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Politics : Stockman Scott's Political Debate Porch -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Wharf Rat who wrote (50943)	7/13/2004 12:59:01 AM
From: Wharf Rat	Respond to of 89467

Moore movie 'smashes UK record' Michael Moore is a hate figure for some and a hero for others Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 has broken UK records for a documentary, taking £1.3m over its opening weekend, its distributors have said. The film's success means it is likely to break the record for a documentary set recently by mountaineering film Touching the Void with £2.58m. It has already taken $80m (£45m) in the US and Canada, becoming the first documentary to top the box office. Fahrenheit 9/11 attacks George Bush's war on Iraq and his election victory. The film, recognised by the Palme d'Or award at this year's Cannes Film Festival, generated massive controversy in the US. It is handled in the UK by Optimum Releasing. It opened on 132 screens and has reportedly had standing ovations at some screenings. It accuses Mr Bush of using the 11 September attacks to justify going to war with Iraq. Moore suggests the real reason for going to war was to acquire control of Iraq's oil supplies. He also alleges links between the Bush family and the Saudi royal family. The director has said he hopes Fahrenheit 9/11 will lead to Mr Bush losing the presidential election in November. Disney had refused to allow its Miramax subsidiary to release the film because of its political content. Fahrenheit 9/11 features interviews with parents of soldiers killed in Iraq Their decision prompted Miramax founders Harvey and Bob Weinstein to buy back the rights, and strike their own deal with distributors. The UK's previous best opening weekend for a documentary was also an effort by Moore, Bowling for Columbine, which took £158,000 in its first three days. Conservative backlash The previous biggest Palme d'Or winner at UK cinemas was Pulp Fiction, which took £705,000 on its debut weekend in October 1994. At its UK premiere in June, actors Jude Law and Peter O'Toole were among those praising Moore and denouncing the US president. But critics in the US have been scathing about what they say is its partisan content, and a conservative backlash is under way. According to trade paper Hollywood Reporter, Illinois-based GKC Theaters and Iowa-based Fridley Theaters have decided to not screen the film in protest at its "propaganda" content. GKC Theaters president Beth Karasotes said the chain, with 270 screens at 29 cinemas, would not show Moore's film as long as the US was at war. Meanwhile, right-wing film-maker Mike Wilson is planning to release his own documentary, Michael Moore Hates America. news.bbc.co.uk