Moore, Michael (1954- )

US documentary filmmaker and author. He is known for his angry but humorous commentaries on social and economic problems in the USA, with blatant and often controversial attacks on the opportunism of major corporations and right-wing politicians. His films include Roger and Me (1989), Bowling for Columbine (2002), and Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004).

Roger and Me (1989) profiles the closure of the General Motors plant in Moore's native Flint, Michigan, and his attempts to interview Roger Smith, the company's chief executive officer. The Academy Award-winning Bowling for Columbine (2002) is about US gun culture in the wake of a school shooting spree in Littleton, Colorado; and Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) is a savagely humorous indictment of US president George W Bush, his administration, and his policies - particularly in relation to the War on Terrorism and the Iraq War. Fahrenheit 9/11 won the Palme d'Or at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, and went on to become the highest-grossing documentary in history.

Moore has also written successful satirical books, including the best-sellers Stupid White Men (2002) and Dude, Where's My Country? (2003).