The Movie Seen: “Capitalism: A Love Story”
Truthfully, I was not prepared for all of the documented information flung at the audience by Michael Moore’s new film: “Capitalism: A Love Story,” an ironic title, if I ever heard one.
If one listens to Moore, the only people who love capitalism are those capitalists (= opportunists?) who benefit from their evil acts of greed and their schemes. They are wolves (thieves) in sheep’s clothing.
I loved this documentary, even if I did fall asleep, twice. Ahem, the chairs in the new theater were so comfy and the room was so dark … add to that feeling tired … so, my dozing had nothing to do with the movie’s content.
The filmmaker chronicled various political decisions that have affected the “little guy.” He provided ample examples of the results of Detroit plants closing, people being evicted from their homes and being asked to burn and dispose of all their belongings while being reimbursed $1,000., and then, living in their vehicles.
The film covers a lot of ground and humorously ends with Moore running a yellow, crime scene tape around the Wall Street buildings of major business offenders who nearly affected a total collapse of the economy. Megaphone in hand, he calls to them to come out of the building and be arrested for the criminals they are … After all, “it’s not so bad in prison.”
We sat through the credits at the end of the film and were treated to one line zingers, attributed to famous people, and a song by the late Woody Guthrie that, in part, recounts that Jesus told the rich to give to the poor, and then was sent to the grave.
This is a powerful film, if it is to be believed. I did not read this work as leftist or rightist. I came away with the feeling that Michael Moore really cares deeply about what is happening to Americans, especially those who do not have a voice, but also those who are finding that solidarity against despots, who would cheat them out of their due wages, is necessary.
I hope you will see this movie and make up your own mind about it. This is a film that would be difficult not to react to, one way or the other. I hope that students will discuss the meaning of the words, “Capitalism,” “Democracy,” “Socialism,” and “Unions.” An understanding of those words, as well as the word, “Monopoly” are vital to our understanding of the changes that must happen in this country: namely, accountability in both private and public sectors.
Does a bank really have to foreclose on a house in America every 7 1/2 seconds? The film offers some powerful images and powerful fodder for discussion. This is not an “ordinary film.” See it!
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
