Cast
View AllLuke Wilson
as Joe Bauers
Maya Rudolph
as Rita
Dax Shepard
as Frito
Terry Crews
as President Camacho
Anthony 'Citric' Campos
as Secretary of Defense
David Herman
as Secretary of State
Sonny Castillo
as Prosecutor
Kevin McAfee
as Bailiff
Robert Musgrave
as Sgt. Keller
Michael McCafferty
as Officer Collins
Christopher Ryan
as Hospital Technician
Justin Long
as Doctor
Heath Jones
as Cop #1
Eli Muñoz
as Horny Guy
Patrick Fischler
as Yuppie Husband
Crew
Director
- Mike Judge
Producer
- Mike Judge
- Elysa Koplovitz Dutton
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a science fiction narrative, Idiocracy explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.
Director Mike Judge brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Idiocracy took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $30.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1817 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 380 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Idiocracy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Ordinaries, which focuses more on action than character development, Idiocracy subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Tropic Thunder and Smokin' Aces explore similar territory, Idiocracy stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 1, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Budget: $30,000,000
- Revenue: $495,303
Where to Watch

