May 4, 2004

LIE DOWN WITH DOGS:

Disney Forbidding Distribution of Film That Criticizes Bush (JIM RUTENBERG, May 5, 2004, NY Times)

The Walt Disney Company is blocking its Miramax division from distributing a new documentary by Michael Moore that harshly criticizes President Bush, executives at both Disney and Miramax said Tuesday.

The executives said that Disney had forbidden Miramax to distribute the film, "Fahrenheit 911," which links Mr. Bush and prominent Saudis — including the family of Osama bin Laden — and criticizes Mr. Bush's actions before and after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Disney, which bought Miramax more than a decade ago, has a contractual agreement with the Miramax principals, Bob and Harvey Weinstein, allowing it to prevent the company from distributing films under certain circumstances, like an excessive budget or an NC-17 rating.

Executives at Miramax, who became principal investors in Mr. Moore's project last spring, do not believe that this is one of those cases, people involved in the production of the film said. If a compromise is not reached, these people said, the matter could go before an arbitration panel, though neither side is said to want to travel that route.


What did Disney expect when it got involved with the cretins at Miramax?

Posted by Orrin Judd at May 4, 2004 10:56 PM
Comments

Having had the privlege of watching Mr. Moore squirm under oath in federal court eight years ago, I would actually prefer Disney -- or someone Harvey can sucker distribution money out of -- release this film before the election.

Given all the advance notices about how Tedd Rallish the premise of Moore's movie is and his weasly wilting under any cross-examination, it would be great for him to be out on the public relations circuit trying to promote this flick while the main part of the campagin is underway (and as much as some in the media might sympathize with Michael, his "Bush knew" insinuations would mandate tougher scrutiny than what his previous documentaries received. Amd he can't handle that).

Posted by: John at May 5, 2004 12:55 AM

This movie is sure to get a huge amount of press and absolutely glowing reviews. And have a total gross less than The Passion did on its opening day. And every interview Moore gives will be worth votes for Bush.

Posted by: brian at May 5, 2004 1:15 AM

I think Eisner is hearing footsteps behind him.

Posted by: jd watson at May 5, 2004 4:42 AM

read the new book, "down and dirty pictures" which illustrates Miramax's rise with a full description of the weinstein bros. Cretins yes.

Posted by: neil at May 5, 2004 8:45 AM

I know people who worked on this thing. They will be apoplectic. "We live in a police state! Argrghhhargggrrrggg!"

Miramax has done some really good work in the past. But the Weinstein brothers got powerful and lost their minds. Since then all the work has steadily gone downhill.

I agree that this movie would mean a huge vote windfall for Bush. Too bad they aren't letting it see the light of day.

Posted by: NKR at May 5, 2004 8:45 AM

I love that they don't mention the reason Disney banned it. Which is likely because it opens them up for a whole slew of giant-sized lawsuits.

Posted by: Timothy at May 5, 2004 11:56 AM
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