Michael Moore’s latest film, Slacker Uprising is now available as a free download — US and Canada only unfortunately, although it’s reported to be available as a torrent at a certain pirate bay on the intertubes. The film is described as “a road trip documentary based on the 2004 film election about Michael Moore trying to inspire the youth of the nation.” Here’s the trailer:
… and a 10 minute chunk of the movie on YouTube.
If it’s so-called “free”, why only free to Americans and Canadians? The answer is simple. Moore is yet another celebrity attempting to sway the way people vote in both the U.S. and Canadian elections. What a pompous ass, and what a hypocrite. When did he become so transparent in his politics and world views, or were they always so? Do we really need Michael Moore’s guidance to make an informed decision? C’mon Moore, get back to making dinky, one-sided documentaries. Here’s an idea for a future film Michael Moore film: How I Jerked-Off The Obama Campaign And Made Millions Doing So… Imagine the rest of the world actually paying money for this shit…
watch out – he might make a movie about YOU! ouch, that could hurt.
Do you know who you are? You are what you is…
[quote comment=”2357″]What a pompous ass, and what a hypocrite. When did he become so transparent in his politics and world views, or were they always so? Do we really need Michael Moore’s guidance to make an informed decision? C’mon Moore, get back to making dinky, one-sided documentaries.[/quote]
Well, I’m going to respectfully disagree. The bulk of Moore’s work so far has been more than socially relevant — from Roger & Me through Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 911 and Sicko. Granted, his personal views dictate the storylines of any of these, but that’s his trademark really, and you know it going in. Plus: the guy’s funny!
[quote comment=”2362″]Plus: the guy’s funny![/quote]
Now I must disagree, oh blogmeister. I would say he’s about as funny as a fart in church – to use a tired old expression. Afterall, he’s mainly preaching to the choir – to use another…
[quote post=”462″]This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 at 1:32 pm by Barry’s Imaginary Publisher and is filed under Community, Movies, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed. [/quote]
How the hell does this damn quote thing work ,anyway?
Michael Moore is to the contemporary documentary what Bob Dylan was to folk music. He personalized the form and made it a vehicle for a political point of view that has been very restricted from public view in the United States for several decades.
Republicans hate him since he uses common, everyday English to get his points across, unlike most lefties, who are more at home in a seminar room than a union hall.
Plus he’s funny as hell.
[quote comment=”2365″]Michael Moore is to the contemporary documentary what Bob Dylan was to folk music. He personalized the form and made it a vehicle for a political point of view that has been very restricted from public view in the United States for several decades.
Republicans hate him since he uses common, everyday English to get his points across, unlike most lefties, who are more at home in a seminar room than a union hall.
Plus he’s funny as hell.[/quote]
The difference between Bob Dylan and Michael Moore is that Dylan was chosen by his generation as “their voice” while Moore is a self-appointed celebrity whose “voice” was not chosen by his generation, and whose “voice” over shadows everything and everyone in the documentaries he makes.
If I need a laugh with social commentary, I’ll listen to Dennis Leary instead. At least he’s not ramming his POV down my throat like a second rate version of “Deep Throat”.
They all pale in comparison to the great Bill Maher
[quote comment=”2367″]
The difference between Bob Dylan and Michael Moore is that Dylan was chosen by his generation as “their voice” while Moore is a self-appointed celebrity whose “voice” was not chosen by his generation, and whose “voice” over shadows everything and everyone in the documentaries he makes.[/quote]
See what you’re doing there? You’re stating a highly personal point of view — something we encourage on this very weblog. Surprise: it’s exactly what Moore has been doing all along. Further more: I fail to see how one can become a self-appointed celebrity. If I’m to appoint myself as such right now, I’ll be a laughing stock. Unless I have a significant amount of people supporting me. There is no such thing as “self-appointed celebrity”. You either hit the right button with a significant amount of people — or you don’t. And if you do, it’s because you have something of value to say.
As for that “voice”, which you seem to have a really big problem with: compare it to a writer/singer-songwriter/composer. It’s saying “here’s what I think, I know this is my view of things, you may well not agree, so hey, let’s talk.” We need biassed personal opinion as much as we need neutrality — whether we agree with any of it or not. Any medium, any filmmaker that provokes discussion is okay in my book, as long as it enriches the conversation.
[quote comment=”2367″]If I need a laugh with social commentary, I’ll listen to Dennis Leary instead. At least he’s not ramming his POV down my throat like a second rate version of “Deep Throat”.[/quote]
Dennis Leary. O RLY? If all you need is “a laugh with social commentary”, if all you need is an outlet that caters to your non-commitment to anything, if all you bring to the table is that coveted “Fuck The Vote, They’re All Morons, It Does Not Matter What We Vote For Anyway” badge: I can only assume that you’ve gone down the terminally cynical route. Which is kind of sad, really — and a self fulfilling prophecy to boot.
Have a little faith.
Virgil, Dylan’s music is staunchly non-partisan, I think you’re thinking of someone like Pete Seeger or the great Woody Guthrie, the latter whom did to folk music what you attribute to Bobby. Spokesperson for a generation? Reagan was obviously the spokesperson for the flower children whom have deified the fucker!
Dennis Leary? what about Bill Hicks or Lenny Bruce?
Anyhow, I am a wearer of that “Fuck The Vote, They’re All Morons, It Does Not Matter What We Vote For Anyway” badge, though that doesnt mean I’m apathetic, it means that I wont invest anything in the democratic farce but choose to pay attention to where the money’s going: CFR, IMF, Central Bank- massive decisions are being made by the non-elected members of these boards whose power eclipses the federal state.
You want to talk about cynical? I dont think George Bush Jr. is an idiot, I just think he knows he doesnt have to justify his decisions so mumbles his way through. He doesnt care, that’s all there is to it.
[quote comment=”2369″][quote comment=”2367″]
The difference between Bob Dylan and Michael Moore is that Dylan was chosen by his generation as “their voice” while Moore is a self-appointed celebrity whose “voice” was not chosen by his generation, and whose “voice” over shadows everything and everyone in the documentaries he makes.[/quote]
See what you’re doing there? You’re stating a highly personal point of view — something we encourage on this very weblog. Surprise: it’s exactly what Moore has been doing all along. Further more: I fail to see how one can become a self-appointed celebrity. If I’m to appoint myself as such right now, I’ll be a laughing stock. Unless I have a significant amount of people supporting me. There is no such thing as “self-appointed celebrity”. You either hit the right button with a significant amount of people — or you don’t. And if you do, it’s because you have something of value to say.
As for that “voice”, which you seem to have a really big problem with: compare it to a writer/singer-songwriter/composer. It’s saying “here’s what I think, I know this is my view of things, you may well not agree, so hey, let’s talk.” We need biassed personal opinion as much as we need neutrality — whether we agree with any of it or not. Any medium, any filmmaker that provokes discussion is okay in my book, as long as it enriches the conversation.
[quote comment=”2367″]If I need a laugh with social commentary, I’ll listen to Dennis Leary instead. At least he’s not ramming his POV down my throat like a second rate version of “Deep Throat”.[/quote]
Dennis Leary. O RLY? If all you need is “a laugh with social commentary”, if all you need is an outlet that caters to your non-commitment to anything, if all you bring to the table is that coveted “Fuck The Vote, They’re All Morons, It Does Not Matter What We Vote For Anyway” badge: I can only assume that you’ve gone down the terminally cynical route. Which is kind of sad, really — and a self fulfilling prophecy to boot.
Have a little faith.[/quote]
Terminal cynic: guilty as charged, Barry. And why shouldn’t I be? It is really quite easy to sing to the choir, isn’t it? Whip the assembled crowd into a frenzy… But what about saying what really needs to be said, especially when it’s unpopular, and won’t win you any new friends in the process? Or votes? Or won’t sell you any more DVDs? Where are those people? What are they doing? They are publishing weblogs, zines (donating the charge of which to charities like street newspapers that assist the homeless), protesting oil companies’ trailing ponds then get sued by them for trespassing, all the while putting forth their own particular (and at times peculiar) and usually minority point of view. They focus on local action, where it really matters, and where it can do the most good. Voting never fed anyone. Voting never made a difference in somebody’s life. Voting won’t change a damn thing. Personal action will. While Moore shouts out rhetoric about the “Slacker” revolution, somebody somewhere is going hungry, homeless, hopeless…
Admittedly, I let my personal opinion of Moore boil over into vitriol. It was unwarranted, unnecessary, and for that I apologize to you, Barry, and anyone else I may have offended.
[quote comment=”2371″]
Terminal cynic: guilty as charged, Barry. And why shouldn’t I be? It is really quite easy to sing to the choir, isn’t it? Whip the assembled crowd into a frenzy… But what about saying what really needs to be said, especially when it’s unpopular, and won’t win you any new friends in the process? Or votes? Or won’t sell you any more DVDs? Where are those people? What are they doing? They are publishing weblogs, zines (donating the charge of which to charities like street newspapers that assist the homeless), protesting oil companies’ trailing ponds then get sued by them for trespassing, all the while putting forth their own particular (and at times peculiar) and usually minority point of view. They focus on local action, where it really matters, and where it can do the most good.[/quote]
I know you are engaged in this type of local action Urban, and therefor I wouldn’t call you a cynic. A little heavy on the sarcasm but cynic? Nope. Cynics are beyond the point of undertaking positive action with whatever bad situation they come across.
[quote comment=”2371″]Voting never fed anyone. Voting never made a difference in somebody’s life. Voting won’t change a damn thing.[/quote]
Tell that to the families of the thousands of soldiers who have died in the Iraq war. That war would not have happened had GWB not been elected into office.
[quote comment=”2371″]Admittedly, I let my personal opinion of Moore boil over into vitriol. It was unwarranted, unnecessary, and for that I apologize to you, Barry, and anyone else I may have offended.[/quote]
Hey, no offense taken! I like a good debate — looking forward to seeing one this evening as a matter of fact… is McCain attending or is he still too busy saving the economy?
It’s important to understand what’s happened in American politics over the past few decades.
Republicans like Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan appealed to reactionary tendencies in the white working class–people like Archie Bunker on “All in the Family.” The appeal was based on resentment against “uppity” blacks and “elitist” liberals. This sort of diversion worked to trick white working people to vote against their own economic interests just to make sure that somewhere, somehow, some “undeserving” African American or Hispanic American might get some kind of social benefit–perish the thought!
Michael Moore and his movies, along with some excellent writers like Thomas Frank (What’s the Matter with Kansas?) and Doug Henwood (Wall Street) and some great TV hosts like John Stewart and Steven Colbert have exposed how this Republican trickery works and have helped to move the working class back to the left side of the political spectrum.
Now our brothers on the right are fuming and steaming because the old trickery doesn’t seem to work as well anymore.
[quote post=”462″]A quote from urbangraffito:
Voting never fed anyone. Voting never made a difference in somebody’s life. Voting won’t change a damn thing.
Tell that to the families of the thousands of soldiers who have died in the Iraq war. That war would not have happened had GWB not been elected into office.[/quote]
The fact that even democrats whole-heartedly supported the Iraq war leads me to think that the war was inevitable. I dont even think you can pull the ‘I was mislead’ card, it was obvious that not only was there no connection between Al Queda and Iraq but there was no WMDs. Though I’d be inclined to say that the American public had just as much say in the Iraq war as the Iraq people.
Though even if you assume that the democrats wouldnt have been up for the war (watch Obama and Iran within the next few years), the voting process still wouldnt have made a difference, remember, Bush stole the election.
[quote post=”462″]Republicans like Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan appealed to reactionary tendencies in the white working class–people like Archie Bunker on “All in the Family.” The appeal was based on resentment against “uppity” blacks and “elitist” liberals. This sort of diversion worked to trick white working people to vote against their own economic interests just to make sure that somewhere, somehow, some “undeserving” African American or Hispanic American might get some kind of social benefit–perish the thought![/quote]
I would disagree, growing up in a similar ‘reactionary’ family, I would say that they werent racist or even non-sympathetic to the plight of the poor, they, like Archie B, were more or less prejudiced idealists who believe that hard work will always pay-off. What concerns them seems to have more to do with the poor taking away what the middle class has rightly earned, which, to some degree is realistic, if they jack up welfare or produce universal health care, who is going to pay for it? God forbid the rich have their taxes raised…
[quote comment=”2374″]The fact that even democrats whole-heartedly supported the Iraq war leads me to think that the war was inevitable.[/quote]
You’re referring to post 9/11, post 2004-election politics. I honestly believe that, had Gore taken office back in 2000, the US would not have engaged in war with Iraq.
Comparing Michael Moore to Bob Dylan???
That does it for me. What a bunch of numbskulls! I’ve always liked KUR and been a huge supporter, but you’ve finally lost me.
Whatever happened to talking about FZ and dumping on his family? Where has all the fun, facts and inspiration gone???
I’m tempted to go down in a curse-filled rage, but I’m seriously too good for any of you to lower myself to that.
I’m better than any of YOU, any DAY! BITE ME!!!
So there! ADIOS!
[quote comment=”2377″]Comparing Michael Moore to Bob Dylan???
That does it for me. What a bunch of numbskulls! I’ve always liked KUR and been a huge supporter, but you’ve finally lost me.[/quote]
As always Bob (can I call you Bob?) I’m left wondering whether you’re being serious here or not — which is fun. In case it’s the former: let the records show that I for one didn’t compare Moore to Dylan.
[quote comment=”2377″]Whatever happened to talking about FZ and dumping on his family? Where has all the fun, facts and inspiration gone???[/quote]
Eaten by snakes! Seriously though: I attribute it to election fever. Our regular schedule shall be resumed shortly. You know, once Obama is elected…
[quote comment=”2377″]So there! ADIOS![/quote]
Don’t be a stranger my friend. Talk soon. Nos hablamos pronto.
[quote post=”462″]A quote from Paul Sempschi:
The fact that even democrats whole-heartedly supported the Iraq war leads me to think that the war was inevitable.
You’re referring to post 9/11, post 2004-election politics. I honestly believe that, had Gore taken office back in 2000, the US would not have engaged in war with Iraq.[/quote]
but that’s why the war was an inevitability, aside from the CIA involvement and condonement with/of Laden & Co. which made 9/11 an inevitability (even if you hold the ‘optimistic’ that Al Queda acted alone and without homeland assistance (not necessarily the federal government)-), you also have the fact that Bush stole the election.
Gore would never have been elected and even if THEY would have allowed him to be elected, there is considerable evidence by way of how both sides of the fence behaved post-9/11 and what they had at stake (economically) in the Iraq war. They have been selling that scam since the 90’s.
[quote post=”462″]You know, once Obama is elected…[/quote]
which is what happened to all the fun in the world!
Dont put all your eggs in one basket. Listen to the crap he’s saying about Iran and Afghanistan, not to mention his sympathies with the CFR who has ties to Haliburton and Shell. I know things have gone to Hell after these Bush years but let’s not forget the war crimes that President Clinton committed, as well as rumours of drug money kick backs while governor.
Things will be bleak and we will rue the day Ron Paul was shoved out of the spotlight. Oh and dont forget about all the shit Neal Young said while it was popular to hate Iraq, he was fooled? He was either an idiot or just going for a quick cash grab, an immensley talented Toby Keith…
Paul – easy there twinkletoes, you might smear your mascara!
It’s a shame Ron Paul didn’t get that nomination, we really should have rallied behind the candidate who wanted to get rid of the Department of Education. Because if there’s one thing America is suffering from, it’s people being TOO smart or well-educated. Total codswallop.
Have some hope. Even if it’s a “lesser of two evils” vote for you. Has it occurred to you that Senator Obama is playing the Populist card? He already has one thing going against him with a portion of the American people.
He has said that it is impossible for him to take military action off the table regarding Iran. Though it is a LAST RESORT option, not a calculated decision designed to stuff the pockets of lobbyist-turned-cabinet-members.
And don’t trash Neil. I will eat your babies.
A LOT of people were duped, not just lawmakers and celebrities. Think about the servicemen who were duped and STILL ARE being duped into believing their cause is a noble one. Death tolls don’t decrease.
Sorry for turning into a troll on the issue but if my tone seems shrill, it’s just me venting, you know, this is the tone you take when “I told you so” isnt enough.
Neil is a brilliant songwriter and musician but he should be embarassed by his statements and actions during the time leading up to the Iraq war. “Let’s Roll” was a transparent act of war mongering, baiting and mindless slogan touting, how arrogant can you be to endorse any war? Sure, politicians do, but I’d think better of musicians, they have nothing at stake. Again, I admire his work (though I also admire the work of Disney, Ford and Heidegger) but he is a complete and unscrupulous shit and ego maniac, who should be lumped in with all the other bobbling heads and shills who acted as the voice of propaganda for the administration (E.g. Bill O’Reilly). At least in spirit, he contributed to the slaughter.
“Living with War” is just a transparent attempt on his part to recapture the fan base he hoped to seize by taking the popular side. To say that any of these people were duped seems to be a case of revisionism. There were plenty of reports coming through that directly contradicted the ‘official’ reports of WMDs, it wasnt covered in the American news but the information was readily available.
Sure, solidiers and the general population may be too lazy to a)question their government or b)research the issue of war -but it is the job of (homegrown) journalists and politicians to go out and do their research. And for celebrities to publicly advocate an action which will result in destruction or murder…
And no, Obama meeting with the CFR and taking donations from the pharmaceutical and insurance companies doesnt seem like him playing the Populist Card. The man is related to Cheney, he is born into priviledge and money, his skin colour is just a novelty and a red herring re:the CFR, just as Palin helps distract from McCain, Iran, Russia and any number of crap coming down the pipeline.
Though I would say Nixon was a populist…
*troll signing off*
Obama meeting with people in the drug industry beats a preemptive nuclear strike against Iran any day, though.