Clayton News Daily

By Greg Gelpi

It may not have swayed political views, but it did muster a few laughs.

Clayton College & State University showed the controversial political commentary "Fahrenheit 9/11" along with its counterpart "Fahrenhype 9/11."

Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" combined footage shot by Moore and file footage of President George W. Bush.

"I think maybe it was taken out of context, and it was biased," Whitney Ordway, a 19-year-old Republican, said after the showing.

The film evoked anger in her, but she knew that it would.

"I think you need to hear both sides of a story before you form an opinion," Ordway said.

The film, which won the "Best Picture" Award at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, traces the relationship between the Bush family and the families of Osama bin Laden and the Saudi royal family.

"I liked the movie, but then I'm a Democrat," said Sean Walker, the president of Clayton State's Young Democrats. "It was definitely from Michael Moore's perspective."

Walker said he particularly enjoyed how the film mocked Bush, showing footage of him playing golf and taking what Moore said was excessive vacation time. The film, though, also took shots at Democrats as well.

On the eve of the election, the documentary should have little impact on those who are informed, Walker said.

"On the election, I think it will have an impact, especially with young people and people who don't have much information."

Regardless of political leaning, the film is an important piece of work, said Virginia Bonner, Clayton State film professor.

"It's been one of the most provocative pieces of documentary probably ever," Bonner said. "I think the film has done a very good job of getting people to think."

Although many consider the film propaganda, it doesn't fit the traditional standards of propaganda, she said.

"It's certainly biased, but not propaganda in the traditional sense," Bonner said.

Moore also won an Academy Award for his documentary "Bowling for Columbine."

The free showing of the two movies drew mostly Clayton State students even though everyone from the community was told they could come and watch it.