Reply #67: I think I made my arguement quite well

[northzax]

especially in post #36.

I personally, resent that this nation has sunk to a culture of emotion. Think on this for one minute:

If you can honestly say that if Michael Moore had made this exact same movie about President Gore's administration, and that the Freepers were ecstatic about it and lining up in the rain to see it, that you would still think it was a great movie, then I will conceed the point to you that this is a great documentary.

BUT, if you only think it is great because you agree with the message, then your opinion is a bit biased don't you think?

Are you so clouded by emotion that you are unable to enjoy art that you don't agree with? are that only art that concurs with your opinion is great? that is the tone that everyone on this board seems to be taking, and I, personally, think it's very mobish, just cause it feels good to be a lemming, doesn't mean it's a great thing.

As for your emotion point: I think you are not making the distinction between emotion and sentimentality. Emotion is a natural reaction from the audience to the art. Sentimentality is the cheap exploitation of emotion by the artist. Almost every half decent artist or storyteller can wring emotion out of you by playing tricks with his/her art. only the greats can leave the art as it is and have the emotion come from within you. This is the difference between Thomas Kinkead and Johannes Vermeer. Both are/were technically competant painters. Kinkead plays on emotion to get a reaction from you, takes the shortcut. Vermeer makes you have your own emotions about the work.

one's a great master, one's on QVC. see the difference?

In no way am I saying that people shouldn't see F9/11, go right ahead. If you enjoyed yourself, fine, that's great. But it is, make no mistake, a commercial venture from Mr. Moore. He knows exactly what to say to get your blood boiling, like Rush and his ilk on the right. He knows how to fire you up and get you to spend money. And he uses that for financial gain. remember that. I'm not opposed to him making successful movies, I'm not opposed to him making money, but think while you watch it, about how he's getting you pissed off, intentionally, how he's jerking the heartstrings, intentionally. Don't call it a documentary, call it by it's real name: propaganda.

Enjoy it, if you will, but don't expect me to lower my standards for art and documentary filmmaking, simply because I like the message.