Many of the posts so far regarding this film have been from Europeans (well, Britons really) who seem to be vociferously defending this British-made film. They are quick to defend a film that "predicts" the assassination of another country's leader. They seem to regard any Americans' feelings of discomfort or distaste at this movie as sheer "blind American patriotism" and the like. Yes, yes, we know, Americans are dumb, and are the cause of all the world's problems, and are the root of all evil...yes, I've heard the pitch before; it gets tiring. Not all Americans are blind followers of Bush; in fact, at this point, most are not. An overwhelming majority of Americans are fed up with the war, among other things, and are not fans of the Bush administration. But, that does not prevent us from having sentimental feelings toward our President. Nor does it nullify our feelings about a foreign film team "creating" the assassination of our leader. Let's not forget how emotional the ever rational and stoic Britons got over the death of their beloved Diana. And let's not forget the blind emotion that Britons possess over a royal family that is, in all seriousness, laughable. The point here is not competition over which country's leaders are more pathetic, nor which country's fallen leaders may deserve more of our sympathy. No, my point here is more focused. Any person, in my opinion, reserves the right for a little sympathy regarding their country's leader(s). No, we don't like Bush, but seeing his assassination foreshadowed in a movie is eerie, uncomfortable, and disconcerting, and I believe we reserve the right to express that without being labeled as blind, patriotic, "typical Americans". No, our excrement does not stink; does yours?
That being said (that was my little disclaimer), allow me to share with you my thoughts on the movie itself. Americans do, and should feel uncomfortable watching this movie. And you know what, that discomfort is a good thing. Seriously. This movie, like all good films, is a work of art, and all art should elicit some sort of emotion. Often times, the uncomfortable emotion is the most meaningful. This film is not trashy, nor is it exploitative, nor is it perverse. It forces us (yes, we Americans) to look at a completely realistic situation, and its possible effects. The outcome from the plot of the film itself is completely believable, and anyone, yes anyone who considers themselves a patriot, or not, should sit through this film and think on it. The artist is the canary in the coal mine, so to speak, and I believe this film gives the canary justice, as it were. It is testing the waters, for an event that I hope never comes. But, if it does come, the filmmakers here seem to have some real foresight into the American political scene, as to what may happen.
This "mocumentary" runs like an episode of NYPD Blue, watches like an episode of 24, and has the insight of a political science professor from Harvard. Not to be overlooked, it carries with it a great deal of tongue and cheek humor...hopefully not to be lost in the confusion that is the film itself. The characters are brilliantly casted and acted, and I mean that in earnest. They are unknown, as is only necessary for a film like this, and some of them really do classify as satirical caricatures (the speech writer who idolizes the President, the high and mighty FBI investigator, the tough guy Chicago police chief, to name a few). This film is provocative, yes, but it is not sensationalist. It is political satire, really, in its highest form, and it manages to pull this off without actually being too political in itself. Yes, the message is perhaps political, but the message is more human and downright philosophical than anything. I won't elaborate here, but the viewer should trust me on that. Bush, if anything is portrayed positively, and his death is certainly seen as a tragedy. Even for the average Bush-hater, his death in this movie must surely be viewed with a great deal of sympathy. The villain is not Bush, and not America, but rather the circumstances that allow America to freak out on itself, and rush to desperate measures. I think the filmmakers have a point here.
So, Americans, go see this film. It is entertaining, and eerily foreshadowing. Don't take it too sensitively, and don't take it too seriously; I really don't think it is meant to be taken "seriously", per say. And Non-Americans, respect our right to show a little emotion for our leader. He may not be the best leader, but he is our leader, and OUR emotion over his fantastical death is what the filmmakers want and need for this movie to work.
