Michael Moore's 2009 documentary Capitalism: A Love Story examines the financial crisis in the United States and criticizes the capitalist system. The film uses humor and interviews with ordinary Americans to explore topics like foreclosures, outsourcing of jobs, and the bailout of Wall Street firms. Moore also draws parallels between the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of consumerism in mid-20th century America.

1. Capitalism: A Love Story
A Michael Moore film about the
financial situation in the US
S. Kelly, Clark University

2. Discussion Questions
 Do you think Michael Moore is a
conservative, liberal, or moderate?
Explain your thinking.
 How does Michael Moore use humor
to be ironic?
 How does Moore use his life and
family in the movie?
S. Kelly, Clark University

3. Capitalism: A Love Story
 In the beginning Moore shows images
of old movies about Ancient Rome
with images of 1950s America. Why?
What is the effect?
 The film shows many people losing
their homes. What do you know
about that?
S. Kelly, Clark University

4. Capitalism: A Love Story
 Do you think a more serious movie
would be more effective?
 What did Wallace Shawn say about
the ice cream shops?
 How would you respond to the
comment, “Michael Moore’s movies
are strange”?
S. Kelly, Clark University

5.  What kind of people do you think like
this movie?
 What kind of people do you think
don’t like it? Do you think Barack
Obama would like it? Do you think
George Bush would?
S. Kelly, Clark University

6.  What kind of people do you think like
this movie?
 What kind of people do you think
don’t like it? Do you think Barack
Obama would like it? Do you think
George Bush would?
S. Kelly, Clark University