Video Capsule: Roger & Me (9/10)

[PackBacker]

I don't think I have seen a better documentary.

Michael Moore brings his unique brand of humor and social commentary to bear on an issue near and dear to his heart....the closing of GM automobile factories in his hometown of Flint, Michigan.

Moore chronicles his efforts to speak to Roger Smith, the CEO of GM, and the demise of his beloved hometown. The style of the film grabs you and won't let go. Moore uses tremendous comparisons between the down and out and the social elite to demonstrate the dire straits some face and the hypocrisy of giant corporations.

Whether or not you agree with his politics, you have to appreciate the way in which he structures and presents his film. The closing scene of Roger Smith's speech and an eviction is heartbreaking. This film is well worth a viewing.

[R. P. McMurphy]

I am getting more and more into documentaries. I just rented Hoop Dreams, and Roger & Me is next on the list. Thanks for the review!

[PackBacker]

Hoop Dreams is probably the second best documentary I have seen. If you end up liking "Roger and Me" then check out his latest: "The Big One". It paled in comparison to "Roger and Me" but was quite a stitch


An aside--- Has anyone ever seen "Pets or Meat: The Return to Flint"? I can't seem to find a copy or any info about it...

[Raena]

I saw PETS OR MEAT in high school after watching ROGER & ME---which I agree is a very good documentary.

I remember PETS OR MEAT being much shorter. . .Maybe 15 minutes or something in that vicinity. The hightlight for me was watching a snake eat this bunny rabbit. Silly rabbit, tricks are for kids.

Where my history teacher got the sequel from? I have no idea.

[This message has been edited by Raena (edited 11-12-2000).]

[halfanarcher]

Roger and Me is a great film, unless of course you're a capitalist.

I don't know if Pets and Meat is available on video, I've only seen it on PBS (usually following R & M).

The Big One is also pretty good though Moore isn't as successful at getting on the inside. Phil Knight is downright scary as he explains his corporate philosophy and reason for being *shudder*.

If you can catch an episode of TV Nation or The Awful Truth they're are also both highly entertaining as Moore makes fun of consumerism and corporate America.

Finally a couple of suggestions for documentaries:

A Brief History of Time - Stephen Hawking and associates explain life, the universe and everything.

Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media - Three hour explanation of how the media, big business and politics exploit the general public. Scary stuff kids.

[laurajade]

I liked this documentary too, it was very funny, I'm a documentary buff, if any one has news on upcoming doco's that look o.k. please let me know.

[JoBlo]

<moderator bump>

[PackBacker]

Just re-watched the film. With the growth of the message board thought I might bump this one to the top in case anyone cares to discuss. Video capsule of "The Big One" upcoming.

[bmain77]

I look at this film from a much different light than many other film watchers. I grew up not too far from flint and I go to U of M-FLint, so I'm in the city just about everyday. I wish Michael Moore would do another follow up to ROger and Me. The city has become much more of a hole since Roger and Me if you can believe it. It's funny because people if Flint either absolutely love MM or absolutely hate him. I personally fall into the love category. For more info on the guy and to join his mailing list go to his website at dogeatdogfilms.com...I think the sight has a link to order everything of his that is in print or on video. I really don't think I've seen Pets Or Meat available anywhere. Actually I've never seen the whole thing myself, just bits and pieces of it here and there.