Hi everyone!
Welcome back to Matinee Mondays! I only had one choice for this past weekend, especially given this moment in history in the United States. The country is falling apart in multiple ways, and the elections coming up will be important. For other films looking at the structural failings of the country, check out “Minding The Gap” (Episode #242) for a look at Rockford, IL; “Crime + Punishment” (Episode #249) for a look at police officers fighting against racist policing and immoral quotas; “The Bleeding Edge” (Episode #214) on the effects of unregulated capitalism on health care; “Recovery Boys” (Episode #186) and “Take Your Pills” (Episode #081) on the effects of prescription drug abuse; and “Whose Streets?” (Episode #172) for a look at police brutality and why #BlackLivesMatter. I could go on, because there are a lot of problems we need to fix, but if you have any favorites, let me know at onemoviepunch.com
And now...
Today’s movie is “Fahrenheit 11/9” (2018), the political documentary written and directed by Michael Moore. The documentary takes an in-depth look at the United States in the era of Donald Trump, how we got to this point, and what it will take to repair the damage being done on a daily basis, all with Michael Moore’s direct commentary and insightful stunts.
Spoilers ahead.
Let me tell you a story that goes all the way back to 2004, when my daughter was born, and when I was offered a job on the west coast that required me to fly out for an interview. I had previously worked in Los Angeles as a consultant, and that work had lead to this opportunity. I loved flying out, getting the rental car, and driving all the way up to Ventura County to crash at a friend’s place and do the interview. By the way, nailed it. However, instead of turning right around and heading back, I made some plans to head up to Santa Barbara, and found myself driving up PCH, having finished interviewing for a state job, and going to see friends for sushi and craft beer. How does it get any more California back in 2004? Your friends snagging you a ticket for opening night of “Fahrenheit 9/11”, and then having your blossoming progressive mind melt to hear someone who understands the world as it is, not as we want it to be. And the best part of the night was heading back with said friends, getting a few bong hits in us (illegal at the time, I know!), and discussing the general mess the country was in, heading towards an important election. Once we moved out to California full time, I was motivated to get involved in local politics and community, a decent part of the reason being that film. I was so stoked to see his future movies, and wondered if he would do a sequel of sorts, but dear God, I never imagined it would be like this.
I honestly believe we’re a little too far down the nationalism hole right now for this film to have the necessary effect to turn the ship around. Moore does a whole segment comparing the build-up to Nazi Germany and comparing that to actions being taken in the United States. I especially loved having Trump’s speeches lip-dubbed to Hitler’s recorded speeches, showing how nationalist our rhetoric has become. The problem is, we’ve spent so much time calling the other candidate Hitler that we refuse to admit it’s happening right before our eyes. Politically motivated shootings, open racism in the streets, militarized police forces, families being separated and placed into internment camps, public shaming of abuse victims, and threats of civil war. And it’s all happening from or with the backing of one section of the populace, waving the flag like a call to arms. I was naïve to think it couldn’t get worse than George W Bush, even as my older friends smirked when I said it. Is it an unfair comparison? I don’t think so at all, or at least I have yet to hear good explanations for all the extremely shady shit happening in our name.
Now, it’s not a perfect documentary by any means. It’s actually more like a videologue of how much things have changed in the last two years, including the absolutely dismal performance of the Democrats at the polls based in part on their internal divisiveness, how Trump came to power despite everything, the threat he continues to pose, and how it relates to the still unresolved Flint Water Crisis. But it also captures glimmers of hope among the wreckage, including the nationwide organizing by teachers beginning in West Virginia, the nationwide organizing by women for multiple marches, and the inspiring work of the high school students who vowed to end school shootings after one happened to them. It also shows candidates who stand on principle taking seats away from establishment politicians in both parties, in a belated attempt to retake the electorate. The ending includes the footage from Emma González’s powerful silence, but much like yesterday’s film, I think more specific direction is warranted, especially if the threats are as dire. But in today’s case, I actually kind of admire another old white guy recognizing that in many respects, he just needs to get out of the way to let the people already doing the heavy lifting to continue organizing. Tell me where to be to fight back, and I’ll be there. So should all of you.
“Fahrenheit 11/9” (2018) is Michael Moore’s videologue from the past two years, containing an overview of the carnage caused by the current administration, how we got there, and the people fighting back against encroaching fascism. It may not offer direct answers, but it does paint a vivid picture of the last two years, and a warning for the next two years. Michael Moore fans will definitely enjoy this content, but I suspect most folks will find difficulties with the politics or for the reasons we’re in this mess. Also, a farewell to any of the last conservative fans of the podcast. I’m sure if you weren’t tired of my political and social ravings, you will be now.
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% (FRESH)
Metacritic: 71
One Movie Punch: 8.4/10
“Fahrenheit 11/9” (2018) is rated R and is currently playing in theaters.
