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Articles: '9/11' takes on Bush, media

Posted by admin on Friday, July 09, 2004 - 12:40 AM

If "Fahrenheit 9/11" has an impact on the upcoming presidential election, director Michael Moore can thank Lila Lipscomb.
In the controversial documentary about President Bush, terrorism and the Saudi oil connection, Lipscomb is the touchstone for people who can't quite get a handle on the issues. She's the mother of a soldier who was killed in Iraq and her story -- which comprises nearly a third of the film -- hits home in a way that corporate greed cannot. When she talks of loss, her measured words resonate. When she cries, we do, too. But "Fahrenheit" wasn't designed to honor what used to be called Gold Star mothers. It was created to point up presidential misdeeds and, on that count, Moore clearly lands some strong blows. He shows footage of George Bush listening to children read during the World Trade Center bombings. He makes a strong case for a Bush family connection to the Bin Ladens. And, he shows just how certain companies (most with ties to Bush cabinet members) profit from war. Anyone who has seen or heard anything about the film knows Moore has an agenda. Like a debater, he presents his case well. He has evidence to support what he's saying. Unfortunately, viewers don't always know the credibility of the people talking. Anyone, for example, can publish a book and be labeled an expert on a subject. But how strong are the speaker's credentials? Similarly, he edits in a way that could make anyone look bad. That said, there's plenty here to chew on. Moore has done his homework and he does have the goods. What surprises is how complicit the national media has become. Moore has footage that few, if any, television networks broadcast during the inauguration, the days following Sept. 11 and the early weeks of the war. Did you know protesters pelted the presidential limousine with eggs on inauguration day? Has anyone attended one of those seminars to help corporations profit from war contracts? Until recently, did anyone show how American soldiers were treating Iraqis? There's enough here to suggest collusion. Moore cuts no one slack. Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., is made to look foolish on several occasions; other Democrats are, too. When Moore begins his ambush of Congress, you can almost see officials cower. Revealing that only one senator had a son serving in Iraq (apparently there are more now), he decides to ask senators and representatives to sign a statement saying they'd send their children to the war-torn country. No one agrees; most run away. Those techniques (used extensively in "Bowling for Columbine," his Oscar winner) aren't prolific here. Instead, Moore does plenty with irony and gets the same effect. As a film, "Fahrenheit 911" is extremely well made. It runs 15 minutes longer than it should, but it never strays from its premise. You may not agree with Moore's theory, but you will have to admit he presents it convincingly. The challenge for Moore -- and all documentary filmmakers -- is getting people to see his film. He can preach to the choir all he wants. But if people who believe in President Bush don't see the film, "Fahrenheit 9/11's" boiling point won't be reached. What's gratifying? We still live in a country where a Michael Moore can have his say. Rated R, "Fahrenheit 9/11" features profanity, violence, gore. On a scale of four stars, "Fahrenheit 9/11" gets: 3 1/2 stars

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