Film and Election Politics Cross in 'Fahrenheit 9/11'

LA Times ^ | June 11 2004 | Michael Finnegan, Times Staff Writer

[Rooivalk]

Film and Election Politics Cross in 'Fahrenheit 9/11' The marketing of a scathing movie about Bush resembles a race for the White House.

There are movie campaigns and there are presidential campaigns, and usually you can tell the difference. One features a red carpet, the other a war room.

But "Fahrenheit 9/11," Michael Moore's scathing new documentary about President Bush, has both.

Its release later this month appears to mark the first time that a film slamming a major presidential candidate has opened on screens across the nation in the final months of a campaign. At the same time, the movie is producing a global publicity extravaganza for Moore and Miramax Film founders Harvey and Bob Weinstein, who bought the film after Walt Disney Co. refused to let Miramax release it.

The scramble to bring the dark, often satirical film to U.S. movie screens is blending Hollywood and presidential politics in ways never seen in a race for the White House. While the filmmakers deny any overt effort to promote the candidacy of the presumed Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. John F. Kerry of Massachusetts, their efforts fall clearly in sync with the campaign to unseat Bush.

To anticipate and fend off the criticism that already is brewing, Moore has set up a "war room" populated by former Clinton White House operatives plotting swift counterattacks on Bush supporters who question the film's credibility.

To lead the effort, Moore has hired Chris Lehane and Mark Fabiani, former political advisors to Bill Clinton and Al Gore. "Employing the Clinton strategy of '92, we will allow no attack on this film to go without a response immediately," Moore said Thursday. "And we will go after anyone who slanders me or my work, and we will do it without mercy. And when you think 'without mercy,' you think Chris Lehane."

.......Moore, who closes the film with the message "Do Something," is unabashed about his hope that the film will help dislodge Bush as president.

[Rooivalk]

Since the Moore-Kerry RATS expect attacks then lets give 'em some. Lets discuss ideas on how to be creative in dealing with this tired hack piece.

[sgtbono2002]

I think we shoudl ask John Mccain what he thinks of this , it obviously isnt a documentary but an attack film on the President before an election . More like a Dirty democrat trick than a film by a legitimate producer.

[WVNan]

If any Freepers go to see this mess, please stand up during the most outrageous lies and yell real loud, "LIES, IT'S ALL LIES". You will get thrown out of course, but that would be more effective than protesting the showing which we can't stop anyway.

[Cicero]

I haven't heard a peep from McCain protesting how the Democrats have made a mockery of his "reform" bill.

[Captain Rabbit]

.......Moore, who closes the film with the message "Do Something,"

Wow! So deep! No wonder fans flock by the millions. His message is so moving and so inspirational! "Do Something". I'm going to use that one. So fresh. So clever. How does he come up with such fresh material all the time? "Do Something". Right on, sir! I'm gonna go and do... something... Right.

[eyespysomething]

take it elsewhere, kitty bait

[eyespysomething]

Dang, you're a quick draw!

[Rooivalk]

So it would assumably be okay if we were to download copies of the film and burn them onto VCD's, as long as we make sure not to make ANY profit whatsoever. Then we can make multiple VCD's and VHS copies and distribute them in our local communities, for free. Ideal places would be military recruiting centers, malls, community centers, and anywhere that would reach the common man, woman, and youth.

You gave me an idea. Suppose we re-mix the Fahrenheit movie to make it a parody of what the fatman is trying to say. It was done on recent episodes of the Starwars trilogy. I'm sure the fatman wouldn't care if we poked a little fun at his movie. It could become more popular than his original