A DOCUMENTARY WITH AN AGENDA

By: B -- (8/16/04)

Political allegiances aside, Fahrenheit 9/11 is an important film to see. The new documentary by Michael Moore (Roger & Me, Bowling for Columbine) uses war footage, research and subjective name-calling to attack the current Bush administration, and though it is flawed and at times self-serving, the film on the whole is a must-see.

Fahrenheit 9/11 (winner of the Palme d'Or for Best Film at Cannes) is a documentary with an agenda. With this film, Moore sets out to prove the shortcomings and overall dishonesty of the Bush presidency.

Moore 's film is a comprehensive look at the administration, focusing on the war in Iraq but covering much more. He quickly tackles the questionable 2000 election, connecting various dots in an attempt to show the conspiracy between President Bush and his brother Jed, the governor of Florida. Moore then moves on to poke fun at Bush's selection of attorney general John Ashcroft, who actually lost his Missouri senate election to a man who had died weeks earlier. The film also shows flaws in Bush's other administration appointees and eventually lands on the war in Iraq. None of the information in Fahrenheit is new, but Moore has packaged these complaints, put a Hollywood stamp on it and sent it to the masses.

Moore's film shines brightest when he steps away and lets the war footage and interviews tell the story. Unfortunately, Moore often can't help himself and throws in silly musical choices and cheap laughs. The result is a film version of an editorial article. Moore places his facts in a biased fashion to maximize the drama. For instance, Moore decides not to show life in Iraq before America attacked, failing to point out the horrifying regime led by Hussein. His soundtrack is silly and unnecessary, using such songs as "Shiny Happy People" and "Vacation" to pound a point down our throats. He also fails to suggest improvements, instead simply illuminating the negative aspects.

The Hollywood spin and exploitative nature of Fahrenheit takes away from the final product. The footage and facts are damning enough untouched, and Moore 's occasional self-serving film style only compromises the movie. Cheap laughs aren't so funny considering the subject matter.

Fahrenheit isn't entirely fair, but you'll notice even the harshest conservatives have failed to effectively point out any lies in this film. The facts and footage are plain as day. Do not deny the potential impact of this film, for it is chock full of vital information about President Bush and our country as a whole.

Overall, the amount of editorial nonsense can be debated and discredited, but the honest-to-God facts can not. The evidence slowly moves from roll-your-eyes to cover-your-eyes, leaving you with a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. Fahrenheit, with its occasional chest-puffing, is a must see no matter where you lie on the political spectrum. Refusal to see this film will be a perfect example of a bratty political stance that only proves your inability to be open-minded. The only important take-away from this film is knowledge. There is plenty of it in Fahrenheit, and the subjective fluff is easily definable and, if you wish, disposable.

POP RATING: 8

CRITICAL RATING: 8

B'S RATING: 8

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