Michael Moore's latest film Fahrenheit 911 recently won the prestigious "Palme d'Or" at the Cannes Film Festival.
This bothers me.
I'm not bothered by the fact that Mr. Moore has apparently (and I say apparently because I have not seen the film) made a film that exposes several "truths" about the president and his ties to the tragedy on 9/11. I am also not bothered that Moore is staunchly anti-Republican and that most of his films have a heavy "Leftist" agenda.
I am, however, bothered by some other things.
For those unaware, Moore's film was financed by Miramax, who in turn is financed by Disney. Long story short, Disney caught wind of the content of Fahrenheit 911 and told Miramax founders Bob and Harvey Weinstein that they did not want to release the film.
I also don't have a problem with Disney's decision. They don't have to release the film if they don't want to, and seem happy to let the Weinsteins find another distributer.
So, last week Moore took his film to Cannes where it won the "Palme d'Or". Former Cannes winner, Quentin Tarantino (one of my favorite directors) was head of the jury that ultimately decided that Moore's film was the winner. This is where I start to get bothered. QT for those who are unaware is often called, "the man who built Miramax." His Pulp Fiction put Miramax on the map in the mid '90s and the company has skyrocketed since then.
Needless to say it is safe to assume that QT is loyal to Bob and Harvey who have seemingly let him do whatever he wants, (Jackie Brown anyone?) and would like to help them out. So, with Moore's film looking for a new distributer it is hard to imagine that the brothers didn't lean on him just a little to award Moore's film grand prize.
Sure, it may be a great film, but it might not hurt to point out that the "Palm d'Or" hasn't been awarded to a documentary in nearly 50 years. I haven't seen them all, but I'm sure there have been some pretty great docs at Cannes in the past 50 years.
QT has publically stated that "politics" had nothing to do with Moore's film winning the award.
I find that hard to believe.
Quentin, just admit it. It had everything to do with politics. How could it have not?
2 comments:
Michael Moore is one of the reasons I hate politics. I mean how can anyone take someone with that much hatred serioulsy? How can you call it a documentary if there is no objectivity what-so-ever?
Look, I actually hate GWB, but not because of his foreign policy, but because he is a boob.
In any case, I have come to the decision that I can no longer trust the words of film critics, other directors, etc. because they all have an agenda.
As you know, The Day After Tomorrow comes out the day after tomorrow. I certainly will pay no attention to the critics' opinion.
BTW - my gut tells me it is going to be like the Matthew Brodderick version of Godzilla.
I am not surprised at Tarrantino for his endorsement of the Michael Moore film, but I think it may have more to do with money than politics.
An interesting commentary. Perhaps a conspiracy is afoot! Here are some of the documentaries that have been released over the past several decades. Many of them are Academy Award Nominees/Winners, but of course, none received the Palm d'Or.
Trekkies
Unzipped
Hoop Dreams
When We Were Kings
American Movie
42 Up
Fog Of War
Woodstock
Great American Cowboy
Manson
The Battle Over Citizen Kane
The War Room
Anne Frank Remembered
Mandela
Winged Migration
Also Moore's previous efforts, including Bowling For Columbine and Roger And Me.
I assume that some of these were not eligible for one reason or another.
BTW on the Pulp Fiction DVD Sam Jackson mistakenly calls Michael Moore, Roger Moore.
That made me laugh. Secret Agent Double XL.
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