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Sicko

The latest from provocateur Michael Moore is called Sicko and this time around he tackles the issue of health care in America. Sticking to his tried-and-true one-man investigative approach, Moore sheds light on the complicated medical affairs of individuals and local communities. Moore seems to have gone for a more comic approach to this doc. and I'm interested to see how it comes together. His main argument is that greed is the disease that is causing the American health care system to fail.

I don't always agree with his methods but he does get people talking, which is a positive thing in itself. I did have to chuckle at a quote from the NY Times that described Moore as "the P. T. Barnum of activist cinema". I've posted the trailer and some clips below (Thanks go to iFilm for hosting them).

Trailer:

Ring Finger or Index Finger:

NHS Hospital:

Problems for "Jesse James"?

The film that Brad Pitt made an appearance in Winnipeg to shoot scenes for, "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford", has come under criticism from Warner Brothers. Part of the problem is the film's tone and length, at one point its running time was reportedly more than three hours. Further complicating matters are the rumours that there are competing versions, one from writer-director Andrew Dominik and another from producer and star Pitt. It's unclear which version of the film will be released.

Andrew Dominik, a New Zealand filmmaker, wanted to deliver a dark, contemplative examination of fame and infamy. Warner Brothers apparently wanted less contemplation and more action. In a statement last week, Warner Bros. said that the version being released this fall "is true to the source material and in keeping with the creative vision of its filmmakers. We do not comment on the internal creative process of bringing a picture to the screen, but the goal of both the studio and the filmmakers is to deliver the best film possible…. We are all very pleased with the picture we are bringing to theaters this fall."

Obviously without knowing anything about the final product it is hard to judge but I would prefer the contemplative film. Does the world really need another shoot-em-up Western? Probably not. In fact, many of the best Westerns are lower on action and heavier on psychological and emotional elements ala Unforgiven and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Action and violence are a necessary part of the Western genre but within those confines there should be room for crafting a deeper, more engaging character study.

Warner Brothers recently announced a Sept. 21 release date for "Jesse James," about two years after it was filmed. The film follows the last heist committed by James (Pitt), and also shows Ford's (Casey Affleck) devoted and later vengeful relationship with the legendary outlaw.