Effect of controversial Moore film on election is debatable

[AmyStrange]

Effect of controversial Moore film on election is debatable
By Anne E. Kornblut, Globe Staff | June 16, 2004

FROM: http://www.boston.com/news/politics/president/bush/articles/2004/06/16/effect_of_controversial_moore_film_on_election_is_debatable/
NEW YORK -- Having already won an Oscar, a Palme d'Or, and international fame, filmmaker Michael Moore is launching his latest film, ''Fahrenheit 9/11," this week with an even more ambitious goal -- to influence the outcome of this year's presidential election.

Moore, in front of an enthusiastic crowd of celebrities, said, ''It would be a good thing" if his politically charged documentary about Sept. 11 and Iraq inspires Democrats to vote against President Bush. In keeping with the Democratic movement to elect ''anybody but Bush," Moore did not say a word about the presumptive Democratic nominee, either on screen or in his impromptu remarks afterward.

''I was asked by a lot of people coming in here if this movie would affect the election," Moore said. He acknowledged that the film, which paints a cartoonishly negative portrait of Bush, might be ''preaching to the choir," but added: ''The choir has been asleep. If this movie gets the choir singing again, that's a good thing."

Following several books critical of the Bush administration, including those by former anti-terrorism czar Richard Clarke and journalist Bob Woodward, the Moore film, which premiered here Monday night, has sparked an upheaval in Hollywood and in political circles. Although Miramax financed the movie, its parent company, the Disney Corp., refused to distribute it, saying it is too overtly partisan. Miramax heads Harvey and Bob Weinstein reached a separate distribution deal with Lions Gate and IFC Films.

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[ALago1]

1. I doubt right wing reactionaries will even go within a mile of this film

But, it does have the potential to energize the left and Democrats especially to a great degree. Hope it does so!

[Hoping4Change]

2. I think it will energize the choir to knock on doors but it could

easily inspire youth to get politically involved. It is the effect on youth that worries the Repugs which is probably why they are fighting to keep the adult rating in place.

[Still_Loves_John]

3. Thank you!

Too many people have been talking like F-911 is going to be some kind of panacea, and that after it's released Bush is going to be doomed. Honestly, if you think anyone besides the people who have already made up their minds about this are going to be watching it, you are kidding yourself. This film will probably, like a political ad or a book, serve more to introduce arguments into the public debate than to directly influence anyone's opinions.

Not to say that I wouldn't like to be proved wrong, but if you really think that all of America is going to rush the theatres to watch a documentary you have another thing coming.

[AmyStrange]

4. !!! Welcome to the DU !!!

hope you stay awhile and check out the best "unofficial" DU slang dictionary in the UNIVERSE...

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d

[Beetwasher]

5. I Have An Idea, Why Don't You Just Pray Real Hard

that it doesn't make any money and no one sees it!

There are a LOT of people in the middle in this country who will see this film. Don't kid yourself. It's going to be huge and the media frenzy surrounding it will be incredible.

Keep praying though!

[Still_Loves_John]

6. Um...

I would love it if everyone saw this film, I just think people are getting thier hopes up when they think that its gonna singlehandedly take down Bush.

[Beetwasher]

10. OK

This film will have impact. I'd bet money on it. Will it single handedly take down Bush? I don't see too many people, if any, claiming that, but I will say, that it's entirely possible (and IMO likely) that it will have a significant impact on the election.

[edkohler]

9. Talking Points

You may be right that only Moore types will see the film but I'm certain that the people watching the film will leave with fresh ammunition to use in debates against their nationalistic FOX watching friends and relatives who have yet to see the light. That's where the real influence may come from.

[sangh0]

7. Evolution - debatable

Round Earth - debatble
gravity - debatable

[Lefty Pragmatist]

8. Moore has more negative than positive infleunce

because he pisses off moderates and never knows when to just shut up for, say, fifteen seconds. Most people outside the true believer circle consider him an opportunist.

And before you lynch me, I loved Bowling for Columbine and think he's a great director. I also think he's hurting the cause with undecideds.