‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing’. The message delivered by Fahrenheit 11/9 is synonymous with the message from Edmund Burke’s century-old essay Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents. Whilst Burke’s essay refers to the nepotism of King George III in England, Moore’s film likens it to the rise and power of President Donald Trump in America.
In typical Michael Moore style, the political documentary is both provocative and amusing. Although the film appears to be about Donald Trump and his rise to presidency, it demonstrates the general public’s potentiality to engage in contemporary issues.
As is required in any type of film that wants action, Trump is demonised in myriad ways; he is associated with sexual predators in power, exposed as a racist and compared to Hitler. Although presented as incompetent his successful media-playing antics uncover that Trump has the potential to be a dictator in an era of complacency.
The film flits between Trump and other constituents that make up the powers that be that keep the working and disempowered class entrenched. It is in this vein that Moore brings into the limelight his beloved hometown, Flint. Both Flint and America’s gun laws are continued themes of Moore.
Michael Moore is no stranger to investigating contentious issues often avoided by mainstream media. Fahrenheit 11/9 focuses on topics such as globalisation, commerce, corporate powers and, politics. Although this film appears to be haphazard it has a definite message: don’t be complacent.
If you want to see what is really happening in America, if you want a real life insight into what’s happening on the ground in America, if you want to see the distress of the American people, then this film is for you. It is an excellent insight – for those that can’t believe he’s in power – as to how he actually got there. Better yet, it also gives one practical solutions to fight the establishment, by highlighting how the teachers won and how the students rallied.
Fahrenheit 9/11 opens nationally tomorrow.
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