Farenheit 9/11

I have had a few thoughts related to the hype for the upcoming Michael Moore political ad, Fahrenheit 9/11. It occurs to me that the film was named such, as an homage to Fahrenheit 451, the novel by Ray Bradbury on censorship, the title referring the temperature at which paper burns, as the book concerns book burning. In so naming the film, I was under the impression that Moore would be making an argument that free speech has been curbed in the name of security in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11 (hence the combination of Fahrenheit and the data 9/11). Thus, Moore’s allegations that Disney and Miramax were trying to stop anyone from ever seeing the film, and incessant wrangling over the movie’s “R” rating seemed prompted by this argument that he was being censored. Ironically, however, the film has quickly been distributed, with a very wide distribution for a “documentary”. The cries of censorship by the right seem outrageous given the ease with which the film has been distributed nationwide, the pandering of critics afraid to scrutinize the film, and the acclamation of the film by the Hollywood left. Nonetheless, I expect the film to receive a great deal of criticism from Conservatives, fact-checkers, and Bush supporters in the next few weeks. And here’s the catch – I expect Michael Moore, after naming the film in honor of a great anti-censorship novel and whining about conspiracies to stop the film, will viciously attack anyone who criticizes his film, denouncing them not only as holding the wrong views, but as an immoral spawn of an evil ideology threatening to annihilate free speech everywhere. No doubt, Moore will demand an apology from any critic, may attempt to sue, and may demand that any critic be fired from his or her position. I predict, that ironically, Michael Moore will attempt to censor any opinion that counters his own, in the name of “free speech”. Any wagers on this?

I also read that during the screening of the film for celebrities that a scene in which Britney Spears pledges her support to President Bush received many laughs and chuckles from the audience. Leonardo DiCaprio was among the celebrities who found the scene particularly amusing. Indeed, I admit that anytime a blonde, sex symbol, famous for partying and sexual shenanigans, who is famous for their looks and (arguably) talent and not their intelligence, experience, or wisdom expresses a political view, it is humorous, but … Wait, Wait. Leonardo DiCaprio laughed at Britney Spears? Leo f***ing DiCaprio!? Does anyone else see the incredible irony here? I have yet to find a greater example of the pot calling the kettle black. In this instance I will return to something I said in an early rambling – “Get back in your cage and dance, monkey, dance”.

Finally, one scene shown in the trailers for the film shows President Bush discussing terrorism with the press corps, saying that terrorism will not be tolerated and any nation that harbors terrorists will be treated severely. Bush then says “now watch this drive” and turns around to begin playing golf. I found this scene particularly disturbing. Talking about terrorism before playing golf is simply not good for your golf game.