Controversial film becomes dirty trick for Bush supporters
For George W. Bush supporters, the general release of the pseudo-documentary “Death of a President” during the Halloween season will rank as a dirty trick of the highest order. In the controversial, R-rated film, British director Gabriel Range digitally manipulates images so that the face of the chief executive is placed on an actor who is seen being shot by a sniper during a fake TV documentary. “Death of a President” centers on the Oct. 19, 2007, assassination of Mr. Bush as he attends a political function in Chicago and is greeted by thousands of anti-war protestors.
In addition to the digitally manipulated elements, Range uses doctored archival footage and scenes of actors impersonating government officials, Secret Service members and foreigners reflecting on the tragedy. The most inflammatory moment -one sure to infuriate many Americans -occurs as thousands of protestors cheer when the news of the violent act is announced.
It’s difficult to look past the obvious anti-war political aspects of “Death of a President,” which won the International Critics’ Prize at the recent Toronto Film Festival, and viewers will find it either compelling or repulsive, perhaps both.
Those who can distance themselves from the unsettling assassination footage (which is very difficult to do) may be intrigued by the film’s use of practically seamless digital technology that succeeds in making viewers question what they see on the screen.
Like a conspiracy theory in an “X-Files” episode, “Death of a President” suggests that the truth is out there about who shot the chief executive, but those still in power prefer to manipulate the facts surrounding the murder to support the war on terror. A Syrian (Hend Ayoub) is quickly blamed for the crime, but the question of who really pulled the trigger remains buried.
In the film’s production notes, Range defends his film, saying: “The war in Iraq has definitely had an incredibly polarizing effect. The film also touches on the marginalization of dissent, the nature of patriotism and the balance between security and civil liberties.
“I always knew that the controversy on the film would happen, but I genuinely believe that the premise is justified, and that anyone who sees the film will not think it is gratuitous. I took great pains to portray the assassination as a horrific act, and it’s done as sparingly as possible.”
What’s not so sparing is the way the filmmakers have marketed the staged shooting of President Bush as a promotional tool for the movie. Creepy.
As an artist, Range has every right to create and distribute “Death of a President.” But in these deeply troubled times, who would really want to see it?
FILM REVIEW
“Death of a President”
Grade: C-
Starring: Hend Ayoub, Becky Ann Baker and Brian Boland; written by Simon Finch and Gabriel Range; directed by Range.
Running Time: 90 minutes.
Parental Guide: R rating (violent images, adult themes).