Michael Moore is a giant in the documentary landscape. His unique style combines snarkiness, humor, and compassion, all while tackling very serious and complicated subjects. Over the years audience receptiveness to his messages have run the gamut, but his impact in the film industry is undeniable. The documentary genre has exploded over the last few years, but he continues to be a recognized and stand out name.
The list below outlines some of Moore's most talked about films. So whether you're a fan of Moore or are looking to dig into some new real life challenges, there's sure to be something to interest you or remind you of the crazy world we call home.
Moore’s directorial debut see’s him tackle the detrimental economic impact the sudden closing of GM Motor auto plants had on the people of Flint, Michigan. Moore interviews workers who loathe GM Motors chairman Roger B. Smith and explores the companies choice to outsource their work to Mexico, where labor is cheaper and there are less worker’s rights. This is done despite the company making continuously increasing profits in the US. The film documents the city of Flint’s downward spiral into crime and desperation as people whose livelihoods depended on GM are cut off. Some of the most hard to watch scenes include families being evicted from their homes and an unsettling display of coldness from the company and the city’s wealthier citizens towards the families suffering. Throughout filming Moore attempted to meet with Smith but he was turned away every time, resulting in him concluding with,
That's just what America wants us to do: Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
The film was chosen to be preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2013 because it was felt to be of great cultural and historical influence.
Fascinating watch?Released three years after the 1999 Columbine High School Shooting in which 13 people were murdered, this film takes a critical and in depth look at America’s gun culture and the tragic consequences often paid by innocent people. Moore spotlights the main players in the issue, including the National Rifle Association, the US government, the media, and society’s tolerance for violence. The film presents viewers with a spectrum of stories ranging from the somewhat comedic one of a gun-toting dog and being given a gun for opening up a bank account to the sobering interviews with survivors of Columbine and family members of shooting perpetrators.
Moore’s stylistic approach, which at times seems to be more entertainment than journalism, has been criticized by some who feel it invites more scrutiny and is not the appropriate tone for the topic. Despite the critique, the film unfortunately continues to be of relevance today to many viewers, as since the Columbine tragedy school shootings continue to frequently take place. Journalist Eric Hynes claims that in the documentary, “every route to your heart, mind, and conscience is being traversed.”
