Moore is More

By chicago_chris in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 24, 2004 5:13PM

Not like Fahrenheit 9/11 needs any more press, but Chicagoist just wanted to make sure everyone knows to go see Michael Moore's new film this weekend. No matter what your political stance – or your opinion of Moore himself, which probably align – this will be an important work to see, if for no other reason than to participate in the debates about it. (And anything that wins the Palme D'Or is usually at least worth viewing.) This is clearly not a documentary, but a personal essay film. Moore openly acknowledges this fact by giving himself "written by" credit. Unquestionably, he's a polemicist, a spin-doctor, a publicity hound, a sloppy filmmaker, and someone who distorts the facts for his own gain. But, in the end, his message – about our country's destructive policies and attitudes – is critical.

Advance word about the film is that Fahrenheit makes few new points about the Bush administration, but manages to package four years’ worth of criticism into a single two-hour piece of propaganda, a cinematic pamphlet against the President. If nothing else, you at least have to admire the film's publicity campaign, which probably had the fastest turnaround in history, going from Cannes premiere to wide release in a few short weeks. (And produced the hilarious poster pictured right.) Screenings all across the area start tomorrow, and you can buy advance tickets on Moore’s website. Just don't criticize it until you see it.