Michael Moore
Michael Moore, nicknamed, The Big Man, has been all over the news due to his controversial – and very, very good – documentary called Farenheit 9/11. Long before he got so famous, Michael Moore has been provoking people with his thoughtful documentaries for years now, it could be said that he’s stimulated way more American minds – positively and negatively – than any politician, celebrity or any other visible figure that has been trying to discuss American corruption, publicly.
According to his stats, Michael Moore is married to Kathleen Glynn (since 1991) and has one child.
He became famous for his provocative populist documentaries that are unapologetic attacks on callous business corporations, opportunistic right wing politicians and other social wrongs. He usually wears a baseball cap and glasses.
Some interesting facts about Moore:
- Often mentions or shows his hometown of Flint, Michigan in his films.
- Was elected to Davison board of education at age 18.
- Was arrested during filming of the video "Sleep Now In The Fire" by Rage Against The Machine, protesting Wall Street and the investment of American money overseas (ie hostile and Communist countries). The filming also shut down the New York Stock Exchange early that day when band members tried to enter the floor univited.
- His favourite films are Smultronstället (1957) and Taxi Driver (1976).
- Announced on March 13, 2002 his book Stupid White Men...and Other Sorry Excuses for the State of the Nation, is now #1 on the New York Times non-fiction list.
- Briefly served as both editor and columnist for Mother Jones magazine.
- Raised money for the production of his first film, Roger & Me (1989), by running neighborhood bingo games in his house.
- Is a card-carrying member of the National Rifle Association. Moore told Tim Russert that he joined so as to be elected its president and force it to support gun-control.
- On the day after his infamous "Oscar Backlash", where he attacked both President George W. Bush and the Iraq war, attendance for his documentary "Bowling For Columbine" went up 110%. The following weekend, the box office for the film was up 73%.
- Throughout his film, "Bowling for Columbine" Michael Moore proudly sports a Michigan State University baseball hat.
- Elected to Davison board of education at age 18, this is described and elaborated upon in chapter 5 "Idiot Nation" in his book "Stupid White Men."
- His movie, "Fahrenheit 9/11", was shown at the Cannes Film festival, making it the most sought-after movie there. [May 2004]
- Attended the University of Michigan-Flint in the 1970s.
- Supported Ralph Nader in the 2000 presidential elections.
- Although he owns a VW Beetle, he is now said to travel about by chauffered limo.
- Early in "Farenheit 9/11" a celebrity-filled rally for Al Gore is shown and Moore (in his narration) refers to Ben Affleck, "Little Stevie" Wonder, and "the guy from ’Taxi Driver,’" that "guy" being Robert De Niro. This was perhaps a bit of joke because "Taxi Driver" is Moore’s favorite film and De Niro is one of the actors Moore respects the most.
Senator John McCain referred to him as a "disingenuous filmmaker" during his speech at the 2004 Republican Convention. Moore, who was present at the convention in the press area, stood and waved both arms at the crowd, which started chanting "four more years!" Moore then flashed a sign language L (for "loser") at the crowd and, according to The Guardians newspaper, said, "two more months!"
Here are Michael Moore’s: books
- Will They Ever Trust Us Again?
- The unabridged audiobook: Will They Ever Trust Us Again? Letters From the War Zone
- The Official Fahrenheit 9/11 Reader
- Stupid White Men Audio Book
- Downsize This! Random Threats from an Unarmed American
- Adventures in a TV Nation
Movies:
- The Big One -- Winner Best Documentary, Aspen Film Festival, Best Documentary, Denver Film Festival
- Pets or Meat: The Return to Flint
- Bowling For Columbine – won an Oscar
