''The Big One'' is a 1997

documentary film A documentary film or documentary is a non-fictional motion-picture intended to "document reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education or maintaining a historical record". Bill Nichols has characterized the documentary in te ...

written and directed by documentarian filmmaker and activist

Michael Moore Michael Francis Moore (born April 23, 1954) is an American filmmaker, author and left-wing activist. His works frequently address the topics of globalization and capitalism. Moore won the 2002 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for ' ...

, and released by

Miramax Films Miramax, LLC, also known as Miramax Films, is an American film and television production and distribution company founded on December 19, 1979, by brothers Harvey and Bob Weinstein, and based in Los Angeles, California. It was initially a lead ...

. The film documents Moore during his tour promoting his 1996 book ''

Downsize This! ''Downsize This! Random Threats from an Unarmed American'' is a book by the American author, documentary filmmaker and activist Michael Moore. The book is a look at the state of business and industry in the United States and the power they hold ...

'' around the United States. Through the 47 towns he visits, Moore discovers and describes American economic failings and the fear of

unemployment Unemployment, according to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), is people above a specified age (usually 15) not being in paid employment or self-employment but currently available for work during the refe ...

of American workers.

Background

Much of the film features Moore unsuccessfully chasing the heads and chief executives of major corporations around the US in order to confront them or conduct a personal in-depth interview. He is eventually able to talk with

Nike Nike often refers to: * Nike (mythology), a Greek goddess who personifies victory * Nike, Inc., a major American producer of athletic shoes, apparel, and sports equipment Nike may also refer to: People * Nike (name), a surname and feminine give ...

. The film criticizes

President President most commonly refers to: *President (corporate title) * President (education), a leader of a college or university * President (government title) President may also refer to: Automobiles * Nissan President, a 1966–2010 Japanese ...

Bill Clinton William Jefferson Clinton (né Blythe III; born August 19, 1946) is an American politician who served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. He previously served as governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981 and again ...

, and other major candidates in the 1996 presidential election, for failure to address economic issues. It discusses Clinton's betrayal of progressive economic ideals.

References

External links

* * * 1997 films American business films American documentary films Films directed by Michael Moore Films shot in Minnesota Films shot in Portland, Oregon Documentary films about business 1997 documentary films Unemployment in the United States 1990s English-language films 1990s American films Films about companies {{poli-documentary-film-stub