"SiCKO" sells out all 43 sneak previews Saturday; Tickets scalped for $40

[marmar]

from the AP, via Yahoo:



...(snip)...

Michael Moore's health care documentary "Sicko" got a head-start on its nationwide debut Friday with an early opening at one New York City theater, where it took in $70,000 for the weekend.

"Sicko" also had sold-out sneak previews Saturday night at 43 other theaters around the country, where tickets were so in demand they were being scalped for as much as $40 each, said Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of the Weinstein Co., which is releasing "Sicko" along with Lionsgate.

The early screenings were intended to get interest focused on the movie itself, rather than publicity over a U.S. Treasury Department investigation of Moore's trip to Cuba for the film to get medical care for ailing Sept. 11 rescue workers.

When notified of the investigation in May, the filmmakers worried the government might try to seize the film or impede its release, Weinstein said.

"It's trying to get people talking about the movie, rather than the idea of the government trying to shut down the movie," Weinstein said. "It's saying to the government, `Hey, this movie is out there being appreciated by people. Think twice before you try to confiscate or take any legal action.'"

...(snip)...

http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/ap/20070624/118271472000.html

[peacetalksforall]

1. Any predictions about effects on the stock market - or are the

profiteers of health going to wait this out and let it fade. (with sarcasm about the fading part - how do we let this fade in addition to torture and the murder of the doctors who care for the wounded and dying in Iraq).

[marmar]

2. I saw the sneak preview in Detroit on Saturday....

the health industry makes the defense industry look downright humanitarian in comparison.

[MetaTrope]

3. The Weinsteins are citing ticket scalping as a promotional device?

That's...odd.

[romantico]

We all know

that no matter how much money this film makes next week Drudge and the RWingers will gloat over its numbers. Remember, this film does not have to make alot to be considered a hit. I mean, we all know the new DIE HARD film or the DISNEY/PIXAR film will be the top movies next week.I'm already dealing with a nut who is gloating that SiCKO will be a huge flop before its even released. I also love how all these people trashing the film have not seen one frame of it.

[romantico]

4. We all know

that no matter how much money this film makes next week Drudge and the RWingers will gloat over its numbers. Remember, this film does not have to make alot to be considered a hit. I mean, we all know the new DIE HARD film or the DISNEY/PIXAR film will be the top movies next week.I'm already dealing with a nut who is gloating that SiCKO will be a huge flop before its even released. I also love how all these people trashing the film have not seen one frame of it.

[gatorboy]

5. I think they're trying to make the point,

that the bootlegging hasn't hurt business.

[marmar]

6. Agreed....

n/t