1014. Bowling for Columbine

Bowling for Columbine
2002
Directed by Michael Moore

The sky has fallen, so perhaps I should have saved last week's post for today.  I apologize that it has taken me so long to post.  I was at work yesterday and a coworker asked how I was doing (after telling me my bra strap was showing; I've been kind of a mess) and I said "grieving."  "Still?" he asked.

Yes, still.  I tend to take a long time (maybe even a week!) to get over such trivial things as the fate of our country.  I am simultaneously miserable and enraged about the election results.  This has resulted in some extreme outbursts, so it has been an emotionally exhausting week.  My friends have been experiencing a heightened level of harassment.  Both my parents sent me texts telling me to never doubt my own self worth, despite how our new pres-I can't even say it yet.

In any case, I know that allowing myself a mourning period is a luxury that a lot of people don't have.  I know a lot of people are scared right now.  I know I am just a stranger from the internet with a Joss Whedon obsession, but if anyone needs to talk, vent, or discuss how Buffy would have handled this situation, you can email me at ampanda95@comcast.net.

Anyway, I guess I didn't leave myself much room to discuss Bowling for Columbine, a documentary that explores gun rights and violence in the United States (see how I slipped the summary in there?  I am already saving time!).  I suppose people might argue with the "documentary" label, as Moore is extremely biased and takes more things out of context than the Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Still, the horrific amount of gun violence in America needs to be addressed.  I think Moore is incredibly frustrated and if he comes across as exploitative at times, it is because Americans are so indifferent that he feels they need to be jolted awake.  Maybe standing in Chuck Heston's driveway with a picture of a murdered girl is the way to do that.  I myself am almost out of ideas.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

Moore on the Trump election.  From YouTube:

982. Fahrenheit 9/11

Fahrenheit 9/11
2004
Directed by Michael Moore

I have been too depressed to discuss politics lately, given the current climate in the US right now.  However, I will briefly break my cranky silence and talk about Fahrenheit 9/11.

Basically, Michael Moore does his best to convince us in two hours that the Bush administration exploited the 9/11 tragedy in order to push forward their own corrupt agenda.   Moore alleges that the events like the signing of the Patriot Act or the footage of the US abuse towards prisoners are all evidence of an unlawful system.

So this is a rather scary film and skillfully presented that it is hard to visualize the other side of the argument.  I always take Moore's films with a grain of salt, but this truthfully shook me to my chore.  I have ranted so many times in the past week that I have no more rant to give.  But sometimes the fact that I am a US citizen scares me.

Easily Moore's most upsetting documentary yet.  And I thought Columbine would be unbeatable.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

First documentary to debut at number one at the box office.

Banned in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

805. Roger & Me

Roger & Me
1989
Directed by Michael Moore

I am distantly related to Michael Moore, which really isn't that glamorous of a connection.  If anyone leaves a comment saying there is a physical resemblance, I will come out of your screen Ringu style and attack you.

Roger and Me follows Moore's attempts to get an interview with Roger Smith, the CEO of General Motors.  Well, "interview" might be the wrong word. "Ambush" might be more accurate.  In any case, we learn about the economic devastation of Flint, Michigan after General Motors closed several auto plants.

People always talk about how manipulative Michael Moore is with his filmmaking.  That is true, although that can be said of any director, particularly documentary filmmakers .  They are trying to present facts in a way that lead the audience to a planned emotional reaction.  Perhaps Moore's problem is he gives the viewer too much credit.  Any smart person would realize this isn't going to be an objective piece, with each side allowed to fully articulate their arguments.

Disregarding the blatant propaganda, it is still a moving film, although I could have done without the bunny scenes.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Moore was living off welfare checks at the time of filming.