This film is a documentary told from director Michael Moore’s point of view of the events from the 2000 Presidential election to the present, ongoing conflict in Iraq.  It shows footage from the House of Representatives, interviews with congresspeople, the President, and his advisers.  While extremely biased and one-sided, Michael Moore backs up his few statements in the film with interviews and footage, making it appear quite convincing.  I was able to verify his information about the events leading up to the Iraq war as well as his statements about pre-9/11 conducting of business.  This film has shattered my illusion of government as being honest and sincere.  My new distrust will likely stay with me for the rest of my life.

        The film begins with African American representatives requesting a reprieve of the recent vote decision.  However, under the Standing Rules of the Senate, such a petition has to be signed by at least one U.S. Senator.  This was not done.  It continues with the riot on Pennsylvania Avenue the day of Bush’s inauguration as well as the dip in Bush’s job approval rating almost immediately after he takes office.

        Then it moves to the events of 9/11, interestingly omitting the familiar images of the planes crashing into the building.  Towards the end of the footage, it only shows the anguished faces of onlookers.  A very interesting dramatic effect indeed.

        Attention is then moved to the Administration’s frequent post-warnings of imminent terrorist attacks.  I recall reading that since 9/11, a significant number of Americans had trouble sleeping at night, so Michael Moore’s interview with the psychiatrist serving in Congress about fear is quite accurate.

        Then it goes to Bush’s abrupt statement that Iraq is suddenly an imminent threat to the United States.  Very, very interestingly enough, it shows statements from Condoleeza Rice beforehand saying that Iraq “has not increased its military, and is nowhere near being a threat to the United States in the foreseeable future.”  Congress’ vote of the resolution to give Bush the power to declare war is shown, as well as Bush’s final declaration. 

        The part that struck me—and my best friend would say, traumatized me—the most are the scenes with the elderly Iraqi woman saying, “We were a peaceful neighborhood!  We never declared war on you!  Look at what you have done.  May God avenge us!  God help us!”  And then she cries in her arms.  Then the footage of the Japanese workers being held captives is shown, as well as the grieving of the woman who lost her son in Iraq.

        The way that Michael Moore portrayed his argument was spellbinding.  I lost my innocence, watching that documentary.  Looking at the businesses that have profited from the Iraq war, as well as accusations that an associate of Bush’s did business with the Bin Ladens was damning.  In the next election, regardless of what happens, I will not vote for Bush.  At the same time, I ask if Kerry will be any better.  However, I will not vote for a man who lets other people run his administration because of his blatant ignorance and stupidity, and who declares war seemingly for his own profit.  It is quite possible that I will never fully believe another word a politician says again for the rest of my life.

 

This documentary receives four stars out of four for accurate documentation and a very structured argument.