“Death of a President”

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I’m sure by now most of you have either seen the preview for or otherwise heard of “Death of a President,” the fake documentary about the fictional assassination of President Bush. The film was controversial for about a milisecond; then it won best film at the Toronto Film Festival, and I think maybe some others. It was supposed to come to theaters, I don’t know if it did or if it didn’t, but it has made its way onto Google Video, and is free for the watching. I also have the torrent for you if you prefer, courtesy of mininova. Man, has the internet gotten great or what?

I want to mention something about the fake news photograph, which is pretty interesting. it really is a fantastically iconic image, instantly recognizable and well done. I imagine that it wasn’t all that easy to coordinate such a shot; it has the spontaneity of a true news photograph, one that would be the go-to image for this would-be violent turning point in a sad period of America’s history. The assassination, however, is staged. So rather than being elevated to icon, this photograph is merely fantastic marketing for a controversial film.