Review of Roger & Me (1989) by Kristin R — 27 Nov 2009

I finally got around to seeing this movie after hearing about it for years. I was curious since it was Moore's first attempt at a documentary. I've seen Farenheit 9/11 & Sicko so this rounded out my observations of his work.

In general, this movie was no different than the others -- parts ring very true, have a good deal of credence, and are portrayed in a highly effective (and humorous) manner. Other parts look and feel like pure manipulation.

That's what rubs many people the wrong way, regardless if you agree or disagree with Moore's views. Living in Michigan, it was heartbreaking and gut-wrenching to see what happened to Flint play out in front of you in such a vivid and explicit way.

It all feels too (purposefully) heavy-handed a lot though, to the point of being overwrought. As a viewer, it can become almost offensive. I took particular offense with the rabbit lady. Now, I'm smart enough to know it was there for a purpose, but come on.

Did I really need to witness her beating a rabbit to death with a baseball bat (with the rabbit fighting her) and then skinned? To get his gist? Uh, no. All I could think was -- how stupid do you take me to be? Makes the poignant and sincere aspects of the film feel very .

.. cheap.