Michael Moore's Documentary Gets a Name... and Date

After branching out to cover Health Care, Gun Control and the Bush Administration's response to the September 11th Attacks, Michael Moore is returning to the subject that made him the darling of the liberal film viewer: capitalism. His latest film is officially titled Capitalism: A Love Story and hopes to strike a chord with recession weary audiences everywhere.

Much like his first film Roger and Me (which centered on GM), Moore will focus his sarcasm towards large corporate businesses that (as his documentary will most likely argue) led to the current economic situation. Moore tells the Associated Press, "It will be the perfect date movie... It's got it all — lust, passion, romance and 14,000 jobs being eliminated every day. It's a forbidden love, one that dare not speak its name. Heck, let's just say it: It's capitalism."

Capitalism: A Love Story is produced and distributed by Overture Films and is currently set to be released on October 2.

Chipotle embraces Food

In the biggest "huh?" move I've seen in months, it seems Chipotle is sponsoring a free viewing of Robert Kenner’s Food Inc. Now a review of this documentary will be posted shortly, but needless to say, it isn't exactly a film that praises the fast food industry. In fact, Food Inc specifically targets McDonalds (which owns Chipotle) in several of its attacks, so it’s shocking to see the company turn around and promote the film.

If you ask me, this is like the NRA sponsoring a viewing of Bowling for Columbine. I’m sure there is some reason for this madness, but even if it’s pure insanity, don’t let this opportunity to see Food Inc pass you by. After all, nothing beats activism like free activism.


See Chipotle’s website for the specific dates and times for the free viewings.

Errol Morris on Robert McNamara

The passing of Robert McNamara earlier today felt like the reopening of a long forgotten wound.  Something that had not been opened since Errol Morris' 2003 documentary Fog of War.  Much like the feelings surrounding the Oscar-award winning film, few people are willing to accept McNamara as a good, honest man.  He did, after all, engineer our country's entrance into the Vietnam War.

But Morris remembers McNamara in a little less hostile light then most.  After releasing Fog of War he held an interview with Brad Schreiber of Huffington Post.  In honor of McNamara, Schreiber has decided to repost the interview in an attempt to balance out the attacks that have reawakened since his death.  It's worth reading as it provides some valuable insight into the most hated man from the Kennedy administration.  But more importantly, if you haven't seen Morris' Fog of War, I highly recommend it.  

Supreme Court Unsure on Clinton Documentary

A few months ago, it was posted that a documentary bashing Hillary Clinton (that was released while she was still campaigning for a presidential bid) was involved in a free speech/campaign finance case in the U.S. Supreme Court. Surprisingly, the justices postponed their ruling and demanded more focused arguments from both sides in this case.

For those who need a refresher, the issue at hand is whether or not the 90-minute Hillary: The Movie (and its promotional television ads) is subject to strict campaign finance laws on political advocacy or is instead a constitutionally protected form of speech. The court will reconvene in September to hear the case, which could potentially make Obama's Supreme Court justice appointment all the more important.

Both Fox News (good details) and CNN (good summary) provide more depth on this story if you are interested.

Trailer: Act of God

I've never been struck by lightning so the thought of thousands of volts of electricity running through my body isn't exactly something I'm able to comprehend. But, such limitations didn't stop Jennifer Baichwal (Manufacturing Landscapes) from wanting to capture the singular experience endured by those who have been. More impressively, her documentary, Act of God, goes well beyond the simple recounting of people's stories and seems to enter the metaphysical aspects.

As the fi'm's summary puts it: "The film explores seven stories from around the world that raise and respond to these questions, while keeping the sky and what comes out of it as a central visual metaphor and thread." That sounds wholly fascinating and suddenly I find myself eagerly awaiting it's October release date. If you're interested, head on over to Apple to check out the trailer.

Béla Fleck's African Banjo

As odd as this sounds to say, Béla Fleck is the banjo version of a cross between Jimi Hendrix and John Coltrane. A simple listen over at Grooveshark.com and you'll understand what I'm talking about: the man can flat out jam... on a banjo. But I'm not here to talk mere music. It seems Fleck has a strong desire to remind listeners worldwide that his instrument of choice takes its roots from African culture and to do this, he's made a film.

Titled Throw Down Your Heart, this feature length documentary "follows American banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck on his journey to Africa to explore the little known African roots of the banjo and record an album. It’s a boundary-breaking musical adventure that celebrates the beauty and complexity of Africa – an Africa that is very different from what is often seen in the media today" (from film website).

The documentary has already made the festival circuit rounds and racked up two Audience Awards and some high praise. Now, it's making a tour through American cities and (hopefully) will have a DVD release date for those unfortunate enough to miss out. In the meantime, head over to the film's site to watch a trailer, learn more details and even listen to the music resulting from Fleck's quest.

Cute Old Couple Hoards Art

The summer is all about loving life and reminding yourself why you should appreciate every little moment. And with that focus in mind, I present you the trailer for Herb and Dorathy. Directed by Megumi Sasaki, this humble little film follows Herbert Vogel, a postal clerk, and Dorothy Vogel, a librarian. The two managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history with very modest means. These two compiled a serious art collection too, grabbing over 2,000 pieces over thirty years. Needless to say, their apartment was nearly bursting with art before the two donated their entire collection to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

If you think that story could really warm your heart (and it should you insensitive jerks), head on over to apple to watch the trailer and prepare yourself for a nice, wholesome summer documentary.