Now, I like Michael Moore. I know that his features are less documentaries than they are carefully crafted diatribes that are laced with humor, questionable facts and are always completely one-sided. So, when I heard about this feature (named as a play on Noam Chomsky's book, 'Manufacting Consent') that takes a hard look at him, I wanted to see it. I have to say that their argument is persuasive, and there are several very unflattering items, that I'm sure Moore would have preferred not to see on film.
What happens when the hunter becomes the hunted? Michael Moore is known to the movie-going public as a corporate bigwig buster, and the Republican Party's most vocal opponent (at least the most vocal opponent that has never appeared on a ballot). This Canadian-made documentary features a couple of determined filmmakers trying to get an interview with the biggest name in mainstream documentaries. Unfortunately the American champion of the little guy proves to be as elusive as he claimed GM Chairman Roger Smith was in the Moore's first feature, 1989's Roger and Me. While the deadly duo is following Moore around the country trying to get a sit down, they are also exposing fallacies that they found in his various films and talking about his professional rise to his current level of wealth and, complete with interviews with friends and business associates, past and present. There is also, of course, ample footage of Moore, himself, from his features, other speaking engagements and encounters with the filmmakers themselves. The attacks upon his work include everything from careful editing to assure that he remains in the forefront and downplaying the efforts of others to outright lies.
I already knew that Michael Moore does not even attempt to put forth a balanced view in his features and knew that his 'facts' should not be accepted completely at face value. Although, I understand Caine and Melnyk's frustration at trying to get an interview, I have to wonder why they think they are entitled to one? Moore is a busy celebrity who, undoubtedly, has many demands on his time. Some of the material presented about Moore is disconcerting, but I usually find myself in agreement with his views, so I guess I am willing to forgive his character flaws and look forward to his next work. He should try to be a better person, though. I should too.
This work was first published on realmoviereview.com
What happens when the hunter becomes the hunted? Michael Moore is known to the movie-going public as a corporate bigwig buster, and the Republican Party's most vocal opponent (at least the most vocal opponent that has never appeared on a ballot). This Canadian-made documentary features a couple of determined filmmakers trying to get an interview with the biggest name in mainstream documentaries. Unfortunately the American champion of the little guy proves to be as elusive as he claimed GM Chairman Roger Smith was in the Moore's first feature, 1989's Roger and Me. While the deadly duo is following Moore around the country trying to get a sit down, they are also exposing fallacies that they found in his various films and talking about his professional rise to his current level of wealth and, complete with interviews with friends and business associates, past and present. There is also, of course, ample footage of Moore, himself, from his features, other speaking engagements and encounters with the filmmakers themselves. The attacks upon his work include everything from careful editing to assure that he remains in the forefront and downplaying the efforts of others to outright lies.
I already knew that Michael Moore does not even attempt to put forth a balanced view in his features and knew that his 'facts' should not be accepted completely at face value. Although, I understand Caine and Melnyk's frustration at trying to get an interview, I have to wonder why they think they are entitled to one? Moore is a busy celebrity who, undoubtedly, has many demands on his time. Some of the material presented about Moore is disconcerting, but I usually find myself in agreement with his views, so I guess I am willing to forgive his character flaws and look forward to his next work. He should try to be a better person, though. I should too.
This work was first published on realmoviereview.com