Farenheit 9/11
Caught the noon showing of the film at the local flop house. I wasn't especially anxious to see the film until I read the A.O. Scott's review in the New York Times.
I don't imagine even Bush's most naive supporters will be surprised by the portrait of Bush that emerges from the film. The most damning segments -- those in which Bush is cracking a prepared joke -- are taken out of context. I came away with the impression with which I entered: Bush is so far in over his head, it's hard to hold him responsible for his decisions. As with Reagan, I can't even believe that they are his. Of course, in Texas, that would not spare him conviction and execution. But he's a Bush. Kerry, on the other hand, can't get away with excuse of not knowing any better. Kerry, like Gore, projects a strong sense of knowing what he's doing. It is probably one of his greatest liabilities as a candidate. The diehard backers of his opponent take it for granted that what he's up to is no good. But more damning still, it's all very calculated.
Bush's reputation is secure. But the movie may spell the end of Brittney Spears's aura of prescience.
I was surprised at the end to realize that this is the first Michael Moore film. Despite the Oscar tirades and the weight problem, I found the film pretty well restrained. It's not much of an argument -- a more nuanced critique for instance would have probed the conflicts and contradictions in Powell's position. But it's a sharp polemic. You get barraged with images of Bush team members curtseying to Saudi royals. But the impact, I suspect, is ultimately more subliminal. What do the Bushies see in all these weird Arabs in robes? (A lot of money.)
The movie's greatest revelation is the things that we had already heard and seen and knew. It's a shock to find how easily we've let the details wash over us. Taken together, even superficially, it's enough to arouse a reaction from anyone who sees it. And Moore mentioned in an interview swing voters in test audiences who saw the film having their support swung away from Bush. And I suppose people even moderately firm in their support of Bush could have their opinion swayed. The question is how many people in this group will pay $9.25 to see this film.
I don't imagine even Bush's most naive supporters will be surprised by the portrait of Bush that emerges from the film. The most damning segments -- those in which Bush is cracking a prepared joke -- are taken out of context. I came away with the impression with which I entered: Bush is so far in over his head, it's hard to hold him responsible for his decisions. As with Reagan, I can't even believe that they are his. Of course, in Texas, that would not spare him conviction and execution. But he's a Bush. Kerry, on the other hand, can't get away with excuse of not knowing any better. Kerry, like Gore, projects a strong sense of knowing what he's doing. It is probably one of his greatest liabilities as a candidate. The diehard backers of his opponent take it for granted that what he's up to is no good. But more damning still, it's all very calculated.
Bush's reputation is secure. But the movie may spell the end of Brittney Spears's aura of prescience.
I was surprised at the end to realize that this is the first Michael Moore film. Despite the Oscar tirades and the weight problem, I found the film pretty well restrained. It's not much of an argument -- a more nuanced critique for instance would have probed the conflicts and contradictions in Powell's position. But it's a sharp polemic. You get barraged with images of Bush team members curtseying to Saudi royals. But the impact, I suspect, is ultimately more subliminal. What do the Bushies see in all these weird Arabs in robes? (A lot of money.)
The movie's greatest revelation is the things that we had already heard and seen and knew. It's a shock to find how easily we've let the details wash over us. Taken together, even superficially, it's enough to arouse a reaction from anyone who sees it. And Moore mentioned in an interview swing voters in test audiences who saw the film having their support swung away from Bush. And I suppose people even moderately firm in their support of Bush could have their opinion swayed. The question is how many people in this group will pay $9.25 to see this film.
posted by Tom at
2:58 PM
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