'Tomorrow,' 'Fahrenheit' fire up the political deb

[desdemona]

'Tomorrow,' 'Fahrenheit' fire up the political debate

By Gary Strauss, USA TODAY

In what is shaping up to be a tight race between President Bush and presumptive Democratic challenger John Kerry, could politically charged movies tip the election? (Related item: Control Room examines war of information)

Chris Cooper plays Dicky Pilager, a grammatically challenged political candidate à la George W. Bush, in Silver City.

It seems far-fetched, especially since the special effects in The Day After Tomorrow overshadow its warnings about global warming. Still, some say Tomorrow, Fahrenheit 9/11 and other politically tinged movies could sway voters.

"The furor raised by (Tomorrow) can have an impact," says Patrick Michaels, an environmental specialist at the Cato Institute think tank and author of the upcoming book Meltdown: The Predictable Distortion of Global Warming by Scientists, Politicians and the Media.

More than 14 million people have seen the movie.

"In a tight election, global warming could be a wedge issue," Michaels says. "A few thousand votes could make a difference."

Fahrenheit 9/11, Michael Moore's scathing documentary of Bush's actions before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and his ties to Arab oil money, could be more damaging.

"A movie calling Bush a liar and incompetent is going to mean debate and discussion," says Jonathan Rosenbaum, a Chicago film reviewer and author of Movies as Politics.

read the entire article here:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2...-politics_x.htm

[Ken]

More like "Fire up the money making machine for Moore".

It doesn't matter what happens tomorrow, because tomorrow, Moore will become more wealthy.

The "debate" is only fuel for his income.

[gorphon]

More like "Fire up the money making machine for Moore".

It doesn't matter what happens tomorrow, because tomorrow, Moore will become more wealthy.

The "debate" is only fuel for his income.

I must disagree here. you see, Moore is a talented documentary director and also more than capable of playing to the press as all can see. He is certainly self serving and sensationalist. that is not worth debating it is so true. BUT, I would argue that Moore could be making the same, if not more, money if he bought into the establishment, toed the party line, and produced similar documentaries- only this time, doing them from a conservative "align yourself with those in power" bent.

in my mind, love the guy or hate him, it is the individuals choice. but, any man who has the courage of his convictions, the courage to produce such controversial documentaries and books in this time and political climate because that is what he believes deserves nothing but respect- even from his detractors.

I mean, lets face it. he is making powerful documentaries with his books and movies. and sure he is getting rich. but dont you think that there might just be an easier way to acquire wealth than to expose such things (be they true or not, I dont mean to start a debate on that) as he does? because, quite simply, some of the things that he documents- if true- could quite easily get him mysteriously killed and he is (like it or not) smart enough to realize it.

[nate]

and, part of the deal when his movie was bought from disney was that he'd make no money--it all goes to charity

plonk! that's the sound of a failed argument

[DudeAsInCool]

but, any man who has the courage of his convictions, the courage to produce such controversial documentaries and books in this time and political climate because that is what he believes deserves nothing but respect- even from his detractors.

Amen to that!

[Potato]

I would think the fact that he's changing many people's views on things means more than any amount of money could. Super brainwashing man, super manipulator.

[slum_goddess]

in my mind, love the guy or hate him, it is the individuals choice. but, any man who has the courage of his convictions, the courage to produce such controversial documentaries and books in this time and political climate because that is what he believes deserves nothing but respect- even from his detractors.

very well said, thank you.