Moore, with the audience probably 80% sympathetic to his views, managed against all odds to turn them against him with his ideological rant, spewing bile and self-righteousness and cheapening every moment of real emotion and genuine humanity in the entire program. My mother-in-law, a pacifist Buddhist dead set against the war, said this: "What an asshole." Amen.
And while some have questioned my use ofthe words "fat" and "greasy" to describe Moore, his oozing self-indulgence is a remarkably apposite physical manifestation of his personality. He is both despicable and disgusting.
The audience erupted in cheers and laughter when Steve Martin said: "That was so sweet backstage ... the Teamsters were helping Michael Moore into the trunk of his limo."
Adrien Brody, who shocked most by winning Best Actor for The Pianist (I had never heard of the guy), proved that an inclusive plea for peace rather than devisive political hectoring was the spirit of the evening. After sucking face with Halle Berry and a round of tearful thank you's - that boy loves his mother - he refused to allow the orchestra to drown his message:
"Quit it, I've only got one shot at this ... After making this film, I am aware of the sadness and dehumanization of people at times of war and the repercussions of war. Whatever you believe in, whether it be God or Allah, may he watch over you and pray for a peaceful and swift resolution."
Brody also made the general very specific, extending his thoughts to a pal from Queens, who is stationed in Kuwait.
Barbra Streisand stated she was proud to live in a country that guarantees everyone - including artists - the right to express themselves.
Peter O'Toole, againg but still commanding and suave, was very moving thanking the Academy for his Lifetime Achievement award, adding that he was no longer a bridesmaid, without a trace of irony or bitterness. He was staggeringly gracious and thanked the United States for everything, saying "you are very good," powerful psychic medicine from an aristocratic Irishman.
Nicole Kidman, accepting her Best Actress Oscar, said she was there to uphold the tradition and because art is important. Last night it really was - Hollywood did itself and the nation proud.
Article comments
1 - san
But that's Moore's style. It has been since Roger & Me. And I respect his unwillingness to subvert his style, private forum or no.
Adrien Brody's brand of peace protest was, however, much more to my personal taste.
I understand where you're coming from in labeling Moore "fat and greasy". It's an emotional response. But I think that in a public forum, it weakens your case. (It might be appropriate with some humor, but I don't think that you had much of a sense of humor about it last night.) If in an anti-war plea I refer to President Bush as President Bush, then I may get some people to listen. If I call him that arrogant, idiotic, Nazi bastard, I'm losing my audience before I can even state my case.
Tell me you meant "fat and greasy" with a sarcastic sense of humor, and then I'll buy it. Otherwise, you can call him whatever you want, but I think it weakens everything you say after that.
2 - Ryan
Im Sorry What?
Some random guy who should spend his spare time in the gym instead of in the editing suite, is trying to tell the US Population what he thinks. And then he washes away his crying words with a bit of hipocracy..... Im sorry did you say you like making movies about fiction because we're living in a fictitious world...my ass Moore! The world we live in now is more non-fiction and real than I have ever seen it. Cancer, War, AIDS, Sept. 11... all these things are real, so take light Mr. Moore.. Untill anyone has the balls to take a seat in Mr. Bush's chair, please dont tell us what you would do if you were in it.
3 - Bill Sherman
Eric, for the record, I liked this take on the show and on Moore's blustery comments. . .
4 - Eric Olsen
Thanks Bill, you rock
5 - James Russell
Goddamn, Eric, first it was fattism and greasism, now it's kiltism. What is your problem with men in kilts? And what will you be opposed to next? :)
6 - The Theory
yeah... give me a kilt any day.
*The Theory... would totally wear a kilt*
peace.
7 - Eric Olsen
I have seen the damage a kilt can do firsthand.
8 - Steve Rhodes
Ryan, Moore said he and the others make non-fiction films (his one feature film Canadian Bacon was pretty bad).
9 - Peter Petrisko
On MICHAEL MOORE:
The BAD news -
Moore makes a complete ass of himself (again), thus proving the old adage:
"Booze & Glitz just don't mix."
It wasn't just an acceptance speech, it was a Public Service Announcement.
The GOOD news -
Since it appeared on television, Moore is now eligible to be nominated in the "Best Performance by an Angry White Man in a Musical or Variety Show" category at next year's Emmy Awards.
Personally, I think his chances of winning that Emmy are pretty darn good.
Pete
10 - Lynne
I was startled by your reference to Peter O'Toole as an "aristocratic Englishman". He does play that part well, and probably would have been knighted by now - except that he is Irish.
11 - Eric Olsen
sorry Lynne