Capitalism: A Love Story by Michael Moore

Even if you don’t agree with the answers that Michael Moore suggests,

I think you should see this movie.

A.O. Scott – At The Movies

‘Capitalism’ is alternately moving and disheartening, energizing and enervating.

Roger Moore – Orlando Sentinel

Capitalism: A Love Story examines the impact of corporate dominance on the everyday lives of Americans (and by default, the rest of the world). The film moves from Middle America, to the halls of power in Washington, to the global financial epicenter in Manhattan. With both humor and outrage, the film explores the question: What is the price that America pays for its love of capitalism? Families pay the price with their jobs, their homes and their savings. Moore goes into the homes of ordinary people whose lives have been turned upside down; and he goes looking for explanations in Washington, DC and elsewhere. What he finds are the all-too-familiar symptoms of a love affair gone astray: lies, abuse, betrayal...and 14,000 jobs being lost every day. Capitalism: A Love Story also presents what a more hopeful future could look like. Who are we and why do we behave the way that we do?

Security footage –

Crutches –

To be evicted –

Foreclosure –

Dead peasant insurance –

Pundit –

Co-determination –

Derivative (financial term) –

Credit default swap –

VP –

Economic bubble (United States housing bubble) –

Bailout –

Coup d’état –

Hedge fund –

Short selling –

Moratorium –

Squatter –

To vacate –

IMPORTANT QUOTES

Michael Moore: Do you have any suggestions for me?
Wall Street Professional: Don't make any more movies.

Michael Moore: I refuse to live in a country like this, and I'm not leaving.

Baron Hill (a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives for Indiana's 9th congressional district) I've got Michael Moore with me. You know who Michael Moore is, don't you? The film director. He's filming me right now.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives): Is this the United States Congress, or the board of directors of Goldman Sachs?

George W. Bush: [ speaking at the Manhattan Institute ] Capitalism offers people the freedom to choose where they work and what they do.
Lady in Restaurant: [ reading the classified ads ] There isn't anything in here. I'm not going to be a gentlemen's club hire dancer either.

Michael Moore: [ Narrating ] This is capitalism. A system of taking and giving... mostly taking.

Rich Man: Master! What must I do to have eternal life?
Jesus: Go forth and maximize profits.

Israelite: You say the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. But when exactly will it be?
Jesus: When you deregulate the banking industry.

Man with palsy: Please help me. I've been this way for over 20 years.
Jesus: I'm sorry. I cannot heal your preexisting condition. He'll have to pay out of pocket.

Schwarzenegger, Arnold: I left Europe four decades ago because of Socialism has killed opportunities there.

Understanding the content:

1. Why does the director include an encyclopedia Britannica archive video of the Roman Empire?

2. How did the Florida real estate agent “Condo Vultures” gain profit?

3. Give the key facts of American history after the WWII which step by step led to the current state of economy.

4. Moore questions the connection of capitalist theory and religious doctrines. Which conclusion does he make?

5. What’s the essence of leaked internal Citigroup memo declaring the US a plutonomy?

6. What does the director mean by saying that “the complex system and terminology are merely there to confuse and "get away with murder"?

7. Why did the economy need the 2008 bailout? Was it necessary or were there any other alternatives?

8. What was the political support for the middle class and poor people suffering from the crises?

Personal understanding of content/impressions/conclusions:

1. Michael Moore is making a number of points on the economic theory and American economy in particular. Do you agree with him or not. Prove your opinion.
2. What’s the MAIN idea stressed in the movie?
3. Define the capitalism in your own words.
4. How does Michael Moore build his case for capitalism as an obscene evil?
5. What story was most convincing that Moore used to illustrate his opinion of capitalism? Explain in detail.
6. Do you believe capitalism to be immoral?
7. Why do you think the vast majority of the US population hates the author and hates this movie in particular? (and they give pretty good reasoning for their strong feelings – what might this be? The first point that “all of his movies are hypocritical”)

Socialism is quite clearly promoted by the director of the movie.

What’s socialism in your opinion? Is it good or evil as Arnold Schwarzenegger says? Why does the European Union promote the social rights and social policies in the first place? Would you have a European socialism or American pure capitalism in your country? Why?

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