Will Farhenheit 911 end up like The Passion?

[LynneSin]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=794&e=3&u=/eo/20040505/en_movies_eo/14039

I'm reading this article and it's reminding me of another controverisal film that no one wanted to distribute because of the highly charged nature of the film. The Passion of The Christ has already brought in $366million in the US alone and will probably be one of the top grossing movies of all time.

From the article:

Miramax insiders told the Times that the Weinsteins--who financed Fahrenheit's $6 million budget after Mel Gibson (news)'s Icon Productions bailed on the project--don't believe Moore's movie fits Disney's no-release criteria and the company is willing to fight to release the film.

The Weinsteins can also shop the film to another distributor, but they would be forced to split profits.

And if Fahrenheit draws the kind of attention 2002's Bowling for Columbine did, it stands to do well at the box office

Think about it - this film is HOT!!! It may not outgross "The Passion" but I have a feeling that the Weinsteins would be smart to find another distributor because even if they have to split the profits they'll make out like bandits with the profits.

Thank you Disney for making a big stink about this movie - we're greatful for the free publicity and I'm sure the Weinsteins and the folks who will help distribute the movie will thank you as they laugh all the way to the bank!!!!

BTW, the stink with Disney will NOT affect foreign distribution of the movie. And if I have to, I'll road trip to Canada just to see the movie!!!

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. Regarding your last line:

And if I have to, I'll road trip to Canada just to see the movie!!!

I know you well enough on here to know you already realize this, but unfortunately, us alone seeing this movie isn't the point. The point is that they're preventing this movie from having a widespread release in time to have an impact on the elections... and from what I've read, this movie COULD have a huge impact.

[girl gone mad]

2. It won't outgross..

the Passion for the simple reason that it won't show in as many theaters. I fully epect theater owners and employees to be threatened and intimidated by the right wing lunatics.

[LynneSin]

3. Yes, but that's the beauty of a movie not widely distributed

The movie will get great word of mouth and the little Art House & Independant movie theaters will make a bundle off the movie.

[eleonora]

4. perhaps

but where it needs to be shown the most is to the ignorants in rural areas, and there aren't independant theaters there.

[LynneSin]

5. True, but there are universities that have theaters

and they may show it.

I don't expect it to sell as many tickets as The Passion, but I do expect it to sell.

[mainer]

6. All publicity is good publicity

At least, that's what publicists tell me. I think this is going to fuel a lot more interest in the film. And of COURSE it's going to eventually be distributed!

Hmmm... could it be this is really a Machiavellian scheme on Fox/Miramax's part to push the film?

[ejcastellanos]

7. Disney businesses

Disney and Miramax are studios owned by Disney and ABC is a broadcaster owned by Disney as well. What other companies does Disney own?

[LynneSin]

8. ESPN is on that list

There's a whole slew of other ones, but you've hit the main items