January 21, 2005. Copyright 2005, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Will Michael Moore gatecrash HollywoodÕs biggest party?
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, January 21, Graphic News:  A brilliant polemicist whose movies might help to change America, or a provocative attention seeker who does not always get his facts right? As Hollywood weighs up how to distribute its Oscars this month, Michael Moore is still dividing opinions.

If Fahrenheit 9/11, MooreÕs harsh documentary about the Bush administrationÕs Saudi ties and the Iraq war, picks up at least a nomination for Best Picture, its director can congratulate himself on having held the spotlight on his target for a while longer. If not, Moore -- loud, abrasive and distinctly unglamorous -- remains impossible to overlook.

Born in Flint, Michigan in 1954, Moore began making films as a response to the impact of the closure of the General Motors factory in his home town. Roger and Me (1989) established him as a champion of ordinary people against corporate greed and introduced the sarcastic, humorous, occasionally outrageous style that has become his trademark.

Moore now spearheads an industry that represents the Òother AmericaÓ. He has written bestselling books including Downsize This and Stupid White Men, and hosted television shows including TV Nation. Critics say his arguments are simplistic and that he accepts sponsorship from the very targets of his attacks. Moore says thatÕs their problem.

His 2002 documentary about gun-related violence in the United States, Bowling for Columbine, won an Oscar for Best Documentary. Accepting the award, he launched a famous tirade in which he called George Bush a Ôfictitious president.Õ This time Moore has removed himself from that category to give himself a better shot at the Best Film gong.
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