Michael Moore is a renowned documentary filmmaker whose name has become synonymous with documentary. He is known for his satirical style and focus on capitalism, media and US soceity. He burst onto the scene in 1989 with his first film, Roger and Me, and quickly made a reputation for himself as a filmmaker and a documentarian. He won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for the 2002 Bowling for Columbine and won the Palme d'Or for 2004's Fahrenheit 9/11. He is also the current record holder for the highest grossing documentary at the American box office for this film. Ahead of the release of his latest Where to Invade Next we take a look at his films:
Roger & Me was Michael's directorial debut in 1989 which analysed globalisation through General Motors' decision to move their factories from Michigan to Mexico for cheaper labour. The film was a hit with audiences and critics and established a name for Michael Moore as a documentarian.
Bowling for Columbine was the film that first introduced many people to Michael Moore, it focused on the 1999 Columbine High School Massacre and gun violence in the USA. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and made over $58 million at the box office.
Michael Moore broke box office records with his 2004 film, Fahrenheit 9/11 with it becoming the highest grossing documentary of all time making over $222 million. The film first premiered at Cannes Film Festival and received a 20 min standing ovation with Michael being awarded the Palme d'Or for the film. Fahrenheit 9/11 takes a critical focus the former US president George W. Bush, the war on terror and the media portrayal of these events. The film was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
Michael Moore followed up this success with Sicko, a critical examination of the American healthcare system. The film premiered at Cannes Film Festival and was again met with a standing ovation and was nominated for an Academy Award (Michael's third nomination!). In 2009 Moore returned with a new film that studied the Financial crisis, capitalism and the US economic order titled Capitalism: A Love Story.
That brings us to his latest film, Where to Invade Next, which is released in UK cinemas tomorrow! A provocative and hilarious comedy in which Moore visits European countries to steal their good ideas and bring them back to the USA. Michael Moore will be in the UK to partake in a Q&A hosted by Owen Jones that will be broadcast to 125 cinemas across the UK and Ireland.
For screenings visit wheretoinvadenext.co.uk/screenings
