On March 11th, Michigan filmmaker Michael Moore was a guest on the Jimmy Fallon show.  I have the entire interview here below, posted from YouTube.  Please take a look, because what I saw really made me smile!

I always smile when I'm pleasantly surprised- or in this case, shocked!  Is that really Moore praising Michigan and Detroit!? No controversy? No righteous indignation?  Yep, that's really him- praising our creative people- our film culture and even our historical music legacy! 

And hold the phone-- he's an Eagle Scout, too!?  Impressive.  I've always admired Eagle Scouts- Scouting is one of the greatest things a boy can do- with his Dad, family and friends.

I digress...

Click on the photo here to go see the YouTube Video :

I was so glad to see this interview, to hear Moore speak so glowingly about our state and Detroit!  Jimmy Fallon was also very complimentary about his recent visit, while shooting "Whip It" with Drew Barrymore. 

Ironically, the apparent point of his visit and interview, the DVD release of his caustic view of American business- "Capitalism, A Love Story", was hardly mentioned at all, except in the intro and outro!  Instead, over half of the 12 minute chat became a positive reflection on Michigan, Detroit and our creative culture!

Moore and Fallon riff on Michigan's film, music and

arts culture!  We're Liverpool, mate!

Among the many memorable quotes from this interview was Moore saying, "I've always had this feeling that great art, music, film, whatever- comes out of places that are really struggling.  The Beatles were from Liverpool, not from the West End of London.  So Michigan is kind of like our Liverpool."

The closest the interview came to addressing Moore's reputation as a rabble-rowser, was when they pulled out bullhorns- or Moore's only political reference- when he mentioned his surprise that the veteran, freelance crew of the NBC studio still didn't have their own health insurance (you're welcome, Nancy Pelosi).  Later in the interview, when talking about some recent health problems, Moore glibly offered the crew one or two of his excess health plans, supplied him by his various film guild affiliations.

You may not agree with Mr. Moore's politics, but you surely must believe in his passion.  He has made his reputation (and a pretty good living) addressing controversy. His style is viewed by some as a negative and caustic person, with irony and sarcasm serving as his pen and pencil.  I personally try to focus on the positive in the world, but I also acknowledge there is negative side of life.  I'll stick with the happier topics- and leave that other stuff to Micheal and the news media to cover!

But now, seeing this generous and positive side of Mr. Moore and his enthusiasm about our state, our creative culture, our music movement, we have something in common!

Micheal, you're very good at making films (about Michigan and elsewhere) that make us angry, frustrated, disturbed or thoughtful. Maybe someday- you'll make a documentary about Michigan that includes the positive sentiments you shared so openly on Jimmy's show.  It was very nice to hear.

Michael, on behalf of my friends throughout Michigan's film, media, music and arts culture, we THANK YOU for this honest, off the cuff compliment of all our hard work, passion and talent!

Regards,