Why do people believe Michael Moore's films aren't factual?

Question

Yes, his movies are very slanted that's for sure. In Farh 9/11, I didn't see anything in it that wasn't factual. What I found most appauling in Fah 9/11 is that congressmen / women sign bills (to become law) that they've NEVER BOTHERED TO READ.

Like the Amnesty bill. So many wanted to sign it before they ever read it.

Like the Patroit act. So many of those clowns signed it, without ever reading it. Parts of which were later to be found UNconstitutional (ie. Against the law.)

Think in Sicko, he points out American Prisoners in Cuba have access to better health care (for free) then Americans here on American soil.

So again, what's not factual in his movies? Not talking about slanted, just what's not factual.

Answer 1

I hear "Sicko" is pretty good and factual but if you saw "Fahrenheit 9/11" then you know all his work isn't factual. that movie was so full of half-truths and outright lie I don't see how he could have called it a documentary.

Answer 2

Yes. Say what you will about Michael Moore, but his movies make a lot of sense and are very well put together. I look forward the seeing this film.

Answer 3

Michael Moore's "documentaries" are filmed, and edited along the same lines as a reality TV show. Take the Real World as an example. Everything that is shown on TV actually did happen. But these people are filmed 24/7 for 6 months - there is lots of footage on the cutting room floor. When you have months of material to work with, you can highlight and downplay any part of someone's personality / habits. You can make the sweetest roommate look like a hellatious biatch.

Michael Moore does the same thing. He takes his footage and puts it together in such a way that suits his agenda. He isn't documenting to learn about his subject - he already Has his view, despite what he discovers along the way. He has a set goal, and his movie will reflect that.

Answer 4

I do think most people believe they are based on facts, but that doesn't really mean much. It's just like any other Hollywood movie that begins by telling the viewers it is based on real life incidents. It's then glamorized, created one-sided and twisted enough to make it salacious and good entertainment. I don't disagree with all of Mr. Moore's allegations, nor do I believe much of what he presents is completely hallow, but I do believe he is more about stiring people up (not to action, but to hatred, digust and division), making money, getting attention and finding validation (just my opinion of course). What I would really like to see is a factually accurate and unbiased presentation of the problems he presents, which do exist. I also believe he misses many great opporutnities to create pride in the American people for the amazing country we have, which included medical advancement and greatest doctors in the world, opportunity for all men and women to achieve an American dream, etc. I guess I have always been one to recognize the negative, but also to realize how great we really have it (there are certainly many areas we can improve in, and I don't think making the country a welfare/socialist country is one of them).

Answer 5

Apparently, even Fox gave "Sicko" a good review.

I am always struck as to how people think "national healthcare plan" automatically means lack of freedom of choice, behemoth bureaucracy, disinterested paper-pushing functionaries meddling with health-care professionals, etc.

Sort of reminds you of what we have now doesn't it?

But god forbid we even look at an overhaul and end up with "socialized medicine". The paralysis of debate in this country is scandalous.

I think that Moore is mainly trying to stir things up so that maybe, just maybe, some progress can be made.

Is anyone happy with the system we have now? The approval ratings for HMO's are about 10%.

Answer 6

Must. . . parrot. . . Limbaugh

Must. . . parrot. . . Limbaugh

Michael Moore is fat. That seems to be the best argument these people have against his films (Rush is a svelte, drug free triathelete, apparently)

There's no reason why the richest country in the world can't cover all of its citizens, just like every other civilized country on earth. I guess that's the difference between GOP '08 and the Dems in '08. The Repubs are all talking about who would torture the most while the Dems are trying to figure out who has the best universal healthcare plan.

The question in '08 will come down to: do more swing Dems want torture or do more swing Repubs get sick?

Answer 7

I find it interesting that the critics of Fahrenheit 911 found little to actually criticize on a factual basis. Their nitpicking was mostly pathetic.

Michael Moore is a skilled and accomplished filmmaker but, so far, his abilities have been overshadowed by the political hatred directed at him because of his political viewpoint. He’s not afraid to tackle important political issues and that is relatively rare among talented filmmakers.

Answer 8

Michael Moore takes facts and puts his slant on them to "prove" a point. He gives one side of any issue and sometimes exaggerates his points. I think most people who claim his films aren't factual are people who have opposite views from Moore. I saw Fah 9/11 and there were a lot of facts but also a lot of exaggeration and bias in the picture without giving any credit to those who serve to protect us from top to bottom.

Answer 9

In my opinion, his movies are actual documentaries, since by the definition, a documentary is a true representation of something that has happened.

You can tell that in some of his clips, he's edited the speeches to make it say what he wants it to say.

I don't know about the medical situation in Cuba, but I do know that I wouldn't want to live there. There's no freedom, and if you question the Castro's, you get shot.

As a working medical professional, I know that our job is hampered by the fact that Medicare doesn't pay the total bill, however, I also believe that to socialize medicine would be to destroy our freedom to choose a doctor of our choice, the hospital of our choice, and the treatment of our choice.

It is a fact, that anyone that works legally, could afford a $25 dollar a month insurance payement and be fully health-insured. In all honesty, that's a movie and a dinner out once a month.

Could it be more equatible? Yes. Is it unfair to people with pre-existing conditions, yes. But I always say, that if you are paying for the insurance, you should be able to use it.

That's just my two cents.

Answer 10

Do you think the health care being better for Americansprisoners was staged to make America look bad?
Liberals can be so gullible its pathetic. Why are people risking their lives on rafts to flee cuba if its so great there? I voted for Bush but think he is wrong on Iraq and on Immigration but this does not make Americans bad people. Michael moore hates America and the strange part is that it has been so good to him. Moore has made millions off the poor me and feel sorry for myself crowd that inhabits this country. American does not guarantee success for everyone but only the opportunity for it. So go to Cuba and see if Uncle Fidel will be so benevolet.

Answer 11

When facts are presented that go against one's political convictions (in this case, the neo-cons) it's the easiest way out to scream that those facts are "lies."
As one of Mike's homies, I've seen all his films and the only "lie" or misrepresentation I ever noted was in "Roger and Me": a neighborhood that was supposedly in the Detroit area was actually a wealthy older neighborhood in Flint, Michigan. Not exactly a reason to discredit the entire film.