Manufacturing Dissent

Legitimate Criticism
I agree with most of Michael Moore's politics and appreciate that he has helped bring many vital issues into the mainstream. He's done a ton to raise awareness. That said I also think the film "Manufacturing Dissent" is fair and has very legitimate criticisms of Moore's tactics. I would hope that Michael Moore would welcome the criticism. Many people will undoubtedly have a strong opinion about this film without watching it just as most conservatives have very strong opinions about Moore without ever having watched his films (Like the previous reviewer "Bob K" who thinks this is actually a Michael Moore film). I say it is wiser to keep silent until you can speak intelligently on a subject.

The one thing the film is lacking is context. Moore is popular because the mainstream media feeds off highly polarized simplistic politics. So to talk about Michael Moore with out talking about the mainstream media and its manufactured culture is like making a film about a football player...

A Fair Critique of Moore
First off, I am very sympathetic to Michael Moore's ideas. I would love to see more gun control in the US, the Iraq war come to an end, and health care for everyone. I enjoy his movies for their entertainment value and because they champion causes I believe in. His methods, however, are disturbing. How can you trust anything the guy says knowing the following: The premise of "Roger & Me" was Moore's quest and ultimate failure to get an interview with Roger Smith. Turns out he did interview Roger Smith but decided to cover it up since it didn't make for a compelling movie.

Manufacturing Dissent is a fair documentary. The interviews are with people from both sides. Some love Michael Moore, some hate him. But the important thing is that a lot of the people interviewed worked with Michael Moore. The movie reveals that Moore is not necessarily in search of the truth, just in search of a way to validate things he already believes to be true. This movie is great for anyone who...

MIXED REACTION
I first saw THIS film two years ago after having seen Fahrenheit 451 and Sicko. Although some criticism of Manufacturing Dissent is right on point, I see very little that debunks the MAIN takeaway messages of the above films. Granted that Michael Moore's credibility would be greatly improved if he (with all his money) would get himself in decent shape. OUCH. He looks morbidly obese and like a walking time bomb. Having said that, his Sicko was very well done in valid fact-based comparisons of our so called USA "health care" with other modern countries.
I differ from one of the one star reviewers who suggests I should see 30 or 40 hours of other Moore video before commenting on THIS film which is at issue: Manufacturing Dissent. WHEW.

Noam Chomsky: Rebel Without a Pause[

[ASIN:B00005Y726 Manufacturing Consent - Noam Chomsky and the Media]]

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