Roger & Me Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A chubby filmmaker from Michigan stalks the CEO of General Motors to ask him why everyone in his hometown is suddenly broke and selling rabbits for meat, all while showing off his questionable fashion choices.

🍿 Roger & Me: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Flint’s Heyday and GM’s Dominance

Michael Moore begins by showcasing Flint, Michigan’s prosperous past, heavily reliant on General Motors. Archival footage and Moore’s personal anecdotes illustrate a thriving community intrinsically linked to the auto industry. GM’s presence provided jobs, stability, and a sense of identity for the city’s residents. The film paints a picture of a classic American company town where the fortunes of the community mirrored those of its primary employer.

The Plant Closures and Economic Devastation

The narrative shifts dramatically when GM announces the closure of eleven plants in Flint, resulting in the loss of 30,000 jobs. Moore highlights that these closures occurred despite GM reporting substantial profits. The company’s decision to relocate production to Mexico, where labor costs were significantly lower, triggers a severe economic downturn in Flint. The once-vibrant city begins to crumble under the weight of unemployment, poverty, and despair.

Moore’s Quest to Confront Roger Smith

Driven by a desire to hold GM accountable, Moore embarks on a personal quest to interview CEO Roger Smith. This pursuit becomes the central thread of the documentary, as Moore persistently attempts to gain access to Smith at various corporate events and private gatherings. He’s consistently turned away by security and corporate representatives, illustrating the inaccessibility of those in power. These futile attempts to engage Smith become a symbol of the corporate disconnect from the human consequences of their decisions.

Attempts to Revitalize Flint

As Flint grapples with economic hardship, the city’s leaders try to revitalize the area through various initiatives. These efforts include the construction of a Hyatt Regency Hotel, the Water Street Pavilion marketplace, and AutoWorld, an indoor amusement park centered around the auto industry. However, these projects largely fail to attract tourists or create sustainable employment opportunities, highlighting the difficulty of reversing the damage caused by the plant closures. The film portrays these efforts as tone-deaf and ultimately ineffective in addressing the root causes of Flint’s problems.

The Impact on Flint’s Residents

Moore documents the struggles of ordinary Flint residents as they navigate the economic crisis. He interviews former GM workers facing eviction, individuals forced to resort to desperate measures to survive, and community members grappling with rising crime rates and social decay. The film highlights the personal toll of the plant closures, showcasing the human cost of corporate decisions and the breakdown of a once-stable community. These individual stories serve as a powerful indictment of the impact of deindustrialization on American workers.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Michael Moore (Michael Moore): The filmmaker who documents the economic devastation of Flint, Michigan, and attempts to interview General Motors’ chairman, Roger B. Smith.
• Roger B. Smith (Roger B. Smith): The Chairman of General Motors, whose decisions to close plants in Flint lead to widespread job losses and economic hardship.
• Rhonda Britton (Rhonda Britton): A Flint resident who resorts to selling rabbits as pets or meat to survive, highlighting the desperate circumstances in the city.
• Fred Ross (Fred Ross): An eviction deputy who carries out evictions on families unable to pay their rent due to the plant closures.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Michael Moore: “This film cannot be shown within the city of Flint… All the movie theaters have closed.” – This statement appears as a subtitle during the closing credits, highlighting the economic devastation of Flint.
• Roger B. Smith: “Well… I’m sorry about that. What can I do? It’s done. What do you want me to do about it?” – Smith’s dismissive response to Moore’s questioning about the evictions captures the perceived indifference of corporate leadership.
• Michael Moore: “As we neared the end of the twentieth century, the rich got richer, the poor got poorer.” – This line summarizes the film’s central theme about the growing economic disparity in America.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $160,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,706,368
• Worldwide Gross: $7,706,368

💥 Roger & Me Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this for the first time and just being blown away. It was eye-opening and heartbreaking. The way Moore mixed humor with the grim reality of Flint was genius. That scene with the rabbit… I still can’t shake it. This film changed the way I looked at corporations and their impact on real people’s lives. I felt a deep sense of anger and empathy. It made me want to stand up and do something. Moore’s personal journey felt so relatable. Even though the circumstances were unique, his frustration and passion resonated deeply with me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Michael Moore’s documentaries”
  • “People interested in economic inequality and corporate responsibility”
  • “Viewers seeking thought-provoking social commentary”
  • “Those interested in the history of the American auto industry”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scene of animal slaughter (rabbit)”
  • “Mature themes related to poverty, unemployment, and social decay”
  • “Some strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Moore’s debut is a darkly humorous, deeply affecting look at the human cost of corporate decisions. It’s not just about economics; it’s about community and the lack of responsibility shown by those in power. A must-see for anyone interested in social commentary.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “Moore’s approach is unconventional, mixing humor with heartbreak. While his methods might be debated, the film’s impact is undeniable. It’s a powerful statement on the consequences of unchecked capitalism.
• Variety: “Roger & Me is more than just a documentary. It’s a personal journey, a cry of outrage, and a surprisingly funny exploration of economic hardship. Moore’s unique perspective and relentless pursuit of Roger Smith make for compelling viewing.

Audience Reactions

The juxtaposition of the wealthy’s indifference with the plight of the laid-off workers was brutally effective.: Viewers appreciated Moore’s fearless pursuit of Roger Smith and his ability to make a serious topic engaging and often humorous.

Rhonda Britton’s rabbit selling scene was shocking and memorable, highlighting the desperation of the situation.: Many praised the film’s ability to shine a light on the struggles of the working class in the face of corporate greed.

Overall Consensus: A groundbreaking and controversial documentary that sparked national debate about corporate responsibility and the impact of economic policies on working-class communities.

Awards

1. National Board of Review (Best Documentary)- 1989

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Michael Moore was collecting $98 per week on welfare during the production of the film.”
• “The film could not be shown in any movie theaters in Flint, Michigan at the time of its release, because all the theaters had closed down.”

🖥️ How to Watch Roger & Me?

Roger & Me is available for rent or purchase on several platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube. Check local listings for possible television airings. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Roger & Me, you might like these similar films:

• American Factory (2019): Documents the clash of cultures when a Chinese company reopens a shuttered General Motors plant in Ohio.
• The Big Short (2015): Dramatizes the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis, showcasing corporate greed and its devastating consequences.
• Harlan County, USA (1976): A powerful documentary about a coal miners’ strike in Kentucky, highlighting the struggles of working-class families against powerful corporations.
• Nomadland (2020): A modern drama about people living on the margins after the 2008 recession, reflecting economic precarity.

🛒 Roger & Me Related Products

• Michael Moore Collection (DVD): A compilation of Michael Moore’s early documentaries including Roger & Me, offering a comprehensive look at his impactful filmmaking career.
• Roger & Me: 30th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray): A remastered Blu-ray edition of Roger & Me, featuring exclusive interviews with the cast and crew, behind-the-scenes footage, and extended scenes.
• Michael Moore T-Shirt – ‘Roger & Me’ Inspired Design: A T-shirt featuring iconic imagery from ‘Roger & Me’, capturing the film’s themes of corporate greed and social injustice.
• Flint Strong: The Inspired Story: While not directly related to Roger & Me, this documentary sheds light on the current environment of Flint, MI.

🎧 Soundtrack

Roger & Me features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Here He Comes” – performed by Pat Boone
• “My Hometown” – performed by Bruce Springsteen
• “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” – performed by The Beach Boys

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Roger and Me… The Doppelgänger I Already Knew

Ever wonder if you’re more connected to a movie than you thought? This guy hilariously realizes he’s living a similar life to the story in ‘Roger & Me’ – it’s a fun, quick watch and makes you think!

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