bookmark_borderMichael Moore

I’ve toyed with posting this several times in the past few days, but a comment on one of yesterday’s posts helped me make up my mind – namely.. bugger it, post and be damned!

Michael Moore is in the news again. He seems to becoming more and more prominent, especially since I saw him speak in Glasgow and people are picking up on this and suggesting that he is venturing further and further from the truth in his documentaries.

But is that the point? I mean, of course it is a valid point, if someone is holding up damning evidence it should be true. Right? But isn’t he just changing his approach to match those of his ‘opponents’. The well known quote about statistics (lies, damn lies and…) makes part of my case here. Michael Moore produces thought provoking films. He is promoting his new film. The film tells a story. It follows a script and direction set by Moore.

So the question is: When is a documentary not a documentary? When it’s a film?

As I said before, I agree with the general aims and principles he is campaigning for, and no I don’t agree with a lot of his tactics. But this is far from a level playing ground, and the higher the profile Moore can maintain, the safer he is. Unfortunately that usually involves subterfuge, underhand tactics and … well.. all that stuff we associate with political parties. But then, that’s what Moore is now, in all but name.

And of course, this being the internet, the polar opposite to Michael Moore’s views can be found at Moore Watch – Watching Michael Moore’s every move, which current has an interesting letter featured on it’s front page. The letter reads like it comes from the disillusioned everyman who wants to have the information to make up his own mind and yet seems to have been hi-jacked to a degree to fan some flames under Moore. The letter itself makes some good points, the surrounding editorial reads like some sort of brain-washed idealist propaganda. Mind you, some of the editorial on Moore’s own site reads the same way.

What we need, as human beings sharing one planet, is to find some form of middle ground. A compromise. Granted I’ll fall on the liberal side on most issues, if not all, but too far either way and you end up with lunacy.

All those in favour? Viva la revolution!!

bookmark_borderMore Moore

And finally (before I go to bed) Alex shares his thoughts about Michael Moore, and I think we came to the same conclusions (even if it doesn’t read exactly that way…).

And I can vouch for his point about Moore’s portrayal of Americans being aimed at a UK audience, as I was sitting next to Rebecca for the show (the other side from Alex) I did feel a tad… guilty? ashamed? something anyway, at his presentation at points…

bookmark_borderThis evening I'll mostly be…

Watching Michael Moore. Never seen him on stage, nor read any of his books but I am aware of what he stands for and what he represents.

I do know I’m not entirely convinced by all of his arguments (the ones I’ve read in newspaper articles or recalled by friends) and if he does fabricate, or at least bend, the truth, I’m pretty sure it’s the right way – if you see what I mean.

However it is always interesting to get a different perspective, something that is crucial when you are discussing a ‘radical’. The highest profile website of this order appears to be MOOREWATCH.com who, at first glance seem to descend to ridiculous arguments far too easily (an example) and certainly don’t seem to want to challenge what he is saying. If you know of better resources please let me know – I’m looking for balanced arguments here not school-yard, right-wing extremists too blinkered to know what a discussion is.

I am looking forward to tonight. I’m guessing I’ll agree with a lot of what he says, and acknowledge the rest as being worthy of discussion. Although I am guessing that the debate in the pub afterwards will be.. er.. interesting. Devils Advocate? Me? Hell yes, I love a good argument discussion.

bookmark_borderMichael Moore

It appears that Michael Moore.com was hacked. Yes, the Oscar award winning documentarist is a victim of something he, in times past, may have attempted.

The hacked page can be seen here.

Whether you are a fan of his or not, and personally I’m not sure either way, you have to admit that, by speaking up and challenging things, he is at least making some people think about things in a different light.

Trouble, I’m never sure who to believe these days.

Love him? Hate him?
A letter to George W. Bush on the eve of war

I think it is overwhelmingly grating attitude and confrontational ‘style’ that makes me dislike this man (plus the fact that his research could be a tad, ehhh… tighter) but either way this letter from Michael Moore to George W Bush should provoke something in you, be it loathing and contempt or a hearty hear-hear!!

Mind you, I do like the opening address…