David’s Blog

I watched Canadian Bacon. Not actual bacon, but the film written, produced and directed by Michael Moore - yes, that Michael Moore, of Fahrenheit 9/11 fame.

I last watched this particular film quite a few years ago, and back then had no idea, much less cared who Michael Moore was. I saw it as a funny, entertaining film. Now, I can see all the subtle politcal remarks thrown in by Moore, and I see the film in a whole different light. The whole film is dripping in irony, mostly from the fact that the lead character Bud Boomer - the gun-toting anti-Canadian is played by the late Canadian actor John Candy. One can’t help but feel a significant proportion of Moore’s attitude toward and ideas about the US government are in the film. Not surprising considering he wrote it.

When you start to consider how much the film is now more relevant - the notion that America goes to war just to boost the president’s popularity, and its all a rouse to make the general public forget their troubles. Its the oldest trick in the political book. Probably the only major conflict started by a Western country not for self-gain was World War II. Consider the state of the UK before and after the war and you see how.

Even so, it was nice to see Canadian Bacon in a whole new light.