OREM — Jason Peterson didn't see "Fahrenheit 9/11" when it came out in movie theaters because it was boycotted by some mainstream venues.
But, inspired by the controversy surrounding Michael Moore's upcoming visit to the Utah Valley State College campus Wednesday, Peterson showed up, along with approximately 200 other students and community members, to watch a free screening of the film Thursday night.
"I have tickets to Michael Moore, and I'd like to see what all of the fuss is about," Peterson said. "I've seen some of his other films but not this one."
The screening was less than one week before Moore's campus appearance and, according to some students, is an important step to finding out what all of the complaints surrounding his visit are about. Many of the students who attended, however, said they were at the screening simply because it was free. They also said they believe the political impact of the film will be limited.
"Anybody who walks out of a movie or television show that changes their vote doesn't need to be voting," said Paul Moon, a UVSC student. "It's just a movie. Who knows if this guy is telling the truth or not? You have to take it at face value."
Other students hadn't even heard of Michael Moore prior to the controversy generated by the documentary that bashes the Bush administration and questions the motives behind the Iraq war.
Jared Kuester, a student attending the film for curiosity's sake and for extra credit for a philosophy class, said he first heard about Moore when he saw Moore's acceptance speech for winning an Oscar for the documentary "Bowling for Columbine."
"But I'm excited," Kuester said. "I want to see ("Fahrenheit 9/11"), and I'm really curious about what the student body are going to say about the controversy."
Kuester said he hesitated to see the movie when it first came out because he didn't want to support something he didn't agree with. However, Kuester said he thinks Moore should be welcome to exercise freedom of speech on campus.
The turnout by students, faculty and area residents for the screening in the UVSC student center ballroom was smaller than expected.
"We did think that there would be a little bit larger crowd, but ("Fahrenheit 9/11") is out on video now," said Phil Clegg, a student government adviser who helped coordinate the event. "I think a lot of folks probably went out and got it themselves instead."
At least one person in the audience decided to leave after learning the film carries an R rating.
"I want to be informed, but I don't want to see it," said Linda Olsen, a UVSC employee. "I have enough garbage in my head already, but if they had the semi-edited version, I'd probably watch it."
E-mail: achoate@desnews.com