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President Bush 'assassinated' in new TV docudrama

Last updated at 00:22am on 01.09.06

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Bush is shot by a sniper in a scene from Death of a President.

Held up by a secret service bodyguard in his dying moments after being shot in the stomach, this is President Bush being assassinated.

Surrounded by a crowd of panicking onlookers, the American leader is pictured just seconds after being gunned down by a sniper following an anti-war demonstration.

But rather than a repeat of JFK's shooting or Ronald Reagan's attempted assassination, this shocking image is part of a new Channel Four show.

The dramatic scene, which has caused outrage among Americans, has been created by a British film company for a programme about the effect of the War On Terror.

In Death Of A President, which will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival later this month (SEPT)before being shown on Channel 4's satellite channel More4 in October, the assassination is a starting point for a retrospective fictional documentary about what happened next.

This scene, which was created by putting the President's face onto an actor with digital wizardry, shows him being gunned down just hours after driving past an anti-war demonstration while doing a talk in Chicago.

The two hour drama, in which events are 're-created' by the use of footage and interviews, shows the media storm around the War on Terror as Muslims are fingered as the culprits before there is any evidence.

In the wake of the assassination, authorities focus on a Syrian-born man in the search for the culprit.

'In the hunt for the killer, this will show how America has been affected by the War on Terror,' said a spokesman. 'It is about the polarisation of America in all the events post 9/11.'

But the drama, which will be shown on Channel 4 after being screened on More4, has angered some Americans who have seen four presidents assassinated while in office.

Eric Staal of Republicans Abroad in London said last night: 'I wonder if they are celebrating the idea that the president could be assassinated.

'We've seen from early in his presidency the extremes that the political Left are willing to go to vilify him. This takes this vilification to a new and disturbing level.

'It is an appalling way to treat the head of state of another country.'

While a White House spokesman said: 'This does not dignify a comment (sic).'

The film, which Channel 4 describes as 'a thought-provoking critique of contemporary America' has been written and directed by Gabriel Range.

His previous work includes two docudramas for the BBC; The Day Britain Stopped, a fictional documentary on two planes colliding above London and The Man Who Broke Britain about a city trader who causes a national recession.

Death Of A President is not the only way More4 will be exploring the impact of the War on Terror, the channel announced at a launch yesterday.

The Trial of Tony Blair, by the makers of the farce A Very Social Secretary, will take a 'darkly humorous' look at what will happen to the Prime Minister after he leaves office.
Starring Robert Lindsay as Blair, a role which he also took in A Very Social Secretary about David Blunkett's affair with Kimberly Quinn the show will focus, the drama will kick off with his resignation.

The channel said: 'With Iraq still in turmoil and Gordon Brown in Number 10, The Trial of Tony Blair imagines how political events - now beyond his control - may shape both his future and his place in history.'

Other shows will include a real documentary on Iraq starring Saddam Hussein's daughter Raghad and Pamela Stepehenson conducting 'psychological interviews' with the Duchess of York and Stephen Fry.


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Well..I was quite amazed the way this movie was taken.. Well.. I actually dont understand the politics or whatever . This is just a movie. Lets look at it that way.lets not make it too personal..

- Sudharma, TN-India

It's a sad time we are living in, when a world leader is critizied for standing up to terrorism. Are we to sit and watch terrorism happen and let fear control our lives?

People blame Bush for all the worlds problems (like the middle east conflict), but in reality they were already there before he took office.

Once Bush leaves office, who will stand up to terrorists?

Does a movie like this really change anything? Does killing a world leader resolve the middle east conflict?

Will terrorists leave westerners alone once Bush is killed or leaves office?

Is it better to ignore a problem like terrorism until it becomes too hard to ignore- like a nuclear attack? or another 9/11?

It's time to face reality and see who the real enemy is.

- Sam Nicols, Los Angeles, Ca.

Granted the Constitution gives everyone the right to free speech, but is this really free speech? Though I personally do not like Bush, I would never wish death upon him or anyone else for that matter. Making a movie like this could have tragic consequences, such as influencing some nut to actually attempt a "real" assasignation of the President! Think about it, how would Brits feel if we made a docudrama entitled "Death Of Tony Blair"?

- Livingston Ian Hampton, Houston,Texas

I find it unconscionable that any country would allow a film like this to be aired. To even suggest the assassination of another American president, no matter how much he may be hated, is appalling.
We Americans have always been a faithful ally to your country, losing many of our soldiers helping you fight the Germans in WWII in your country and this is the way you repay us? Shame on you! Why do you hate Americans so much? We don't hate you. In fact, I've always been proud of the fact that my ancesters came from England. Now I'm not so sure I'd want to brag about that anymore.

My first thought when I read this news story was, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if some Hollyweed slob like Michael Moore or others of that intellegence lacking ilk came up with the idea, wrote the story, and funded the film for Gabriel Range. It sounds like a stupid Michael Moore stunt. But then I thought, huh uh, that couldn't be true....or could it?

- Dee, San Jose, CA

This concept is something very interesting. Americans should embrace the idea that some leaders are more incompetent than others for sure. This movie will be all over the internet after it shows on UK television. Average Americans are dumb and unaware of how world is changing. They unaware of how Bush is forever changing the future of white well-paid America. He is selling them out to the process of natural competition. Rude awakening await all those misguided blank minded americans who support the policies and ideas of bush. The US is struggling to remain a super power without the educational infustructure or intellectual know-how to manage its new place in the world.

- Joe American, USA

Oh, please, this lunatic is on the verge of tearing the world apart.

- Vhris, London

"If they could have assasinated the President, they would have done so a long time ago. "

They're not interested in trying. Bush is the best friend a terrorist could have, as he's doing the most of the work of keeping Americans scared and uninformed for them.

- John Mccain, Washington DC, USA

The thought that GWB could be assassinated will depress the flock out of the neocrazies, the AIPAC membership, and Halliburton stockholders.
Come on guys is only a film.

- Contumacious, Houston, Texas

This is the sort of thing that could be 'suggestive'. There are too many crazy people out there without giving any of them ideas. There was a time when the British media was respected for its honesty and decency but sadly that is all in the past.

I hope this film is as big a flop for channel 4 as Jerry Springer's Opera was for another unreliable and dishonest channel - the BBC

- John A., Cwmbran. UK

It is horrible, and will reflect badly on the British people who would allow this to be viewed, about a sitting President. We may have our differences here, but we stick together when it counts.

- Sue, Naples Florida

This pathetic attempt to smear the leader of the free world is contemptable not only for it's creator's breathtaking depravity, but more so for the legion of leftwing, bedwetting liberals in the UK and the US who will be cheering the murder of an American president! Whether you agree with this president's policies or not, to pay money to view such anarchic pap is doing the cause of freedom and morality a great disservice. The sane, non-koolaid drinking people of Great Britain and every other freedom loving nation should denounce this travesty and all associated with this disgusting load of dung!

- Rfhjr, Boston, USA

The real horror is that if W were assassinated Dick Cheney would become president.

- Jolanta Benal, Brooklyn, NY

What about all of the people that Bush/Cheney and their henchmen have murdered due to lies and corruption? What about the 100 thousand voices in the desert who have lost someone, what about mutilated troops who are returning and those who won't return that were sent to find WMD's that didn't exist? If those people perish due to lies and corruption in real life. Anything goes. If you live by the sword, you will die by the sword. Welcome to real life.

- Rob, Virginia

Eight children get killed by gunfire in America every day according to stats. Over 3,000 a year. These arent CGI kids, or actor kids, or fake documentary kids. Instead of getting so angry about a fake death on a fake TV documentary you would do well to address some real gun issues in your country.

- Neil, London UK.

Marsha, I wonder if the "sweet first lady" and her war criminal husband stopped to consider how the VERY REAL deaths of over 2,600 men and women in the armed forces are upsetting to their loved ones. Not to mention the tens of thousands of dead Iraqi civillians (you know, women and children?). Get a grip. Your president is a war criminal.

- Ricardo Madrazo, Mexico City, Mexico

These pathetic people are to be pitied. They plot wickedness which will come upon their own heads. It is more than just a movie, or else they wouldn't have made it. May God have mercy on their miserable souls!

- Debra Freeman, Little Rock, USA

I saw a poll about this yesterday: "Should this movie be shown in America?" It is unbelievable in America today that such a question would even be asked - since when do we stifle free speech?

Oh yeah, since GWB is afraid of his own shadow. According to him, there are "terrists" around every corner. We used to fear, well, fear itself, but now we embrace it instead (it's good for business).

So now we actually have a percentage of Americans who believe that movies should not be shown if they don't like them and will actually answer "no" to this question.

Osama has his freedom, but what about US? What does Osama's freedom cost us as Americans?

"Film at 11....."

- Mikester, Phoenix, AZ

I bet many of the *outraged* Americans posting here would be pumping their fists in the air and cheering if a similar film about Ahmadinejad were made.

- Dave, Chicago, IL

Freedom of speech is something we should cherish, absolutley! Let the film be shown.

Maybe someone should make a film about Islamic-Radicals being wiped from the face of the earth or is that too disgusting for you lefty liberals?

- Carey, Dallas, Texas USA

Praise the Lord! There is still a chance for the "real" President, Martin Sheen, to be elected!

- Grant Watt, OZ

At least they didn't show Dick Cheney doing the shooting.

- Jeff H., Lincoln, NE

I am not a big GWB fan and disagree with alot of what he says and does. However, this "film" is in very poor taste and as someone else has noted, how would the Brits like it if this was Tony Blair. No doubt it will pander to the leftists all over the globe.

Now I have a question. What do the majority of the Brits think about this film? Are you going to flock to movie theatres to view this like the leftist sheep did in America to see Michael Moore's F-911?

Thank God I'm not part of the movie culture!

- Jms, San Antonio, TX USA

They don't make make movies about guys molesting children either. Why? Because it's in poor taste. This too is in poor taste!

- David, San Mateo, CA USA

This scurrilous "docudrama" gives a psychogical boost and morale enhancement to the terrorists around the world while the West is at war with them. How many more Britains and Americans have to be blown up on home soil before the "left" wakes up?

- G Smith, Burlington, Canada

Did anyone stop to consider the feelings of our sweet first lady and how this might be upsetting to her to see this piece of trash? I am appalled that anyone would even consider seeing this movie.

- Marsha Adinolfi Lynch, Kingsport, TN USA

I didn't cry at the thought of it.

It's just a movie.

- Chuck D., Baltimore, MD

The "left" has hit a new low in its attempts to transform its desires into reality. This portrayal of the asassiination of a currently sitting President during a time of war betrays and reveals the "left" and will rebound to haunt them.

- G Smith, Burlington, Canada

Why couldn't they have made Clinton the president? The War on Terror started during his regime. I guess I should say the terrorists started attacking us while he was president.

He was too busy "under the desk" to fight back.

Were the filmmakers afraid they might upset the left?

- Roger Csee, Indianapolis, Indiana

This is a scripted invitation for someone to murder a US President.

- Bonnie Macdougall, Campbell Hall, New York USA

I cried just at the thought of it.

- Pete Zaita, Wading River USA

Lighten up folks! Assassination is a very real fear in America. I have lived through 2 (JFK and the attempt on Pres. Regan). Like the man's politics or not you still don't want to see a man gunned down in the streets - that's not what the USA is about. But we have a fascination with disaster and that's what sells. Just look what's on the Drudge Report every day - it's starting to look like a supermarket tabloid with every outlandish news article and freak accident immaginable. For the film to be realistic it had to be the current president. If they would have used a past prez or an imaginary future president then all credability would have been lost.

- Doug Simms, Baltimore, MD

In America, with our freedom of the press, freedom of speech, any jackass is free to express him or herself. While the movie sounds like a very bad idea to me, I should like to see the film maker of this rubbish, try to make a movie about the assignation of the leader of Iran, or China, for example. We are not a perfect, nor always wise country, and each one of our leaders has been flawed, but when you think about all of the people that want to come to America to live, we must be doing something right.

- Mamie, Denver

The reality of President Bush being assasinated is a pure Liberal fantasy!

- Kenny, USA

Well, I imagine it could happen for real, but this is just a movie. At least it has a happy ending. I like movies with happy endings.

- Jennifer, Dearborn Heights Mi.

For anyone who takes joy at the murder of the President of the USA we ask only one thing, never ever come to our country, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME!

- Clark, Clarington, OH USA

If our president were killed by a foreign government that would be an act of war. If you broadcast this that would be an act of war - at least on our relationship. Throw it in the trash.

- Bill Russell, Dayton, Ohio USA

It never ceases to amaze me how low some people will stoop and at a time when the free countries of this world should be pulling together against an enemy that cannot be reasoned with and only wants us dead. Hopefully those of us that still respect freedom and the USA and those that remember WWI, WWII, and especially 9/11 can still keep this country from becoming an Islamic state - picture your daughters wearing Burkas. We'll see what kind of movies are made if that happens.

- Joy, Flanders, NJ, USA

Such TV doesn't really shock or disgust any more, it merely explores possibilities - we happily view pictures of global death and destruction from the vicitms of attacks in Lebanon and Israel to the bodies of Saddam's sons or dying children in Ethiopia - why not portray the fictional death of a serving president too?

- Blue Nile Delta, London UK

Are you people so ignorant to believe that terrorist haven't already considered the option of assasinating the President? A fake "documentary" isn't going to suddenly make them say, "Hey, what an idea!". If they could have assasinated the President, they would have done so a long time ago.

- Bobby, Ar, USA

Some people use the term "free speech" as a smokescreen to cover up for "irresponsible speech". Just as you didn't have free speech when you were growing up or risk having your mouth washed out with soap, so too now.... some of these people should have their mouths washed out with soap. Ahhh- sadly our only way to stop this is refuse to watch, buy or support their trashy drivel.

- Greg, Freeport, Bahamas

Horrible idea for a film! I have no doubt that if this film had been made about Range's favorite politician, he would be screaming in protest! We do not need a foreign film-maker to provide a "thought-provoking critique" of our country. He should keep his attention at home - they can certainly use his cutting-edge insight...

- Steve, Greenville TX US

I love it... expressing the outrage and indignation without ever seeing the film. This is Jerry Springer the Opera Mk2.

- Dai Hunter, London UK

"The hopes of six billion people across the world were raised by the first three words of your headline - then dashed by the next four.

- Kate, Southampton, Hampshire"

Well, aren't you a nice tollarant little liberal. You are also a little to full of yourself to think that you speak for six billion people. Get a life, you don't.

Maybe a movie should be made about YOUR assassination? How would you like that?

- Cavalryman, Mcminnville, OR

How would they feel if we made a movie with Tony Blair being killed? Or Better yet with the Queen being shot? Would that be okay then? Are these not the same people who got upset with all the media surrounding Princess Diana's Death? How about a movie about her? Not a tribute, just a movie showing how she deserved to die. How would the British public feel then?

- Heather, Pennsylvania, USA

The British were angry about President Bush saying "Yo Blair" and how disrespectful it was.

How does this compare?

- Gil, Haifa, Israel

It's sad to see the generations in Britain and France hate this country and our President so much. I guess they weren't taught by their parents and grandparents that it was this country which saved them from Nazi Germany. Today the world faces a greater threat.

- Jeff, USA

The idea that the world needs to see the death of an American President to provoke thought about the international war on terrorism is ludicrous. This is a poor excuse for entertainment from an unimaginative idiot.

- Sam Minervino, USA

There is a reality that one of our Presidents may be assinated in the future. Matter of fact, its very likely. However, I would think it would be more appropriate to put this scenerio on a fictional president of undertermined political leanings. While the concept on its face is sound, using the current president muddies the water of issue at hand, making it seem more liberal hackery than a piece opening up dialogues for debate. As a liberal myself,I find pieces like this counter productive to opening meaningful dialogue to a largely disenfranchised right (not to say I am very happy of the direction of the left) There is a solid middle ground to be had but pandering to either party's extreme base seems to be formula for failure or another 49-51% election featuring the least offensive and exciting canidates both parties can muster.

- James, USA

George W. Bush is unpopular among British students. Channel 4's audience is mainly the British student population. Therefore this show has guaranteed good viewing figures. Channel 4 likes to make as much money as possible from its audience. Well done Channel 4, but try not to swim around too much in that huge pool of cash that you're about to earn from all this hype and ooh controversial press coverage!

- David Gale, Cardiff, UK

This takes the "hate Bush" garbage to another level. I truly wish all Bush bashers would just get over it. This is dangerous, we have to many ill people that "copy cat" ideas they see or hear. I am sure there is a different way to bring this show to the viewers without killing our President. We have been through enough assassinations of our president. This is not an act to take lightly.

- Louise, Springfield USA

Producing a fictional picture about any Head of State who is still alive and in-office shows how little imagination and talent there is in the film industry. Not to mention their bad taste and lack of concern for the heads of State, living or dead. It appears to me the Far-Left thinkers are testing the waters to see how far they can go before being charged with treason.

- Paul, Jacksonville, FL

I think this sounds like a fascinating premise upon which to base a docudrama and - if handled sensitively and intelligently, which it seems it will be - this is exactly the type of dynamic and thought provoking television that the UK is known for. There is a strong tradition of "what-if" scenarios in all genres of fiction and people should be able to separate such a conceit from simple polemic. It is not a personal attack, simply a device in which to examine this most controversial of recent presidents.

- Mat, London, UK

I wish i were able to see this the day it comes out. Those of us thinking Americans already have a good idea how it will turn out. But, it would still be very interesting to portray what just may happen.
It is believed that George Bush will be sacrificed by his group 'the illuminati' in order to further their cause for control of the world economy. Your film makers may just be predicting a portion of our near future. Thank god there are other thinking people in this world. I seem to be surrounded by idiots myself.

- Sole_Fish, USA

Unless the Diebold-assisted Bush junta has made real democracy impossible by widespread fraudulent skewing of election results in favour of tyrants, assassinations are not necessary in the USA. Impeachment is a perfectly adequate and thoroughly justifiable remedy against abuse or usurpation of power. It is bizarre that the rather craven Democrats have not made a central election issue of the utter incompetence of Ashcroft, Bolton, Bush, Cheney, Perle, Rice, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, et al. Overtly running aginst this gang of thugs and idiots would be the smartest move ever. Impeach 'em all. These useless dacoits are a stain on the planet.

- Erik Pedersen, Victoria, Canada

British television has finally completely sold out to American style ratings desires.

- Thomas Houck, Oakton, Virginia, USA

You would think after 2000 years of art that people would get over the shock value but even today people get outraged by things that seem silly.

How many times has a President been killed in a movie created in Hollywood?

- Michael, Los Angeles, California, USA

Revolting, really poor taste.

- Daniel, Cape Town, South Africa

Disgusting. I guess some people will do anything to make money and since Gabriel Range's other films are so bad, he's got to try something totally shocking. Worse than just poor taste.

- Maryann Schultz, Austin, USA

People don't get it, those that produce this type of crap about our president are mentally Ill and should be in an instution for the criminally
insane, not walking around on the loose.

- Gene, USA

You have given the Republican Party another milliion votes, minimum. Thank you.

- Peter A. Parmantie, Normal IL USA

Unfortunately, the film maker is free to make this film, but this is in extraordinarily bad taste and poor form. Just as a person's free to use his feet to drive his car if he wants to, it doesn't make it a good idea.

- James, Hawaii

This is awful and irresponsible of the writer.
Some maniac out there will try and do just that and I wouldn't wish that even on on my worst enemy.

At least in the Day of the Jackal, the assassin missed and Forsythe wrote the fiction well after De Gaulle had departed the scene.

- Swatantra Nandanwar, UK

The hopes of six billion people across the world were raised by the first three words of your headline - then dashed by the next four.

- Kate, Southampton, Hampshire

Unlike Bush, I don't believe in fairy tales.

- Steve Webster, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Sounds like this guy is advocating the killing of our President. Maybe instead he should try to go make a documentry in Gaza.

- Dakotaranger, Bismarck, ND

This is absolutely ridiculous. Let's focus on reality people and the "real" what if's!

- Steve, New York, NY

Thought provoking sure, and just plain sick.

- Kelly, Philly, USA

This is a fascinating and thought provoking premise for a discussion on the war on terror. However, isn't it in pretty poor taste to present a film killing our president?

- Carter Up All Night, USA

This is absolutely absurd!! Another example of entertainment designed for maximum political propaganda near an election.

- Mark, Chicago, USA

I wish people could get over politics. The man will leave office in several years and will be gone. Just like those that hate Clinton people cannot rise above themselves.

- Jm, Boston, MA USA

This is outrageous! Someone should be afraid of life imitating art! I'm disgusted at the thought of it.

- Lisa Snyder, Richmond, IN

It is like an invitation for someone to come after our President.

- Russ, Calif


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