Roger & Me (1989)

"Roger & Me" is a landmark documentary that chronicles the devastating impact of the General Motors plant closure in Flint, Michigan, which led to the loss of 30,000 jobs. Filmmaker Michael Moore, a Flint native, embarks on a personal and often darkly comedic quest to secure an interview with GM CEO Roger Smith, hoping to understand the human cost of corporate decisions. The film vividly portrays the economic fallout, the erosion of community spirit, and the stark reality faced by thousands of displaced workers and their families. This film rightfully earns its place on a list of "Best Michael Moore Movies" for several key reasons. It's where Moore truly honed his signature style – a potent blend of investigative journalism, personal narrative, and biting satire, all aimed at holding powerful institutions accountable. "Roger & Me" is not just a film about job losses; it’s a powerful indictment of corporate greed and the disconnect between corporate leadership and the lives they affect. Its raw emotion, unflinching honesty, and the sheer audacity of Moore's approach made it a cultural phenomenon, sparking national conversations about economic inequality and corporate responsibility that continue to resonate today.