The Beginning of History

[dudeness]

Fahrenheit 9/11 has touched Millions of Viewers across the World. But could it Actually Change the Course of Civilization?

by John Berger

Fahrenheit 9/11 is astounding. Not so much as a film - although it is cunning and moving - but as an event. Most commentators try to dismiss the event and disparage the film. We will see why later.

The artists on the Cannes film festival jury apparently voted unanimously to award Michael Moore's film the Palme d'Or. Since then it has touched many millions across the world. In the US, its box-office takings for the first six weeks amounted to more than $100m, which is, astoundingly, about half of what Harry Potter made during a comparable period. Only the so-called opinion-makers in the media appear to have been put out by it.

The film, considered as a political act, may be a historical landmark. Yet to have a sense of this, a certain perspective for the future is required. Living only close-up to the latest news, as most opinion-makers do, reduces one's perspectives. The film is trying to make a small contribution towards the changing of world history. It is a work inspired by hope.

What makes it an event is the fact that it is an effective and independent intervention into immediate world politics. Today it is rare for an artist to succeed in making such an intervention, and in interrupting the prepared, prevaricating statements of politicians. Its immediate aim is to make it less likely that President Bush will be re-elected next November.

MORE AT.. http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0824-01.htm

as a quick aside..I earlier posted an article by the highly respected journalist John Pilger titled "Bush V Kerry. the fake debate"..it was in my opinion prematurely locked down..no doubt many of you whom have read or listened to Pilger realise he is very forthright and passionate in his views, of which I mainly tend to agree with. No doubt, he is critical of the democratic leadership in this polemic and some of these criticisms may seem over the odds and in some part offensive to some. However, by denying the ability of DUers to make positive or for that matter negative comment on this piece is beginnning to tread ground that those whom opposed Fahrenheit 9/11 being shown, frequently tread..