by Mary Curtis

Created on: April 14, 2008

Even those who don't agree with the politics of Michael Moore have at least heard of his movies and that says something about Moore as a film maker. The fact is that his movies provoke an emotional response and that is the purpose of any quality film, regardless of the genre.

How many documentary film makers, besides Moore, can most people name? Not too many. The reason is because, prior to Moore, the documentary was pretty much dead. Most people thought the documentary to be boring and complicated with headache-producing information and dull, monotone narration. Documentaries could not really compete up against blockbuster action movies and other public favorites and were therefore relegated to smaller theaters only appealing to a small intellectual group. Moore changed all that and three of his films...Fahrenheit 911, Sicko, and Bowling for Columbine...were, according to Wikipedia, the top grossing documentary films of all time. And why not? These are subjects which interest everyone regardless of their politics; but, rather than bore, Moore presents these complex issues in a creative and artistic format which entertains as well as informs.

Michael Moore will, of course, be recognized for his politics but his most important contribution for which he will be remembered in history will be for his film making. The reason is because of his unique style and ability to communicate...which is what every artist endeavors to accomplish. Moore has set an example which every other aspiring documentary film maker can utilize as a good example of what a documentary should be and what it can accomplish. He has taken what was a dead and boring genre and transformed it into a provocative and entertaining vehicle. Sure, it can be argued that Moore's facts in his films have been slanted or biased but, in doing so, Moore only fulfills a quality film makers' task by emotionally involving the viewer; even if you don't agree with him or if you feel his facts are wrong, he has succeeded in getting you to at least think about the subject. Controversial subjects are Moore's cup of tea but these subjects are also important. Rather than presenting these important, but equally complex, issues in a boring manner by spewing facts and detail, Moore entertains and even gets you to laugh. His politics aside, every film of Moore's is entertaining...and that is the essence of film.

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