Manufacturing Dissent

A FILM BY Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine

An intelligent, provocative and necessary examination of the phenomenon of Michael Moore.
- Joe Leydon, VARIETY
A Michael Moore-style documentary about Moore himself.
- Jette Kernion, CINEMATICAL
A documentary Michael Moore does not want to star in.
- Laura Kyle, EFILMCRITIC.COM

Synopsis

Michael Moore, world famous muckraker and flag bearer for the documentary renaissance, has the camera turned on him in this revelatory critical biography by Canadian filmmakers Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine. They follow Moore on the cusp of the release of Fahrenheit 9/11, the subsequent Slacker Uprising Tour and the 2004 US election. But even as they doggedly pursue an elusive interview with Moore (sound familiar?), the filmmakers find many former associates and subjects willing to talk. Some of the findings are quite shocking, calling into question not only Moore's practice as a documentarian, but also the effectiveness of his self-centred approach to political filmmaking. Seeking to separate the fact, fiction and legend that surrounds Moore, Melnyk and Caine ultimately offer a balanced portrait and an effective starting point for further discussion of Moore's contentious work and political filmmaking in general.

Theatrical Release Date

Original Languages: English
Genre: Canadian, Documentary
Running Time: 96 min.
Year: 2007

Credits

DIRECTED BY
Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine

PHOTOS

Michael Moore during Q&A after Roger & Me screening at the 1989 Toronto International Film Festival
Roger Ebert (Left) and Michael Moore (Right) at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1989 when Moore debuted Roger & Me.
Roger Ebert (Left) and Michael Moore (Right) at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1989 when Moore debuted Roger & Me.
Manufacturing Dissent Co-Directors Debbie Melnyk (Right) and Rick Caine (Left).
Manufacturing Dissent Co-Directors Debbie Melnyk (Right) and Rick Caine (Left).
Michael Moore duct taped.
Roger Ebert (Left) and Michael Moore (Right) at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1989 when Moore debuted Roger & Me.
Michael Moore duct taped.
Michael Moore (Left) and Debbie Melnyk, co-director (Right).
Michael Moore (Left) and Debbie Melnyk, co-director (Right).
Michael Moore doing an intro for Farenheit 9/11 in Toronto 2004.
Christopher Hitchens (Left) and Debbie Melnyk, co-director (Right).
Michael Moore backstage after winning an Oscar in 2003.
Christopher Hitchens (Left) and Debbie Melnyk, co-director (Right).
Michael Moore doing an intro for Farenheit 9/11 in Toronto 2004.
Roger Ebert (Left) and Michael Moore (Right) at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1989 when Moore debuted Roger & Me.
Michael Moore backstage after winning an Oscar in 2003.