Acclaimed filmmaker Michael Moore sets out to investigate the American healthcare system.
Michael Moore has taken a lot of flak from all corners for his notoriously loose conception of documentary reality, and this newest film is no exception. He characteristically bends the truth and plays up several sequences for dramatic effect, acting as usual more as a propagandist than a documentary filmmaker. Nevertheless, as long as one keeps this in mind, Sicko is a powerful exploration of the issues behind health care, as well as an impassioned plea for universal coverage and the destruction of the execrable HMO system. Moore's films work so well because he always remains in touch with the human realities of the issues he's addressing, never retreating into mere facts and figures. His visit to Cuba is a perfect example of his approach. On paper, it seems like a grandiose publicity stunt and in some ways rather a cheap shot, but Moore convincingly turns it into a moving and even informative scene, documenting the desperation of many Americans who feel let down by their country's health care system. This film may not be the best source for entirely accurate and unbiased coverage of health care issues, but it is probably the place to turn in order to get a sense of the way those issues affect real people on a day to day basis. This is what Moore is best at, and this film is probably his best yet.
You have to wonder whether Michael Moore has now served his purpose. When the maker of any documentary-style release is as big a name, and often causes as much controversy as the subjects he seeks to highlight, then any impact he hopes to make is greatly diminished.
Which is a great shame, because his documentaries are always great to watch - I've seen Bowling for Columbine, Farenheit 9/11 and now Sicko, all at the cinema, and all received rapturous applause as the credits rolled - how many films can claim that accolade in a bog standard Cineworld I wonder?
The fact is that Moore makes great documentaries that are incredibly enjoyable and thought-provoking. The fact is also that Moore has his own agenda and only follows these avenues, leading the viewer to the answers that he wants them to discover. There is no objectivity here and no learning or change of opinion from Moore himself.
This is a great shame, as any documentary should be a mystery journey for both the viewer and the maker - but Moore always buys his ticket beforehand, knows exactly where he is going and refuses to take uncomfortable (for him) detours.
The reason this is worth buying/renting is because Mooore's films are always good viewing and if you are happy to not delve too deeply beneath the surface, there are plenty of staggering stories here and the dvd extras are well worth viewing too!
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The scourge of the American right, award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore returns with a documentary focussing on the US health care system. Moore attempts to highlight the contradictions in a system that, despite costing more per person than any other in the world, ranks last among developed countries. As well as taking a swipe at the wholly for-profit health insurance and pharmaceutical industries, Moore compares and contrasts health provision around the globe, including Canada, Britain and France.
Sicko [DVD] [2007] [DVD] (2007) Michael Moore
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