Jason KingCapitalism: A Love Story ($13-)
November 5th 2009 07:24
:
MICHAEL MOORE'S LATEST
Category: No Category
Capitalism: A Love Story ($13-)
Plenty of excitement and controversy is sure to surround this film from decorated documentarian Michael Moore. After previously taking on America's gun culture (BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE), the Bush administration (FAHRENHEIT 9/11), and America's healthcare crisis (SICKO), this timely film addresses what Michale Moore believes caused the financial crisis that stopped the world in 2008. CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY finds Moore criticizing the government bailout of privately held businesses.
To start with it's probably appropriate to give the definition of Capitalism so we can understand it:
Capitlaism is an economic system characterized by the following: private property ownership exists; individuals and companies are allowed to compete for their own economic gain; and free market forces determine the prices of goods and services. Such a system is based on the premise of separating the state and business activities. Capitalists believe that markets are efficient and should thus function without interference, and the role of the state is to regulate and protect.
Originally announced as a direct follow up to Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) after President Bush was elected to a second term, Moore gradually decided that the film would focus more on corporate America, until the 2008 financial crisis and resulting Wall Street bailout prompted Moore to rework the film again to center on that story. Moore presented his Detroit premiere of the film in the movie theater located in the same building as the General Motors Headquarters. He was denied entrance to his own premiere, once again, until he came in without cameramen and press a few hours later.
I found this film one of his best pieces of work and coming in at second just behind Bowling for Columbine. Not once did I feel the need to look at my watch and he manages to keep the audience entertained with his quite humorous approach to documentary and interviewing. It MUST be noted though that Michael Moore is an opinionated man and all of his works are his direct point of view. He does not present a completely accurate interview or documentary covering both sides of an argument or belief. He has his idea and he promotes it to the full extent of his power. That being said, he is close to accurate in most of his beliefs and has a following that would be enough to get him elected into government - boy would that be interesting
He rocks the boat to the full extent in this film and tears big business a new one. He splices his attack on big government and business with stories of the little man or the little town being effected terribly by bureaucracy and the effect of the GFC. I actually learnt A LOT in this film about the state of the GFC and was astounded at how the "bail out" packages were distributed without any form of monitoring. I was also mind blown to hear the power big business holds over the government of now and of the past. To hear the head honcho of one of USA's largest companies whisper to Ronald Regan during a speach to congress to "hurry up" had my jaw drop and to hear of the townships dying and people losing their jobs made me very sad and also greatful my situation has not deteriorated as yet. But also to hear Roosevelt's speach prior to his death brought a smile to my face. If only people listened to this man!!!!!!
The thing I feel that Moore does to his own downfall is that he tries to instigate witch hunts of the "bad and evil" people - he is more of a revolutionary than a teacher. He does not offer suggestions as to how things could be improved or how to stop the people from suffering. He just points out the idiots - this in the long run will not fix anything. Stand up Michael Moore, grow some and improve the situation. RUN FOR GOVERNMENT!!!
That being said, he does educate the "little people". The struggling people of the US aren't left with wool pulled over their eyes and he lets them know how bad the situation can get, for this he is doing a great service.
I, like most people, have a reaction when I hear the word documentary. I kind of roll my eyes and think "yeah, maybe one day". But this film is interesting, educational and quite entertaining. Don't roll your eyes. Get out and buy a ticket. This one released today Oct 5 - in Australia. Well worth the $13-
Plenty of excitement and controversy is sure to surround this film from decorated documentarian Michael Moore. After previously taking on America's gun culture (BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE), the Bush administration (FAHRENHEIT 9/11), and America's healthcare crisis (SICKO), this timely film addresses what Michale Moore believes caused the financial crisis that stopped the world in 2008. CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY finds Moore criticizing the government bailout of privately held businesses.
To start with it's probably appropriate to give the definition of Capitalism so we can understand it:
Capitlaism is an economic system characterized by the following: private property ownership exists; individuals and companies are allowed to compete for their own economic gain; and free market forces determine the prices of goods and services. Such a system is based on the premise of separating the state and business activities. Capitalists believe that markets are efficient and should thus function without interference, and the role of the state is to regulate and protect.
Originally announced as a direct follow up to Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) after President Bush was elected to a second term, Moore gradually decided that the film would focus more on corporate America, until the 2008 financial crisis and resulting Wall Street bailout prompted Moore to rework the film again to center on that story. Moore presented his Detroit premiere of the film in the movie theater located in the same building as the General Motors Headquarters. He was denied entrance to his own premiere, once again, until he came in without cameramen and press a few hours later.
I found this film one of his best pieces of work and coming in at second just behind Bowling for Columbine. Not once did I feel the need to look at my watch and he manages to keep the audience entertained with his quite humorous approach to documentary and interviewing. It MUST be noted though that Michael Moore is an opinionated man and all of his works are his direct point of view. He does not present a completely accurate interview or documentary covering both sides of an argument or belief. He has his idea and he promotes it to the full extent of his power. That being said, he is close to accurate in most of his beliefs and has a following that would be enough to get him elected into government - boy would that be interesting
He rocks the boat to the full extent in this film and tears big business a new one. He splices his attack on big government and business with stories of the little man or the little town being effected terribly by bureaucracy and the effect of the GFC. I actually learnt A LOT in this film about the state of the GFC and was astounded at how the "bail out" packages were distributed without any form of monitoring. I was also mind blown to hear the power big business holds over the government of now and of the past. To hear the head honcho of one of USA's largest companies whisper to Ronald Regan during a speach to congress to "hurry up" had my jaw drop and to hear of the townships dying and people losing their jobs made me very sad and also greatful my situation has not deteriorated as yet. But also to hear Roosevelt's speach prior to his death brought a smile to my face. If only people listened to this man!!!!!!
The thing I feel that Moore does to his own downfall is that he tries to instigate witch hunts of the "bad and evil" people - he is more of a revolutionary than a teacher. He does not offer suggestions as to how things could be improved or how to stop the people from suffering. He just points out the idiots - this in the long run will not fix anything. Stand up Michael Moore, grow some and improve the situation. RUN FOR GOVERNMENT!!!
That being said, he does educate the "little people". The struggling people of the US aren't left with wool pulled over their eyes and he lets them know how bad the situation can get, for this he is doing a great service.
I, like most people, have a reaction when I hear the word documentary. I kind of roll my eyes and think "yeah, maybe one day". But this film is interesting, educational and quite entertaining. Don't roll your eyes. Get out and buy a ticket. This one released today Oct 5 - in Australia. Well worth the $13-
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Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
I was actually lucky enough to be invited to a preview of this one. I like Michael Moore as I have done since his very funny series, The Awful Truth.
Being a bit of a current affairs junkie, I didn't think his movie told me a hell of a lot I didn't know already but I have to say it was put in pretty simple terms and left no holes barred. Moore always tends to inject his humour into pretty dry stuff and that he did.
With me, he is preaching to the converted so I think his aim was more to get more conversions. I still put Bowling for Columbine steaks ahead, even though I do think this one is worth the watch.
Comment by IandMe
People are Weird
I agree with you about Michael Moore. I'm not sure about him running for government, but then again, it might be interesting. He does tend to be one sided on his approach, as you say, it's his movie and his point of view so he can say and do anything he chooses.
Thanks for your point of view, mostly mine.
Janice
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
The film did inform me of a lot of things - I am the polar opposite of current affairs junkie so it was good to learn a few new things.
Janice - good to hear from you. You've been away for a while - hope all has been well. When I discuss Michael Moore with most people they are of the same opinion that we should not believe every word he says because it is purely his opinion and a built up opinion at that.
Have a great day ladies