Roger and Me (1989)
Roger & Me, directed by Michael Moore, is a powerful documentary that dives into the economic upheaval caused by General Motors (GM) in Flint, Michigan. Released in 1989, this film marked Moore’s directorial debut and remains a significant work in the genre.
The film opens with Moore introducing himself through archival home movies, portraying his upbringing as the son of a GM employee. Flint, Michigan, where Moore grew up, was deeply intertwined with the automotive giant. The city’s history was shaped by GM, including the famous Flint sit-down strike that birthed the United Auto Workers union.
However, as the film unfolds, we witness the devastating impact of GM’s actions. In the mid-1980s, GM announced massive layoffs, closing several auto plants in Flint. These closures led to the loss of 35,000 jobs, leaving the once-thriving city in turmoil. Moore’s lens captures the human cost of these decisions, as families struggle to make ends meet and the community grapples with unemployment and despair.
At the center of the narrative is GM’s CEO, Roger B. Smith. Moore relentlessly pursues Smith, attempting to confront him about the plant closures. Disguised as a TV journalist, Moore seeks out Smith at various locations, from the GM headquarters to exclusive clubs. His quest becomes a quixotic mission, fueled by frustration and a desire for accountability.
Through interviews with Flint residents, Moore exposes their deep resentment toward Smith and GM. The company’s actions seem callous, especially considering its record profits. As Moore digs deeper, he uncovers the stark contrast between corporate decisions and the lives of ordinary people.
Roger & Me is not just a documentary about economic decline; it’s a portrait of a community grappling with loss, resilience, and the struggle for justice. Moore’s blend of humor, empathy, and righteous anger makes this film a compelling exploration of the human consequences of corporate decisions. It sheds light on the broader issues of deindustrialization, economic inequality, and the erosion of the American dream.
In 2013, the Library of Congress recognized the film’s cultural and historical significance by adding it to the United States National Film Registry. Roger & Me remains a poignant reminder of the power imbalances between corporations and the people they impact. It serves as a call to question authority, demand transparency, and fight for the well-being of communities caught in the crossfire of economic shifts.
