MichaelMoore.com

Detroit gets sneak peek into Moore's 'Capitalism'

Viewers at private screenings say his latest film hit home

By Christine Ferretti / Detroit News

Detroit -- For Anthony King, sitting in on a private screening Sunday of Michael Moore's latest documentary resurrected unpleasant memories -- but it also gave him strength.

The 42-year-old Detroiter was captured earlier this year in one of the opening scenes of Moore's film "Capitalism: A Love Story" as he was losing his nearly lifelong home to foreclosure. That was in March, and King says he's now staying in a rescue mission after being evicted from an apartment.

"It's a nationwide crisis. It's happening to everyone. I'm not alone," said King outside the theater as the first of four screenings wrapped.

"I want my story out."

King was one of about 750 people invited Sunday to the Ren Cen 4 Theatre in the Renaissance Center for a private showing of the film that explores the impact of corporate dominance on the lives of Americans.

The movie also was screened Saturday by an audience of about 500 in Bellaire.

It opens nationwide Oct. 2.

Audiences Sunday ranged from hometown folks who appeared in the movie to politicians, college professors and film students.

United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger was in one of the private screenings and said he already "enjoyed" the movie once in Pittsburgh and was eager to watch it again in Detroit.

"The fact that he brought it here -- he's not afraid to come into the city of Detroit," Gettelfinger said. "It's a nice gesture on his part. This city has been hit pretty hard."

After 20 years of moviemaking, Moore said he wants the people of Flint and the rest of Michigan to know he's still on their side.

"Long ago, I could have gone down another road...but I enjoy the abuse I take," said Moore, who met with each audience Sunday to answer questions about the film.

Moore said the movie, which he filmed over 18 months, was his most challenging yet, but the topic, unlike that of some of his other movies, is something everyone can relate to.

"There are no party, class or racial lines. Everybody is getting smeared," he said. "We're all in the same boat on this one."

West Bloomfield residents Erikka and Roderick MacNeal called the movie empowering.

"It was fabulous," said Erikka MacNeal, daughter of Detroit Police Chief Warren Evans. Evans was featured in the film in his former capacity as Wayne County sheriff.

"It meticulously peeled back the layers of what we know and showcased where we are right now."