June 28, 2004
Fahrenheit
Never one to follow the crowd , I waited until Saturday evening to see "Fahrenheit 9/11". I arrived an hour early, so seats were available and the early birds chatty.
If are a Bushlette you will probably not enjoy this movie. You will probably not enjoy this blog either. Unless, that is, you are a spiritual Bushlette, having eschewed fundamentalism for the new age, in which case, skip this entry.
Regarding "Fahrenheit 9/11", it could be argued that anyone can be caught in a contemplative moment looking like a shifty eyed, baffled moron who doesn't have a glimmer of an idea what to do in any situation that does not involve a golf club. Anyone could be caught licking his comb and spitting on his hair in an unguarded moment. Anyone could be caught lying, cheating, profittering and altering the constituion slightly, to better serve his corporate interests. Goodness, we're at war. But Michael Moore does have a way of being there with his camera.
Although W. has top billing, I was impressed by the number of Saudis co-starring in this film. Maybe I just noticed them more because of the distinctive disdashas. which seemed omnipresent. Fortunately, the Saudis seem to have a rather large stake in the future of this country, so I am less worried that they plan to blow it to smithereens, given the size of their investments. Unfortunately, the Saudi investors may not have much control of the folks that we have enraged by our recent interventions for democracy. W. does seem right at home with the Saudis though. He socializes alot. I am surprised that he remembers not to offend them by eating his Bar-B-Que with both hands . Maybe his dad helps him remember.
In any case, it seems to be a hit, and not just in the blue states.
The New York Times reports, (quoting one of the producers, I think):
"The biggest news to me this morning is this is a red-state movie," he said, referring to the state whose residents voted for George W. Bush in the 2000 election. "Republican states are embracing the movie, and it's sold out in Republican strongholds all over the country."
Harvey Weinstein said: "It's beyond anybody's expectations. I'd have to say the sky's the limit on this movie. Who knows what territory we're in."
Even rival studio executives recognized that documentary's opening as exceptional. "This picture came from nowhere [WHERE has this man been?]," said Tom Sherak, a principal at Revolution Studios, which made "White Chicks. [Oh]" "It's what movie viewing has become. If you make it feel like it has urgency, people will have to go."
Of course there is the right wing back lash. Michael Moore is mastering the art using the administration's negative energy against them . He's done his part, now it's up to us to do ours.
Posted by Dakota at June 28, 2004 05:50 AM