Special Report: Fahrenheit 911 and Q&A with Michael Moore at the Rafael Film Center
By Natalie Johnson
As someone who loves Michael Moore's documentaries and writing, and who frequently writes his quotes all over my social studies notebook, it was a dream come true to see him at a screening of "Fahrenheit 911."
Watched at home on DVD, "Fahrenheit 911" is a shocking, amazing movie that gets your blood boiling. But watched in a large theatre with like-minded people and the filmmaker himself to answer your questions, it almost takes you to a higher plane of existence.
The movie itself is amazing. Michael Moore mixes satire with heartbreaking scenes from Iraq with clips of George W. Bush looking laid back and unworried as soldiers die across Iraq. It’s much more than a documentary; it really stirs up your thoughts and moves you. It's pure art and truth. It truly makes you want to get out and do something about the issues our country is facing. Moore made this movie about the utter incompetence and pure evil of the Bush administration after Moore's friend died in the September 11th attacks. He made it because he did not think that his friend would want his death to be used as fodder for the Bush Administration to go to war with a country that did not even attack us on 9/11.
This movie is poignant and very touching, and the interview with Lila Lipscomb, the mother of a fallen Soldier in Iraq added a lot to the film. Her son Michael died in Iraq, with his final letter decrying George W. Bush, asking why the US is in Iraq, and saying that Bush should be defeated in the election. And Michael Moore aims to honour Michael's final wish.
After the screening of "Fahrenheit 911," Michael Moore walked into the room casually, wearing a baseball cap as usual. His presence compels you to listen to him. And we did. His voice filled the room with energy and verve. Over the hour at the Rafael Film Center Q & A, he answered the audience’s questions in great depth, supporting his points with a breadth of knowledge. He told us more about his filmmaking and the people who helped make this wonderful film. And he ended on a note about our great country and constitution that still reverberates through my head: We cannot give up.
This is Natalie Johnson for "Movie Magazine".
Watched at home on DVD, "Fahrenheit 911" is a shocking, amazing movie that gets your blood boiling. But watched in a large theatre with like-minded people and the filmmaker himself to answer your questions, it almost takes you to a higher plane of existence.
The movie itself is amazing. Michael Moore mixes satire with heartbreaking scenes from Iraq with clips of George W. Bush looking laid back and unworried as soldiers die across Iraq. It’s much more than a documentary; it really stirs up your thoughts and moves you. It's pure art and truth. It truly makes you want to get out and do something about the issues our country is facing. Moore made this movie about the utter incompetence and pure evil of the Bush administration after Moore's friend died in the September 11th attacks. He made it because he did not think that his friend would want his death to be used as fodder for the Bush Administration to go to war with a country that did not even attack us on 9/11.
This movie is poignant and very touching, and the interview with Lila Lipscomb, the mother of a fallen Soldier in Iraq added a lot to the film. Her son Michael died in Iraq, with his final letter decrying George W. Bush, asking why the US is in Iraq, and saying that Bush should be defeated in the election. And Michael Moore aims to honour Michael's final wish.
After the screening of "Fahrenheit 911," Michael Moore walked into the room casually, wearing a baseball cap as usual. His presence compels you to listen to him. And we did. His voice filled the room with energy and verve. Over the hour at the Rafael Film Center Q & A, he answered the audience’s questions in great depth, supporting his points with a breadth of knowledge. He told us more about his filmmaking and the people who helped make this wonderful film. And he ended on a note about our great country and constitution that still reverberates through my head: We cannot give up.
This is Natalie Johnson for "Movie Magazine".
© 2005 - Natalie Johnson - Air Date: 12/8/04
More Information:
Fahrenheit 911 and Q&A with Michael Moore at the Rafael Film Center
San Rafael, California
