‘Fahrenheit’ still hot locally

Even in Newport Beach, a bastion of conservatism, Michael Moore’s new

documentary film “Fahrenheit 9/11” attracted many self-described

Democrats to the Lido Theater on Thursday.

Some were there to see what all the controversy over the film was

about. Others just wanted to be able to join the national

conversation about the film.

Most, at least after an 11:30 a.m. showing at the Lido, agreed the

film should be seen by those who agree and disagree with the Bush

administration’s handling of war policy after Sept. 11.

“[Moore’s] got a way of ‘un-digging’ those little secrets and

punching you in the stomach,” said Lauren Lees, 19, of Northridge.

Moore’s documentary criticizing the Bush administration has

sizzled at the box office since its June 25 opening.

The film, which also investigates ties between the Bush family and

Osama bin Laden’s relatives, and President George W. Bush’s response

to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, created a maelstrom of controversy

even before it opened, as Republicans bashed the film as being

deceptive and false.

The opening weekend gross revenue alone was almost as much as the

highest-grossing documentary ever during its entire run. That

documentary was Moore’s “Bowling for Columbine,” in which he explored

the prevalence of gun violence in America.

Lees’ mother, Markey Lees of Novato, reacted emotionally to the

film as well.

“I think it’s a travesty what’s happening in our country -- that

people are blindly following Bush,” Markey Lees said. “[The war] has

created business opportunities out of tragedy, like contracts for

Halliburton.”

Most of the film’s viewers Thursday described themselves as

Democrats and exhorted everyone, no matter what their political

party, to see the film.

“I think everyone should see it,” said Helen Dinkins, 76, of

Newport Beach. “He put a few things out of chronological order, but

the main message is, ‘This is what happened.’”

Blair Stone, 51, of Costa Mesa, said the film was illuminating.

“It’s very enlightening,” Stone said. “It is [Moore’s] opinion,

but everyone should see it. Knowledge is king.”

While many saw it because they share similar concerns about the

war in Iraq, others just wanted to see it to be able to talk about it

in an informed manner.

“I want to see it, so I can get in on the conversation,” said

Eden Rye, of Newport Beach, who said she was more than 70 years old.

“I can’t take someone else’s opinion. I have to see it for myself.”