In this era of heightened security and polarizing politics, it⿿s no surprise that this week⿿s movie, filmed in Chicago and released just last year, was so controversial: Death of a President.
This fictional documentary examines the assassination of 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush. Directed by British filmmaker Gabriel Range, the film uses archive footage and imaging software to effectively portray the shooting and explores such topics as civil disobedience, the reduction of civil liberties, just-war theory, and racial profiling.
Death of a President takes place in 2008, months after President George W. Bush was fatally shot after a speech at the Chicago Sheraton Hotel, where an anti-war rally was being held. A Syrian Muslim activist becomes the prime suspect. Vice President Dick Cheney is sworn in as the new President and, using the suspect⿿s possible connection to al-Qaeda, pushes new anti-terrorism legislation through Congress. While the evidence surrounding the accused gunman is purely circumstantial, fear and prejudice make for a speedy trial and conviction… but did he actually do it? And what are the national and global repercussions?
As can be expected, this film about the assassination of a sitting President was received with incredible controversy. Members from both the Democratic and Republican Parties spoke out against the movie, deeming it exploitative and in bad taste. Regal and Cinemark, two of America⿿s biggest cinema chains, refused to screen the film, and CNN and National Public Radio would not air advertisements for it. A few critics called it a thriller rather than a mockumentary, comparing it to the television series 24. Others were uncomfortable with the film⿿s depiction of the current U.S. President, rather than using fictional characters. The Bush administration made no comment.
