tom_thinks

This weekend I was one of the many who helped Fahrenheit 9/11 set a box office record. Playing in fewer than 900 theaters, the film made 21.6 million dollars, the most ever for a documentary. (Moore's last film, 'Bowling for Columbine' made 21.9 million in 9 months) Way to raise the bar, Mike. It's probably no surprise to any one that has read this blog, that I greatly enjoyed the film. While there's not too much new information presented, Fahrenheit 9/11 is a compelling essay, revealing the corruption and hypocrisy of this administration. Every one I saw in the theater (and I went twice) seemed to cry at least once and laugh a few times more. Without the humor, the tragedy of our recent history might have been too much for any one to take. While Moore doesn't shy away from adding in his own opinion, more times then not, he lets his collection of video speak for itself. One particularly notable quotation is from Condoleeza Rice, explicitly stating a link between Saddam and 9/11. There's so much more I could say about this film, so many issues raised, so much footage to comment upon and such good storytelling, but I'd rather encourage you to go see it for yourself. I will say this, Moore's conclusion that the administration is capitalizing upon fear to enact its dubious agenda could not be more accurate.
Here in Gainesville, the film sold out every night. They had to open an additional theater. I passed out about 50 flyers on Friday, a combination flyer for Democracy For America, Move On PAC, ACT4Victory, the League of Conservation Voters and some tips on what to do to oust Bush. The next day, there was a sheriff at the exit to the theater. He was looking for someone. I quickly realized that person was me, so I backed up into the theater and passed out 60 or so more flyers. I wish I had brought more, as people grabbed them from my hands so quickly. As I was exiting, there were shouts by the theater staff urging whoever is passing out those flyers to stop and leave the premises, but by then I was already done. Two of my friends had headed out of the theater and attempted to pass out flyers outside, but were stopped by the staff, backed up by a sheriff's deputy. It was great to hear my fellow movie-goers coming to our defense, many expressing their desire for flyers long after I had run out.
After watching the movie Saturday, I was surprised at the effect it had on people. One of my friends who hasn't really ever been active or involved with politics, became a woman on a mission. She engaged everyone we came into contact with. Telling people to see the movie, discussing war policies, even handing out some of the flyers we had left. Other people who had seen the movie and many that hadn't came over and joined the discussion. I only hope that this enthusiasm lasts through Nov. 2.
There's some misleading press reports about this movie, Moore refutes them here. If you haven't seen the movie yet, get tickets here.