‘Capitalism: A Love Story’ Targets Both Right and Left
by Carl KozlowskiFiring a red-hot cannon blast at both parties and the excesses of America’s capitalist system, filmmaker Michael Moore’s latest documentary “Capitalism: A Love Story” is also his most stylistically and emotionally mature work to date. Launching with a string of film clips that parallel the fall of the Roman Empire to our present societal hot mess, the film serves up big laughs with its harrowing vision of just how far off the rails our present economic crisis has taken the nation.
Moore has made plenty of claims that “Capitalism” is the summation of two full decades of work, harking back to the 1989 release of his seminal “Roger & Me,” and that this film is lobbing bombs at the figures involved. Yet much of the time, the film has a mournful, yearning approach in showing Moore’s desire that America return to the capitalism of the pre-Jimmy Carter years: he shows that the system’s promises worked out splendidly throughout most of the nation’s history, and in particular from the boom years after WWII all the way through Ford before the nation hit Carter’s infamous assessment of “malaise” in the late ‘70s.
He blames Carter’s disastrous turn as president for the emergence of Ronald Reagan as a president who in his eyes was fully bought and paid for by corporate America to sell an aggressively greedy reinvention of capitalism. The allegations he presents in this segment of the film fly past fast and furious, and it appears that Moore is up to the old tricks his critics accuse him of: barraging viewers with so many claims amid other funny or heartbreaking footage that half-truths and heavy-handed interpretations slip by as facts.
Yet this time, Moore takes almost as direct a slap at Barack Obama and the men running his economic policies. In fact, one of the film’s most damning scenes comes when Moore sends one corporate logo after another flying onto the screen, spotlighting the numerous financial investment firms and major corporations that donated millions to Obama’s campaign. His strongest attack comes when he shows that Goldman Sachs – widely criticized as the firm that made off with almost as much malfeasance as individual swindler Bernie Madoff – holds particular sway in the Obama camp.
At another point, a source says that current Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is utterly hopeless for the job, and shows that highly questionable figures from the Clinton era, including former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin and former Harvard president Larry Summers, are still heavily involved in the policies of today. Yet other strong segments show companies that manage to succeed while treating workers exceptionally well, including a bread factory where even assembly-line workers make $60,000 while the company’s bottom line thrives.
Moore is expressly not asking for socialism or communism, but rather a return to letting genuine morality and concern for others play a major part in corporate decision-making.
However, his use of Catholic priests from his stomping grounds in Michigan and the Bishop of Detroit as stern critics of capitalism who term it as literally immoral is sure to spark extensive religious debate among the faithful.
Mixing tragic tales of foreclosed homeowners from the heartland with his usual pranks such as storming corporate headquarters in search of their executives, much of “Capitalism: A Love Story” treads well-worn ground for Moore. But his crack team of editors are sharper than ever with their hilarious contrasts between new footage and industrial films of the 1950s, and combined with Moore’s attacking both sides of the fence and showing of fascinating long-lost footage of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, make the film well worth seeing and sure to stir discussion no matter what side of the political divide you’re on.
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63 Comments
Micheal Moore is a joke.
Is it just me, or would anyone be overwhelmed by the fetid odor of a festering carbuncle the closer you approached Mickey Moore?
Thank you for a fair and balanced review of Michael Moore. I know he is an easy target but he is a very good film maker, not necessarily a true documentarian but a good director none the less.
I can't see any reason to put any money in this guy's pocket. His hypocrisy is gross, and I don't see why I should help make him richer while he tears down the system that truly helps the poor. Wishful thinking and myopic utopian schemes never helped anyone.
Except what Mr. Moron doesn't realize is Capitalism is an economic and social system that has no sense of morality or feelings… only the people that work it… He also doesn't realize that greed will eventually fail if allowed to do so (unlike what was done this past year where greed was rewarded by government bailouts)…. Mr. Moron also doesn't realize that Socailism and Communism can also be evil and greedy and there be poor v. rich…. only the lines are drawn as to who are which and there is no changing…. Personally I think that Socialism and especially Communism has historically shown to be more like a caste system…. in this world there is no equality… only inequality…. and inequality comes in many forms… whether it's opportunity, money or even intelligence and common sense…. Any system can and will be "evil" because of the people that are in charge of it….
I'll hold off until my local Soviet gives me tickets to the free showing..
It seems Michael Moore should have more of a problem with "government". For example it's not really AIG's fault they got our money nearly as much as it's our governments fault for giving it too them.
So.. I should go and pay the money I earned from my job in a society based(however loosely it have become) on capitalism to see a movie made by a guy who hates capitalism and thinks it's evil, yet made a movie to be distributed by film companies to make a profit??
Apparently insanity is the new fade here in America.
If Moore wasn't a coward, he would've just put his movie out for free. Why should he get any money? He's got enough.
As an aside, we're the ones who bring evil into the mix. As long as you are dealing with man, there is a chance for evil. No system can fix that. God gave us a way out of it, though. Open to anyone and everyone.
I believe in morality, but the Government has silenced all churches via the non-tax status, somewhere around jimmy carter, they can not speak about politics and thusly, our churches, for the most part, have kept out of policy issues. have been worried about supporting politicians. muzzled and regulated. if we want morality back into our economic system, our politics, we need to STOP REGULATING FREE SPEECH, even via the pocket book. Put GOD back in the schools, just like the Amish, our kids will still get the freedom to choose, but unlike today, they won't just be brainwashed by Atheist/Liberal/Communist agendas. Bring back morality. And our next generation, will, for the most part, be better, have general welfare for all.
Capitalism is a system driven by freedom, while Communism and Socialism are driven by coercion. Freedom permits people to act morally or immorally. If a person acts immorally, it is his responsibility — not the responsibility of the capitalist system. All of us should act morally. If the government coerces a person to act morally (as it sees morality), that doesn't make that person moral. It merely makes him a slave. Shouldn't it be obvious which system is better? Even to Michael Moore?
Targeting Republicans and Democrats is not the same as targeting the Right and Left. If you define the right as individualism and capitalism, and the left as socialism and collectivism, then he was only attacking the left while promoting the further left. Everything I have heard and read about this movie make it clear that Moore has no idea what capitalism is. Read "Atlas Shrugged" "The Road to Serfdom" Human Action" "Economics in One Lesson" "The Law" or "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal" and tell me if what Moore defines as "Capitalism" is really capitalism. His movie, as others have pointed out, should be called "Mercantilism: A love Story." He takes mercantilism, or "crony capitalism," and tries to equate that with true laissez-faire capitalism. He denounces things like bailouts and government corruption, which every capitalist also denounces, and then blames that on capitalism! His solution to too much government meddling is MORE meddling! This film attacks right and left only is you define the right as fascism and the left as socialism. That is like saying a fight between conservatism and libertarianism is a fight between the right and left. This movie takes on the Left and more Left and completely ignores the right!
Sorry about the repeat posts, it kept giving me an error message saying the connection timed out.
unfortunately for both Moore and Mr Kozlowski's post is the messenger is bad….
So, even if this has laudable qualities- which while hard to imagine isn't impossible- the sad fact that Moore is essentially a fraud and a poseur undermines any credibilities. His far left views do not jibe with his love of money and his 'everyman' attitude and attire are props as well. Taking on Obama? Well, in Moore's opinion he is not moving left fast enough.
One suspects any fondness for pre-Carter capitalism a red herring, too. Massive war footings kept the US in slow growth for years; the only positive was the debt was kept responsible. Reagan's term (and biggesd weakness) was allowing the Congress to spend wildly whie taxes were cut- which continues to this day. irrespective of party.
Moore has NO problem with that. His problems are with people who are on the other side of the political spectrum being financially successful. THOSE he demonizes regularly.
Sorry Mr Kozlowski. A scintilla of fairness does not a good documentary make…
Actually there are a lot of people that would disagree with you on that statement. Moore is a sloppy editor and film maker. He is also not a true documentarian, he sets up an agenda and regardless of the evidence he finds he will alter and re edit to fit HIS view of how something should be.
I understand the attempt to be impartial, but it's sad to see a reviewer like this get sucked in. I mean really, this film may be one of the better bowel movements with which Michael Moore has graced humanity, but for heaven's sake, consider the source: it's still a bowel movement.
I think what most people miss is the fact that Capitalism has been around since the begining of time in one form or another and will continue as long as people are willing to pay some form of currency for something. Calling it evil is basically damning anyone who has ever paid for a product or service in their entire life.
Brian:
Keep in mind that Atlas Shrugged holds contempt for businesses (perceived capitalists) as moochers. Think of Orrin Boyle and his steel company always looking for government regulation or assistance in keeping his competitors at bay. True Ayn-Rand Capitalists should not be in the business of protecting AIG, Goldman Sachs, or GM as good examples of capitalism. They are the James Taggerts and Orrin Boyles of the world.
If Michael Moore is exposing this type of "capitalism" then we actually would get the support of Ayn Rand. But my guess is that he has special disdain for true capitalists who do everything they can to add economic value, to society, become personally wealthy and be competitive in this world. Perhaps I will watch it and judge for myself.
Brian:
Keep in mind that Atlas Shrugged holds contempt for businesses (perceived capitalists) as moochers. Think of Orrin Boyle and his steel company always looking for government regulation or assistance in keeping his competitors at bay. True Ayn-Rand Capitalists should not be in the business of protecting AIG, Goldman Sachs, or GM as good examples of capitalism. They are the James Taggerts and Orrin Boyles of the world.
If Michael Moore is exposing this type of "capitalism" then he actually would get the support of Ayn Rand. But my guess is that he has special disdain for true capitalists who do everything they can to add economic value, to society, become personally wealthy and be competitive in this world. Perhaps I will watch it and judge for myself.
Moore does not make documentaries, he makes liberal and socialist propaganda. A documentary films the facts and presents them for the viewer to make their own decisions. Moore films situations, edits them to say what he wants said, changes speach and actions by those he films with tricky editing so that the subjects he films spouts things they didn't say, and then releases it to a unsuspecting public as a fact. When in fact it is a complete fabrication. To even call him a documentary film maker is a slander on those who really do make documentaries. He is a crockumentary film maker and a pathetic liar. He should be investigated for slander and thrown in prison for his lies. Anyone who thinks he is a good film maker has got serious problems with their brain.
Well you made good points that bear repeating : )
Michael Moore is proof that we live in the greatest country in the history of the world. A place where even an ignorant, fat, grotesque, anti-American can become fabulously wealthy.
So Michael – when's that movie showing the astounding successes of socialism and communism in world history? You can call it "Dizzy with Success: A Radical Plan for Enslaving Americans."
The majority of what Moore rails against in the movie is really Socialism. Anytime you obtain favors from the government, it is Socialism.
90% of the movie advocates the separation of business and State.
Very true. Most of what Moore calls Capitalism is really Socialism. Anytime you obtain favors from the government, it is Socialism. It doesn't matter who the recipient is.
As I watched the movie i couldn't help but see the irony that Moore is advocating the Separation of Business and State.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by SupSappel and Todd Hollenbeck. Todd Hollenbeck said: Its sad when people supposedly on our side don't understand capitalism either. http://tinyurl.com/ybranqu #tcot #tlot #912 [...]
is there a sliding scale for buying a ticket to this movie?
Funny how in Fits’s sacred “free market” economy I was able to watch me some Socialist Football Monday night, where the Dallas Cowboys played in a brand-new billion-dollar stadium, built — not courtesy of the wealthy football team owner himself — but by the taxpayers, as part of the damndest welfare scheme nobody ever wrote about.
Anytime you obtain favors from the government, it is Socialism. It doesn't matter who the recipient is.
(And Ayn Rand wrote quite a bit about it.)
I like good science Fiction, but Moore's work isn't even close to being good Sci-Fi.
Nice old video on the confusion of terms:
http://www.popmodal.com/video/3626/State-Capitali...
Nice old video on the confusion of terms:
http://www.popmodal.com/video/3626/State-Capitali...
Michael Moore should not wear shirts with horizontal stripes. It makes him look fat.
well put. simple things are often the hardest to explain. the fact remains we have perverted (not to a polanski level yet) capitalism.
Since many of the responses reference Ayn Rand, let us review what Ayn Rand was. Not an economist, not a historian, but a third rate philosopher and writer and first rate immoral, by conventional standards. She wrote solf core econo porn. I doubt that any of the "we think we are Randians" posting have any idea about what Objectivism is. She created an imaginary world with no basis in reality.
There are not enough expletives I can think of that fully express what a disgusting to faced hypocrite Michael Moore is.
Sorry folks, I gotta watch it. I want to know what he's saying, and then agree or disagree.
I remember hearing a story about those who would quote Nixon writings post resignation about international relations, and folks would say, "But Nixon said that, so it doesn't have merit." Nixon did something wrong, but it doesn't make his insights on international affairs right or wrong. I will take the same position with Moore.
C-Koz did a good job on his review. Let's not emote and rant like the HuffPos.
Hitler hired better film makers than Moore, from a technical standpoint, especially considering the resources available. But only fools and farcical morons would commend such liars for their immoral filth.
LBJ was the Dem president that used the tax system to silence churches from having free speech. An ex KKK turned supreme court judge was the guy that introduced the fallacy of Separation of Church and State. Not strange at all was the fact that the KKK had a required oath of Separation of Church and State, specifically to keep the evil Catholic immigrants from gaining too much of a political sway. The KKK openly promoted specific leaders in their respective protestant churches but did not want competition from the Catholic church leaders. The KKK was 90 percent democrats, having lyn-ched a mere 3400 blacks and 1400 white conservatives.
Amen!
Pretty sure that the income going into the stadium from now until it is torn down is still taxed, honey cakes. Show me a true person on real welfare that puts money back into the treasury, EVER. It does not happen. The reason dems and reps give tax breaks for companies, Allen, the non-thinking complainer, is that it adds more money into the local economy. I suppose some idiot can claim that a tax break is welfare, however, these companies end up paying plenty of taxes. Again, show me a welfare case that ever ever pays any taxes. It just does not happen.
A good many of the responders claim to be devotees of Ayn Rand, I do not believe they have much of a clue as to who she was and what she stood for.
First, what she was not, an economist, a historian, a meaningful philosopher.
What she was, a third rate novelist, a third rate thinker( come on any of you describe Objectivism- seriously). She was also immoral by conventional standards.
She wrote soft core econo porn that created a fantasy world out of her own fantasy thoughts. As to the article itself, a fair commentary on Moore who is a Social Democrat. Both major parties are corporatists, the repubs being pretty much 100% the demos 75%. It ends up being a soft fascism, government in service to narrow business interests rather than there being a strong leader and party in league with business.
Funny you should say that. I couldn't help but feel like this could've been made during WW2 Germany. Just replace "Capitalist" with "Jew."
There used to be a website after his farce "Farenheit 911" that was called "59 Lies". The gist of the site was that the entire premise of "Farenheit" was based on misquotes, deceptions and outright lies about who said what when that TOTALLY and COMPLETELY left the movie without a valid statement or premis that it could call a true fact. And when confronted with the true quote and facts, Michael dismissed the entire investigation as a witch hunt claiming an literally "the end justifies the means". IE: It was ok to lie as long as you were Bush Bashing in the process because that NEEDED to be done.
Rot in Hell Michael…..
It's so simple. It's the unholy alliance of govn't and business that is the problem, not capitalism in its pure form.
Enforce laws against breach of fidiciary duty, fraud, and corruption, and the problems fade away.
Make govn't less powerful, increase transparency, and capitalism will, like a mountain stream, purify itself.
See it? "Capitalism is evil. You can't regulate evil." -Michael Moore. That's all I need to know about his feelings on capitalism. I already have seen his story, it was clearly laid out in the words of Atlas Shrugged, the Mooching side. People like Moore want to make you believe they are not against you making money, they are just against you making so much while people who don't have your skills make so little. If you could only give a little of yours so that they can be carried on your shoulders. And if you are the only man with talent left in the world and you carry everyone on your shoulders, what happens when you shrug? That's not what he's expressly asking for, but that's the only eventual outcome.
So, wait…
"Capitalism is an economic and social system that has no sense of morality or feelings.."
BUT
"Socailism and Communism can also be evil and greedy"
?
What a good Conservative documentary?
In respect of the people running the particular system… sorry if you couldn't get that….
unfortunately for both Moore and Mr Kozlowski's post is the messenger is bad….
So, even if this has laudable qualities- which while hard to imagine isn't impossible- the sad fact that Moore is essentially a fraud and a poseur undermines any credibilities. His far left views do not jibe with his love of money and his 'everyman' attitude and attire are props as well. Taking on Obama? Well, in Moore's opinion he is not moving left fast enough.
One suspects any fondness for pre-Carter capitalism a red herring, too. Massive war footings kept the US in slow growth for years; the only positive was the debt was kept responsible. Reagan's term (and biggest weakness) was allowing the Congress to spend wildly whie taxes were cut- which continues to this day. irrespective of party.
Moore has NO problem with that. His problems are with people who are on the other side of the political spectrum being financially successful. THOSE he demonizes regularly.
Sorry Mr Kozlowski. A scintilla of fairness does not a good documentary make…
Moore is happy with the current rigging, thank you. He is also happy to make money off of any dope that chooses to put money down for his filth that he passes off as useful information. However, we have quite a few totally capitalist companies and individuals that remain in the USA. Corporations will have all the flaws and weaknesses of any large and powerful group of people. Some good and some bad. The bailouts you refer to are not the norm. They are in most part due to idiot democrats that want to buy votes from the unions, the corporations and the poor uneducated people all at the same time. So they play a game of balance, if you can call it that, of telling one story to one group and a totally different story to another group. Obama gets must of his donations from the rich, even though he would tell you that he gets them from the little folk.
Look, getting mad at Michael Moore is basically pointless because YOU getting mad is part of the "act" for him. These aren't documentaries, any more than Atlas was, it's a polemic. A well-made one that I disagree with about 85% of, but just a polemic all the same.
The "Capitalism" in the title and the "evil" in the film are really mostly for show, though – this is actually his least "angry" movie other than that one that was jsut about his book tour, and it's less about "capitalism" the system than it is about the subrime meltdown. It's not really worth getting worked up about, for or against.
Todd, you can just delete them if you signed in with Intense Debate. I liked your post, BTW, and agree.
"He also doesn't realize that greed will eventually fail if allowed to do so (unlike what was done this past year where greed was rewarded by government bailouts)…."
Though I doubt it will (or ought) change your opinion of "Mr. Moron," you may be interested to note that the entire 3rd act of the film is pretty much dedicated to the bailouts. In fact, Paulson and Geithner are pretty much the ultimate villians of the piece. He also devotes a pretty big chunk to pointing out that Goldman Sachs was Obama's biggest contributor within a very short period of time.
Brian:
Keep in mind that Atlas Shrugged holds contempt for businesses (perceived capitalists) as moochers. Think of Orrin Boyle and his steel company always looking for government regulation or assistance in keeping his competitors at bay. True Ayn-Rand Capitalists should not be in the business of protecting AIG, Goldman Sachs, or GM as good examples of capitalism. They are the James Taggerts and Orrin Boyles of the world.
If Michael Moore is exposing this type of "capitalism" then he actually would get the support of Ayn Rand. But my guess is that he has special disdain for true capitalists who do everything they can to add economic value to society, become personally wealthy, and be competitive in this world. Perhaps I will watch it and judge for myself.
By Moore's logic, since charities and government social programs are abused by greed, they need to go.
You're 100% right about it being closer to what Mussolini tried. Check out the video link i posted above.
Moore uses vintage educational clips in his movie. He conveniently left this one out:
<a href="http://www.popmodal.com/video/3626/State-Capitali…” target=”_blank”>http://www.popmodal.com/video/3626/State-Capitali…
This country hasn't had capitalism in about a hundred years. It's a crazy mish-mash of corporatism, where certain well-connected businesses are rewarded by the government and work to pass new regulations that stifle competition. GE springs to mind.
If this is what Moore calls "capitalism," he's completely off-base. It's closer to what Mussolini tried.
True capitalism would have meant the banks that screwed up never would have been bailed out. Neither would Moore's beloved car companies. But the fact that those two things occurred only goes to show how polluted our system has become.
It also demonstrates the way entities like Goldman Sachs and labor unions own our government, GS in particular. Seriously, look at the revolving door between Goldman Sachs, the Treasury Deparment, and the Fed sometime. Then tell me that looks like "unfettered capitalism."
The game is rigged, and Moore needs to realize how much the government is in on the game.
This country hasn't had capitalism in about a hundred years. It's a crazy mish-mash of corporatism, where certain well-connected businesses are rewarded by the government and work to pass new regulations that stifle competition. GE springs to mind.
If this is what Moore calls "capitalism," he's completely off-base. It's closer to what Mussolini tried.
True capitalism would have meant the banks that screwed up never would have been bailed out. Neither would Moore's beloved car companies. But the fact that those two things occurred only goes to show how polluted our system has become.
It also demonstrates the way entities like Goldman Sachs and labor unions own our government, GS in particular. Seriously, look at the revolving door between Goldman Sachs, the Treasury Deparment, and the Fed sometime. Then tell me that looks like unfettered, laissez faire capitalism.
The whole thing is rigged, and Moore needs to realize how much the government is in on the game.
"a return to letting genuine morality and concern for others play a major part in corporate decision-making. "
Huh? And when was this exactly? This maudlin, wrongheaded, and fanciful statement shows perfectly Kozlowski's (and Moore's) complete misunderstanding of capitalism and business.
[...] heading in the right direction.Overall, 50% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the ‘Capitalism: A Love Story’ Targets Both Right and Left – bighollywood.breitbart.com 10/01/2009 Firing a red-hot cannon blast at both parties and the [...]
[...] public enemy number one.Right wing Brietbart.com’s “Hollywood” site posts a review of Michael Moore’s latest film, “Capitalism: A Love Story” … and surprise! They like it! (Mostly because Moore [...]
Interesting review.
I really do not see why MM didn't show this film for free, making his point at least with sincerity, if nothing else.
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