Michael Moore is a controversial filmmaker who's made numerous documentaries spanning several decades. Moore's critics challenge his manipulative editing tactics and subsequent fragmenting of context, which they believe is fostering dissent from the very U.S. system has made him a substantially wealthy man.
On the other hand, Moore's supporters celebrate the filmmaker's ruthless investigations into modern dilemmas, scandals, and ultimately, the mistreatment of the common man and woman under the U.S. system. Regardless of how you feel about Michael Moore, looking at his best and worst films give a solid overview of the highs and lows of his filmmaking career, thus far.
10 Michael Moore In TrumpLand (5.5)
This 'worst' entry represents the point where the quality of Moore's works decreases significantly in the eyes of IMDb users. The film takes place weeks before the 2016 general election in the form of a stand-up comedy show footed entirely by Moore. Although humor is a strength throughout Moore's works, it appears he may not have the 'chops' to succeed in the one-man stand-up medium.
However, the film's memorable dynamic comes from Moore encouraging Trump supporters to attend, and it's humorous to watch their facial expressions as Moore journeys through his pro-Hillary routine. Still, this film is far from Moore's best.
9 Slacker Uprising (5.5)
Moore's 2007 documentary is another one of IMDb users' least favorite, which may result from the film being similar to The Big One, as it follows Moore during a 60-city tour of college campuses. Slacker Uprising is meant to demonstrate the overarching political views of the next generation, and how they contradict with opinions held by prior generations.
The film appears to be one of the least talked about of Moore's films, and may not be worth a viewer's time in comparison to the other documentaries listed.
8 Canadian Bacon (6.0)
Canadian Bacon contrasts with the rest of Moore's work in that it is a theatrical film and not a documentary. The film is directed and written by Moore and the aggressive foreign policy of the U.S. by having a struggling U.S. president declare a 'cold war' against Canada.
Similar to IMDb users, critics, at the time of the release, were not crazy about the film. Perhaps, Canadian Bacon flopping may be what convinced Moore to not pursue another theatrical project again.
7 Fahrenheit 11/9 (7.0)
Moore's newest documentary was released in 2018 and focuses on the 2016 election, as well as the Trump administration. A portion of the movie is also dedicated to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and more specifically, Obama's lack of public sympathy for affected communities.
The film lands on the 'worst' side of this list, despite what is considered to be an above-average scoring, which is a reflection of the quality of Moore's work and the approval of his fans. Nevertheless, Fahrenheit 11/9 doesn't resonate or persuade at the same level as his earlier works.
6 The Big One (7.0)
The Big One is a documentary that follows Moore during his book tour for his first book Downsize This! The 1996 book focuses on business and industry's influence over the U.S. government, as well as corporations' neglect of the working class.
As always, Moore complements his commentary in both the book and film with humor. In the film, viewers watch Moore interact with his fans and interview Nike's co-founder and longtime chairman, Phil Knight.
5 Roger & Me (7.4)
Although many would argue Moore's first documentary is the best in his filmography, others may go as far as to say it's the best documentary of all time. Nevertheless, IMDb users have the 1989 film ranked as Moore's fifth-best film out of his catalog.
Roger & Me depicts Moore chasing General Motors' chairman Roger B. Smith for answers after 35,000 factory jobs were eliminated in Flint, Michigan, where Moore was born. Moore accents this examination of corporate downsizing with playful humor, and viewers should check it out, as the sentiments of the film remain relevant to this day.
4 Where To Invade Next (7.5)
Moore's 2015 output brings American viewers across the world as the documentarian looks at other countries' strengths in comparison to the U.S.A. in education, employee satisfaction, prisoner reform, sexuality, and much more.
Moore not only conveys the ever-clear message that the U.S.A. is not the greatest country in the world — for instance, it ranks 27th in the world for education — while also offering potential avenues for reform. Where to Invade Next is also undeniably funny in the way Moore uses satire to bring Americans to their senses.
3 Fahrenheit 9/11 (7.5)
Fahrenheit 9/11 is the highest-selling documentary ever released and earned Moore numerous awards. Nonetheless, the film remains the most controversial out of Moore's filmography.
Focusing on the presidency of George W. Bush, Moore seeks to uncover the dark private-interests for oil and financial gain that influenced wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The film also takes an intimate look into soldiers' experiences in the war and includes disturbing sequences of field operations.
2 Sicko (7.9)
Moore's other 2007 release was more well-received by film critics and fans. Focusing on the flaws of the U.S. health care industry at the time, Moore interviews citizens wronged by highly profitable health insurance agencies, while highlighting the benefits of government-controlled health care in Canada.
Though it is unclear whether Moore's film had the remotest influence over the enactment of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, Sicko surely spread awareness of the underrecognized flaws in the American system. A modern viewer will benefit from watching Sicko, despite its slight datedness.
1 Bowling For Columbine (7.9)
Despite the praise and success endured by films like Roger & Me and Fahrenheit 9/11, Bowling for Columbine is the only film in Moore's collection nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2003 Academy Awards, and it won.
The film is mostly focused on the school shooting at Columbine High School, as well as the NRA and firearm retailers. Moore attempts to assimilate a new understanding regarding gun-control, violent entertainment, the youth, and how all three intersect and affect one another. If you're new to Moore's work and want to try one of his films, then Bowling for Columbine should be your first pick.
from ScreenRant - Feed https://ift.tt/2NuX6G0
0 Comments