'Capitalism: A Love Story' is a wake-up call
Sarah Semmler
Issue date: 10/22/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Love him or hate him, Michael Moore has made another film. "Capitalism: A Love Story" hit theaters nationwide on Oct. 2, and opened in Cape Girardeau on Oct. 16.
For Moore, the film is a bit of a departure from his last two movies in which he channeled all of his energy into bashing the Republican Party and George W. Bush. In "Capitalism" Moore is surprisingly neutral in his criticism, going after everyone from the corrupt CEO's of the nation's financial institutions to politicians from both parties. Even the Democrats and President Obama receive an equal share of negative attention in Moore's latest effort.
Moore is perennially ahead of the curve when it comes to the subject matter of his films, and "Capitalism" is no exception. Focusing on the housing crisis, the dismantling of American industry, and the seemingly wayward federal bailout passed by Congress earlier this year, "Capitalism" is an attempt to summarize all of the subjects of Moore's previous films into a singular statement on how we have come to find ourselves in our current economic situation. By bringing the decimation of the American middle class into focus, "Capitalism" provides a clear thorough line for Moore's work that started 20 years ago with his first film "Roger & Me".
Moore's trademark audacity makes numerous appearances in his latest piece and provides the viewer with moments of brevity. At one point, in typical Michael Moore fashion, the filmmaker walks into the headquarters of each and every bank that received federal tax dollars from the bailout, moneybag stretched out in front of him, accompanied by the request that it be filled with the money of the American people. Such moments are welcome, as they tend to follow disturbing scenes of hardworking middle class Americans being evicted from their homes under violent circumstances.
Looking past Moore's sensationalism and jaundiced eye, the film provides a valid starting point for a much-needed discussion on the direction America is going in. Moore's stance is that America is no longer a democracy, but a corporation where elected leaders have lost their authority to the power players on Wall Street. It's a belief that is supported in Moore's interview with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur from Ohio, when she states, "the (government officials in Washington) really aren't in charge, Wall Street is in charge."
The youth of America is facing a period where, for the first time in history, they are not expected to do as well as their parents. It's a grim reality that is worsened by the fact that the burden of the current economic situation will fall squarely on their shoulders.
No matter what your political leanings, "Capitalism" reminds us all of the constant need to be active participants in the political process, doing our own probing and investigating rather than blindly adopting the political party of our parents or basing our beliefs solely on the theatrical rhetoric of news and radio personalities. "Capitalism" provides a much needed wake-up call to get informed and get involved.
For Moore, the film is a bit of a departure from his last two movies in which he channeled all of his energy into bashing the Republican Party and George W. Bush. In "Capitalism" Moore is surprisingly neutral in his criticism, going after everyone from the corrupt CEO's of the nation's financial institutions to politicians from both parties. Even the Democrats and President Obama receive an equal share of negative attention in Moore's latest effort.
Moore is perennially ahead of the curve when it comes to the subject matter of his films, and "Capitalism" is no exception. Focusing on the housing crisis, the dismantling of American industry, and the seemingly wayward federal bailout passed by Congress earlier this year, "Capitalism" is an attempt to summarize all of the subjects of Moore's previous films into a singular statement on how we have come to find ourselves in our current economic situation. By bringing the decimation of the American middle class into focus, "Capitalism" provides a clear thorough line for Moore's work that started 20 years ago with his first film "Roger & Me".
Moore's trademark audacity makes numerous appearances in his latest piece and provides the viewer with moments of brevity. At one point, in typical Michael Moore fashion, the filmmaker walks into the headquarters of each and every bank that received federal tax dollars from the bailout, moneybag stretched out in front of him, accompanied by the request that it be filled with the money of the American people. Such moments are welcome, as they tend to follow disturbing scenes of hardworking middle class Americans being evicted from their homes under violent circumstances.
Looking past Moore's sensationalism and jaundiced eye, the film provides a valid starting point for a much-needed discussion on the direction America is going in. Moore's stance is that America is no longer a democracy, but a corporation where elected leaders have lost their authority to the power players on Wall Street. It's a belief that is supported in Moore's interview with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur from Ohio, when she states, "the (government officials in Washington) really aren't in charge, Wall Street is in charge."
The youth of America is facing a period where, for the first time in history, they are not expected to do as well as their parents. It's a grim reality that is worsened by the fact that the burden of the current economic situation will fall squarely on their shoulders.
No matter what your political leanings, "Capitalism" reminds us all of the constant need to be active participants in the political process, doing our own probing and investigating rather than blindly adopting the political party of our parents or basing our beliefs solely on the theatrical rhetoric of news and radio personalities. "Capitalism" provides a much needed wake-up call to get informed and get involved.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Shiham
posted 10/28/09 @ 4:40 AM CST
watch the Zeitgeist Addendum for a more comprehensive insight on the financial system that keeps 90% of the population down.
Post a Comment