Capitalism: A Love Story
You’ve probably figured out by now that I love Michael Moore (I think I made that clear in my post on Sicko). In any case, as usual, we’re behind the times and just saw this movie on DVD last week.
The documentary discusses the financial crisis and resulting recovery stiumulus, as well as capitalism in general, mainly focusing on the US. Much of these issues may not come as a surprise (we’ve all seen these stories on the news or in papers…even me, who generally does a good job avoiding the news), but they’re well presented and thought-provoking.
And then there are other issues that arise: ever heard of dead peasant insurance policies? The name alone gives me the creeps. Just take a look at the movie and you’ll wonder…how can that possibly be legal?
Legal or not, it’s all part of capitalism. And before you start thinking I’m just another crazy hippie Democrat from northern California, well…I have my own company, and used to think that game was a great idea…you know, that “we all have equal opportunities and we can all be masters of the universe” game?
Now, I’m realizing that, like communism, capitalism sounds great in theory and pretty much sucks in reality. Not all companies place staff and consumer welfare over profits, and if the company goes public, that becomes even more difficult. An IPO is sounding totally unappealing to me these days…
Oh! Michael Moore!
As always, one might argue that his style is very unbalanced and subjective.
The themes he selects for his movies are always controversial.
If you accept that, i think it’s hard not to be drawn into his storytelling and amused by his editing style, At times funny and in a second, totally dramatic.
I like his films and always put them In the context of the U.S. media.Sometimes you have to be unorthodox to portray concepts so unpopular and rare as the doubt of the endless benefits of capitalism in the states.
To me,this is a very good film.
Ah! and you’re a communist !
Thanks for your comment! I just love the way his perspective is totally opposite that of mainstream US media. I think the US definitely needs some different perspectives in media. It’s too one-sided. And I love his storytelling style; I think the humor is very American. The addition of humor to serious topics (and the profusion of jokes about political figures and issues) is something I really like about the US. It helps put everything into perspective.
It’s funny how humans can take great concepts like communism and capitalism and then completely mess them up. If the government put some serious checks to keep corporations in line, capitalism could be a good thing. And if the US government limited the amount corporations could contribute to politicians, even better.
Oh, and check out the post that’s coming up tomorrow. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll love it. Very Michael Moore-style.
And…if CFK were president of the US, can you imagine all the jokes they’d come up with?
Exactly!
Same goes for Oliver Stone’s films.I haven’t seen his last Doc ¨South of the border¨, about democracy in South America. But even though i don’t agree with all his views about South America i understand that he is trying to go over the big wall of media conglomerates in the U.S.
If CFK was president of the U.S.? I guess ¨The Daily Show¨ would be a two hour show and Bill Maher would have a daily late night show again. I’d be sooo happy!
Can’t wait for that post tomorrow. ;D
I haven’t seen the latest Oliver Stone movie either. But we drove by a sign for it the other night, so it’s either out down here, or coming soon. The US view on Latin America is generally a bit skewed, but I’m still interested in seeing it.
I’m still laughing about what you said about CFK. And…SNL would be a three hour show! I think the US would have even more fun with her than they had with Dubya. Oh well. I guess every country has their low points. I’m just hoping Argentina comes up with a better candidate next time around.
I generally do a good job avoiding the news also. I liked Sicko very much. I haven’t seen this latest film of Micheal Moore’s yet.
Thank you for your kind words on my blog. I don’t have any bach’s rescue remedy at the moment but will get some in case I ever get another one of those headaches. I do think they would be called migraines. I get photo sensitivity and nausea. It seems to be gone now. hooray.
Purplume, good for you on avoiding news! This was a great movie. If you liked Sicko, I think you’ll like this one.
Rescue Remedy is a good thing to have around the house. I have a cream that I received from a friend, and I use it when I get headaches, which is pretty rare. It does sounds like your headaches may be migraines, if you get photosensitivity and nausea.
Like you, I like Michael moore! And I also try to avoid the news. My dad got so riled up during the election that he got anxiety attacks every time McCains ratings went up!!!! Now he sticks to the daily show with Jon Stewart and keeps it lighthearted.
Your family sounds pretty funny. And good for you for avoiding the news!