Moore to stir debate tonight at Zellerbach

Acclaimed and assailed filmmaker Michael Moore will make his appearance tonight at 9 p.m. in Zellerbach Theatre.

The Oscar-winning director of the documentary Bowling for Columbine has come under some harsh criticism over his clear anti-war stance, not to mention the veracity of his work.

Nevertheless, strong attendance for the Social Events Planning Committee's Connaissance Branch spring speaker is predicted this evening, according to Connaissance Co-Director Tim McCarten.

"We sold out in under two hours [on] each of the days that we were on the Walk last week, so we're definitely going to have a full house on Wednesday. The capacity of Zellerbach Theatre is just under 1,000 seats, and all of them will be filled."

Connaissance members say they anticipated some negative reaction when they chose Moore but believed that this backlash was worth it.

"Whether you agree with Michael or not, one thing that's certain is that he'll make you think," Connaissance Co-Director Mark Kocivar-Norbury said. "We hope his appearance will get a lot of people thinking and talking."

And apparently, it already has.

"Everyone was really mad with what he said at the Oscars, and I'm not anti-war," said College senior Christine Morris. "I was thinking of going, but I'm busy this week, and it wasn't worth missing my work."

Many students had similar negative sentiment towards Moore as the date of his speech approached.

"I think his stuff is gratuitous and a little offensive. I think he is capitalizing on tragedy and is a little overly sensational," College junior Robert Taggert said. Yet, Taggert said that he is still considering attending the event to see what Moore has to say.

Some other students, however, say they are not even considering attending because of their strong feelings against the filmmaker.

"I'm not a Michael Moore fan at all, so I'm not planning to go," Wharton freshman Scott Robinson said. "I think he's polemic, and I don't agree with him at all."

Still, there are other students who are fascinated by his work.

"It interests me because I saw the movie and found some truths in the film's message," stated College sophomore Talia Parnass. "Still, I can't say that I agree with many of his portrayals."

But Connaissance is hoping that people arrive at the event with open minds.

"As with all Connaissance speakers, we have chosen someone whom we believe will be thought-provoking and who will provide a spark for discussion on many important social issues," McCarten said. "Moore's social commentary is certainly controversial, but his viewpoint is one that is articulated particularly well and demands to be heard."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.