`Fahrenheit 9/11' sets new documentary mark, topping $100 million

`Fahrenheit 9/11' sets new documentary mark, topping $100 million: "'The American people have not been given the whole story about these last three years and they don't feel they've been given the truth from the White House,' Moore said Sunday. 'So they've gone to the movie theaters to look for the truth and to begin the important discussion and debate that needs to take place in this country.'

The polarizing effects of Sept. 11 and its aftermath, with Americans bitterly divided over Bush's invasion of Iraq, have boosted the public's appetite for political documentaries such as "Fahrenheit 9/11," "Control Room" and "Outfoxed," Moore said.

"It's really cool now to talk about politics, and this is the first time I've seen this happen in decades, really," Moore said. "Being apathetic right now is very uncool."

The real effect of "Fahrenheit 9/11" will be to encourage Americans normally disinterested in politics to participate this fall, Moore said.

"I believe the film is going to bring hundreds of thousands of people to the polls who otherwise were not going to vote," Moore said. "I think it's going to have a tremendous impact in that way."

Moore said he had hoped to have "Fahrenheit 9/11" out on DVD before the November election, but that the film could continue to play in theaters through year's end and into 2005.

"So I don't know really what that means now in terms of the DVD," Moore said."

DAVID GERMAIN
AP Movie Writer