The Case for Capital Punishment

Capitalism: A love story is a documentary from film maker Michael Moore. I could say that it is a film by documentary maker Michael Moore, but I think that underplays the role of the director in the direction of the film. I could also probably just say that for this review and leave it at that, as when one goes to a Michael Moore film, one knows what one is going to get. And I did.

There were fewer “commies” in the audience than I had expected, but the film incited enough moral outrage by the people who did attend with me to equal a Fox News anti-Holocaust/Health Care rally in the USA. Some of the stories that the recent global economic crises has created were heartbreaking; others were infuriating. With his complete lack of subtlety, Moore interviewed ordinary people to show ordinary suffering, and then drew his own conclusions as to the motivations of the rich and powerful who (in his argument) are responsible. And then, rather than get an interview with them to try and address those issues, Mr Moore goes for the grandstanding angle.

This is, for me, one of the weaknesses of his documentaries. On the plus side, they are well put together, tell great “common people” stories, and raise some important questions and linkages. The downside is that Mr Moore appears happier when the “villains” refuse to front to explain their side of the story, and relishes the opportunity for populist stunts against them instead. And, while I love that the “Inconceivable” guy from the Princess Bride has an interest in economics, it seemed strange to use him as an expert on American social development in the past century (surely they have a few academics interested in that).

During the film, as Moore taped up Wall Street with “Crime Scene: Do Not Cross” tape, I thought that what he really needed was to combine forces with Sasha Baron Cohen. Just imagine that: a documentary maker with a heart teaming up with a master of disguise also able to elicit some highly illuminating interviews. A match made in heaven? Or an unholy union formed in left wing hell? If only it happened…

Anyway, as I said at the outset, this is Michael Moore in a Michael Moore film. I liked it, but then I know that Moore is a polarising film maker. If only the topics of the films he makes generated as much discussion as the filmmaker himself.

Verdict: Capitalism: A love story is another attempt at Moore to make Americans look at themselves and examine things in ways that the news networks and journalists routinely fail to do. As a person, he is controversial, and he seems to have developed a bit of an ego over the years. But despite that, he is great at getting the stories of the “underdog” and giving them the chance to tell their side to the world. 3.5 hearts out of 5.