Sunday, June 27, 2004 Comments (3)
Fahrenheit 9/11
As a side note, I can't imagine how many blog entries will be written about this film. We will probably all be sick of them within the coming weeks. Here goes, anyway.
So, this afternoon, I spent about two hours sitting through Fahrenheit 9/11.
From an entertainment point of view, the movie starts off strong, highlighting key moments over the past four years (from the Presidential Election to almost current), as well as providing some interesting facts about the presidency, and of course, September 11th. As the films moves in to it's second half (which moves much slower), it is more focused on the war in Iraq, who stands to gain from it, and the impact it is having (and will have) on ordinary American citizens. Mixed throughout the film is the background of President G. W. Bush himself, as well as what his family is currently involved in - or shall we say "who" his family is currently involved with.
It is exactly what I, and probably most of the American public, expected.
I think I would have enjoyed the film more if it would have stayed focused on the current situation in Iraq. However, at the end, the film diverts to individuals and their families, their loved ones that have died, and their opinions. While I have absolute respect for United States citizens who have died and are willing to die for what they believe is right, and because they feel they are protecting their own and other folks' freedoms, I prefer to focus on the bigger picture, and the facts that support the bigger picture. I almost felt like parts of the film were meant to tug at the human heartstrings to achieve a certain emotional effect - and believe me, mine were yanked. Do not get me wrong, soldiers and the United States Armed Forces are a large part of what is happening in the Middle East and abroad, and they are at the center of this very real and tragic situation, but to me, that is obvious. I want to get down to the grit and dirt beneath the obvious, and I do not want the obvious of the suffering to be used in a way to persuade folks to feel a certain way about certain situations.
I want the answers to the biggest question of all - WHY?
I'm rambling.
The only thing I was not prepared for, before watching the film, is that it actually involves a small amount of gore. Most other people are (were) probably aware of this before they watch(ed) the film, but I just never gave it any thought. So, if you're like me (clueless), be prepared.
The film was great. The crowd loved it, and as we all probably suspected, there was hollering and clapping at the end. It was nice to see people that are probably, most likely, of like-mind and spirit cheer for something that they feel so passionately about.
Overall, I'd give it an "A," but that may be biased. I agree with most of the subject matter, and really feel that it is a thought-provoking film that could not be more timely. It is not a sterile documentary, but actually contains quite a bit of humor. Again, the comedy is probably expected by anyone who is familar with the writer, producer, and director, Michael Moore.
On a more comical note from a teenager (my sister) who cannot yet vote, nor has any political interest, "It felt like a two hour news broadcast."
Comments
"When you gonna wake up, strengthen the things that remain?" Bob Dylan
This was one of the most thought out, well written blogs about F911 that I have read yet. Thank you.
Yes! Exactly! Didn't you just love the comedy? Like when that guy locks himself up in that tiny little chamber and talks about how wonderful and spacious it is!!! The saddest part is the [real human] gore that people ignore in wars... and the money-grubbing men drooling over all of the "opportunities" that this war creates. It is a war against a poor country killing innocent people who had nothing to do with 9/11 and solely for the purpose of raising money for Haliburton and procuring oil "rights" for the Bush family + cronies. Sick. Thanks for your review. I enjoyed reading it.
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