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Films

Fahrenheit 9/11

Our film columnist Thomas Wartenberg laughs and cheers this year’s most controversial satire, Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11.

Why do we laugh? What do we laugh at? Who is doing the laughing? Who is the object of laughter? These are the sorts of questions that philosophers have asked when they think about humor. Although laughter seems the most natural of things, as with most philosophic topics, it becomes clear after a little reflection that there is more to humor than meets the eye. For although humor might appear to be just in fun, it turns out that it can serve more serious purposes. In particular, political satire can be an effective tool in undermining the appeal of a leader or an idea.

These reflections come to mind in response to Michael Moore’s recent film, Fahrenheit 9/11.

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