Interview with Jean-François Lepetit about the film THE WORLD ACCORDING TO BUSH
I think that reality always surpasses fiction. I was struck by the huge enterprise of manipulation that the Bush administration has undertaken. In this particular case, the turning point came when I read Eric Laurent’s book, La guerre des Bush, which I devoured during a flight. The following day, I called the publisher to acquire the rights. As a producer but also as a citizen, I wanted this film to become a documentary film that would be seen by as many people as possible.
Was William Karel a natural choice to direct the film ?
We initially thought of a number of directors including Barbet Schroeder, Costa-Gavras and William Karel. The latter was not only enthusiastic about the project but was also free immediately. We had particularly appreciated his series Les hommes de la Maison Blanche, CIA guerres secrètes and Opération Lune. His knowledge of the USA, his impressive filmography and his scathing humour were all reassuring elements that convinced us that he would make a film worthy of our ambitions.
What difficulties did you have to face in making this documentary ?
The main difficulty was obtaining the participation of some of the main witnesses. Thanks to William’s contacts, certain key characters like Frank Carlucci or Richard Perle agreed to take part. Editing also turned out to be a very delicate stage. Notably the section on the Patriot Act that was hard to fit into the final version.
The final difficulty for William Karel was finishing the film when the news was providing new elements that we could have used on a daily basis.
France 2 immediately joined you on the project…
Yves Jeanneau from France 2 showed us his interest and support as soon as we outlined the project to him, even before the director’s name was know. But this is a relatively costly documentary with a budget close to 500,000 euros. Despite pres-sales to France, Switzerland, Belgium and Australia, the financial risk was a large one and only large-scale distribution throughout the world will allow us to break even.
Alongside its broadcast on France 2, the film is getting a theatrical release. Why is that ?
The trouble with television is that it has no memory. Most viewers are unable to tell you what they saw a week ago. Releasing the film to theatres, even 5 days after its TV broadcast, grants the work an additional notoriety, marks its release and roots it in people’s memories. Moreover, a DVD release is scheduled for July 1st. With the American presidential elections a few months away, it is urgent that this film be seen by as many people as possible.
William Karel’s documentary had its place at the Cannes Festival just as Michael Moore’s film did. How did you feel about its non-selection ?
The festival’s director, Thierry Frémaux, initially told me that he wanted to screen our film as part of the official selection, out of competition, if Michael Moore’s film wasn’t finished. Subsequently, he felt that, for diplomatic reasons, he couldn’t select two anti-Bush films. I understand his position even if I don’t share it for it is clear that the presence of Le Monde selon Bush in the official selection would have placed the film firmly within the international spotlight. It would have also allowed for some interesting comparisons. I feel that Michael Moore’s film is occasionally overly demagogic. By presenting Bush as an idiot, he simplifies the ideas and makes his message dangerous. William Karel’s approach is much more rigorous.
Has the film already been seen in the USA ?
Yes, buy only by buyers and distributors. Their first reaction was to ask us if everything that you see in the film is authentic! And we’re talking about well-informed people here. That shows just how great the impact of the manipulation and lies is in a country where the press nonetheless has a reputation of being "free". We hope to find theatrical, video or TV distribution in the USA.