Posted on 05/27/2004 9:26:51 PM PDT by Rennes Templar
May 27, 2004 | Filmmaker Michael Moore filmed an interview with American Nicholas Berg in the course of producing his documentary film "Fahrenheit 9/11" before Berg left for Iraq, where he was taken hostage and killed, Moore confirmed to Salon in a statement Thursday. The 20 minutes of footage does not appear in the final version of "Fahrenheit 911," according to the statement.
Word of the footage reached Salon through a source unaffiliated with Moore or his film "Fahrenheit 9/11," which is reported to feature stark images of U.S. civilians and soldiers grappling with conditions in war-torn Iraq, as well as examining the relationship between President George W. Bush and the bin Laden family. It received the Palme d'Or, the Cannes Film Festival's highest honor, on Saturday.
In a statement widely circulated by Moore's people after an initial request for comment by Salon, Moore said, "We have an interview with Nick Berg. It was approximately 20 minutes long. We are not releasing it to the media. It is not in the film. We are dealing privately with the family." Moore's camp declined to comment further on any aspect of the interview. Because the footage is not in the film, a spokeswoman for Miramax Films, the production company behind "Fahrenheit 9/11," said the company had no comment.
It was not clear from Moore's statement whether footage from the interview with Berg had ever been included in early cuts of "Fahrenheit 9/11." Reports about a film industry controversy surrounding distribution of the film first hit the news on May 5, a week before Berg's death. The film officially screened for the public and the press for the first time during the Cannes festival on May 17.
The news that Moore spoke to Berg while he was still in the United States only adds to the mystery surrounding the young man's presence in Iraq and tragic death. The interview was shot before the 26-year-old Berg left for Iraq late last year as a private contractor in the hopes of helping to rebuild the ravaged country. Though it was unclear what Berg spoke about in his interview with Moore, or how the two men met, unrelated reports following his death indicate that he headed for the Middle East with plans to work to improve the country's technological infrastructure and communication abilities. He ran his own company, Prometheus Methods Tower Service, in a suburb of Philadelphia.
Berg did not find employment in Iraq, and when he attempted to return to the United States he was detained by Iraqi police and questioned by American forces. He was released after his family complained. But shortly after, he is believed to have been kidnapped by Islamic terrorists. Video of his beheading was released on an Islamist Web site on May 11. Salon was unable to reach the Berg family for comment before publication.
Moore's film chronicles the United States' military, political and business involvement in the Middle East in the years before and after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. His previous politically charged films, including "Roger & Me" and "Bowling for Columbine," have created controversy and won him praise (including an Oscar, for "Columbine"). "Fahrenheit 9/11" has already sparked a media storm; in early May, Miramax's parent company, Disney, announced that it would not allow Miramax to distribute the film, which is highly critical of Bush and his administration.
Miramax has yet to make a deal with a distributor, though the film's warm reception at Cannes and the publicity surrounding the film have made it a hot property that is generating a lot of interest in Hollywood. "Bowling for Columbine" grossed $21 million, making it the highest-grossing non-IMAX documentary of all time.
A source close to "Fahrenheit 9/11" said that a new distributor will be announced shortly, and that the film is expected to be released in theaters during the first week of July, as originally planned.
I don't doubt that she could be but this is nuclear information. Far beyond Washingtonienne and sex/prison scandals.
This is "lawyer up" type stuff that won't go away. And Moore is trying to sell this "piece" on the world stage as fact.
Nothing distracts from fact than other facts that are emotional aspects of a society at war.
I seriously doubt that Moore's camp thinks this can go away. Granted the headlines will go away but the "hatchet job" intentions of this flick pale in comparison to the real world connections.
In terms of damage control this is either hamfisted, contrived, real, or guilt. But it ain't normal for a guy like Moore.
He/they are in big trouble. Of course it won't get a mention but what the hell.
And both observant Jews and nonobservant Jews name their newborns using the first initial of the last family member who died,or give the child that person's name.
No,I am not Jewish,but I have Jewish friends.
In light of this new Moore info, Nick's muslim beard doesn't look like much of a coincidence either.
That is true, but Nick's father said when Nick got back from Ghana that he was emaciated and almost didn't recognize him and I beleive that some Nick's friends said the same thing.
And here's another piece to the puzzle. Kerry made a private phone call to the Berg's and refused to acknowledge anything said or discuss anything about the call. Not even to say it was a sympathy call.
What do you mean "lawyered up" stuff?
Why not move Hollyweird to Canada. They do all their movies there anyway.
At what temperature does silicon freeze? :0) Perhaps that's the answer.
I agree.
Put it on the list.
Thank you, Dane, once again you have enlightened me.
It was probably a conference call with Moore......LOL.
At what temperature does silicon freeze?
LMAO!!!
Re #226....we are fighting over the same tin foilhat!! :)
You're welcome. A picture of Khaddaffy wearing a gold ring was posted on FR.
By jove, you're right! I'm sure I can find a new one soon enough.
"
One would think that after Nick's email/computer connection with terrorists, the gov. would have kept an eye on his comings and goings."
Yes, one would think that. I know I would have.
Do you mean the listing for the radio show, MR? I wondered what happend to him. What if it turns out everything he said was true!
I'm going to bed!
Be well, Howlin.
Because Michael Morre is no Mel Gibson.
Meaning, that Moore has "lawyered up" already. He's on the defensive and seeking counsel. The leak to Salon is all we're going to get and now it's going to be handed off to the "big bad gubment" and all that that entails.
But watch the revelations from his camp from here on out. They'll be guarded and obvious in their lack of information.
He/they are kept from here on out and firmly locked down in an ongoing investigation. And the "movie" is going to tank in the process.
Quite predictable when you think of it. I'm out.
With all the twists and turns in this story, I wouldn't doubt it.
Are you sure/
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