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Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 01-07-2006, 01:27 AM:
On our 11pm news... The film was pulled tonight. The theatre is in a community, just West of Seattle. According to the news report, there had been tickets presold, but the story did not say what they'd be doing about that. Calls to Regal's HQ "were not returned".
The film will be playing in one theatre in our county... in a largely "upscale" area where our only successful art theatre is located.
Posted by Anslem Rayburn (Member # 1267) on 01-07-2006, 05:48 AM:
The only thing to do is go to watch it at the theater it's playing at, and take as many people as possible to watch it with you. Rent a bus, and split the cost. Make sure you call the local press to cover it. Show the local theaters that they lost money on this engagement. The only way to talk to them is to hit them in the wallet.
Posted by Greg Anderson (Member # 235) on 01-07-2006, 09:41 AM:
Is the implication that the movie was pulled because of the homosexual content? I mean, I could draw conclusions but a little more information would be useful before jumping all over these folks for making a "wrong" decision.
It turns out that Larry Miller's much-talked-about-in-these-forums Megaplex theatre also cancelled their screenings of this show. There's an article about it here... Deseret Morning News Article.
quote:
A film about two gay cowboys was removed Friday from the schedule at the Megaplex 17 at Jordan Commons, which is owned by Larry Miller.
quote:
Calls to Miller and a spokesperson were not returned Friday. Cal Gunderson, manager of the Jordan Commons Megaplex, was reached by phone but declined to comment. A check of the theater's online and telephone listings showed that "Brokeback Mountain" had indeed been removed from screening.
The article goes on with positive reaction from the leader of the local, right-wing "Eagle Forum" and several negative reactions from leaders of local homosexual advocacy groups. Again, the implication is that the theatre owner was uncomfortable with the homosexual content but, since nobody's officially saying anything, why do we jump to conclusions so easily? For all I know, the print never arrived. On the other hand, if the theatre owners figured that the movie would be more trouble for them than it was worth, then this is capitalism and the businessmen are free to do business as they please. God bless America. Nobody in Utah is being "denied" the chance to see this movie. It's playing quite well on the other side of the valley.
[ 01-07-2006, 12:08 PM: Message edited by: Greg Anderson ]
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 01-07-2006, 10:03 AM:
Greg, please see posted rule #4 and correct.
Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 01-07-2006, 10:20 AM:
That's fine by me!
The more movies that get pulled from the commercial theaters, the more people will want ME to play them in MY theater!
Personally, I don't care for the subject matter but that doesn't mean OTHERS won't want to watch it. (Okay, I don't know the whole story on the plot of this movie but I think I know enough to make up my mind. Others should investigate and make up their minds accordingly.)
As far as I am conerned, it's nothing more than a bunch of strips of transparent plastic! I treat each box full of transparent plastic the same as every other box full of transparent plastic that comes to my theater.
I don't care what goes onto the screen except that what DOES go onto the screen is a steady, clean and properly focused image. (Sound assumed.)
If the subject matter of the film in question isn't interesting to me, so what? It's not my job to review the movies. That's why we have Ebert and Siskel (Roper, et. al.) My job is to PLAY them. If I don't like the movie I don't have to watch it. I can just sit in the booth and monitor the machine(s). Every 10 minutes I can come to the port window and make sure the picture is OK. Or, in my case, I can make one of my Work Study students monitor the movie and go do something else. (Returning only occasionally to ensure that all is well then leaving again.)
When this kind of movie rolls around town, there will almost always be some kind of clamor. Some people will like the movie in question. Others will not. Opinions are like ass holes...Everybody's got one and they all stink!
Since we are the only non-commercial theater in town, this kind of publicity can only help us! If there is enough clamor to cause the commercial bookings to be affected there will eventually be a call for it to be played here. That's money in OUR pockets!
And, don't think that because we are located on the campus of a Catholic college that we WON'T play these kinds of movies! We have played movies that are FAR more controvercial than Brokeback Mountain! The only movies that we will "veto" are those with blatently blasphemous or gratuitously violent/sexual content.
We did play the movie Lolita (1997 w/ Jeremy Irons & Dominique Swain) and we hardly heard a peep from anybody about it. There was one movie that we did have to veto, recently, but it wasn't necessarily because of the subject matter but because of another issue that I am not at liberty to discuss in public.
So, like I said, go ahead and cancel the movie! It's only good news for me! ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 01-07-2006, 10:56 AM:
Agreed with Randy, if we only ran movies we liked, we would only be playing a handful of movies each year! In my case, I could count the titles on one hand.
Those theaters pulling the movie are only hurting themselves and helping to boost awareness of the film. End result, there will now be people who wouldn't have paid to go out and see the film that will to see what the controversy is. As such they will be showing the studios that such films are profitable and that they should (and will) make MORE of them. Also the theater dropping the movie will undoubtedly find that the target audience for this film will may very well be angry enough at them that they will never return for any other movie. Some people are just stupid.
Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 01-07-2006, 11:18 AM:
That story sounds very incomplete. I mean, were there angry protesters in front of the theater spooking the customers? Did someone phone in a bomb threat? There has to be more to the story than just "they pulled the movie". Especially with a large chain like Regal, where the decision or approval to pull the film would probably come from someone higher up the food chain.
Both Regal and Cinemark opened it here yesterday. Regal was advertising advanced ticket sales for the week prior to opening the film.
Posted by Martin McCaffery (Member # 37) on 01-07-2006, 11:23 AM:
As I've been trying to get the movie for my theatre I think there is a good possibility the film was pulled by the distributor. Focus has been doing a slow platform rollout and is planning to go wide at the end of the month to correspond with the expected Academy Award noms.
The theatre may have jumped the gun, or the Focus changed its mind (I've seen that happen many times by many distribs). It is my experience that big corporate chains don't really make decisions based on morality, content or politics. It's all about how much money they are going to make. To restate what Brad said, nothing sells tix like a controversy.
Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 01-07-2006, 11:54 AM:
quote: David Stambaugh
That story sounds very incomplete.
Yah, it does. But that's about all that any of the stations had on it... and they all had it.
The manager over here has been in our town for years. He's a good guy, but I'm pretty sure not able to say much.... if anything on camera.
No mention of angry mobs at the theatre. Is there any possibility this could have actually been pulled at the last minute for any non-controversial reason? If so, it would be a new one on me... and why wouldn't anyone be available to comment?
Looking at the online listings, I find only 4 theatres in the Seattle area that have it... I think they're all Landmark or other indie. That would make the release limited enough that putting two prints in our county would be a bit surprising.
(edit): Found this:
Movie Patrons Question Pulling Of Gay-Themed Film (KOMO TV)
January 6, 2006
By Mary Nam
Video : KOMO 4 NEWS
After days of advertising and ticket presales, Regal Cinema in Poulsbo suddenly yanked 'Brokeback Mountain' from its playlist.
POULSBO - The movie 'Brokeback Mountain' -- the story of two cowboys who fall in love -- is generating a lot of buzz. So when Regal Cinema in Poulsbo suddenly yanked the flick leaving only a note that they'd refund their customers, the surprise move made headlines in the Kitsap Sun.
Movie-goers waiting in line to catch a matinee say they weren't surprised.
Dorothy Guzzwell who wanted to see the movie is disappointed. "As difficult as it is to look at something you don't understand, it's so important to do it," says Guzzwell.
The theater manager refused to tell KOMO why the movie was suddenly pulled after days of advertising and ticket presales. Customers pointed out Poulsbo's conservative stance.
One person pointed to a sign in Regal's parking lot that revealed the theater rents out the building to a local church for Sunday service.
We wondered: does that have anything to do with why Brokeback isn't on the marque?
"I think it's ridiculous! For one thing, they have two big-named actors starring in it," says Movie-goer Dylan Haydu. "To say that people aren't going to come and see it is ridiculous!"
Regal's corporate office said pulling the movie wasn't their decision.
The distributor, Focus Films, decided last minute to limit the release. And while it's doing well, 'Brokeback Mountain' is only playing in 265 theaters nationwide -- many of them Regal theaters.
(edit: You may have called it, Martin. Northwest Cable News says that Focus confirmed the picture would not be playing at the Poulsbo 10. However, according to the story, Focus says that Regal scheduled the picture at the theatre without confirmation of the booking, and had been pre-selling tickets on the assumption the film would be placed by Friday. (/edit)
The answer didn't surprise John Guzzwell: "It all comes down to the bottom line; how much money is it gonna make, I'm afraid."
Regal Cinema says it will refund any customer who purchased advanced tickets.
In the meantime, a corporate spokesperson says Regal will most likely show Brokeback as it gets closer to Oscar time.
But some fans won't wait until then. "I'm taking my business to Bainbridge Island where they are playing it," says Anthony Marcacci, "if they're playing it there, they should play it here!"
[ 01-07-2006, 01:00 PM: Message edited by: Jack Ondracek ]
Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 01-07-2006, 12:36 PM:
"Brokeback Mountain" has not showed up at any theater in my city...at least not yet. Given this is a Focus Features release and not something from a major (although isn't Focus a subsidiary of Universal?) I'm not too surprised it hasn't been booked in this area. The metro population is around 100,000. After the BRAC changes over the next couple years it will be around 125,000. But still not big enough to get a lot of indie releases quickly.
Lots of people here are asking about it. A close female friend of mine is pissed that it isn't playing here. I told her she could always hold out hope for a lot of Oscar nominations. Then it might show up at a theater here.
Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 01-07-2006, 12:45 PM:
Pulling the film from a handful of theaters could just be a scheme cooked up by Focus Films to get more press. Seems kind of strange though.
Posted by Brad Allen (Member # 470) on 01-07-2006, 01:26 PM:
I use to have this happen to me all the time, prints pulled by the distrib at the last minute after it was confirmed. And too late to get the ads changed. This was with the major studios. It's been quit a while now since the last instance.
Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 01-07-2006, 01:38 PM:
I just saw a news report on Northwest Cable News. They got an official Regal corporate response along the lines of "The withdrawal has nothing to do with the film's content. The distributor simply did not deliver the movie to this theater as we had expected."
Posted by Peter Kerchinsky (Member # 1098) on 01-07-2006, 01:46 PM:
This morning a local news channel in Seattle basically reported what Jack said earlier. Regal thought Focus was going to give them a print but did not for some reason. Regal advertised the film to open Friday, but with deadlines and all they could not pull the info. I really don't see what the big deal is. Eventually the suits at Focus will drop hundreds of prints to fatten their wallets. Besides some of the Academy Award possibilities are usually put on hold aren't they.
Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 01-07-2006, 02:19 PM:
quote: Peter Kerchinsky
Regal thought Focus was going to give them a print but did not for some reason. Regal advertised the film to open Friday, but with deadlines and all they could not pull the info. I really don't see what the big deal is.
All speculation about the film aside, it seems very strange to me, Peter. In almost 40 years I've never experienced a situation where a film was pulled that close to opening, seemingly leaving a theatre with a dark screen. Further, I've never experienced not having confirmation of a booking locked in any later than Wednesday AM. While they don't like it, our local paper is able to react to copy changes that close to Friday, and I don't doubt the theatre could have pulled it's advertising and stopped ticket sales before the first scheduled show.
Is it common for the chains to go out on a limb like this? Seems risky to me... especially to go so far as to pre-sell tickets without the film being locked in.
Posted by Peter Kerchinsky (Member # 1098) on 01-07-2006, 03:25 PM:
Jack
There are lots of possibilities here. Yes, I've had films pulled when I operated theatres in Oregon, some as late as Wednesday. This was mainly due to print avails and a breakdown in communication with bookers/distributors. I have this funny feeling still that Focus thought they'd have prints available but did not. Where would you go when there's a shortage of prints on a hot movie, Port Angeles or some bigger market.
Posted by Eric Hooper (Member # 1730) on 01-08-2006, 12:36 AM:
This article states it was a "business decision" on the part of the theatre, and quotes Focus as stating "the theatre reneged on their license agreement".
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_3379572
'Brokeback' gets boot
A no-show at megaplex in Sandy
By Sean P. Means
and Sheena McFarland
The Salt Lake Tribune
Carol Adams of Sandy expresses her frustration at the MegaPlex Theaters at Jordan Commons after showing up to see Friday's first screening of the movie ''Brokeback Mountain,'' only to find out it had been pulled from showing. Others were also disappointed. (Francisco Kjolseth/The Salt Lake Tribune )
SANDY - Carol Adams just wanted to watch a movie and have a burrito.
But Adams learned Friday the movie she wanted to see - the R-rated Western gay romance "Brokeback Mountain" - had been pulled from screens at the MegaPlex 17 at Jordan Commons.
Management at the MegaPlex 17 decided late Thursday afternoon not to open "Brokeback Mountain" on Friday as scheduled. Word of the decision arrived at area newspapers by e-mail at 5:39 p.m. Thursday, too late for Friday papers that still listed MegaPlex's screening times for the film.
"I even called in advance yesterday, and they said the first showing was at 12:45 p.m.," said Karen Tiblier, of Sandy, who went to Jordan Commons with a friend to catch a matinee of "Brokeback Mountain."
"I just had a feeling that they wouldn't show it here, and then I saw that it was and I was surprised," Tiblier said. "Now I'm being surprised again."
Adams, who moved to Sandy from Washington state more than a year ago, said "this is the first time I've been slapped in the face with what I believe to be closemindedness. . . . This movie has gotten stellar reviews, and it's already up for boatloads of awards. Not showing this film says bigotry and fear."
Neither theater management nor Jordan Commons' owner, auto magnate and Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller, returned calls seeking comment. The only official explanation was a typed message posted at the MegaPlex ticket window: "There has been a change in booking and we will not be showing 'Brokeback Mountain.' We apologize for any inconvenience."
In an interview with KCPW-FM reporter Jonathan Brown, which was taped Thursday afternoon and aired Friday, Miller said booking a movie like "Brokeback Mountain" was a business decision.
"It's something that I have to let the market speak to some degree," Miller told Brown. "I don't think I'm qualified to be the community censor."
However, Brown said Friday that Miller was unaware of the storyline of "Brokeback Mountain" - about two Wyoming cowboys who maintain a hidden romance for two decades - until Brown described it to him Thursday, less than two hours before the schedule change was announced .
Other new movies with R-rated content - such as the marijuana-fueled comedy "Grandma's Boy" and the grisly horror movie "Hostel" - opened on schedule at the MegaPlex 17.
Officials for Focus Features, the movie's distributor, were incensed. "Only hours prior to opening 'Brokeback Mountain,' [the theater management] reneged on their licensing agreement with Focus Features and refused to open the film today as scheduled," the company said in a statement. "Given the gigantic grosses already being
posted in Salt Lake City for 'Brokeback Mountain,' this is their loss. We are thrilled that the film . . . is now being embraced by such a huge audience in Salt Lake City, regardless of the deplorable business practices of this one theater."
Mike Thompson, executive director of the gay-rights group Equality Utah, said, "It's disappointing that bias would prevent a beautiful and award-winning film such as 'Brokeback Mountain' from being made available to the residents of Utah."
The movie, starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, set box-office records for the Broadway Centre Cinemas when it opened Dec. 30. Tori Baker, executive director of the Salt Lake Film Society (the nonprofit group that runs the Broadway and Tower theaters), said "Brokeback Mountain" made $46,000 over the four-day New Year's weekend - placing the Broadway 10th nationwide for per-screen average.
Baker said Focus Features, the movie's distributor, "is falling off their chair about [the numbers]."
Focus Features has been releasing "Brokeback Mountain" slowly across the country, building up positive reviews to counter the marketing hurdle of selling a gay romance to middle America. But better-than-expected box office prompted Focus to speed up the national release, up to nearly 500 screens this weekend - including the Century 16 in South Salt Lake and the Cinemark 24 at Jordan Landing.
The Utah Film Critics Society named "Brokeback Mountain" the year's best movie, and also gave top honors to director Ang Lee. The movie has received similar honors from critics' groups nationwide, as well as seven Golden Globe nominations, four Screen Actors Guild nominations, and nominations for Directors Guild, Writers Guild and Producers Guild awards.
Adams, not wanting to cancel her weekly "Mom's day out," chose to watch a movie she has already seen, "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." But she said the "Brokeback Mountain" incident may change her moveigoing habits.
"There are some new theaters around here and they show all the same movies," Adams said. "I may end up going there."
spmeans@sltrib.com
smcfarland@sltrib.com
Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 01-08-2006, 12:55 AM:
quote: Eric Hooper
However, Brown said Friday that Miller was unaware of the storyline of "Brokeback Mountain" - about two Wyoming cowboys who maintain a hidden romance for two decades - until Brown described it to him Thursday, less than two hours before the schedule change was announced .
Oh, please! This theatre owner was clueless about the content of one of the most talked about films of the year's end?
Posted by Eric Hooper (Member # 1730) on 01-08-2006, 01:59 AM:
More on this issue from http://www.hollywood-elsewhere.com/
Brokeback Lockouts
By Jeffrey Wells
Brokeback Mountain is having another good financial weekend, but it's running into conflicts with the moral guardians in Rubeland.
Ang Lee's film was abruptly pulled on Friday, 1.7, from the Megaplex 17 at Jordan Commons in Salt Lake City, Utah. The decision was reportedly made late Thurs- day, 1.5, although the word didn't get out until Friday.
The reason appeared to be moral indignation, either on the part of the theatre's Mormon owner, Larry Miller, or...let's be imaginative ...on the part of local rightie bigwigs who put political pressure on Miller.
Regal Cinemas also pulled it in Poulsbo, Washington, according to reports in the Kitsap Sun and on 365gay.com.
Regal Cinemas reportedly took the film off the bill on Thursday after it had heavily marketed the movie in the local media. Regal has said that the decision was simply an error and isn't about censorship, but there's been some skepticism about this.
"The Regal multiplex movie theater ran ads for Brokeback Mountain in Thursday's edition of the local Kitsap Sun newspaper and was promoting pre-sale tickets at the theater," 365gay reports. "But posters at the theater disappeared on late Thursday, and further ads in the paper were cancelled."
The Salt Lake City situation centers around Miller, known to be an auto dealer, entrepreneur and Utah Jazz owner. He has been described in a news story by Sean Means as "the Louis B. Mayer of Mormon Cinema."
If Brokeback's opening-day business in Salt Lake City was in any way similar to how it was described by readers in St. Louis and Portland, it was probably pretty good. I've being told that shows were sold out in advance in SLC, but I don't know.
Here's an oddly written local report that ran Friday about Miller's pulling the Ang Lee film from his theatre.
There's an IMDB posting claiming that when Miller was asked for comment during a news segment on Fox News 13, he said he wasn't up for comment or criticism, but added that "immorality is immorality, any way you look at it."
Reader Mandy Bartels said that "what surprises and disappoints me is that the theater bought the film in good faith, promoted it and sold tickets to eager patrons. Then along comes the owner who pulls it when the queues were already forming to watch it. And then gives a totally lame reason as to why it was pulled.
"This sounds like the 1950s, not the 21st century. It underlines why Brokeback Mountain is so relevant today, despite people thinking we live in a more tolerant society. It seems we haven't moved on from when the film was set in the 1960s."
I'll be nosing around for more reports about this. I suppose I'll try to call Miller myself this weekend. If anyone was at Miller's theatre on Friday and can fill in any details, please write in.
Brokeback Mountain added 215 theatres for this weekend and did $1.7 million Friday night. It's expected to earn about $5.7 for the weekend, and by the end of this weekend the film will have made $22 million.
The cultural impact is obviously spreading, but the initial brushfire has cooled down a bit. It's doing extremely well in some areas but only fair in others. The per-screen is still strong, but it's more like $12,000 a print than $24,000 or thereabouts.
Posted by Peter Kerchinsky (Member # 1098) on 01-08-2006, 05:06 AM:
Thanks Eric for posting that article. There was quite a bit more info on what's going on in that one than the one run here in Seattle. I guess the theatres that do pass on this are the losers since it's been doing so well. Landmark has it at 3 theatres here in Seattle and needless to say it's doing BOFFO biz.
Posted by Martin McCaffery (Member # 37) on 01-08-2006, 10:22 AM:
Well, it certainly shows the difference between something run by a corporation and something controlled by an individual. As hypocritical as that individual may be.
quote: Eric Hooper
There's an IMDB posting claiming that when Miller was asked for comment during a news segment on Fox News 13, he said he wasn't up for comment or criticism, but added that "immorality is immorality, any way you look at it."
I'd be real curious to know how he keeps a 17 plex going without showing movies that do not offend someone's sense of morality
Posted by Jeremy Jorgenson (Member # 2989) on 01-08-2006, 04:20 PM:
Before you get too down on the guy ... the "source" of that is an IMDb post. Anybody can register to post on IMDb.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-08-2006, 06:42 PM:
quote: Greg Anderson
It turns out that Larry Miller's much-talked-about-in-these-forums Megaplex theatre also cancelled their screenings of this show. There's an article about it here... Deseret Morning News Article.
Actually more talked about than it deserves.... Jordon Commons is absolutely nothing special unless you like restaurants that serve really really bad food.
Jordon Commons Megaplex is the LAST place in Salt Lake City that I would ever go to go see a film anyway.... Now would any of you expect anything less in Salt Lake City or from a producer of Mormon films.....? Pulling the film is the surest way for LHM to get some free press.... and from nothing less than a rather childish news paper at that. Although I'm very neutral towards these types of films I could really care less what actually happens to the film per say.... there are other theatres in SLC(Tower, Broadway, Brewvies, Century, AMC, etc) that will play it no matter who in town objects.
On another note Century Cinemas recently opened a very large complex just a couple of miles from Jordon Commons..... It'll be very interesting to watch the grosses at Jordon Commons head south.....
BTW: Sandy who moved from Washington state more than a year ago better be ready for alot more "CLOSED MINDEDNESS" if she is to survive living there......
Mark
Posted by Floyd Justin Newton (Member # 1316) on 01-08-2006, 09:31 PM:
When a contract is signed to run a picture, it
is a 'breach-of-contract' not to run said picture. The
producers should have a field-day with this one! ![[thumbsup]](graemlins/thumbsup.gif)
Posted by Mike Spaeth (Member # 524) on 01-09-2006, 12:03 AM:
These days, nothing is SIGNED to run a particular picture. Everything is verbal. It works the other way too. Miramax is infamous for pulling stuff on Monday or Tuesday for Friday.
Posted by Steve Scott (Member # 630) on 01-09-2006, 10:35 AM:
For two opening weekends, Brokeback played on 4 screens within one block in uptown Minneapolis; at the huge Uptown theatre & on 3 of Lagoon theatre's 5 screens across the street. The Heights will be picking it up this coming Friday. Regal & Crown are also running it locally. Around here we get some gay-cinema titles every other month, so aside from awards coverage, its been a pretty routine opening.
Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 01-09-2006, 01:10 PM:
I've just looked; we're opening it on February 17th.
http://www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/artsentertainmentculture/artsentertainment/cinema/filmlisting/brokebackmou ntain?a=5441&group=nextmonth
Obviously, I haven't seen it, but it doesn't sound terribly controversial from the description given on the web site. The BBFC have given it a '15' certificate.
Posted by Steve Scott (Member # 630) on 01-09-2006, 01:41 PM:
I maintain that Mysterious Skin was the far more controversial gay-cinema film of the year. Brokeback seems to be a Hollywood contribution to a hotbutton topic that wants everyone to either pay to see it or pay it attention through support/protest.
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 01-09-2006, 02:10 PM:
I sure don't think one can compare ANY of Gregg Araki's films (specifically "Mysterious Skin") with any of Ang Lee's films including "Brokeback Mountain". Totally different types of films.
While I really like Araki's stuff, I think Lees' stuff is lame and pales in comparison. The exception for me would be "The Wedding Banquet" which I thought was hilarious!
If I was diabetic, I'm sure I would have had a seizure to all the "corniness" and "sweetness" in "Brokeback..." ![[puke]](graemlins/puke.gif)
I think it's Hollywood's "JOB" to make us all pay and go see their product no matter the marketing method/hype. I mean, with FEW exceptions, it's all about profit!
Just as "Cruising", "The Last Temptation of Christ", and "The Passion Of The Christ" stirred up much controversy, it helped to promote those films. The controversy contributed to the bottom line of those films...same with "Brokeback Mountain".
More power to them!
Posted by Steve Scott (Member # 630) on 01-09-2006, 02:52 PM:
Phil realized & agreed to, the queer left needs their pictures too. Anything that runs with more composure than F 9/11 is fine by me. I guess I was referring more to the hoopla around Brokeback, and how I hate to see Araki's work overlooked.
Posted by Jeremy Jorgenson (Member # 2989) on 01-09-2006, 03:53 PM:
I suppose I'm pulling this further off topic, but ...
I remember reading an interview with Araki, back around the time Splendor came out. He said he'd love to make a massive budget action film, like the next James Bond film (which, I guess this would've been about the time Michael Apted was making his Bond film).
Too bad that never happened, it would've made for an interesting Bond to say the least.
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 01-09-2006, 06:41 PM:
Steve, not so sure it's the "queer left" as it is the "political left" in general. There are also plenty of "Right" fags out there.
There are many homo films that don't yap about the far left politics, (or the far Right) but present queers as themselves without ANY political message.
I think films like F9/11 are a discredit to ALL US citizens whereas films like Araki makes are more to enlighten us all as to NOT just the gay world as such, but more so to the bizarre world that we ALL live in.
I don't agree with Jeremy. I think if Araki had a big budget for a film, he would fail. His forte' is the low budget tell-it-like-it-is type of film. I love it!
Posted by Greg Anderson (Member # 235) on 01-09-2006, 10:54 PM:
I just saw King Kong on Friday at the new Century Theatre which is so close to Larry Miller's Megaplex. The Century is nothing special, I'm afraid (and shouldn't there be more subwoofer punch from a Peter Jackson movie?) but it will probably cut into some of the Megaplex's business simply because there are a lot more houses close to the new Century. And this shift of patronage will have nothing to do with a patron's nor a theatre owner's religion or open/closed-mindedness or willingness to explain why a given movie was-or-wasn't played as scheduled. Life goes on in Utah where, despite misleading headlines, hundreds of folks are watching Brokeback Mountain this evening.
Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 01-10-2006, 02:41 PM:
quote: Paul Linfesty
Oh, please! This theatre owner was clueless about the content of one of the most talked about films of the year's end?
Actually in Utah that would be true. If it were not for this thread, I would have not heard one bit about the film. Mr. Miller, a devout mormon (some say for business purposes), runs an NBA franchise that sells beer at home on sunday games, sells cars at three million locations in Utah and surrounding states, invests heavily into mormon cinema that is aimed ONLY at mormons who are devout enough to get it, and of course his many theaters.
There is no way he actually runs anything other than just to look at the numbers and meet with his executive directors of each business venture.
Utah press on this picture has been non existent, and would have stayed that way had it not been for this event.
I have no doubt that Miller had no idea about the film.
Greg,
I agree, that new century is a joke. I hate the trough mentality of the snack bar, and the seats are uncomfortable. I prefer jordan landing out in west jordan. Great seats, and they have a new GM that started yesterday who I hope will take projection a little more seriously.
Ciao
Posted by John Wilson (Member # 269) on 01-10-2006, 07:13 PM:
So, the Jordan Commons Megaplex axes a romantic film...yet has no trouble playing HOSTEL? One review for HOSTEL...
>>Make no mistake about it, this is a violent, sick, and gory flick. It's not for the squeamish. I haven't seen this type of extreme violence in a North America mainstream cinema. The Takashi Miike, and Asian Cinema influences are clearly seen here.<<
Seriously screwed up.
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 01-10-2006, 07:23 PM:
Gosh John, it's NOT about violence, it's about closet fags!
OBTW: I liked "Hostel"! ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 01-11-2006, 04:51 AM:
Here is a listing of the Megaplex in Sandy Utah of what they are showing, and what I would assume the ownership thinks they are about...
Casanova, a film about a man who likes to be very nice to women for all the right reasons.
Grandmas Boy, a family film about a good boy who loves his grandma.
Hostel, about some backpackers who find a nice room for the night.
Rumor has it, some high school girls spread nice rumors about a nice boy and how he is nice to his mother.
Fun with Dick and Jane, a kids movie about two kids who run up hills and play with a ball.
The Producers, a documentary about car salesmen.
Munich, another documentary about german car salesmen.
Memoirs of a Geisha, a story of a japanese sushi restaraunt that serves sprite instead of saki.
The Family Stone, story of a family who has a pet rock.
Syriana, Araabic version of Pollyanna.
The Ringer, boy scouts who go door to door collecting food donations for the needy.
Ciao
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-11-2006, 09:00 AM:
quote: Dave Williams
I have no doubt that Miller had no idea about the film.
quote: Dave Williams
There is no way he actually runs anything other than just to look at the numbers and meet with his executive directors of each business venture.
No doubt you're right about that, there are much more important things on his agenda that loose more $$ than the theatres do... The Minor League Ball Team for example... they have to give away tickets to get folks to come. Megaplex in general is the loosest run theatre outfit that I've ever encountered. In fact its not actually run... it just sort of happens.
I also wonder about their hiring practices... they seem to ONLY hire Mormons..... At least everyone I know there is Mormon. The staffs seem to be unbalanced in that regard. Perhaps the cleaning crews are Catholic...... ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
I wonder if they knowingly employ any gay people? If they don't the Utah gay community ought to picket them.
quote: Dave Williams
I agree, that new century is a joke. I hate the trough mentality of the snack bar
There is one good benefit to that "tray mentality" concession system and that is that someone that didn't wash their hands after their last crap didn't hand you your coke and popcorn...... That system has been very sucessful for Century in general and their concession per capitas are in general far higher than most other chains. Their managers also get a cut of the profits!
Posted by Floyd Justin Newton (Member # 1316) on 01-11-2006, 11:30 AM:
I also wonder about their hiring practices... they seem to ONLY hire Mormons..... At least everyone I know there is Mormon. The staffs seem to be unbalanced in that regard. Perhaps the cleaning crews are Catholic...... I wonder if they knowingly employ any gay people? If they don't the Utah gay community ought to picket them.
Mark: Are you attempting to start WWIII? The Morons hate
Catholics with a 'purple-passion' along with gays. In 1988,
when we had a Moron Gov. here in Ariz (Evan Mechem) who said,
"Gays don't exist"... well, that statement got him thrown
out of office through Re-call. You just DON'T piss off
some people in my state. It's a bad thing to 'even think about'!
It's my opinion that when a church can control every asspect of
a peoples lives, there's 'something wrong in the woodwork, some-
where'.
Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 01-11-2006, 12:29 PM:
quote: Floyd Justin Newton
The Morons hate
Catholics with a 'purple-passion' along with gays.
That's painting Mormons with a very broad and unfair brush. ![[thumbsdown]](graemlins/thumbsdown.gif)
Kodak's CEO for many years was a Mormon, Kay Whitmore, who encouraged the growth of Kodak's many diversity programs during his tenure, including the GLBT Lambda employee group.
As an interesting sidelight, while on the Kodak corporate plane on a flight from NYC, Mr. Whitmore offered me my choice of refreshments, including some caffeinated ones. He ended up pouring me a Coca-Cola. ![[Cool]](cool.gif)
BTW, as a practicing Catholic, I've never felt any hint of discrimination against me by Kodak in my career here.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/0727LR51HQ7_news.shtml
quote:
(July 27, 2004) — Kay R. Whitmore, former chairman and chief executive officer of Eastman Kodak Co., died Monday of leukemia. He was 72 years old.
Mr. Whitmore, a devout Mormon, had been diagnosed with leukemia about four weeks ago, said David Cook of Pittsford, president of the Rochester-Palmyra stake of the Church of Latter-day Saints of Jesus Christ, and a longtime family friend...
Mr. Whitmore served as president of the Rochester-Palmyra stake of the Church of Latter-day Saints of Jesus Christ, a position similar to bishop in Catholicism, from 1985 to 1988. During his tenure, he helped increase church membership, raise funds and encourage young Mormons to serve as full-time missionaries. After he was dismissed by the Kodak board of directors, he returned to serving his church, taking on the job of mission president for southern England from 1994 through 1997.
Mr. Whitmore then returned to Rochester, where he served as branch president of the young single adults organization for the Mormon Church.
Mr. Whitmore was also a staunch advocate of business involvement in reforming public education. In the 1980s, he helped develop Rochester Brainpower, a coalition of area businesses aimed at aiding city schools. In 1987, he addressed the National Forum for Youth At Risk, in Washington, D.C. He was a chairman of the National Action Council of Minority Engineers, an organization dedicated to helping minority students become engineers.
Mr. Whitmore's affinity for working with youth continued throughout his life. He and his wife, Yvonne, returned to Rochester about two months ago after serving a Mormon mission in San Diego, where they worked with college students, Cook said.
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 01-11-2006, 03:36 PM:
quote: John Pytlak
BTW, as a practicing Catholic, I've never felt any hint of discrimination against me by Kodak in my career here.
But John, you're NOT a *gay* Catholic... ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 01-11-2006, 04:50 PM:
A couple of these posts are starting to get a little too religious for everyone's own good. Please note rule #3 and let's immediately drop the anti-Mormon comments. Thanks
Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 01-11-2006, 05:00 PM:
quote: Phil Hill
But John, you're NOT a *gay* Catholic...
<politically incorrect humour, not intended to cause any offence to anyone who is gay and/or Catholic>
Dialogue from The Pope Must Die:
'Are you a Catholic?'
'Of course I'm a Catholic! Why else would I be wearing a pretty uniform?'
</politically incorrect humour>
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 01-11-2006, 05:54 PM:
Leo...
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-11-2006, 07:16 PM:
quote: Floyd Justin Newton
It's my opinion that when a church can control every asspect of
a peoples lives, there's 'something wrong in the woodwork, some-
where'.
Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say thats the basis of the Mormon church nor would I refer to them as Morons.... hardly there are many very fine Mormon people that I know and love... HOWEVER they are mainly the ones that have become open minded and have completely connected to the rest of general society and even so there seem to be mAny Mormons and Mormon famlies here that live in the deep end!
Regrettably very few Mormon kids are given a choice when they are young in what they choose to do regarding the "Church". Many kids also lead a sheltered life in the "mormon tradition" and they later in life have a hard time fitting into todays society, I know several Mormon people like this.... very sad indeed.... Mormon kids can only play with other Mormon kids... etc so they grow up in a vaccum bottle. What I also see alot of is way too high of expectations in Mormon famlies of their kids and the suicide rates in Mormon teens is also quite a bit higher than in other religions. They are generally made to conform to Mormonism or they can be shamed or worse yet dis-owned and told to get out. Refuse to go on your Mission and you might as well move to the moon! But this stuff also happens in other religions as well so I am not just pointing my finger at them.
I am thankful today that I was given a variety of religion in small doses by my parents and other relatives so I could learn about them and then later in my childhood be allowed to make my own choice regarding it... when I look back all I can think is how smart and progressive my parents were!
quote: Floyd Justin Newton
Mark: Are you attempting to start WWIII? The Morons hate
Catholics with a 'purple-passion' along with gays.
As for the Mormons hating the Catholics I disagree... that may be a local fued going on in AZ but not here. Here the Mormon Church halped to pay for the restoration of Cathedral Of The Madeline . Without the Church's cash input it may have never happened and an incredible building would be gone.
Regarding uneven hiring practices.... Anyone that spends three weeks in this town will see it clearly. Many buisnesses are still all one sided Mormon. This in a town that is now about 50% Mormon. Clearly many Mormon buisnesspeople do not go by their morals or by their book.
Mark
Posted by Greg Anderson (Member # 235) on 01-11-2006, 08:35 PM:
I don't even know where to begin with you people. One theatre drops a movie without further comment about why it happened and Bang! Utah is a horrible place to live and most Mormons are evil. Good work, gentlemen.
You know what I did yesterday? I went to the funeral for a young, Mormon missionary who was shot to death by some punk in Virginia. I spoke to the other missionary who was there and was shot too. I heard from the president of the "Mormon" church himself. The things which have been said here about the Mormons, about who they hate, about who serves as a missionary and why... I don't even know where to begin. But I find you can learn a lot if you talk to people before jumping to conclusions.
I try to cut the people of Utah some slack. They came here originally because they were being slaughtered by mobs in Illinois and Missouri. Sure, there's still a little built-in cultural paranoia but they've come a long way in 150 years.
Posted by Richard Hamilton (Member # 321) on 01-11-2006, 08:51 PM:
quote: Greg Anderson
you people
?
What kind of comment is that?
quote: Greg Anderson
I went to the funeral for a young, Mormon missionary who was shot to death by some punk in Virginia.
Did you know him, was he slain because he was a Mormon?
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-11-2006, 09:17 PM:
Greg,
That was a sad thing indeed but in no way any sadder(except to the Mormon Community) than the hundreds any other killings that took place that day world wide. As for cutting folks here some slack..... I always give EVERYONE the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise... there are no exceptions from me on that issue, everyone in the world is absolutely equal in my book. I can only relate back what I've seen and experienced in the nearly 10 years I've spent here in SLC. If I did have a problem with them I cetainly wouldn't live in this wonderful place. But there is the same dishonesty apparent in many Mormon buismess people that claim to be honest and devout that is apparent at any other large corporation. I guess there are the greedy in all walks of life. In the case of LHM who is supposedly a devout Mormon he has way too many double standards and devout Mormons just don't have double standards. Neither do devout Catholics, Jews, or any other walks of life. Lets face it if he were to go by his good book he wouldn't show any PG or R rated films at all, wouldn't serve beer and wine at his stadiums, nor screw people with the absurd interest rates he charges on some car sales. In the case of the film he broke a simple verbal contract...... Makes me wonder what he'll do next to abuse the system and his supposed Mormon way of life....
Richard,
Here's a Link to an article about it. One of them lived in the town I live in..... very sad indeed.
Mark
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-11-2006, 11:45 PM:
.some theatres over here in this part of the state and region aren't showing "BM" either...- and religion has nothing to do with this one.
"BM" will be out on DVD as soon a you know it which will give those who want to see this the opportunity to see it - privately. Then, it'll be all forgotten as more movies come out.
Let's get back on more productive topics that all of us can benefit from. .
thx-Monte
Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 01-12-2006, 12:15 AM:
Hey Jack, et al:
While I was with Regal at Poulsbo one thing I learned was that the corporate booker for that area is living in her own world and the GM has no control over what is or isn't booked. The first film I did any off-site promotion for there was "Open Water". After doing the promotion in neighboring communities the film was pulled two days before it was to play. We both know the GM and we know he is not the kind of guy that would pull a controversial film. As far as the corporate booker is concerned she doesn't know the demographic of the area or anything else about the community which is proven by the fact that she has booked a number of urban films into that house that have fallen flat on their face. I'm inclined to believe the distributor did not set the film for Poulsbo and Regal corporate promoted it (it's corporate that does the ads) without confirming the booking.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-12-2006, 08:46 AM:
quote: Monte L Fullmer
Let's get back on more productive topics that all of us can benefit from. .
Monte,
Yea, Lets get back to the real topis... that of a billionaire buisness man that renigs on his contract. And by the way... what was the REAL reason they didn't play it in your area?
Mark
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-12-2006, 12:46 PM:
It's only playing at the 21 in Boise, and at the itty bitty art house downtown. Nampa doesn't have it, neither does Ontario.
Maybe too conteversial of a movie in these two areas to show something like that in this corner of the state. Couldn't really tell you.
Posted by Matt Fields (Member # 3211) on 01-12-2006, 01:55 PM:
Probably not playing much of anywhere in rural America or Idaho...not enough prints or interest in the picture.
Truthfully, the movie is doing well for having a gay theme and it is picking up a lot of critics awards, but its not making a big impact on anybody. I guess what I mean is, is it really changing anybodies mind about anything? Homophobes aren't the ones lining up to see the movie.
The per screen average is great, but its only playing in high grossing theatres.
So far it has racked up 22.4 mil over 5 weeks and if wins a bunch of awards it will most likely make over 100 million at the US box office, which isn't a big deal: "The Pacifier" made $112 million last year.
Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 01-12-2006, 04:09 PM:
quote:
I am thankful today that I was given a variety of religion in small doses by my parents and other relatives so I could learn about them and then later in my childhood be allowed to make my own choice regarding it... when I look back all I can think is how smart and progressive my parents were!
My parents raised me a devout Mormon, and when I went into the world, I was a lost child for sure! I spent the better part of six years studying varying religeons, and then settled on deciding for various reasons, to choose what I am today. To avoid the discussion of religeon by Film Tech rules, I will only say that I too have chosen to teach my children all I know, and allow them to make thier own choices in life.
As for the topic at hand, and for cutting people some slack and stuff, I just have this to say....
![[beer]](graemlins/beer.gif)
Ciao
Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 01-12-2006, 04:19 PM:
"The Pacifier" is kind of a strange comparison to use. Pacifier cost $56M to make, widest release was 3,181 screens, did $198M US + Overseas.
"Brokeback" cost $14M to make (25% of the cost of Pacifier), widest release so far is only 683 screens, has done $24.6M, almost all of it domestic.
I predict Brokeback will end up somewhere around $60M US.
Figures are from boxofficemojo.com.
Posted by Eric Hooper (Member # 1730) on 01-12-2006, 05:32 PM:
Actually, the 24.6 million is from 483 screens. The extra 200 screens (total 683 screens) start tomorrow.
Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 01-12-2006, 05:48 PM:
"Brokeback" has been playing in Montana at the Wilma Theatre in Missoula (big old classic house), opened in Bozeman (college town) last week and is opening in Billings at one of the Carmikes tomorrow.
The boneheaded Billings Gazette printed an article about the Billings opening in which they GAVE AWAY THE ENDING OF THE MOVIE. I hope a bunch of people write in and gripe about it.
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 01-12-2006, 06:13 PM:
quote: Dave Williams
My parents raised me a devout Mormon, and when I went into the world, I was a lost child for sure!
Without getting "religious" but posting in general, I know what you're saying since I was raised under the thumb and guilt of the Catholic Church until I wised up.
When I was 12 or so, the thing that really made me realize that I was being "programmed" to all of "Man's" Religious BS is when in confession the priest kept telling me that I was going to hell cuz I enjoyed J/O. So ya know what? I kept J/O'ing and STOPPED confessing and telling him the details he wanted to know! (Pervert!...Him NOT me!)
Then I got "enlightened" and realized that "God" (Him, Her, or whoever) made me for the person I am, not necessarily in "man's" descriptive image... I disowned the "Church", and they disowned me. I still believe in a higher power/God... I mean I DO want to go to heaven ***IF ***there is one! I'm just hedging my bets just in case!
(Hey Brad, IF I have stepped on your posting rules about religion, please do not lock this thread but use the 
to put me in my place!)
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-12-2006, 07:06 PM:
Its also playing in Jackson, Wyoming at the two screen Cinema.... one of my service stops. They call it "Humpback Mountain" up there. I have a feeling that Monte's circuit didn't play it for the same reason that Larry's Mega pulled it. I know Monte's boss all to well.
The radio jargen in SLC today is that Larry Miller has thrown mud on all of Utah's face and in particuluar the Mormons. And that he has made the "State" look bad to the entire nation. I sort of agree that we are now the laughing stock of the nation and for such a rediclous thing. Greg, So much for that 150 years of progress.... thank Larry for yanking that back about 50 years.
Mark
Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 01-12-2006, 07:27 PM:
quote: Eric Hooper
Actually, the 24.6 million is from 483 screens. The extra 200 screens (total 683 screens) start tomorrow.
And Bakersfield, with a greater area of over 400,000 people is still not getting it. A much smaller valley town (Visalia) opened it on the 6th. And apparently it is playing in many smaller markets then this one.
Posted by Matt Fields (Member # 3211) on 01-13-2006, 12:10 AM:
Dave-
Chose the Pacifier simply to show how insignificant 100 million dollars is at todays ticket prices...lots of movies called "blockbusters" that make 100 mil are totally forgotten.
Generally I feel Brokeback is more popular with the press then the people, hence the low boxoffice numbers but lots of news stories.
- Matt
Posted by Eric Hooper (Member # 1730) on 01-13-2006, 12:53 AM:
Well, I just can't believe all of the hateful messages being posted on the Internet. (Just look at the boards for the movie on IMDB.) Makes me sick. I really feel sorry for these people who feel the need to defend their own homophobia. If the movie is not your cup of tea, then don't go see it. There's also no need to talk about how insignificant 100 million dollars is either.
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-13-2006, 08:17 AM:
quote:
I mean I DO want to go to heaven ***IF ***there is one!
I don't know about you Phil but I plan on hanging out for quite a while at Judgement City..... eat all I want too, hang out with the babes, and stay at the Hotel Continetal...... .
Mark
Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 01-13-2006, 09:35 AM:
For a movie like Brokeback, I wouldn't call $60M insignificant. And if it does $100M I'd call it a relative blockbuster. It's already successful by any measure and this is good for the movie business. It's all good.
As far as IMDB message boards, with a controversial film, you know in advance what's going to be posted there, so don't bother looking.
Posted by Lyle Romer (Member # 1266) on 01-13-2006, 10:50 AM:
Why is this such a big deal? If Larry Miller doesn't want to play it, that's his right. If somebody doesn't want to go to his theatre because he didn't play it that's his right too.
Not playing a movie because he doesn't agree with the content doesn't violate anybody's rights. Not hiring a person because they were gay does. There is a big distinction between the two.
Do I want to see a love story involving two men? No. Right there you think I'm a homophobe. Do I want to see a love story involving a man and a woman? No. Why? I don't like love stories.
The issue is a business decision. If Larry Miller thinks he will lose more business by playing the film then he will make from playing it, then it is the right decision not to play it. Do I agree with the people that would be so close minded that they wouldn't go to a theatre that played "Brokeback"? No, I don't agree with them but it is their right to feel that way.
Not being political, but rights go both ways. If you are gay you should be afforded all the rights to live your life the way you want to. If you aren't gay you should have the right to not accept the gay lifestyle so long as you don't do anything which violates a gay person's civil rights. The ability to view a particular film at a particular location is not a civil right.
Posted by Mike Spaeth (Member # 524) on 01-13-2006, 11:01 AM:
quote: Lyle Romer
Not hiring a person because they were gay does.
While you are correct ... it does violate their personal rights, sexual preference is not a federally protected status.
However, anyone that intentionally does not hire someone due to their sexual preference is not running a very good business. Same would go for, say, not hiring blondes. Sure, you could set that policy if you wanted to (it would probably get tested in court), but business-wise, it's a bad policy to be setting. I want the best people working for me, whether they're blue, green, purple, black, white, male, female, shemale, heterosexual, homosexual, S&M enthusiasts, whatever.
BTW, has the "sexual orientation" employment discrimination been tested in court yet? I'm sure one of these days, it'll jump up on the list with race, religion, ethnic background, etc.
Posted by Dennis Benjamin (Member # 1137) on 01-13-2006, 11:39 AM:
I just can't quit these forums...
It is just a friggin movie...........everybody needs to chill out.
Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 01-13-2006, 11:39 AM:
quote: Lyle Romer
Why is this such a big deal? If Larry Miller doesn't want to play it, that's his right.
Not quite. It is his right to not book the film in the first place. However, if he signed a contract to show it and reneges on that contract at the last minute, it could become an issue with Focus Features since their right to have an exhibition agreement has been violated (although I doubt they'll legally do anything about it).
Posted by Mike Spaeth (Member # 524) on 01-13-2006, 12:12 PM:
We've been through this. If the distribs can pull at the last minute, why not the exhibs? What goes around, comes around ... I had a booked movie pulled from me on Wednesday this week.
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-13-2006, 12:39 PM:
quote: Dennis Benjamin
I just can't quit these forums...
Neither can I...this is getting quite entertaining (lol)
Posted by Eric Hooper (Member # 1730) on 01-13-2006, 12:42 PM:
Jake to Heath: "I wish I knew how to quit you"
Response: Watch "A Knight's Tale", that should do it!
Posted by Kenneth Wuepper (Member # 1174) on 01-13-2006, 01:35 PM:
This item made it to the front page of the arts section in our local newspaper this week. What a great ad for the film. You can't buy front page space on any section for advertising so this article, about 1/3 of the page, amounts to an unpaid ad for the film.
We once had a local promoter who wanted to open a porno film house and it was on the front page for weeks. He gave up the idea when the fire marshal wouldn't approve his second floor screening room because of lack of exits. Advertisement you cannot buy.
Posted by Mike Spaeth (Member # 524) on 01-13-2006, 04:21 PM:
From http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635175790,00.html
Yanking film shows Miller's inconsistency
By Chris Hicks
Deseret Morning News
Hey, you know this guy. You know him well enough, anyway, to know that his yanking "Brokeback Mountain" from his Jordan Commons theaters was a knee-jerk reaction.
That's car-dealer/Jazz owner Larry Miller, of course.
A week or so ago, after being told by a radio talk-show host that one of his theaters was scheduled to open "Brokeback Mountain" last Friday, and then being apprised of the R-rated film's story — about a pair of cowboys who enter into a gay relationship — Miller decided to cancel his contract for the film.
Unfortunately, it was too late to cancel Friday's newspaper ads, so when people got wind of it, Miller was both vilified and called a hero.
Perhaps I'm alone in thinking this isn't much of a news story — and judging from the ink it's generated, that seems to be the case — but what's the big deal?
And why have people been dropping the c-word . . . "censorship"?
This is not censorship. This is a movie finding itself in three of the county's venues instead of four.
Last Friday, the movie was still playing in three other local theaters — the Broadway downtown, the Century on 3300 South and State, and another multiplex that's right up the road from Jordan Commons, the Cinemark Theatres at Jordan Landing.
Oh, it was probably a dumb thing for Miller to do, especially the way he did it. At the last minute, after the ad was already in the paper, so that people showed up at Jordan Commons to see the film and were turned away.
Turning away customers — that can't be good for business.
And will someone in the mood to see "Brokeback Mountain" really want to settle for "Hostel" or "The Chronicles of Narnia"?
On the other hand, you can get from Jordan Commons to Jordan Landing before you can say, "The Jazz are winning again."
Anyway, let's not kid ourselves. Miller's quick decision was not a business decision. Does it make good business sense to pull "Brokeback Mountain" when it's already on its way to becoming a box-office blockbuster? Especially when you're still showing "The Work and the Glory: American Zion" to a virtually empty auditorium every night?
But, hey, it's his theater. And if he wants to show "The Work and the Glory" on every screen — or sell Edsels in his auto dealerships — that's his prerogative.
I'm not going to get into stone-throwing, as some people already have, about Miller's restaurants serving liquor or his theaters being open on Sunday. Judge not, I say.
But I do find it curious that he pulled "Brokeback Mountain" — a film that has won many awards and is well on its way to being the Oscar front-runner — while allowing others to continue to run, including such indefensible sleaze as "Hostel" and "Grandma's Boy."
On the other hand, if it's just because "Brokeback Mountain" is a gay-themed film . . . and it is, though no one will say so . . . perhaps Miller should become better informed about some of the other products he's selling.
Both "The Family Stone" and "The Producers," which have been at Jordan Commons for several weeks, have very strong gay themes.
And Miller's TV station KJZZ shows daily reruns of "Will & Grace" — a very raunchy sitcom and a prominent gay program — at 6:30 p.m.! That's not just the "family hour" — it's before the "family hour."
It's hard to imagine that he's this ill-informed about the cars he sells.
Still, I don't really care what he does with his theaters — and if he had done what he did a day earlier, no one would have noticed or cared.
What's most noticeable here is Miller's lack of consistency.
Miller's not talking, of course. He'd like this all to go away.
But it would be interesting to hear what made him decide that "Brokeback Mountain" was worse than all these other shows.
That is, if he's even aware of the other shows.
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 01-13-2006, 04:25 PM:
Mark, I will be staying at the Continental too. Lets paint it!
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 01-13-2006, 06:33 PM:
I agree Brad, it sure needs it. I just can't wait for all those fresh shrimps to jump up ona my plate......
Regarding LHM I had contact with some of the guys in the last few days. Some of them seem a bit embarrased by the whole thing but they know it'll blow over pretty soon. Some of them have had to contend with all the media jerks when Larry himself should have given a news conference and laid it to rest himself once and for all. I agree, Larry is a VERY inconsistant person.
Mark
Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 01-13-2006, 08:58 PM:
I didn't bother reading all the posts prior.. but, in a nutshell, based on what I've seen PERSONALLY over the last many years is that CONTROVERSY sells tickets. Good, bad, indifferent, it puts asses in seats and THAT my friends, is the bottom line, no pun intended.
So what if this guy wants to pull a film? Have none of you never had a film pulled last minute, say, OPENING DAY? I damn sure have. And guess what.. The local level Management is damn near ALWAYS the one who gets the blame. Again, right, wrong, or indifferent,it's the reality of the situation.
Trust me, anyone who wants to see this movie WILL go see it regardless if they have to drive to the next town or wait until it gets a little closer to them. You think Foucs Films doesn't know this? They aren't stupid.. Hype sells tickets.. Like I said earlier.
End of story.
Posted by Greg Mueller (Member # 17) on 01-14-2006, 12:21 PM:
It's playing in Poulsbo now
http://www.zap2it.com/movies/theaters/detail/0,1259,98370-10--AAMGL,00.html
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-14-2006, 02:05 PM:
...and is coming to this area as well - due to the limited available stock that Focus had on store.
They probably wanted to get the larger venues soaked up with this film, then spread these same prints to the smaller venues when prints became available.
..kinda like the old days, when studios used to release to the large markets first, then it too a month or two for these movies would finally arrive to the smaller markets.
-Monte
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 01-14-2006, 05:07 PM:
quote: Jason Black
Trust me, anyone who wants to see this movie WILL go see it...
I totally agree with Jason. Good press or bad press... as I said before, controversary sells!
$$$, is the name of the game not only in the film biz, BUT ALL free enterprise!
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 01-15-2006, 02:33 AM:
Yea, looked what happened in 2004 with Mel Gibson's "Passion" and 1988's "Temptation" - of Christ.
...grabbed the media world like mad and attracted the masses.
-Monte
[ 01-15-2006, 02:29 PM: Message edited by: Monte L Fullmer ]
Posted by Alan Dallas (Member # 2537) on 01-15-2006, 04:11 AM:
I was pretty sure when this was first released it was a Limited release. Can't remember were I read that it would be(probably Boxoffice Magazine). Anyway just about all the staff at our theatre got real tired of potential customers calling us that workk there a bunch of conservative assholes when they discovered we wouldn't have it. Even trying to explain to those types that it was a limited release does no good. It was wasted breath.
I did however run into a customer that actually wanted to appologize for being rude and not understanding when we got booked for it and started to show in the expansion.
Posted by Eric Hooper (Member # 1730) on 04-21-2006, 12:45 PM:
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_3733667?source=rss
Miller at the U.: Second thoughts about 'Brokeback'?
Emotional meeting: The Utah magnate acknowledges the issue is more complex than it seemed
By Jennifer W. Sanchez
The Salt Lake Tribune
Larry Miller may be having a change of heart about yanking "Brokeback Mountain" from his Sandy movie theater complex.
On Thursday, Miller met with about 30 University of Utah students, faculty and administrators - some who opposed him speaking on campus today for a U. community event because he pulled the gay romance film in January.
After the two-hour discussion, where some people shared their personal stories about being gay, Miller said there were some issues he was going "home [to] think about.''
"Now, I understand how something I said inadvertently made them feel demeaned as individuals," Miller said after the meeting closed to the public and news media. "Maybe their well-being trumps my beliefs, my rights to express myself."
Still, some folks said they are going through with the "silent protest" today during Miller's speech in the student union ballroom. Organizers are calling the protest a "celebration of free speech," where they will sit holding banners and listen to Miller. His speech about the "rewards of investing in higher education" kicks off the university's first campuswide open house, Discover U. Days, this weekend.
People said Thursday's meeting was respectful, warm and honest, and they were pleased with Miller's willingness to reach out to the gay community and discuss his decision to pull the movie.
During the meeting, folks talked about coming out to their families about being gay and the heartbreak of not being accepted. Others talked about the fear of being physically harmed while walking in public with their partner, said Kathryn Stockton, the U.'s gender studies program director.
"I felt like he cared about what we had to say," said Charles Milne, coordinator of the university's Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Campus Resource Center. "I wouldn't say we changed his mind, but I think he did come away with ideas he had to process."
By pulling the movie from the Jordan Commons movie complex, Miller said he thought he was demonstrating a "social statement," but he didn't think about the consequences, perpetuating gay stereotypes or "the toes I had stepped on."
"In 2006, it's wrong that they have to live in that fear," he said about the stories he heard during the meeting.
Kt Farley, a U. student and employee, started an online petition in March asking the university to rescind its invitation to Miller and issue a formal apology.
Supporters had said Miller did not represent the ideals of open dialogue and respecting different viewpoints.
About 1,600 people signed the petition that Farley called a success. She said she just wanted to make sure the university takes the gay community into consideration when making decisions. "We're a contributing part of the campus community," she said.
jsanchez@sltrib.com
[ 04-21-2006, 04:09 PM: Message edited by: Adam Martin ]
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 04-22-2006, 01:58 PM:
It's just plain time to let this go...it's now on DVD..and will soon fade away to obscurity......like all of the other movies.
Posted by Eric Hooper (Member # 1730) on 04-22-2006, 02:42 PM:
Hey Monte, why don't YOU let it go? You're the one who seems to feel the need to make another post on this thread in the context that this issue should be swept under the carpet or something. Um, since this happened this week, the issue is still very much alive, Monte. Yet another person in denial or scared of this movie. What an awful and disrespectful post.
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 04-22-2006, 02:45 PM:
Eric:
Thanks for the post, I found it interesting...
Posted by Mike Spaeth (Member # 524) on 04-22-2006, 03:29 PM:
quote: Monte L Fullmer
like all of the other movies.
|
Doesn't sound like he's singling out this movie. I see nothing wrong with posting honest opinions on this board.
Posted by Eric Hooper (Member # 1730) on 02-08-2007, 03:26 PM:
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_5182227?source=rss
Miller says he now thinks 'Brokeback' ban was wrong
By Lya Wodraska
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 02/08/2007 01:05:49 AM MST
Jazz owner Larry H. Miller has changed his views of the gay and lesbian community enough to acknowledge he was wrong to ban the movie "Brokeback Mountain" from his theaters.
Have his feelings evolved enough to accept an openly gay player on his basketball team? He doesn't know.
Wednesday, when word spread that former Jazz player John Amaechi is releasing a book in which he reveals he is gay, Miller said he probably would allow "Brokeback Mountain" to be shown if the movie was released now, calling his ban a bad decision.
"Not because I got beaten up over it, but because it was a knee-jerk reaction," he said. "You have to choose your spots to draw your lines and I didn't choose a very good one."
Miller's ban of the blockbuster movie made national news and made him the center of a national debate. He said he has developed a more open view after meeting with members of the gay and lesbian community at the University of Utah in April.
"It was good for me in a couple of ways," he said. "I learned a lot about them with some open and honest dialogue. It didn't change my way of thinking or theirs, but we all realized after talking with each other we have a better understanding of each other.
"I'm still outspoken on issues, but I know I have to look at people's feelings and lives. I'd like to say I'm more understanding now. To say I'm tolerant would be less accurate, but I am more understanding."
Miller's softened views were welcomed by some in the gay community.
"Unless you didn't have a heart, I don't know how you can go through that experience and not have a change of heart," said Valerie Larabee, executive director of the Utah Pride Center. "We all know Larry Miller has a huge heart. Just look at what he has done for this state and his philanthropy. He is showing some growth."
Kim Hall, acting director of the University of Utah's Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Center, said she hopes Miller's new open-mindedness will make him a "bellwether for LDS culture."
Miller, Hall said, "was willing to participate in the educational conversation, and you have to respect him for that."
The meeting changed minds on the other side of the issue, too. Bonnie Owens, co-president of the University of Utah Lesbian and Gay Student Union, was one of several gay students who met with Miller in April to discuss his views. She says everyone expected a tense conversation, but Miller defused it by listening attentively to students' stories about feeling ostracized because of their sexuality.
"He was so much more receptive than we thought he'd be," Owens said. "He really did want to find out why people were upset about that."
Owens hopes other prominent Utah leaders will follow Miller's example: "If he can come out and say, 'I was wrong to discriminate against a group of people,' then who knows who's next? Maybe Orrin Hatch?"
Miller admitted he was unsure how he'd handle the situation if a current Jazz player came out as gay.
"I have to think from the standpoint that everyone has the same rights as anybody else has, I believe that," he said. "Here, in this market, we do have a responsibility to uphold certain standards, although I know these guys aren't angels. I'd have to consider it and think about it some more. I don't know if I can answer that right now."
---
* Tribune reporter CHRISTY KARRAS contributed to this story
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