Sunday, January 30, 2011

Irony in Roger & Me

Michael Moore seems to use irony as his main tactic throughout "Roger & Me."  He consistently uses voice-overs that seem to mock the message of certain scenes.  For example, when he is interviewing Bob Eubanks, you hear Moore say how wholesome the Newlywed Game is, but then you are shown a clip of Eubanks making dirty, racist jokes, and using foul language, not something you would expect out of a "wholesome" man like him.  There are also many places in the film where the things said during an interview, don't match up with what you're seeing in the background.  When Moore speaks to the former factory worker who is now a prison guard, he says that the work is nicer there.  While he is giving  his opinion, an inmate starts yelling and swearing, which makes you question how much better it could really be to work there.  Moore's use of irony is meant to make the viewer question what they are seeing and hearing.  Executives and other members of the upper class with secure jobs and a surplus of many are caught saying all kinds of positive things about the layoffs, and how well things will soon be going for everyone.  Then the exact opposite is shown.  People are getting kicked out of their homes and thrown into jail.  It makes the viewer question if these upper class citizens actually know what is going on in their town.

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