Sicko
| Company type | Documentary film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Michael Moore |
| Products | Documentary film on healthcare |
Sicko is a 2007 American political documentary film directed by filmmaker Michael Moore. The documentary examines health care in the United States, offering a critique of the profit-driven, non-universal health insurance and pharmaceutical sectors. Moore draws comparisons with the non-profit universal health care models found in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Cuba.
Made with a production budget of $9 million, Sicko earned $25 million at the North American box office, exceeding the expectations of distributor The Weinstein Company, which had forecasted earnings similar to Moore’s previous film Bowling for Columbine, which grossed $22 million domestically.
Synopsis
The film begins by emphasizing that nearly 50 million Americans lacked health insurance in 2007, while those who were insured frequently encountered insurance company fraud and bureaucratic obstacles. It cites the World Health Organization’s ranking of the U.S. healthcare system at 37th out of 191 countries, underscoring unfavorable statistics such as elevated infant mortality rates and lower life expectancy compared to less affluent nations. The documentary features interviews with patients denied treatment despite having coverage, alongside former insurance employees who expose cost-cutting measures that incentivize denying necessary medical care to increase profits.
Placing the American healthcare discussion in a historical framework, the film contrasts contemporary resistance to universal healthcare with the anti-communist rhetoric prevalent in the 1950s. A 1961 recording narrated by corporate figure Ronald Reagan warns that universal healthcare endangers freedoms and paves the way for socialism. Moore rebuts this by highlighting public services—including law enforcement, firefighting, postal service, public education, and libraries—that function as socialized systems without compromising American liberties.
Canada
In Canada, an interviewee praises the legacy of Tommy Douglas, who was named the greatest Canadian in 2004 due to his pivotal role in founding the Canadian healthcare system. Moore also speaks with a microsurgeon and observes patients waiting in a Canadian public hospital emergency department.
HMO origin in the 1970s
The beginnings of the Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973 are unveiled through a recorded discussion between John Ehrlichman and President Richard Nixon from 1971, during which Ehrlichman remarks that "the less care they give them, the more money they make," a strategy Nixon endorses. This conversation led to the growth of the modern health maintenance organization model. The documentary highlights connections among Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), lobbying entities, and Congress. It also covers former First Lady Hillary Clinton’s efforts to reform U.S. healthcare under President Bill Clinton, noting fierce opposition from Republicans and conservative media who branded her proposals as socialist. After these efforts failed, Clinton refrained from addressing healthcare issues during her time in the White House and later became a Senator receiving substantial contributions from the healthcare sector.
United Kingdom
Within the United Kingdom's extensive National Health Service, Moore conducts interviews with patients who confirm they incur no direct hospital charges. He explores a standard pharmacy where medications are provided at no cost in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, while in England, prescriptions are either subsidized or subject to a fixed fee of £6.65 per item. NHS hospitals also cover travel expenses for patients with low incomes. Among those interviewed are an NHS general practitioner, an American residing in London, and former politician Tony Benn, who cautions that any attempt to dismantle the NHS could trigger significant public upheaval.
France
During his visit to France, Moore interviews the head of obstetrics and gynaecology at a hospital and engages with American expatriates living there. He joins "SOS Médecins", a French medical service offering around-the-clock home visits. The French government provides a broad range of social benefits beyond healthcare, such as daycare services priced at $1 per hour, complimentary university education, legally mandated five-week paid vacations, and support for new mothers that includes assistance with cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
Return to US
Upon returning to the United States, Moore uncovers that volunteers who assisted in the aftermath of 9/11 were denied government funding for treatment of physical ailments and mental health issues, including respiratory conditions and PTSD-related teeth grinding. Facing unaffordable medical expenses, these rescue workers, along with some of Moore’s acquaintances in need, embark on speedboats from Miami to Cuba to access free healthcare available to detainees at the U.S. Guantanamo Bay detention facility.
Cuba
Near "Gitmo," Moore attempts entry by broadcasting a message demanding equal medical care for 9/11 responders as detainees receive but is refused access. The group then travels to Havana, where they obtain low-cost medications and receive complimentary treatment at the prestigious Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital. Providing only their names and birthdates, the rescue workers are admitted and cared for. Before leaving, they receive recognition from a local fire station in Havana.
Moore concludes by emphasizing the necessity of caring for one another regardless of differences. As an example, he aids Jim Kenefick—a notable critic who faced closure of his anti-Moore website due to $12,000 in medical bills for his wife—by personally sending funds to preserve Kenefick’s voice.
The film ends with Moore approaching the United States Capitol carrying a basket of laundry, sarcastically suggesting he will have the government handle his washing until improved healthcare options become available for those in need.
Cast
- Michael Moore portraying himself
- Billy Tauzin appearing as himself
- Jacques Milliez as himself
- Linda Peeno featuring as herself
Laws discussed
- Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act enacted in 2003
Release
Sicko debuted on May 19, 2007, at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, where it was met with a 17-minute standing ovation from an audience of 2,000 at the Grand Theatre Lumiere. Its North American premiere took place on June 8, 2007, in London, Ontario, one of the film’s shooting locations, with Moore present. An early U.S. screening occurred on June 20 in Washington, D.C., prior to its official release date and was accompanied by a press conference on Capitol Hill promoting the documentary.
The European premiere was held on October 24, 2007, at the Odeon Leicester Square during the 51st London Film Festival. Moore was unable to attend due to family commitments but sent a letter that was read aloud. The event featured remarks from Rt Hon. Tony Benn, who appears in the film.
On December 13, 2024, following renewed criticism directed at the health insurance sector after the Killing of Brian Thompson, Moore uploaded Sicko in its entirety to his official YouTube channel as part of his advocacy for healthcare reform through peaceful means.
Box office
Created with a production budget of $9 million, Sicko debuted by earning $4.5 million during its opening weekend, shown in 441 theaters. This resulted in an average revenue of $10,204 per venue, ranking it second highest in average earnings that weekend. By February 24, 2008, the domestic gross reached $25 million, while international markets contributed $11 million, bringing the worldwide total to over $36 million. Additionally, the documentary achieved remarkable success in home media sales, with DVD revenues exceeding $60 million.
Critical reaction
Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that Sicko holds a 91% approval rating based on 217 critiques, with an average score of 7.71 out of 10. The critical consensus describes the film as "a powerful, persuasive, and highly engaging documentary on the state of healthcare in America," propelled by Michael Moore's genuine humanitarian perspective. On Metacritic, the film has a score of 74 out of 100 from 39 reviews, signaling "generally favorable reviews." Following its premiere at Cannes, Variety praised it as "a moving and entertaining examination of the American health care system."
In the week preceding its release, critics Richard Roeper and Michael Phillips awarded the film two thumbs up. Roger Friedman of Fox News described it as a "brilliant and uplifting new film," emphasizing Moore’s platform for articulate Americans sharing personal insurance-related hardships and his critique of both major political parties for their inaction and pharmaceutical industry connections.
The British publication Empire commended Moore’s directorial approach and artistic vision, identifying him as an auteur through this work. In contrast, David Denby from New Yorker dismissed the documentary as "weak and even foolish," whereas Stephen Schaefer of The Boston Globe regarded it as "a compelling and candid portrayal of a corrupt health system indifferent to patients."
Carina Chocano of the Los Angeles Times ranked Sicko as the fourth-best film of 2007, while Marjorie Baumgarten from The Austin Chronicle placed it eighth on her list.
Awards
Sicko received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and Michael Moore was also nominated for the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Documentary Screenplay. The film garnered recognition from the Australian Film Critics Association in 2007 as Best Documentary.
News media
In an article for the Wall Street Journal, journalist and free-market proponent John Stossel argued that Julie Pierce’s husband Tracy—featured in Sicko—would not have survived even if his insurer had approved a bone marrow transplant. Stossel further questioned whether such treatments would be accessible under universal health care systems, citing issues like rationing and extended wait times observed in Canada and Britain. Julie Pierce responded that Stossel never reached out to her or her husband’s physicians, pointed out other treatments denied by insurers, and contended that these procedures are more frequently performed in Canada than in the United States.
Moore asserted that treatment at Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital was standard for all Cubans; however, Stossel concluded that this facility primarily serves Cuba’s elite rather than ordinary citizens. Moore referenced a Gallup Poll indicating that 96% of Cubans believe healthcare is available to everyone. Meanwhile, a Miami Herald article featuring Cuban exiles criticized Sicko for presenting an overly favorable portrayal of Cuban healthcare.
Michael C. Moynihan characterized the film as "touching, naïve, and frustratingly deceptive" in pieces published by The New Yorker and Reason, suggesting it was unlikely to influence healthcare debates significantly. Surgeon Atul Gawande described it as eye-opening but noted it offered no new information beyond what was widely reported in media coverage.
Kurt Loder criticized Sicko for selectively presenting facts and using manipulative interviews; while acknowledging U.S. healthcare requires reform, he disagreed with Moore’s advocacy for government control. Loder cited documentaries highlighting long waitlists in Canada and reported calls for reforms due to rationing in Britain and France.
Richard Wolf of USA Today observed that Sicko employs omission, exaggeration, and cinematic techniques to make its arguments.
According to WBAI Radio, part of the Pacifica Radio Network, Sicko invigorated discussions surrounding universal health care in America, describing it as "an adrenaline boost for healthcare activists."
Healthcare industry
Responding to a critical op-ed by David Gratzer in the Wall Street Journal, Robert S. Bell, M.D., President and CEO of University Health Network in Toronto acknowledged that although Moore "overstated aspects of the Canadian health system," it still offers universal coverage comparable to what only some Americans receive. Michael Moore also disclosed a leaked memo from a Capital Blue Cross employee expressing concern that association with abuses by for-profit HMOs could harm the company’s reputation due to its connection with the film.
On July 9, 2007, CNN’s The Situation Room featured a fact-check segment on Sicko by senior health correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Moore was interviewed live immediately afterward, disputing Gupta’s findings as biased and inaccurate; he also posted a detailed rebuttal on his website. Following their debate on Larry King Live, Gupta shared his views regarding both the film and CNN’s coverage.
Wendell Potter
Former CIGNA Head of Corporate Communications Wendell Potter revealed that America's Health Insurance Plans—the industry's trade group—initiated a campaign aimed at discrediting Michael Moore and his documentary. Potter admitted that Moore "hit the mark" with Sicko, but noted industry fears about its impact led to efforts to undermine its message.
Journalist Bill Moyers reported that this strategy sought to emphasize negative depictions of government-run health systems. Potter explained that insurers have long used scare tactics to deter public support for government involvement in healthcare, fearing programs like Medicare could diminish their profits.
Moyers and Potter observed attempts to frame Moore merely as a "Hollywood entertainer" to dismiss his work as entertainment rather than serious critique. Potter acknowledged this public relations campaign successfully dampened the film’s influence but agreed that Sicko revealed an essential truth: government plays a necessary role in healthcare provision internationally. He underscored that more Americans are uninsured or underinsured than entire populations of countries like Canada or the UK, with many vulnerable to losing coverage due to layoffs or insurer actions.
Think tanks
Free-market think tanks such as the Manhattan Institute criticized Sicko for inaccurately portraying healthcare systems in Canada, the UK, and Cuba while casting American health insurance negatively relative to those nations.
Similarly, the conservative National Center for Policy Analysis challenged Moore's assertions by highlighting issues like long waiting lists and restricted access to innovative treatments within publicly funded systems in Canada and Britain—factors they argue were overlooked by Moore.
In contrast, the left-leaning Urban Institute (UI) largely concurred with Moore on universal healthcare necessity and systemic failures. UI economist Linda Blumberg acknowledged budget constraints affect any system but credited Moore with effectively exposing key deficiencies. She noted that if Moore helped popularize viewing healthcare as a right rather than privilege, it would represent significant progress. Bradford Gray supported many core points but criticized omissions and lack of detail; nonetheless, he affirmed many fundamental observations remain valid.
Moorewatch
Regarding Michael Moore's financial support to Jim and Donna Kenefick of Moorewatch.com, Donna expressed gratitude stating his contribution "covered our health insurance premiums and provided financial relief allowing us to manage debts." Jim Kenefick contested Moore's narrative claiming his insurance would have covered his wife’s needs regardless; he added reader donations had already revitalized his websites before Moore's check arrived. Kenefick accused Moore of misrepresenting his statements to defame him and criticized Moore for initially claiming anonymity about the donation only to highlight it publicly within his film—suggesting self-promotion rather than altruism motivated him.
At a Cannes press conference revealing donor identity, Moore stated: "I asked myself whether I would write this check if it weren’t part of this film? I concluded this is what I should do—and how I want Americans to live."
WikiLeaks cable on Cuba and Sicko
Although screened widely in Cuban cinemas and national television broadcasts occurred, former United States Interests Section chief Michael E. Parmly wrote a diplomatic cable dated January 31, 2008 asserting Cuban authorities banned the film as subversive material. Parmly claimed while Sicko aimed at discrediting U.S. healthcare by showcasing Cuba’s excellence, Cuban officials recognized this portrayal as mythic and limited screenings to avoid public backlash over inaccessible facilities.
Initially reporting this ban as fact during collaboration with WikiLeaks on cable publication, The Guardian later corrected its story confirming that Cuba did screen Sicko. Michael Moore argued U.S officials fabricated claims about censorship to undermine his film's critical stance on American healthcare.
Unauthorized distribution
Approximately two weeks prior to its official June 29, 2007 release date, an unauthorized copy of the film appeared online. Moore denied involvement in leaking it for publicity purposes; investigations ensued into how this occurred. He expressed support for sharing his work freely as it broadens audience reach while criticizing stringent copyright enforcement practices.
Treasury Department probe
On May 2, 2007, Michael Moore received notification from the Office of Foreign Assets Control regarding a civil investigation concerning his March trip to Cuba without obtaining required licenses authorizing transactions under U.S embargo regulations. A master copy of Sicko remained held in Canada pending potential seizure linked to this inquiry involving Moore transporting 9/11 rescue workers seeking treatment there. Moore contended such journalistic travel is generally covered under general licenses exempting prior State Department approval; he added his intent was visiting Guantánamo Bay Naval Base but aborted upon hearing sirens.
During an appearance on The Tonight Show, Moore revealed he had been informed about an issued subpoena related to this trip. Reuters reported he had not yet been personally served but government officials coordinated service logistics through his attorney David Boies.
Deleted scenes and extras
The DVD edition features deleted footage excluded from theatrical release but filmed by Moore during production. Some removed scenes focus on UK healthcare showing homeless shelters providing acupuncture and foot massages. French segments omitted include an interview with a General Electric employee discussing benefits available in France not extended to GE workers stateside. Norway-related scenes covering its healthcare system, social welfare programs, rehabilitation-focused prisons—including paid spa vacations for certain illnesses—and employment of government ethicists overseeing oil wealth investments were also cut despite Norway sharing similarities with France's system. A deleted visit depicts Bastøy Prison where inmates reside in small communal homes engaging in manual labor and agriculture.
Excluded U.S.-based content includes footage featuring an uninsured woman offered half-price spinal cancer treatment who nevertheless could not afford initial consultations; she organized fundraisers later revoked by hospitals considering donations taxable income. An interview with Marcia Angell—former editor of The New England Journal of Medicine—criticizing pharmaceutical companies and FDA practices was also omitted. Executive producer Harvey Weinstein requested removal of a scene critical toward Hillary Clinton; however, Moore refused due to Weinstein’s financing role and Clinton family connections.
Additionally included is "Sicko Goes to Washington," promoting legislation advocating for single-payer health care under the United States National Health Care Act.
See also
- 2007 in film
- Comparison of the health care systems in Canada and the United States
- Health care reform in the United States
- List of healthcare reform advocacy groups in the United States
- National health insurance
- National Physicians Alliance
- Nordic model
Further reading
- Ernest Callenbach: "Sicko," Film Quarterly, vol. 61 no. 2 (Winter 2007–2008), pp.18–20.
- Tony Dokoupil: "Why Michael Moore Helped Save Enemy Site," Newsweek Entertainment section (June 8, 2007).
- Andrew Holtz: "National Survey Shows Michael Moore's Sicko Did Indeed Provoke Discussions about US Health Care System," Oncology Times vol.29 no.18 (September 25, 2007), pp.28–29.
- Lucia Hwang: "A life denied," Registered Nurse vol.103 no.8 (October 2007), pp.20–29.
- Caroline Kao: "Diagnosis: Michael Moore—media paint filmmaker to be health care system's main problem," International Journal of Health Services vol.38 no.1.
- Janice Hopkins Tanne: "US health professionals demonstrate support for Sicko," British Medical Journal vol.334 no.7608.
- Wendell Potter: Deadly Spin: An Insurance Company Insider Speaks Out on How Corporate PR Is Killing Health Care and Deceiving Americans (2010), Bloomsbury Press; chapters discussing The Campaign Against Sicko, pp.29–43.