Michael Moore Considering Two Narrative Films

Published by Jeff Leins on: August 3rd, 2009

Michael Moore, best known for being the most financially successful documentary filmmaker, is considering a transition from docs to narrative films next.  It sounds like the director wants a change of pace from the controversial material that made him a recognizable name.

Moore told the Detroit News his new film, Capitalism: A Love Story, may be the last documentary he ever makes.  “Or maybe for a while,” he added.

“I have been working on two screenplays over the last couple of years. One’s a comedy, one’s a mystery, and I really want to do this,” Moore told the newspaper at the Traverse City Film Festival, an event he created in his home town and is celebrating its fifth year.  With almost 100,000 paid admissions, the festival set a new attendance record.

Moore started out with the General Motors documentary Roger & Me in 1989, but transitioned to comedy with Canadian Bacon in 1995 starring John Candy.  He eventually returned to non-fiction for four more theatrical films.

This sort of bold statement begs the question: is Moore saying this to drum up more support for his documentary?  Whether or not he’s a good filmmaker has been argued to death, but I think everyone can agree Michael Moore knows how to market himself.  With a release date of October 2 for his next, it’s about time for him to start pulling the usual stunts and get this film noticed.  Pretending this is the last doc he’ll ever make is definitely something he’d try for free publicity.

I guess I was expecting something aligned with his usual style.  Perhaps an outrageous announcement like “I’m sharing this movie with the people” to fit the anti-capitalism message.  Maybe collection baskets passed around in the theater.  Whatever he ends up orchestrating, it’s certainly more interesting than a Michael Moore mystery.