Cannes Film Festival Monday 17 May
_Press Conference: "Fahrenheit 9/11" by Michael Moore
Michael Moore took on a full house of journalists single-handed after the competition screening of his documentary, Fahrenheit 9/11, this morning. He fielded questions during a full hour. Here are a few excerpts.
On his intentions: ?When I make a movie, it's a movie I'd like to see on a Friday night [...] I wanted to say something about post-9/11 in America: What's happened to us as a people. This time I was the straight man and Bush had all the jokes [...] And I hope it will influence people leaving the theatre, encourage them to be good citizens [...]?
On what is going to shock people: ?There is footage they have never seen. They will see that things never seen before, starting with Bush's military record, both the year 2000 original document and the 2004 document that has the name James R. Bath blackened [...] You saw the first abuse segments of Iraqi detainees outside of prison walls; you were the first to see that today [...] The American people don't like things being kept from them and this film will pull back the curtain on what is going on and they will respond accordingly.?
On the theatrical release: ?No, it will not be first seen on television; it was made for the screen...It will be released in the US before the election. I am confident that Miramax will make sure they see this film [...] Miramax has made available the funds and money ? before the film comes out - to update it if needed in the next six weeks. It is however a finished film.?
If you were President: ?We have a president asleep at the wheel [...] If you have the role of commander in chief, you should pay more attention. I would have tracked down the people responsible for 9/11 and I would bring them down. Why hold back Special Forces for two months? What's going on??
http://www.festival-cannes.fr/films/...d_film=4201423