Capitalism: A Love Story

Talk to the Hand

You'd either enjoy Michael Moore's documentaries like a one man force exposing the inadequacies and falling of man and the system in his extremely subjective viewpoints presented in a hard-hitting manner, or dismiss him as another hack and bad filmmaker, just as how someone during the documentary quipped in telling him to stop making films. By now Moore's reputation is notorious, and it's a bit of a riot watching how he's now in probably every watchlist and blacklist in corporate America.

Capitalism: A Love Story takes a square look at the current economic system that America has firmly rooted in place, fueled by the basic greed of Man, and the expose on corruption, nepotism and perhaps even plain stupidity. Undoubtedly the last few films in Fahrenheit 9/11, Sicko and now this, has proven that Moore still has plenty of bones to pick with ex-US President George W Bush, never letting go of any opportunity to ridicule him, not that it's hard to do so anyway, and not to mention the very pointed finger that puts the blame on Reaganomics as well, and the manipulated actor of a president.

In some ways, this seems to come full circle with his first feature length documentary Roger & Me, revisiting his childhood, his hometown of Flint, and General Motors. Never mincing his words, the film looks at everything from how the man on the street has to struggle with bringing home the bacon and being evicted from their homes and jobs, as compared to the golden years of the American Dream where the lofty ambitions back then, has now evolved into the nightmare that is now. From the unequal distribution of wealth to the more recent, topical bailout plans as passed by Congress, Moore's film does a little bit more than to set up stories and interviews, and goes to great lengths linking all the old boys clique and shady conspiracy theories that Corporate America, or more specifically the bankers, possess this insatiable greed that has to be quashed by common sense, and power from the ordinary folks.

In fact, it's more like a rallying call to stand up against injustice committed amongst communities by corporations who hide behind lawyers, and serve as a warning, by the finale, that there is still belief in Democracy being the opposing force toward Capitalism with its one man one vote system, despite a small percentage of the population hoarding all of society's wealth. It even went to speak of a movement and possible revolution that could be brought about by the working class against the elites, because there will be a tipping point that enough is enough.

It's quite pro-Obama too (no prizes guessing which party Moore endorses), with scenes capturing the euphoria in his campaign trail promising Change, which in recent days the newspapers have tried to question with Obama's falling approval ratings. While Moore's antics may seem dated, repetitive, childish and attention seeking even, you can't deny the fact that the film would appeal to the sandwiched class, no matter which country, who feel the squeeze because of poor policy making, or corruption amongst the lawmakers. It's chilling to note that with inaction, we'd allow the powers to be to practically walk away unscathed from things that they are held accountable.

And that's what we should be guarding against, rather than to swallow bad treatment lock, stock and barrel. It's nothing shameful asking for what's right, and what's due process. You may not agree with everything put forth by the documentary (such has that voiceover onto scenes from Jesus Christ Superstar), but it will set you thinking how the US's checks and balance would still be found wanting in the face of craftily engineered coincidences that seek to benefit the usual suspects. The greed of Man knows no bounds indeed.