Roger & Me

Roger & Me 1989

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Plot Summary


Michael Moore, an unconventional and self-taught documentary filmmaker, opens the film by sharing insights about himself and his family through home movies on 8 mm film. He describes his childhood with a voice-over, characterizing himself as “kind of a strange child,” born into an Irish American Catholic family, with his father working for General Motors assembling AC Spark Plugs. Moore reflects on how General Motors shaped his upbringing in Flint, Michigan, underscoring the city’s significant history as the site of the 1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike, which led to the establishment of the United Auto Workers union. The Flint he depicts is infused with memories of local figures like Bob Eubanks, who he dubs as “Flint’s most famous native son,” alongside celebrated band members from Grand Funk Railroad, and popular personalities such as Casey Kasem and the spouses of notable figures like Zubin Mehta.

Initially escaping the stagnant blue-collar life, Moore moves to California and finds work at a magazine in San Francisco, but loses that opportunity and returns to Flint in 1985. It is during this return that General Motors announces substantial layoffs, shipping local jobs away to cheaper labor in Mexico, a decision that comes despite the company enjoying record profits. Disguised as a TV journalist from Toledo, Ohio, Moore interviews several auto workers, uncovering their deep resentment towards GM chairman Roger B. Smith.

Determined to confront Smith, Moore tries to meet him at the GM headquarters in Detroit but is thwarted by security, starting a lengthy pursuit of the elusive chairman at various venues, including the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and the Detroit Athletic Club. As his search unfolds, Moore delves into the personal impact of the factory closures on his friends, such as speaking with a former assembly line worker named Ben Hamper, who struggles with mental health after being laid off.

The documentary portrays a chilling montage set to the Beach Boys’ “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” showcasing the urban decay of Flint, marked by increasing layoffs and the mass exodus of residents. Contrasting narratives arise as Moore shifts his focus to the affluent surrounding suburbs, where residents exhibit ignorance and classism, as well as the misguided attempts by the Flint Convention and Visitors Bureau to boost tourism through flawed initiatives like the construction of a Hyatt Regency Hotel and AutoWorld, which quickly failed.

Prominent figures, including President Reagan, make appearances, suggesting solutions for the unemployed that include relocating across the country, while community tensions boil over with local figures such as Pat Boone and Anita Bryant attempting to lighten spirits. Moore’s encounters with figures like Bob Eubanks also highlight the disconnection between celebrity endorsements and the harsh realities of the workers.

The film culminates with Moore’s attendance at the 1988 GM Shareholders Convention, where he is ultimately shut out by Roger B. Smith when he attempts to voice the grievances of laid-off workers. Throughout, Moore captures the struggles of Flint’s residents—showcasing stories from a former radio host turned Amway saleswoman and a local resident named James Bond—as the rise in crime becomes a harrowing backdrop to the economic collapse.

In a heart-wrenching climax, after years of seeking out Smith, Moore finally confronts him at a public event, displaying a stark contrast between the chairman’s rhetoric of goodwill and the harsh realities facing Flint families, as demonstrated by the eviction of a family that worked for GM. The film ends with a lament that echoes Moore’s frustration:

“Well… I failed to bring Roger to Flint. As we neared the end of the twentieth century, the rich got richer, the poor got poorer…”

The closing credits reveal a poignant message: “This film cannot be shown within the city of Flint, for all the movie theaters have closed.”

Timeline


Introduction to Michael Moore

Michael Moore begins the film by sharing personal insights about his early life and family through nostalgic home movies. He characterizes himself as a 'strange child' who grew up in a blue-collar Irish American Catholic family in Flint, Michigan.

Flint, Michigan

The Role of General Motors

Moore reflects on the significant influence that General Motors had on his upbringing in Flint. He highlights the company’s historical impact, particularly referencing the 1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike that played a pivotal role in the establishment of the United Auto Workers union.

Flint, Michigan

Life in Flint

The narrative portrays memories of local figures from Flint, including Bob Eubanks and musicians from Grand Funk Railroad. These reflections paint a picture of a vibrant community that once thrived but is now facing industrial decline.

Flint, Michigan

Moving to California

Seeking a new life, Moore moves to California and secures a job at a magazine in San Francisco. However, the opportunity slips away, prompting a return to his roots in Flint in 1985, where he discovers the changing economic landscape.

1985 California

The Layoffs Announcement

Upon returning to Flint, Moore learns that General Motors has announced significant layoffs that will ship jobs to Mexico, despite the company's record profits. This decision devastates the local workforce and ignites anger among the laid-off workers.

Flint, Michigan

Interviewing Workers

Disguised as a Toledo journalist, Moore interviews various auto workers to uncover their resentment towards GM chairman, Roger B. Smith. These candid discussions reveal the emotional toll the layoffs have taken on the workers and their families.

Flint, Michigan

The Pursuit of Roger B. Smith

Determined to confront Smith, Moore attempts to meet with him at GM headquarters in Detroit but faces obstacles with security. This marks the beginning of a prolonged journey to track down the elusive chairman across various locations.

Detroit

Documentation of Urban Decay

A poignant montage set to the Beach Boys' 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' captures the stark urban decay of Flint. The imagery portrays the rising crime and the exodus of residents against the backdrop of economic decline and unemployment.

Flint, Michigan

Contrast with Suburban Life

Moore contrasts life in Flint with the affluent surrounding suburbs, showcasing a troubling disconnect. He highlights the ignorance and classism of wealthier residents, as well as failed initiatives by local authorities to entice tourism to a struggling city.

Surrounding Suburbs

Political Commentary

The film includes commentary from notable political figures like President Reagan, who suggests that unemployed workers should consider relocating. This underlines a broader theme of neglect towards the struggles faced by the Flint community.

The Shareholders Convention

Moore attends the 1988 GM Shareholders Convention, hoping to voice the grievances of laid-off workers. However, his efforts are met with refusal from Roger B. Smith, highlighting the stark divide between corporate officials and the affected workers.

1988 Detroit

Personal Stories of Struggle

The documentary features personal accounts from residents, including a former radio host turned Amway saleswoman. Through these narratives, the film captures the devastating impact of economic collapse on individual lives and families.

Flint, Michigan

Confrontation with Roger B. Smith

In a climactic moment, Moore finally confronts Roger B. Smith at a public event, contrasting the chairman's public image with the harsh realities faced by Flint families. The eviction of a local family serves as a poignant example of the consequences of corporate decisions.

Closing Reflections

Moore ends the film expressing his frustration over his inability to bring awareness to the struggles of Flint. He comments on the growing inequality, where the rich continue to prosper while the less fortunate find themselves in dire situations.

Poignant Conclusion

The film concludes with a striking message that reflects the fate of Flint: all movie theaters are closed, rendering it impossible to screen the film within the city. This encapsulates the broader narrative of economic decline and the loss of community.

Flint, Michigan

Characters


Michael Moore

As the filmmaker and narrator, Michael Moore presents a personal narrative intertwined with the struggles of his hometown. Recognized for his unconventional approach, he embodies the voice of the displaced workers while showcasing his own family's connection to General Motors. His determination to confront corporate leadership reflects his commitment to social justice.

🎥 Filmmaker 📢 Activist

Roger B. Smith

The elusive chairman of General Motors, Roger B. Smith is portrayed as a symbol of corporate indifference. His decisions result in significant job losses, leaving behind a community in dire straits. Moore’s pursuit of Smith serves as a critical narrative thread, highlighting the gap between corporate benevolence and the realities faced by former workers.

🏢 Businessman 🎭 Antagonist

Ben Hamper

Ben Hamper, a former assembly line worker, exemplifies the human cost of the layoffs. After losing his job, he struggles with mental health issues, reflecting the broader impact on individuals and families in Flint. His story adds depth to the documentary, personalizing the economic crisis faced by many.

🛠️ Worker 😔 Troubled

Pat Boone

Pat Boone appears as a local figure attempting to uplift spirits during the economic crisis. His presence highlights the disconnect between celebrity culture and the genuine struggles of everyday residents. Boone's well-meaning efforts contrast sharply with the harsh realities faced by Flint's workforce.

🎤 Celebrity 🤝 Supportive

Anita Bryant

Anita Bryant is depicted as another local celebrity trying to bring positivity to a struggling community. Her presence encapsulates the contrast between the rich cultural history of Flint and the stark decline it faces, showcasing how even well-known figures are sometimes out of touch with local hardships.

🎤 Celebrity 🌟 Icon

James Bond

James Bond, a local resident, represents the common man impacted by the economic downturn. His story contributes to the broader narrative of loss and struggle faced by Flint individuals, underpinning the documentary’s message about the human side of economic decisions.

🏙️ Local 🏚️ Affected

Setting


Time period

1980s

The film is set in the mid to late 1980s during a period of economic downturn for Flint, marked by massive layoffs from General Motors. This time was significant as it transformed the livelihoods of many blue-collar workers, leading to urban decay and a shift in community dynamics driven by class disparity. Amidst record profits for GM, the local workforce faced harsh realities, showcasing the consequences of corporate decisions on everyday lives.

Location

Flint, Michigan, California, San Francisco, Detroit, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, Detroit Athletic Club

Flint, Michigan, is depicted as a city deeply affected by the decline of the automotive industry, once vibrant due to General Motors. The documentary highlights its significant historical moment, the 1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike, which established the United Auto Workers union. In contrast, the affluent suburbs surrounding Flint, like those in Detroit, illustrate the stark social and economic divide experienced by the local communities.

🏙️ City 🌍 Location

Themes


💔

Displacement

The theme of displacement resonates throughout the documentary, reflecting the loss of jobs and the emotional toll on families in Flint. As General Motors relocates jobs to Mexico, the community faces a painful exodus, leading to increased crime and despair. Moore's exploration of this theme captures the profound impact of corporate greed on individuals and their families.

⚖️

Social Inequality

Social inequality is a prominent theme in the film, contrasting the struggles of Flint's residents with the affluent suburbs nearby. Moore illustrates the disconnect between the wealthy and the working class, exposing underlying classism and indifference in the face of widespread suffering. The film calls attention to the disparities in opportunity and quality of life within the same region.

📽️

Activism

Activism plays a vital role as Moore embarks on a quest to confront GM's chairman. His journey underscores individual efforts in challenging corporate malfeasance and advocating for workers' rights. Through interviews and attempts to draw attention to the plight of Flint residents, the documentary emphasizes the importance of using media as a tool for social change.

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