Big bucks at the box office

Sept. 13, 2009

Big Bucks
at the Box Office
Michael Moore’s new documentary film Capitalism:
A Love Story makes its North American debut in Bellaire

By Rick Coates 9/14/09

The much-anticipated film by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore will make its North American debut in Bellaire on Saturday, September 19. The Bellaire premier of Capitalism: A Love Story will serve as a benefit for the Antrim County Democratic Party with a 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. showing at the Bellaire Theater on Bridge Street.
In his new film, which will be released nationally on October 2, Moore focuses on “the disastrous impact that corporate dominance and out-of-control profit motives have on the lives of Americans and citizens of the world,” according to a release from the film’s distributor Overture Films.

POSITIVE REVIEWS
“It will be the perfect date movie,” said Moore, in the release. “It’s got it all -- lust, passion, romance and 14,000 jobs being eliminated every day. It’s a forbidden love, one that dare not speak its name. Heck, let’s just say it: It’s capitalism.”
Early reviews for the film have all been positive with CNN Money calling it, “broadly entertaining, ceaselessly provocative, and wildly ambitious.”
Moore even released a humorous public service announcement to promote the film. It has aired on YouTube and some media sources have picked it up. In the PSA, Moore announces that after the film ushers will be going down the aisles with collection cans for donations to bailout the CEOs of major corporations. Moore states that, “I know you have already given to the bailout, but give more because (he pauses) it will make you feel good.”

THE LAST MOVIE
During a press conference announcing the release of his new film, Moore stated his expectations of making a film that attacks capitalism.
“I told my film team we are going to make a film that will result in the industry never wanting to finance another film of mine,” said Moore at the press conference.
However, Moore also clarified it won’t be his last film.
When pressed by a foreign journalist on what he has done with his millions, Moore chuckled (his films worldwide have generated more than a half billion dollars in revenues).
“I have saved it because I knew a day would come when I would no longer get money from others to make films,” said Moore. “That is okay because I have my own money to make my films in the future.”
If Moore has another blockbuster as he did with Sicko, Bowling For Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11 -- three of the top six grossing documentaries of all time – it may be safe to predict he will have offers from the industry to continue making films in the future.

CALL TO ACTION
One question some critics have put forward is whether or not the audience will just laugh, go home and have a beer or if it will cause a revolt.
Moore responded this way: “Be a hero and help me expose the biggest swindle in American history.”
In light of the current worldwide economic crises, look for Capitalism: A Love Story to be a financial success at the box office and do not be surprised if it ends up becoming the number-one grossing documentary film of all time. It certainly will make Moore millions of dollars richer, not bad for a guy predicting death to capitalism as we know it.
Moore has donated a generous portion of his money in Northern Michigan, with a significant amount going towards the Traverse City Film Festival and the restoration of the State Theatre.

For additional information on “Capitalism: A Love Story,” check out www.capitalismalovestory.com.