The Big One (film)
Encyclopedia
The Big One is a movie filmed in 1996—and released in 1998 by Miramax Films
—by Michael Moore
during his promotion tour around the United States
for his book Downsize This!
. Through the 47 towns he visits, Moore discovers and describes American economic failings and the fear of unemployment
of the American workers.
CEO Phil Knight
on his company's labor practices. The successful interview is shown in the film. The movie also criticizes President
Bill Clinton
, and the three other major presidential candidates of the 1996 election, although it is in large part directed at Clinton's "betrayal" of progressive economic ideals.
The title refers to his concept that the United States of America needs a makeover and with that a new name. When asked what that name would be he jokingly suggests "The Big One."
Both the trailer and the movie poster are parodies of Men in Black
.
Miramax Films
Miramax Films is an American entertainment company known for distributing independent and foreign films. For its first 14 years the company was privately owned by its founders, Bob and Harvey Weinstein...
—by Michael Moore
Michael Moore
Michael Francis Moore is an American filmmaker, author, social critic and activist. He is the director and producer of Fahrenheit 9/11, which is the highest-grossing documentary of all time. His films Bowling for Columbine and Sicko also place in the top ten highest-grossing documentaries...
during his promotion tour around the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
for his book Downsize This!
Downsize This!
Downsize This! Random Threats from an Unarmed American is a book by American author and producer Michael Moore.The book is a look at the state of business and industry in the United States and the power they hold over the U.S. government...
. Through the 47 towns he visits, Moore discovers and describes American economic failings and the fear of unemployment
Unemployment
Unemployment , as defined by the International Labour Organization, occurs when people are without jobs and they have actively sought work within the past four weeks...
of the American workers.
Background
Although much of the film features Moore unsuccessfully chasing the heads and chief executives of major corporations, he is eventually able to talk with NikeNike, Inc.
Nike, Inc. is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, which is part of the Portland metropolitan area...
CEO Phil Knight
Phil Knight
Philip Hampson "Phil" Knight is an American business magnate. He is the co-founder and Chairman of Nike, Inc. He resigned as the company's chief executive officer in 2004, while retaining the position of chairman of the board...
on his company's labor practices. The successful interview is shown in the film. The movie also criticizes President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
, and the three other major presidential candidates of the 1996 election, although it is in large part directed at Clinton's "betrayal" of progressive economic ideals.
The title refers to his concept that the United States of America needs a makeover and with that a new name. When asked what that name would be he jokingly suggests "The Big One."
Both the trailer and the movie poster are parodies of Men in Black
Men in Black (film)
Men in Black is a 1997 science fiction comedy film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith and Vincent D'Onofrio. The film was based on the Men in Black comic book series by Lowell Cunningham, originally published by Marvel Comics. The film featured the creature effects...
.