Documentarian Michael
Moore has always been successful at manipulating his audiences with a persuasive
narrative and some compelling news footage and interviews. His cautionary tale, Fahrenheit 11/9, raises some significant
issues that have far reaching implications for this country.
On
Election Eve, 2016, as virtually every major poll predicts a convincing Presidential
victory by Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump, even Trump supporters are
pessimistic. When 11/9 brings a historic, Trump upset win, how could this have happened? Moore’s playful spin on his Fahrenheit 9/11 is this insightful study
of politics and media and how corporate money and influence play a direct role
in elections and policy that has far reaching consequences.
Starting
with the power of the media that propelled Donald Trump into the spotlight, he lashes
out at Republicans and Democrats alike as well as his own embarrassing shortcomings. He focuses on unfairly influenced primaries in
West Virginia and the horrific water crisis in Flint, Michigan (Moore’s hometown),
with its corrupt officials who
contributed to the public’s loss of faith in government. He also shows a remarkable segment where underpaid, state teachers strike in
together in supreme solidarity. Similarly, Parkland School students react to a
mass shooting by effecting political
change through global marches and social media.
Though
he may seem self-righteous and heavy handed at times, he has lost none of his
passion or his skill at persuasive cinema to rally his audience
emotionally. There is a sense of urgency in his message, a call to arms, as he
shines a light on grassroots candidates who are the hope of the nation. You may or may not believe or agree with him,
but his observations are eye opening.
***1/2*
of **** stars (for Moore fans)
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