"My argument has always been that this is not an anti-Bush film, it's a pro-democracy film. And if Bush comes out on the wrong side of democracy, that's his problem"
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In this quote, filmmaker John Sayles is addressing the typical perception that one of his films might be seen as crucial of previous U.S. President George W. Bush. Sayles refutes the idea that his work is particularly targeting Bush, suggesting rather that the film's primary focus is on promoting democratic ideals rather than on condemning any specific political figure.
Sayles' assertion that the film is "pro-democracy" rather than "anti-Bush" emphasizes that the story checks out principles of democracy such as transparency, responsibility, civic participation, and justice. This recommends that the film's intent is to take a look at these values seriously, maybe highlighting instances where they are upheld or broken. It's a declaration that invites audiences to take part in a wider discourse about the nature of democracy and the responsibilities of leaders and residents.
Furthermore, Sayles moves the focus from the person (Bush) to the more comprehensive, systemic perspective. By mentioning, "if Bush comes out on the wrong side of democracy, that's his issue", Sayles suggests that any negative depiction of Bush within the movie is incidental and stems from an honest portrayal of democratic concepts encountering certain actions or policies. It suggests that when leaders act contrary to democratic perfects, any resulting criticism is an effect of their choices instead of a targeted individual attack.
This wider framing links that any leader, not just Bush, could be subjected to the same examination if their actions oppose democratic values. Sayles is most likely promoting for a filmic narrative that challenges audiences to believe seriously about management and governance without restricting the discussion to a single political figure. In general, the quote highlights the significance of assessing political actions versus the yardstick of democracy and reflects Sayles' intent to contribute meaningfully to discussions on democratic integrity.
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