Manufacturing Dissent surmises that funny man documentary maker Moore manipulates the truth to prove a preconceived point. But this film by Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine falls short of the same standards for which it derides Moore for failing to meet. Despite its assertions to the contrary, it begins with a premise.

Moore is plainly a man who polarises. “Shall I just put it bluntly? He’s a son of a bitch. He’s terrible,” says Albert Maysles, a documentary film maker on a DVD Extra debate. “But worse than that. He’s the most popular guy in documentary film watching.”

Manufacturing Dissent is not quite a hatchet job, but neither is it a balanced portrait. The film properly alludes to the bias in Moore ’s film-making, but this should come as no surprise to fans, foes or ordinary folk. By its billing and title this film is designed to play to the sceptics and haters. To them he offers nought but lies, misrepresentations and distortions.

Those that despise what he represents will find it comforting. But it proves an essential point to which Moore also concurs – people should not be getting their news from someone with a high school education and a Central Michegan ball cap. This is an important, captivating film worth watching. But it is not one that achieves what it sought.

Release Date: Out Now

By Geoff Talberry

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