Movie producer Harvey Weinstein, the executive producer of "Sicko", Michael Moore's new film, is a supporter of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, and it is reported by the AP and various newswire reporters in Cannes that he had tried, in vain, to get Moore to re-edit the film's unflattering depiction of the senator.
US director Michael Moore poses during a photocall for his film 'Sicko' running out of competition at the 60th Cannes Film Festival, 19 May 2007, in Cannes, France. EPA/CHRISTOPHE KARABA
People react strongly to Michael Moore, they either love him or hate him. International Herald Tribune reporters Milt Freudenheim and Liza Klaussmann
"Sicko" was screened at Cannes Film Festival in France last week and overall received favorable reviews, and illustrates some heart wrenching personal stories and Catch-22's that cause problems for average American families.
"Sicko" will be in American theaters on June 29, timely as health care has become a front burner issue along with the Iraq war and immigration in the United States.
International Herald Tribune reporters Milt Freudenheim and Liza Klaussmann
"If the movie results in members of Congress and governors putting this issue squarely on the table as the No. 1 priority, we will be part of that discussion and will welcome it," said Karen Ignagni, president of the health plans group said to the reporters for the Tribune.
The Tribune cited several academic sources who poll and research on the subject of healthcare, and claim that the American people are on the verge of being fed up, demanding something be done now.
"60 Minutes" the news television program as well as The Los Angeles Times have run stories outlining the ongoing practice of patient dumping, where homeless and poor people are essentially left on the streets in skid row areas still in their hospital gowns, not treated for their ailments that brought them into the hospital. Overwhelmingly the patients are old, sick and often suffering from dementia. Moore examines this in his film "Sicko." too.
Moore, once again being feted in Cannes, was interviewed by a round of news bureau sources, and the fact was revealed that Weinstein, the executive producer of Moore's film and who is a supporter of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, had tried to get Moore to change his portrayal of the senator.
International Herald Tribune reporters Milt Freudenheim and Liza Klaussmann
Said a half-joking Moore: [Weinstein] "just wanted me to leave in the bit where she was young and sexy." Moore refused to edit to his producer's tastes.
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