Another Reason to Hate the French

In a move that is sure to inflate an already inflated ego, Michael Moore was presented with the "coveted" Palme d'Or, the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

We should have seen this coming when Moore's controversial film, "Fahrenheit 9/11" received a standing ovation after its screening. The film supposedly documents the Bush Administration's failings regarding 9/11 and specifically G.W. Bush's ties to the Bin Laden family. Disney, who owns Miramax, the movie's producers, have refused to distribute the film. However, after this incredible showing at Cannes, I'm sure Moore won't have a problem.

It's not surprising that the French have embraced the film. Anything that shows the US in an embarrassing light is sure to garner respect and accolades in France and these days, most of Europe. Moore's film is said to paint the current Administration in a light that beyond unflattering and this alone, talent and quality be damned, would be enough for him to win first place. (Granted the entire Cannes Jury isn't French, but get enough Hollywood'ers and enough Europeans and you've got a nice big bunch of anti-American sentiment right there)

Like most people, I have yet to see "Fahrenheit 9/11", so I can't really speak intelligently about it. What I've read about it hasn't helped much either. Some people lambast the film, talking about its ridiculous portrayal of pre-invasion Iraq as a bucolic haven for its residents, which is then scorched and destroyed by the American Invader. Some people, such as Frank Rich in this weekend's NY Times, are supportive of the film and its message that we are being led by some less than savory characters into a seemingly unending war. Who to believe?

I suppose if I felt Moore was trustworthy himself (see my comments on his being a douchebag below), I wouldn't have such an issue with all this hoopla. But knowing that Michael Moore's theories aren't always kosher gives me pause. Just as I would never want someone to blindly believe any propaganda spewed by the Right, I'd want the same consideration given the Left. If "Fahrenheit 9/11" is seen for what it is, then fine. But if his film is seen as THE TRUTH then we are all in trouble...even the French.