Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11: A Critical Review

Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 is a provocative and thought-provoking film that challenges the patriotism and nationalism that has been touted by the Bush administration. The film, which has been the subject of much controversy, focuses on the events leading up to and following the 9/11 attacks, and Moore's criticisms of the Bush administration's handling of the aftermath.

The film begins by reprising the charges of grand larceny and the stealing of a Presidential election in 2000, using footage of the media confusion over the results in Florida. Moore also takes aim at Vice President Al Gore, who is portrayed as having surrendered to the Republicans' power grab without offering any resistance. Moore argues that the same Supreme Court that ruled in Bush's favor in 2000 is still in place, and that the Republicans have more money to spend on the 2004 elections than they did in 2000.

Moore's most effective moments come when he focuses on the human impact of the war in Iraq and the sacrifice made by those serving in the military. He shows footage of young men and women from Flint, Mich., who are struggling to find employment and are lured into the military with promises of a college education. He also highlights the fact that it is the poorest young men and women who are doing the fighting and dying in Iraq and Afghanistan.

However, Moore's tactics are not without their criticisms. He is accused of taking cheap shots at the unpopular members of the Bush team, and of using Candid Camera-style footage to make them look foolish. Additionally, the film's portrayal of the Bush administration's connections to the bin Laden family and other Saudi-American financial dealings has been largely ignored by the mainstream media.

Despite these criticisms, Fahrenheit 9/11 is a film that deserves to be seen and discussed. It is a powerful indictment of the Bush administration's handling of post-9/11, and it raises important questions about the role of government and the media in shaping public opinion.

Key Takeaways:

• Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 is a provocative and thought-provoking film that challenges the patriotism and nationalism touted by the Bush administration.
• The film focuses on the events leading up to and following the 9/11 attacks, and Moore's criticisms of the Bush administration's handling of the aftermath.
• Moore argues that the 2000 Presidential election was stolen, and that the same Supreme Court that ruled in Bush's favor is still in place.
• The film highlights the human impact of the war in Iraq and the sacrifice made by those serving in the military.
• Moore uses a mix of documentary and narrative techniques to tell the story.
• The film's portrayal of the Bush administration's connections to the bin Laden family and other Saudi-American financial dealings has been largely ignored by the mainstream media.
• Moore's tactics are not without their criticisms, and he is accused of taking cheap shots at the unpopular members of the Bush team.

Statistics:

• 20-minute standing ovation at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival (Source: The New York Times, May 16, 2004)
• Fahrenheit 9/11 won the Palme d'Or at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival (Source: IMDb)
• The film has been rated R for its graphic images of the horror of war and the sight of American amputees and Iraqi civilian casualties (Source: MPAA)
• The distribution of the film has been penalized by the MPAA's R rating (Source: The Hollywood Reporter, May 20, 2004)

Sources:

• Sarris, A. (2004, May 16). The Stab in the Dark of the President. The New York Times.
• IMDb. (n.d.). Fahrenheit 9/11. Retrieved from
• MPAA. (n.d.). MPAA Rating Explanation. Retrieved from
• The Hollywood Reporter. (2004, May 20). MPAA Puts R- Rating on Fahrenheit 9/11.