This film is a must see. Even if it will probably (hopefully) make you want to puke, cry or incite a riot. At least, that's how I felt. My friends did too, and wondered why there weren't bricks given out with each ticket.
The film hinges on the prophecy of Eisenhower's 1961 farewell speech to the nation--a chilling warning...
"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial-complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. "
[I've always *loved* the photo above. It's by Richard Avedon, one of the all-time-great photogs. People criticized it, thought it was somehow exploitive--that he looks too out of it. I couldn't disagree more. He looks wise and wary, but also peaceful.]
Ike comes across as a concerned, smart hero in this. His children and people who knew him talk of how disgusted he was with bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki--viewing it as a horrific mistake. He also is said to have been overwhelmed and angry with how much of the budget wasput towards building defense. He cited the how the poor(as well as any other facet of our nation that needed funding) had less opportunity, less federal funds because of our insatiable desire to conquer the world.
Every time the images of Dubya, Rummy or Cheney appeared there was an audible reaction from the crowd as well as a group squirming in our seats. It's just too real.
Please see this movie. As horribly depressed or as helpless as you may feel afterwards, it's worth it.
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