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Roger L. Simon has one up on me: he has seen the documentary about Islam and jihad in which I appear, and I haven't. He reviews Islam: What the West Needs to Know at his blog today:
Three controversial films were screened at the AFR festival in Hollywood Sunday afternoon - The Full Story (a settler-sympathetic short from Israel), Submission - Part 1 (excerpted scenes from the movie that cost Theo van Gogh his life) and the world premiere of the documentary Islam: What the West Needs to Know. Security was tight because, in these odd times, it is the non-PC films that bring us to the edge of danger in the way movies like Battle of Algiers did in the old days. The VIP lounge and the balcony were closed for these screenings because of unspecified threats. But enough about the perils of movie-going, here's my take on the films themselves.[...]
From what I understand, the makers of Islam: What the West Needs to Know (director: Bryan Daly) were reluctant to screen with Submission because they didn't want to be associated with the notorious film, which is strange since their documentary is easily as hard on the Islamic faith as van Gogh's work. The documentary is ninety-five minutes of non-stop recapitulation of the history of the religion, its belief system and political intent narrated by well-known scholars and critics Robert Spencer, Walid Shoebat, Serge Trifkovic and Bat Ye'or. I have read all these people exept Trifkovic and respect them all. Speaking one after another as talking heads on the film (it's that kind of old-fashioned documentary) they raise the question of our time that few dare speak, at least on any level of serious analysis. Is jihadism the real Islam or is there an actual moderate strain of the religion? Clearly, from its title, it's obvious this film takes the former view and warns the West to heed the consequences of its dire conclusion.
Does it convince? Not entirely. But I think documentaries - particularly talking-head documentaries - are not ultimately a convincing form. They are too easily subject to manipulation by the filmmaker. The various writers who speak here are more interesting in their books, which develop their arguments at much greater length and depth. Still, this is a necessary film and I hope it finds distribution. Even though I hope its argument is at least partly wrong, I fear that it is not.
Roger is right. I am much more interesting in my books than in person. My friends tell me that all the time. Still, I'd like to see the film, and hope I will get a chance when it is showing, as it surely must, at the Empire Burlesque in downtown Secure Undisclosed Locationville.
Posted by Robert at January 16, 2006 7:05 AM
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I couldn't get the download link to work, but this site includes the entire text of the film.
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at January 16, 2006 8:13 AM
ROBERT: "Roger is right. I am much more interesting in my books than in person. My friends tell me that all the time."
Come on Robert. I heard you guest-hosting a 3-hour radio program one night. One would have thought you'd grow stale after awhile, but you were as poignant and interesting at the end of the show as you were at the start.
I'll bet you're a blast at parties.
Posted by: Cornelius at January 16, 2006 8:15 AM
As a bona fide FOR (friend of Robert's) I can attest that to me, he much more "interesting" in person, even though his books and articles are interesting too. Interested thinks Robert is interesting as well, but then she is interested in most things, so you can't take her word for it. I, on the other hand, have very limited interests and so my interest in Robert's books, articles and person is interesting in itself, if you're interested in the core reality of interest.
So, is Robert interesting as a point of interest, or are his books and articles as representative of his interest, more interesting, and if so, why are these interests more interesting than the one who is interested in them?
I'm interested to know.
Posted by: Rebecca JW at January 16, 2006 9:07 AM
I'm sure Robert doesn't get to attend many parties, because of the potential for all the "blasts."
Posted by: Stendec at January 16, 2006 9:08 AM
Robert, last time you were on Fox you did an incredibly good job of getting the important message across in the very brief time you actually were alloted to talk.
You were calm, collected and precise.
Since my public speaking skills have many of the traits and agitated passion, so often associated with the way Latin American dictators speak, I learned a lot on how to communicate in the anglo-saxon mode.
I look forward to seeing the film in the local cinema of my very own Secure Undisclosed Locationville.
Hope to be able to buy it soon, and give out, as I have done with your books.
Posted by: El Cid at January 16, 2006 9:15 AM
I'll bet you're a blast at parties.
Not the most felicitous turn of phrase.
At least Robert's got friends. My imaginary friends all tell me I'm boring.
As a disinterested observer, I'd be interested to know more about Rebecca's interest in Robert's person.
Interest, of course, is haram.
at January 16, 2006 9:15 AM
Robert,
(1) You are a natural-born interviewee in the online clips that I've seen. Very smooth, articulate and convincing.
(2) Simon said he hasn't read Trifkovic. Everybody should read his excellent "Sword of the Prophet".
(3) It's still unclear to me when and where I can get ahold of this documentary. The link wasn't too helpful in that respect. I would appreciate more info.
Posted by: Benjamin at January 16, 2006 9:31 AM
This film would looking good on CNN or FoxNews as a 3-part series.
DISLOYAL UGA DISLOYAL HARVARD DISLOYAL USC DISLOYAL GEORGETOWN DISSED
Oh, I'm sure Harvard and Yale and and Georgetown and Stanford and USC all plan to show it on campus, to be followed by a vigorous student discussion afterwards. Right?
DISLOYAL NYTIMES DISLOYAL WASHPOST DISLOYAL CHITRIB DISLOYAL LATIMES
Let's talk censorship. Shouldn't the next documentary be about the censorship and self-censorship that blinkers us and muzzles us, and the disaster that this portends for all who cherish freedom?
Posted by: Alarmed Pig Farmer at January 16, 2006 9:37 AM
So, is Robert interesting as a point of interest, or are his books and articles as representative of his interest, more interesting, and if so, why are these interests more interesting than the one who is interested in them?
Anyone who can write like Robert and Hugh is automatically fascinating.
None of my friends know my writing well enough to know that I, too, am more interesting in prose than in person. But Robert's got a decided edge on me; I'm as shy as a feral cat in person.
Chicks (Shinoliite included) dig Robert Spencer.
Now THERE's a bumper sticker. You're welcome. ;)
Posted by: Shinoliite at January 16, 2006 9:52 AM
It doesn't do to be too interesting. It's far better to be just interesting enough, or Quite Interesting. QI (Quite Interesting) is the title of a wonderful quiz show hosted by Stephen Fry. I don't know if you get it in the US - if not, tough.
Posted by: Interested at January 16, 2006 10:13 AM
Hello all,
Is it possible for me to see the movie also? I think it will be impossible to see this in Pakistan and getting caught with material like this does not constitute to a happy and long life.
Hmmm, I wonder if this is finally a good enough excuse for me to see Amrika (assuming hubby is well enough). I want to see first-hand on what all the fuss is about relating to Amrika.
Why does the average "Ahmed" in Pakistan like to hate the Amrikan so.
Once I know that I can see the movie and if the logistics are right and if I have the money, I get allowed in for hols (I know a lot of "Ifs" there,..but I will then send my personal email to "American", "Den-man" and "the Pig" to have a non-alcoholic drink with them.
They can vouch for my femaninity, meet hubby and have a long chat on Islam, Ahmadis in Pakistan, the future of Infidels in Islamic Amrika.....whatever....
always assuming ofcourse that "Den_Man" will not bayonet me on seeing me, or that American doesn't shoot me.
I want to see and hear the hate from the Infidel directly.
at January 16, 2006 10:14 AM
Robert:
AFR certainly couldn't have a more famous movie house to premier this movie, formerly Sid Graumanns Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Blvd.It is part of the Kodak Theatre complex that gives us the Academy Awards every year at the corner of Highland and Hollywood Blvd. It is the most famous movie house on the west coast where all the major movies premiered for more than a half century. It is in fact; the center piece of the City of Hollywood where you can find the hand prints,shoe prints, and autographs of famous stars in concrete going back over 80 years.
So now that you may become a famous star, please don't get caught up in that Hollyweird scene! (LOL)
Posted by: Mackie at January 16, 2006 10:20 AM
Don't be fooled by these Muslim schoolgirls who claim to be working for tolerance. They are really just Islamist devils in disguise...
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/news/nation/13571102.htm
Posted by: cyrus57 at January 17, 2006 1:38 AM
The Empire Burlesque? What about the Roxy? Now that's a joint! The balcony, the chandeliers... the popcorn is better too. PLUS they have Goldenberg's Peanut Chews in the large size. My #1 fave.
Posted by: del at January 17, 2006 2:39 AM
Interested,
Didn't Stephen Fry play Bertie Wooster's butler in the tv adaptations of those comic P.G. Wodehouse novels? He was great!
Posted by: del at January 17, 2006 2:43 AM
Robert
Where can we get hold of this documentary? Will it be out on DVD anytime soon?
Posted by: Infidel Pride at January 17, 2006 2:45 AM
Naseem the Taqqaya sultana
Why not get a pirated copy of this, and use it to raise tempers in your community? That way, you can watch it completely, without others cracking down on you. Let them start a riot, just like Imran Khan did with the Quran in the Gitmo commode episode.
Better still - go to Damadola (how far is it from you, anyway?), and arrange a showing there. After the bombing there, one shouldn't expect al-Qaeda to show up there, so you should be able to watch it peacefully, without any interruptions.
Better off there, than confronting Amrikan, "Den-man" and "the Pig". Besides, with the cash you save on the flight (which wouldn't grow in your Islamic bank), you could easily arrange this showing, and thereby ensure your own security.
Posted by: Infidel Pride at January 17, 2006 2:59 AM
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