controversy, legal battles, and a prison sentence.
The film delves into the intricacies of the financial world, the power of predictive models, and the consequences faced by those who challenge the status quo.
Cast and Characters:
- Martin Armstrong: The central figure of the documentary, Armstrong is portrayed not just as a forecaster but also as a man caught in the crosshairs of the global financial system.
Where to Stream
United States (US):
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
- Stream: GuideDoc
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- Free: None
Australia (AU):
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- Stream: DocPlay
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United Kingdom (GB):
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- Stream: Amazon Prime Video
- Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube. (Note: Some platforms are repeated.)
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Germany (DE):
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- Stream: Sooner, alleskino Amazon Channel
- Buy: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, maxdome Store, Videobuster, Alleskino, MagentaTV, Chili, Universcine. (Note: Some platforms are repeated.)
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Spain (ES):
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- Stream: Filmin, GuideDoc
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France (FR):
There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.
- Stream: Universcine Amazon Channel
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- Free: None
Production Details:
Directed by Marcus Vetter and co-directed by Karin Steinberger, "The Forecaster" was primarily shot in the United States. The challenge during its production was to present the complex world of financial forecasting in a manner that was both engaging and understandable to the general audience.
The film combines interviews, archival footage, and narrative sequences to paint a comprehensive picture of Armstrong's life and theories.
Reception and Awards:
Critical reception: Critics appreciated the documentary for shedding light on a lesser-known figure in the financial world and for its attempt to demystify the complexities of economic forecasting. However, some felt that the film could have delved deeper into Armstrong's model and its implications.
Audience reception: The film was well-received by those interested in finance and economics, with many viewers intrigued by Armstrong's predictions and the controversies surrounding him.
While "The Forecaster" did not bag major awards, it was recognized in various film festivals and garnered attention for its unique subject matter.
Trivia and Fun Facts:
- Martin Armstrong's Economic Confidence Model is based on cycles that last 8.6 years, or 3,141 days, which is a derivative of the number pi.
- Armstrong's predictions weren't limited to financial crashes. He also made forecasts about global events and political changes.
- The documentary reveals that Armstrong's model predicted not only the 2008 economic crash but also the exact date of the start of the Russian financial crisis in 1998.
"The Forecaster" offers a deep dive into the world of financial predictions, the power of mathematical models, and the tumultuous journey of a man who dared to forecast the future.