Capitalism: A Love Story

Capitalism: A Love Story

Year: 2009

Runtime: 127 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Moore

Budget: $20M

Documentary

Michael Moore’s documentary explores the detrimental effects of corporate greed and unchecked capitalism on American society. The film examines how prioritizing profits has impacted individuals and communities, from the American heartland to the financial institutions of Wall Street and the political landscape of Washington D.C. It reveals the human cost of a system where economic policies often overshadow the well-being of citizens.

Capitalism: A Love Story (2009) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In a restless America where the promise of prosperity often hides a widening gulf, Michael Moore steps behind the camera to ask why the nation’s wealth seems to flow in only one direction. The documentary drifts from the quiet suburbs of the heartland to the towering glass façades of Wall Street, painting a portrait of a system where the pursuit of profit has become a cultural creed. Through a blend of archival footage, candid interviews, and sardonic humor, the film sets a tone that is both urgent and reflective, inviting viewers to glimpse the everyday consequences of policies that prioritize markets over people.

The world of the film is a collage of voices: a retired president recalling a “crisis of confidence,” a charismatic former minister warning that unchecked capitalism clashes with spiritual teachings, and ordinary families whose lives are caught in the cross‑currents of foreclosures and job loss. Jimmy Carter’s hesitant optimism, Ronald Reagan’s bold deregulation, and the quiet authority of a bishop all surface as signposts that trace the evolution of an economic doctrine now under scrutiny. The atmosphere oscillates between stark reality and pointed satire, using everything from quirky news clips to solemn historical parallels to underscore the disparity between idealized “golden days” and present‑day hardship.

At its core, the documentary is a personal quest for Michael Moore, whose own background as a citizen, a skeptic, and a Catholic informs his probing questions. He confronts the paradox of a nation that idolizes wealth while many of its citizens struggle to meet basic needs, seeking answers in stories of both exploitation and resilience. The film’s style—sharp, inquisitive, and occasionally irreverent—promises a journey that challenges viewers to reconsider the relationship between democracy, morality, and the market forces that shape everyday life.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 08:46

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