I checked out of my hotel room early and donated my four remaining tickets for the day to the festival office as I was called home to responsiblities. I didn't leave before witnessing Michael Moore and his staff of "Sicko" at their best.
The precise science this film staff requires in their methodology really leaves no room for speculation of the accuracy of Michael's filmmaking. He is obviously a man that simply loves 'hands on' directing. The perfection of his films are testiment to it.
I don't mean to be insulting but you simply had to 'be there' for this one and I was grateful I had the opportunity. Michael always avails himself to his audience and indeed the entire staff of "Sicko" did the same. They were more than interesting in their willingness to provide accurate insight to the films beginnings and it's evolving journey.
I heard testiment regarding their process that leaves simply no question to the integrity of the film. The 'other' media would like to destroy Michael and his ever expanding empire, but, it simply can't be challenged and where it is, there simply is insult and not fact.
The 'credentialing' of the film is most impressive. It would seem that before the release of any of Michael's films a vigorous documentation of facts takes place as a submission to the company that insures his films, by the chance there might be fraud. There has never been a successful retaliation against Michael's films in any court and an insurance company has never been required to 'make good' on their premiums. The process of this documentarian and his staff is perfect, extensive and archived.
Also archived is an extensive library of experience which never made the cut to the context of "Sicko." The film 'took shape' and was not choreographed in a script. Literally, Michael was dictated to the dynamics of "Sicko" by incredible testimony submitted willingly to him knowing it would receive the respect it deserved. Currently there are thousands of hours, from what I understand, of unreleased footage archived in a safe environment. Perhaps someday it will be important to see that footage, but, it would require many releases of "Sicko II, III, IV, V, ..." and I believe the 'best' of the footage was already viewed in it's compelling reality of the huge inadequacies of American healthcare.
There simply isn't anything else to say. You had to be there, in the audience to experience the honesty and insight of the staff of "Sicko." Michael even testified to the struggle he went through to maintain a cognitive balance to provide a film that would enhance a movement to improve the nation's dedication to a good outcome to a health care system that truly cared for American citizens. He is talented beyond any imagination. In all honesty, for as many protege he inspires there will always be only one Michael Moore. We value him beyond his own realization of his worth.
Did I say 'thank you' Michael?
