I just wanted to say thanks ...
Question: I just wanted to say thanks for the
flag on Bush's War — if I hadn't seen the piece, I would've missed it. In addition to being a horrifying look at just what led to this morass, it also provided an understandable and compelling explanation of how the administration manipulated the law (because this isn't an excuse to rant about the war, really). Giving information that was new to someone who has been following this as closely as a person without a security clearance can, the program also showed what a powerful medium TV can be — that there is a place for thoughtful, insightful analysis outside the madness that is the 24-hour news business. This was as good as any number of Oscar-nominated documentaries, and given the flexibility of the medium — the ability to show serialized pieces, rather than holding people in a theatre for four hours — it was able to delve more deeply into issues that might otherwise have been glossed over or dropped. While this may not have the same level of artistry/innovation in filmmaking of Oscar-worthy documentaries, it was beautifully put together and created a narrative that managed edge-of-your-seat tension even though I already know how the story ends. Honestly, I think in the restraint and thoughtfulness of making their case, those responsible for
Bush's War level a far more stinging and convincing indictment than any of Michael Moore's bombastic attempts. One can only hope that this piece wasn't only preaching to the choir, but also got the broader audience it deserved.
Answer: Politics aside (if that's possible),
Frontline has provided such a service over the years with its excellent reporting and analysis, and I completely agree that the exhaustive, lucid narrative presented in
Bush's War resonates with more power and authority (though no doubt with less populist appeal) than in Michael Moore's shrill attacks. This was easily the most dramatic and meaningful piece of TV that aired last week.
