NFB Filmmaker-in-Residence

SICKO

May 28th, 2007

Whatever you may think of him, Michael Moore is about to make another very big political impact with a documentary — this time in health care.

His new film, Sicko, an indictment of the American health care system, premiered last week at Cannes, and is set for theatrical release on June 29. The release of the film is closely connected with state-level and national Health Care Reform movements, and promises to do “More for health care, than “An Inconvenient Truth” did for climate change.”

The NYTimes has speculated on the impact the film could have, while the San Fran Chron has foretold how activists will piggyback on the film’s success.

While the international reviews of the film are glowing, the Canadian response to the film has not been so thumbs up. The Toronto Star has itemized the criticism of Moore’s portrayal of the Canadian health care system. When he heard Canadians were not so happy with the film, Moore apparently said: “You Canadians! You used to be so funny!”

In another Michael Moore-related debate, check out Peter Wintonick’s recent defense of the documentary within the context of attacks on Moore’s whole approach.

Entry Filed under: Doc talk, Medicine, Uncategorized