I've been encouraging documentary filmmakers to use more and more humor, and they're loath to do that because they think if it's a documentary it has to be deadly serious - it has to be like medicine that you're supposed to take. And I think it's what keeps the mass audience from going to documentaries.

Michael Moore’s quote discusses his belief that humor should be more prominently featured in documentaries to make them more engaging and accessible to a wider audience. Moore points out that many documentary filmmakers are hesitant to use humor, often believing that a documentary must be deadly serious to be taken seriously. He suggests that filmmakers view their work as something akin to medicine—something that must be "swallowed" without any enjoyment. This perception, according to Moore, can make documentaries feel too heavy or inaccessible to a broader audience.

Moore argues that this serious approach to documentaries is part of the reason why many people shy away from watching them. By not incorporating humor, filmmakers miss an opportunity to reach a larger, more diverse audience. Humor, Moore believes, can make serious topics more engaging and relatable, allowing viewers to digest important issues more easily. It can act as a bridge, making complex or uncomfortable subjects more approachable while still conveying the essential message of the documentary.

He also highlights how humor can be an effective tool in storytelling, helping to lighten the mood and make the film more entertaining while still addressing crucial societal issues. Moore, known for his own use of humor in documentaries like Bowling for Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11, demonstrates how combining comedy with serious content can capture the audience's attention and create a more memorable experience.

In essence, Moore’s quote advocates for a shift in how documentaries are approached, encouraging filmmakers to embrace humor as a way to enhance the impact of their films. By making documentaries more entertaining and less intimidating, filmmakers can draw in larger audiences and make their messages more accessible without sacrificing depth or seriousness.