Well, the gang and I headed to see the opening night of Fahrenheit 911 last night at Ward theatres. We all met up around 5:30 at Ryans for drinks and pupus and lively discussion about movie expectations. The movie was sold out and the crowd energetic for what was to come.
My impression of the movie was that MM heard the critics from Bowling for Columbine and focused his energy on being behind the camera and not in front of it. His presence in the movie was low key and short, yet his commentary and ability to blend in images, words, and emotion was brilliant. Again, like his previous movies, his main theme was FEAR. In F911 it is the fear of terror that has been used by Bush and his cronies to control the American people. It is FEAR that is used to confuse the public while masking the true motivation behind Bush's decisions and his family's ties to Saudi oil and money. $1.6 billion was the figure given for how much Saudi money has been invested in Bush's family businesses. That's compared to the $trillion or so dollars the Saudi's have in American banks and the over $250 billion they have invested in companies.
There has been criticism of Michael Moore for splicing in quotes that are out of context, sure that happens, but it really is mainly for effect not for substance. MM does not overkill on the WMD issue, he brings it up, but then leaves the audience to come up with their own conclusions. The scenes of the military mother crying because she lost her son is very powerful as it shows how even the most staunch military family supporter now questions the war. This military theme is carried through by the ever present fact that it is the poor families from rundown neighborhoods that are recruited to join. The scene showing the Marine recruiters targeting low income shopping malls and sounding like car salesmen to get recruits is scary.
Needless to say this movie is a must see no matter what side of the Bush fence you might be on. As I have been saying to some conervative folks I chat with... you see the movie, make your own opinion, and don't rely on what you read.
Check our Michael Moore's website for stories from other opening nights across the country!
And remember to register to vote!
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