Manufacturing Dissent
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Movie Reviews of Manufacturing Dissent
Movie Review: Sad, bitter people on display
Summary: 2 Stars
I completely get that many people do not like the viewpoints of Michael Moore and disagree with his political views, but the amount of backlash against him seems so petty and weak that it quickly loses credibility. No more is that on display than in the film Manufacturing Dissent.
As far as I can tell a Toronto-based documentarian couldn't get an interview with Moore. And somehow that seems to motivate the entire focus of this documentary as the filmmakers show numerous situations that only seem bad if you feel Moore has to stop, drop and roll everytime a news crew wants to speak with him. Newsflash, he doesn't.
Therefore all you are left with is a lot of whinning from people who basically don't like Moore but can't come up with anything substantive enough to make you understand why their opinion matters. No more is that situation highlighted than in the embarrassing interview David Gilmour gives, basically this former movie critic tries to build a case that an interview with Moore shows the filmmaker seething with anger and hostility, but the interview itself actually shows nothing of the sort when shown. Gilmour actually comes across as the angry narcissist he accusses Moore of being.
There are some interesting viewpoints expressed and revelations about Moore's work that are quite valid (he, it turns out did speak with the Roger, in Roger & Me). But one thing the film comes nowhere close to asking is is Micheal Moore really a bad guy for simply editing his films to be more effective in making their points? In Manufacturing Dissent I heard no opinion that challenged the central premises of each Moore film and no real reasoning that makes you think Moore's practises are truly that bad.
But what I did get was a lot people, for whatever reason, are quite angry with Moore, probably because he's one of the few successful documentarians to actually get his films viewed by a wide audience. Otherwise, instead of calling this film Manufacturing Dissent it should be called Reaching For An Arguement.
Movie Review: This IS a positive review!
Summary: 2 Stars
I was raised by the adage, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Hampered as I am by this, I am hellbent on saying only nice things about the documentary, Manufacturing Dissent. Well (gulp!) here goes:
This release has some rather useful features. For example, I was able to use its case as a makeshift writing surface when my daughter needed me to initial her reading log for her homework assignment. I'm sure that the disc itself would make a very nice coaster, once some absorbent surface is attached to the data side. I've even seen such discs used on the mortarboards of Computer Science graduates during such college ceremonies, so I'm sure for that use it will be quite appropriate.
For members of gun clubs, it could be used for skeet shooting practice. In such a situation, bulk purchases could no doubt be arranged. However, it seems rather unlikely that members of the NRA would go against their own kind, much preferring copies of Bowling for Columbine instead.
As far as its entertainment value goes, it could be used for games of fetch with smaller breeds of dogs such as toy poodles and chiuauas. For such breeds, it would be much more humane than full-sized Frisbees and much more enjoyable all around. However, it does not fare so well as a chew toy as the shards could be consider hazardous for any breed of canine, much the same way that chicken bones are a no-no for Fido.
If one wished to avail itself of its cinematic virtues, it could be utilized for student sci-fi productions as part of a make-shift UFO. Just add the two halves of a ping pong ball cut in half, hot glue them to the disc, spray paint the object silver as a futuristic motif, attach a fishing line and voila! A most fitting prop for any budding Ed Wood devotee.
Regarding the actual filmic content of the work itself, I really can't be bothered to say anything about it at all. Remember, I was raised to say only nice things so I will have to keep silent on such matters.
Movie Review: Interesting angle on Moore but mediocre Documentary
Summary: 2 Stars
First see all of Michael Moores Documentary's...(including BLOOD IN THE FACE and PETS OR MEAT) - then watch both of Moore's TV show Box sets.
Then watch this.
It will make more sense - since this film is not put together very well...but should be seen simply because someone who has had such an impact on modern film - as MM has - should have their tactics examined.
I think it's important to recognize that, for better or worse - the onslaught of Documentaries in recent years would have never gotten made or released or accepted if it werent for MM... (including this one).
He made the modern documentary appealing to the average person.
Also: Moore is a comedian - he makes very funny movies about very serious subjects. An overwhelming majority of comedians utilize social commentary in their acts. So why not a documentarist? If you want to look at Moore - you need to keep in mind that his style is directly linked to Will Rogers and Mark Twain. Is he 100% truthful? I'd say I believe undoubtedly that he believes in the points he makes. I would also say he does in editing what an Attorney does when presenting a case. Moore always makes a good case and always makes us laugh. This is something this documentary didn't understand.
Movie Review: Could Have Done a Much Better Job
Summary: 2 Stars
I am not a MM fan. I absolutely disagree with his methods. If you are going to edit your "documentary" to bend the truth (or outright lie), then don't call it a documentary. Hollywood is showing its true colors by giving him awards in documentary categories.
I don't know if I agree with his politics or not. With all of his lies and extremism, I really don't know what he stands for, other than making money.
As far as this film is concerned, it really only scratches the surface in challenging his films. They would have been better off focusing more on his film inaccuracies. We don't need another documentary (on top of MM Hates America) that focuses on someone not being able to get an interview with him. They didn't even really touch F 911.
Movie Review: Ad Moore-inem
Summary: 2 Stars
Yes, this meta-documentary shows, in a rather cobbled way, some interesting sides of how Michael Moore's fudging and bending distort some truths. But, too often, books and films like this one seem to exist to say, "Well, Mikey Moore and his ilk aren't 100% titanium pure, therefore the issues they care about are non-issues and the films and books they produce are untruthful, inferior, lying crap and not fit for real 'merkins." That's called distortion,too, in my view.