Michael Moore’s controversial new documentary “Fahrenheit 9/11″ explores connections through oil money between the Bush and bin Laden families and critiques the White Houses preparedness for the terrorist attacks in September of 2001. It stirred up a firestorm a few weeks ago when Disney refused to release it, citing its controversial political content. According to Moore the real reason was fear of losing tax breaks on some of their Florida property by upsetting Jeb Bush, Florida’s governor and President George W. Bush’s brother.
The incendiary docu hit the Cannes Film Festival this week to rave reviews from fans and skeptics alike. According to this MSNBC report, Moore seems to have been somewhat humbled by the backlash from his infamous Academy Awards acceptance speech for “Bowling for Columbine.” He spends less time onscreen in this film, letting the material speak for itself instead. “The material didn’t need the help,” he was quoted as saying. “It was strong enough already. And I feel that a little bit of me probably goes a long way.” Netflix DVD critic James Rocchi went in doubtful (”There’s no such thing as a stand-up journalist,” he said in the best line of the article) but came out favorably impressed.
Miramax, the studio that financed the picture, has bought the rights back from would-be distributor Disney and has plans to release the film Stateside this summer. Asked if he hoped that it would affect the political climate of the nation, Moore demurred. “I hope it just influences people to leave the theater and become good citizens. I’ll leave it to others to decide what kind of impact it’s going to have on the election.”
