March 20, 2011 - 4:37pm
Michael Moore comes to town for "Roger and Me" screening
BY KAVI PANDEY
Michael Moore is a bit of a divisive figure in America. For some, he’s a fearless filmmaker, a champion of the oppressed, who boldly exposes the corruption inherent in our country’s pillars of power. For others, he’s an obnoxious, talentless loudmouth whose films are less informative documentaries than overblown, delusional conspiracy theories. Love him or hate him, he’s one of the most influential figures in both politics and cinema, and tonight, you’ll have an opportunity to pick his brain.
In an event sponsored by Department of Screen Arts & Cultures, Moore will be presenting a screening of his debut documentary, “Roger & Me,” in honor of its 20th anniversary. The event begins tonight at 7 p.m. in Angell Hall Auditorium A. Following the screening, Moore will be present for a Q&A session with the audience.
A native of Flint, MI, Michael Moore shot “Roger & Me” in 1989 to depict the staggering devastation caused to his hometown after General Motors shut down several of the city’s automobile factories. The titular “Roger” is Roger Smith, CEO of General Motors, who Moore attempts to confront for an interview throughout the film. Moore blamed the city’s demise on Smith, who made the decision to shift auto plants to Mexico for its cheap labor costs.
Though it was filmed two decades ago, the film remains eerily relevant in today’s economic climate. The collapse of Flint was only the precursor to today’s financial predicament — what happened in there in 1989 can now be seen in cities across the nation. Thousands of people were laid off, mortgages were defaulted and entire neighborhoods and buildings were left abandoned. As Moore prophetically remarks at the film’s conclusion, “As we neared the end of the twentieth century, the rich were richer, the poor, poorer…It was truly the dawn of a new era.”
No matter what you think about his politics, Moore must be admired for being one of the first people to call out a powerful corporation such as GM for their sleazy and selfish business practices. Back then, it was actually considered daring to walk around and challenge authoritative individuals with a video camera.
“Roger & Me” was the world’s first glimpse at the eventual-Academy Award winner’s trademark style of snarky, satirical narration, aggressive interview tactics and expert blend of humor and human tragedy. Much like Moore’s later films, “Roger & Me” was criticized for its hyperbolic segments and possible misinterpretations. But it’s indisputable that the man knows how to craft an engrossing, heart-tugging narrative around a subject usually relegated to the nightly news.
Moore’s most recent film, “Capitalism: A Love Story” can be seen as a bookend to his career. This film chronicles the current global economic meltdown, the seeds of which were planted back in decisions made around the time of the first massive GM layoff. After watching “Roger & Me” and observing the collapse of the Big 3, you’ll understand why Michael Moore has the right to tell everyone, “I told you so!”
Here’s the film’s trailer:
