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Fahrenheit 9/11
Michael Moore Flames On

Starring: Michael Moore, George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Saddam Hussein, John Ashcroft, Osama bin Laden, Paul Wolfowitz
Director: Michael Moore

Reviewed by Lise Ching

I am not sure which was more disturbing, the images of destruction, corruption and despair in Fahrenheit 9/11 or the three protesters outside the City Center Theatre in Stockton, CA.  Holding a sign declaring “No Moore Lies” the trio distributed leaflets; one wore a t-shirt stating, “I love Bush.”  When asked by a moviegoer if they’d seen the film, they confirmed that they hadn’t.
 
And this is the crux of the problem I have with this film.  The majority of the people who will go (and the theatre was quite full for 11:00 on a weekday) probably support Moore’s point of view.  And the majority of those opposing it do so without seeing it for themselves. 
 
Whether or not he sometimes stretches the truth is up for debate.  No one can argue, however, that he has made a powerful film.  Moore wants you to feel something, do something, anything, as a result of this film.  His use of sound bites, images and music can be criticized as manipulative or lauded as moving, depending on what side of the fence you are on.
 
The audience laughed along with the images of President Bush, Dick Cheney, John Ashcroft, Donald Rumsfeld and Condaleeza Rice being primped and prepped for airtime.  Silence quickly fell as we stared first at a black screen and then into the horrified, stunned faces of New Yorkers as we listened to the events unfold at the World Trade Center.
 
Moore unleashes a fury of connections and suppositions connecting Bush and associates to bin Laden and the funding of terror.  While I tend to lean to the left politically, it would be difficult for any thinking person to not be stirred to anger by the connections Moore presents.  Even with all of the explanation and rationalization in the world, it’s hard to discount the intricate relationship between the United States and friends and foes from around the world.
 
It is impossible to deny the things we can see with our own eyes.  Caught on film are two Secret Service officers questioning Moore for filming outside the Saudi Arabian embassy in Washington.  Soldiers in Iraq describing the music they use to “psych themselves up.”  Still more soldiers missing legs and arms.  A grieving mother.  A member of Congress explaining away the Patriot Act by declaring “We don’t read most of the bills.” 
 
Our very own Central Valley has a few moments of fame in the film during an analysis of the impact of the Patriot Act.  The members of Peace Fresno were surprised to learn that an active member of their group was actually a local sheriff’s deputy tasked with infiltrating the group.  While appearances can be deceiving, it’s hard to believe that anyone saw this group of middle-aged, cookie-acting activists as a potential threat.
 
I agree with Moore that those Americans from the worst situations and environments are the first to enlist in the Armed Forces.  They deserve our support, and our respect.  I think this film offers them both.  It points out the injustice and inconsistency of our leaders, and the unthinkable life of those who are truly at war.  I know I will sleep better when my sister is no longer on loan to this war.  Her service is up, ironically, on September 11th.

Rating:

(3 1/2 out of 4 stars)

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