Fahrenheit

[Zer]

Why 'Fahrenheit' in the film 'Fahrenheit 911'? If it's a play on Ray Bradbury's 'Fahrenheit 451' -- a tale of firemen whose job was to seek out and destroy books -- where's the logic to it?

[katylou]

it could be because of the tale you mentioned, although i cant comment on that because ive never heard of it. i thought it was because it gives a sense of heat and pressure, which is obviously what the victims and those trying to save them, were under on that unfortunate day.

[pinus]

451 degrees Fahrenheit is the temperature at which paper burns = 233 degrees celsius They were burning paper

[Zer]

Katylou, you have a wonderful read ahead of you (or you can watch a film that is one of the most engaging films Oscar Werner ever made) with Ray Bradbury's sci-fi exploration of an idea that firemen may someday be burning books! "Fahrenheit 451" is a classic. Yes, it does refer to the temp at which paper burns, as Pinus points out. So, what in the world does it mean to use 911 with the word Fahrenheit? Is it possibly a temp of burning fuel? I'm not sure. What I suspect is that using the word Fahrenheit with a date (9/11) or an emergency call number (9-1-1) is an utterly nonsensical use of a term we associate with temperature. So, I'm asking if anyone knows the logic for using the word Fahrenheit this way. Haven't seen the film. Can't. Not until I understand why such an odd juxtaposition of elements exists. Ah... perhaps we are meant to see a nonsensical juxtaposition? *burp* Hope it's okay to respond to replies. Thanks to both Katylou and Pinus for taking time to submit answers. I think my initial question was not well stated -- but if it prompts Katylou to read/see a great story by Bradbury, that's okay!

[Jabba]

According to Michael Moore, it is "the temperature at which freedom burns", an allusion to 451 being the temperature at which paper burns.

[pinus]

I've just spent far too long looking at this site http://www.davekopel.com/Terror/Fiftysix-Deceits-in-Fahrenhe it-911.htm

[Brugel]

Ray Bradbury gave an interview recently in which he made clear his dislike of Michael Moore and Moore's appropriation of the Fahrenheit title.

[Mattk]

its just a play on words for petes sake !!!!!

[Zer]

Brugel, thanks for the info on Bradbury responding to the illogical use of the word 'Fahrenheit' by Moore. MattK, what sort of 'play on words' do you get from Moore's juxtaposition of a date and a measure of heat? I do like wordplay, but there has to be some logic to it for it to really work. Might the word Celcius have worked as well or does the entire thing rest on an idea that Bradbury put forward? If so, then what we have is like a kid on a bike catching a ride by holding on to a car that is more powerful than his bike. I've found the film title just a bit befuddling. Do comment on your viewpoint. Thanks.

[LeMarchand]

I thought that Jabba had explained the title fairly clearly. In the Bradbury book, books are being burned to stifle knowledge. In Moore's movie he claims that the events of 9/11 are being used to curtail various freedoms.

[boognish76]

pinus - I just spent far too long looking at that website as well. I'll never get that 5 minutes back again.