Why do documentary makers with popular films get such nasty attacks?

[NNguyenMD]

I'm a big fan of Michael Moore's films and TV Shows, and recently I've really gotten into Morgan Spurlock's 30 Days and Supersize me (you are really missing out if you haven't seen 30 days on FX).


Now I realize that not everyone agrees with the ultimate conclusion that the filmmakers come to, but that doesn't mean that they deserve the incredibly nasty attacks from the rightwing.

People (mostly on the right) in an almost knee jerk reaction call them propaganda, preachy, impartial journalism, and they do so with such an unbelievable intensity and anger. Where does it all come from? Why do they react to strongly to successful documentary films?

Its not like the throngs of middle america is watching these movies, I'll bet that 3/4th of the moviegoers to these films probably already shared at least some if not most of the same opinions as both Moore and Spurlock. And its not like if you're an independent voter you're going to send in for your Democratic party membership right outside the theater.

The movies and TV shows make you think, and they are very successful at it because both Moore and Spurlock have a natural talent of communicating important issues with humor, drama, and information wrapped up in a very enjoyable package.

I personally think that its jealousy that gets these people so riled up. When their friends or family members see these films and tell them that "Wow that was a great film, with such an important message to it, I'm going to think more about it now," it just drives them apeshit to think that a movie caused their loved one of committing the ultimate sin of thinking and questioning.

Moore and Spurlock are so much better at sparking interest and attention to a subject than all of the conservatives at FOX and AM Talk radio, they probably feel quite a bit of penis envy that they can't satisfy more mainstream audiences the same way Mike and Morgan do with such skill and ease.

[MichiganVote]

1. Right wingers have a very narrow view of who their hero's should be

[DBoon]

2. The truth is dangerous

It destroys their ability to "make reality". They lose all their power as a result.

[mark11727]

3. "You can't handle the truth!"

[seabeyond]

4. i watched my first super size program tonight on minimum wage

it was awesome. it was a very good show. and it had so much in it to think on. having been only a little over minimum wage for a lot of years i know how hard it is. and i did better than they were. but i was single and i did get a little over it. wow. what a show. i was just impressed

[ConsAreLiars]

5. Documentaries like this tell the truth about corporate power

and the human cost. Corporate Amerika has many PR firms and disinfo operations on the payroll. When something pops up that threatens them, they turn the dogs loose. The motives at the bottom, the simpletons who accept the con, don't really matter. They are being played by pros.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

6. moore and spurlock get blasted by the media, but john stossel gets a pass

damn lib'rrul media!

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

7. Documentaries should have a strong point of view

Whether it's Triumph Of The Will or the Battle Of Algiers, a documentary should have a focus and a statement to make. Both of the above films are propaganda because they are selective in the facts they choose to dwell on and what they choose to leave out. But they are tremendous and effective propaganda. They are powerful and fascinating because of the strong ideas they present. I don't want to see a watered down documentary in which every side gets equal weight. I want to see a point of view explored and an argument made and taken to the ultimate conclusion of the filmmaker. Documentary films are mirrors and if you don't like what you see in them, don't blame the mirror. Each film or mirror chooses what it wants to reflect. But the only way to get the full picture is to see a multitude of films, to look into a multitude of mirrors, gaining a multitude of perspectives. Instead of banning a particular documentary, the critic should expand their mind and expose themselves to as many points of view as possible. I love Michael Moore's films. I would like to be challenged and I would gladly view a right wing documentary made to show an alternate or contrary argument. However, I don't see very made of these types of films made by the right.

[SoCalDem]

8. Truth is republican kryptonite

They hate it..bigtime..and when enough people start to question "their" facts, their arguments all fall to pieces..