Where to Invade Next

Where to Invade Next is a 2015 documentary film written, produced, and directed by Michael Moore, known for his previous works such as Bowling for Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11. The film features Michael Moore traveling to various countries, including Italy, France, Finland, and Slovenia, to explore their approaches to social welfare, education, and labor rights. Michael Moore's journey takes him to meet with Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, and other prominent figures, discussing topics such as Occupy Wall Street and the European Union. Along the way, he visits Iceland, Tunisia, and Portugal, examining their unique solutions to economic inequality and social justice.

Introduction

The concept of Where to Invade Next was born out of Michael Moore's frustration with the state of United States society, particularly in regards to issues like gun control, healthcare, and income inequality. Michael Moore has stated that he was inspired by the likes of Howard Zinn and Ralph Nader, who have long been critical of American exceptionalism and the military-industrial complex. As Michael Moore traveled to countries like Germany, Norway, and Sweden, he met with Angela Merkel, François Hollande, and other world leaders, discussing topics such as climate change and human rights. He also visited Greece, Spain, and Ireland, exploring the impact of austerity measures and European Central Bank policies on these nations.

Production

The production of Where to Invade Next involved a team of researchers and filmmakers, including Carl Deal and Tia Lessin, who have worked with Michael Moore on previous projects like Sicko and Capitalism: A Love Story. The film was shot on location in over a dozen countries, featuring interviews with Joseph Stiglitz, Paul Krugman, and other notable economists and Nobel laureates. Michael Moore has said that he was influenced by the works of John Pilger and Oliver Stone, who have also explored themes of imperialism and corporate power. The film's score was composed by Jeff Gibbs, who has collaborated with Michael Moore on several occasions, including Roger & Me and The Big One.

Synopsis

The film's narrative is structured around Michael Moore's travels to different countries, where he learns about their approaches to social democracy and economic development. In Italy, he discovers a strong emphasis on worker rights and paid vacation time, while in France, he explores the country's universal healthcare system and free education. Michael Moore also visits Finland, where he examines the country's highly regarded education system and social safety net. Along the way, he meets with Arundhati Roy, Naomi Klein, and other prominent activists and intellectuals, discussing topics such as neoliberalism and globalization. He also visits Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya, examining the impact of the Arab Spring and NATO intervention on these nations.

Release

Where to Invade Next premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival and was later released in the United States by Weinstein Company and Dog Eat Dog Films. The film received a limited release in theaters, but was widely available on Netflix and other streaming platforms. Michael Moore has said that he was inspired by the success of Netflix original series like House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black, which have helped to popularize streaming media and online distribution. The film's release was accompanied by a social media campaign, featuring Twitter and Facebook promotions, as well as a website with resources and information about the film's themes and topics.

Reception

The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising Michael Moore's unique approach to documentary filmmaking and his ability to tackle complex issues like income inequality and social justice. The New York Times praised the film as a "funny and provocative" exploration of European social democracy, while The Guardian noted that it was a "timely and thought-provoking" examination of global politics and economics. However, some critics argued that the film was too polemical and partisan, and that Michael Moore's approach was too focused on entertainment rather than journalistic objectivity. Despite these criticisms, the film has been widely praised for its thought-provoking themes and its ability to spark important conversations about social welfare, education, and labor rights. Category:Documentary films