Sexy Beast
More Sexy BeastSell! Buy! Rebel! Wal-Mart Stocks My Movie
Michael Moore is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker and author. He directed and produced Roger & Me, Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11, and Sicko. He has also written seven books, most recently, Mike’s Election Guide 2008.
AP Photo
Seven years after Wal-Mart banned Bowling for Columbine, it’s now selling Michael Moore’s latest film, Capitalism: A Love Story. The director explains how the company co-opted liberals.
Friends,
DVD-Day for Capitalism: A Love Story has finally arrived for all you good folks who just couldn't figure out how to fit in a trip to the movie theater between your three part-time jobs—or simply weren't able to afford the $10 for the small popcorn at your local ripoff cine-mall when my film was released last fall.
What's with you people?! I make these movies for you to see on a big screen, in the dark, with 200 strangers who want to hoot and holler along with you.
Those of you who did see it—thank you!! You helped to make it the eighth-largest grossing documentary of all time (and, as of Sunday morning, Capitalism had sold more tickets than Best Picture winner The Hurt Locker).
But for those of you who didn't get to the theater, what's your excuse?
Click Below to Watch the Capitalism: A Love Story Trailer
Didn't want to sit through 20 minutes of TV ads up on the screen before the movie started? Don't like sitting next to people who have six important cell calls to make during the film? Feet get stuck to the floor after two hours of people spilling their 164 oz. sodas, thus preventing you from getting up when the film's over? Jeez, what babies!
Well, starting today, you can now OWN your very own DVD (or Blu-ray) copy of my latest action/romance/horror film, Capitalism: A Love Story—and watch it in the comfort of your soon-to-be-foreclosed home! Get it cheap at Amazon, rent or stream it fast at Netflix , or go down to the local Wal-Mart that put your locally owned mom & pop video store outta business and pick it up for pennies on the dollar. See! Something for everyone!
The fact that Wal-Mart is carrying this movie—a movie that specifically exposes Wal-Mart's past practice of taking out secret "dead peasant" life-insurance policies on its employees and naming itself as the lone beneficiary should the employee meet an "untimely" early death—well, my friends, need you any further proof that corporate America is so secure in its position as the ruler of our country, so sure of its infallible power that, yes, they can even sell a movie that attacks them because it poses absolutely no threat to them?
A sane person would think that Wal-Mart would never carry Capitalism: A Love Story because it's simply not in their best interests to inform their customers of their shady past. After all, many Wal-Mart stores wouldn't carry Bowling for Columbine back in 2003. That was *Kmart* I went after (for selling the ammo to the Columbine killers)! But I guess that was too Mart-y close for Wal-Mart—so no DVDs were allowed of that film on the shelves of some of the world's biggest retail chain's stores (the movie studio estimated that cost them $2.5 million in sales).
But seven years later, it's a new day in America. The corporate coup is complete. Corporations like Wal-Mart now call all the shots, write all the laws, pay off almost all the congressmen and essentially (along with the other Fortune 500 companies and Wall Street) rule the nation. They've helped to eliminate consumer choice and the free market while convincing you they are all for "free enterprise" and the "U.S.A."
More importantly, they've snuffed out any criticism or opposition. They've even co-opted liberals, like the people who made the wonderful documentary, Food, Inc. The last half-hour of this movie includes—I kid you not—an homage to Wal-Mart as the filmmakers swoon over this kinder, gentler company that has decided to—bless them! —put an organic food counter in their stores! Thank you, Wal-Mart! Kumbaya! (And hey, granolaheads, don't forget to flash a smile on the way out of the store at the "greeter" who can't afford to see a doctor.)
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Michael Moore is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker and author. He directed and produced Roger & Me, Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11, and Sicko. He has also written seven books, most recently, Mike’s Election Guide 2008.
candyman101
I'm no Moore fan but he has a few valid points here. The CEOs at the health insurance co's are sitting there licking their chops waiting for the bill. The banks buy and sell congress and the regulators.
That said, I fail to see how he doesn't benefit $$$ wise from sales at wal-mart. and the 1% of the rich he rails against, well he is a member of the club.
liberatorquest
He definitely is a member of the club, he's a sellout plain and simple, and he's right, his club members couldn't care less about the crap he's peddling, as long as it sells, he's just another capitalist tool!!! You can't have the cake and eat it too Michael!!!!!
pacifistgunslinger
My understanding is that he plows whatever money he makes into his next project. Very unlike bankers, CEOs etc.
candyman101
Or plows it into his house in Michigan (which i heard was nice, I couldn't find a link to a photo), his Manhattan apartment that he alludes to in "Stupid White Men", private school for his step daughter, etc. Don't get me wrong, he has some interesting views and makes a good point now and then, but i don't really think of him as the common man.
FarLeftFist
No Liberal in there right mind would shop at Wal-Mart.
lordmi
did You expect he will donate to You, poor creature?
You do not worth a penny from person like him.
Alexwalker
Either way its his money and he can do what he wants with it. Everyone here would have a fancy house and nice possessions if they were making millions too, no one could say they wouldn't, and to expect Moore not to have nice things just because he rallies on behalf of the everyman, is ridiculous. If you can honestly tell me you would give up millions to seem more average, than its no wonder that 95% of people are average, because that 95% is full of jack asses.
estcruzer
It's hard to understand what you people are railing against. All of his documentaries have unearthed very bad people, companies and practices here in our America. Note the word "bad". What are you people railing about? Do you think a homeless person, with not a dime to his name can make the expose's and get the exposure he has? How stupid can you be? Try attacking the facts before you try attacking the man. Do you really believe that it's ethical for a company to take out life insurance on people they refuse to provide adequate health insurance for? Do you really believe that the folks that caused the financial meltdown should be rewarded with multimillion dollar bonuses at the expense of the stock holders for their companies? Finally, your financial situation may not allow you the freedom to document and publicize these immoral activities but why challenge someone who is taking their financial situation and using it to expose the damage these companies and people have done to us? What is your real beef - that they are publishing the truth about these corporations - do you have a vested interest in keeping this information from being widely distributed?
CoddledEgg
It was produced by Weinstein so its meager DVD sales will probably be caught up in their bankruptcy.
Aaronthethird
Actors, directors, etc don't typically make any money off the sale of the DVD. Their contract outlines what they get paid, usually a lump sum for the film and if they have some serious star power, they can get a percentage of box office. It is very rare that actors or directors make anything off DVD distribution, and it would typically only be to get a super star actor signed for something like a big blockbuster.
johnstafford
Thank you for that clarification--it's a sign of how cynical we've become that Moore's comment has to be "verified."
estcruzer
Actually, I dissagree, there is direct change in the pocket, which they don't get. And there is exposure which they do get if people go out and purchase their work and view it. I wouldn't put it past Moore to publicize his work for this this latter reason - on the other hand - I'm sure he is overjoyed to have his work available to those others of us who don't have the time to see all of the movies we would like to see in movie theaters and have to rely on DVDs and Netflix to see at our convenience and under cheaper circumstances those movies we would like to see (thanks Wal-Mart).
johnstafford
=Of course, Moore is a "member of the club"--he doesn't deny it.
The difference is he uses his wealth and influence to try to make the system more fair--unlike the corporate scumbags who use
their wealth and power to further increase their control of an increasingly undemocratic society.
CoddledEgg
"I did ask someone at the studio why Wal-Mart was so willing to carry this movie."
They arn't "*so* willing"- they dont care. The movie was a dud. It was #127 in box office of movies released in 2009. Load up the clearance bin- what do they care.
"They think that because they, the richest 1 percent, now own more financial wealth than 95 percent of all Americans COMBINED, that they can get away with anything."
Clearly this is him. So he thinks he can get away with anything?
"And I want you to see this movie. Not next week (by then, the health-insurance companies will have won). "
Sleazy fear mongering. And you sound like Ron Popiel selling A sandwich maker.
"Well, that's the pitch. I get nothing $-wise from the sale of these DVDs. I just want you to see this movie "
Disingenuous. Obviously it helps him get financing and drive terms of his next movie contract if he can show that he can get a certain $ amount of dvd sales on an even unpopular movie.
If someone has a reputable product they dont care when you buy. Its the scammers that want a rush sale.
HollyK64
Moore has the ego of a performer and the greed of any Wall Street bad guy. He demonizes corporations and doesn't say a word about how the government under Obama is plotting to turn the US into a government plantation where we are all slaves forced to sacrifice any fruits of our labor to what big daddy deems is the greater good. If Moore really wants to be a truth teller that's the truth he should be documenting.
lordmi
That what he does.
He earns the way he could. (and would never count - how much is in Your pocket).
He earns honstly.
He also gives something to our mind.
For those, who has nothing there - they may continue to count windows in his house(s) and follow idiot-palin of vanishing everything in gidt shop.
I do not care.
RawhideRex
Holly, you obvioulsy havent seen much of his work. I dont agree with everything Moore does.. but he does call out the right AND left. He has no problem with that. And for that I give him credit.
Basically what your post translates to is... "Only call out Obama and the Dems or I'm not listening!!!"
estcruzer
Holly, the guy is not dumb, maybe he hasn't attacked Obama because Obama isn't attacking Americans, like the Republicans and Corporations have been over the last 5 decades.
Picachu
If you don't think corporations do most of the demonizing by their actions then you are truly drinking way too much of your Fox News kool aid. You righties talk about Obama turning us into a socialist state in spite of the fact that there is no supporting evidence other than you vehement hatred for somebody who wasn't one of "yours" winning the white house (oops! guess we can't call it that anymore)! You talk about healthcare reform like it is socialized medicine when there is not one hint of the single payer option or a government run program in the reform bill. Apparently you think that its a great thing that our insurance companies are making enormous profits while they bar people from coverage for pre-existing conditions or drop people once they actually get sick and need their coverage. You just want to stomp your feet and chant we have the greatest healthcare in the world in spite of the fact that we are pretty far down the list of industrialized nations and have some of the worst outcomes for the nation that spends the largest amount of money for healthcare. Why don't you rinse out your brainwashed little mind and open your self up to the possibility that the narrative that you hear from Beck and Limbaugh and Fox might be bull shit. You people are just little babies who like having a boogie man to blame all your fears on. Why don't your try being a responsible adult and develop a functioning intellect?
lordmi
It does not make his words less true than they are.
liberatorquest
Wal-Mart does suck by the way!!!!! Went in once, and that was hopefully the last time also!!!!
John Murphy
Did you know that Walmart has had to accept unions in Canada. The idea that Walmart is not unionized is only true in the US.
sonofloud
Yes Michael and your candidate Obama sealed the deal on the corporate takeover of America.
lordmi
And Your President is doing his best to move Your country from the hole, corporations dropped it to.
I guess that is enough to respect him.
And I am not sure You have anything to be respected.
sonofloud
"Doing his best" LOL well if that means ceding complete financial control of the government to the banks and health care "reform" to the insurance/pharmaceutical companies and endless corporate welfare for the auto companies than he's doing a bang up job !!
RawhideRex
The corporate take over happened long before Obama was even on the radar.
Only an ignorant fool thinks it was only the Dems that allowed it to happen.
sonofloud
And Obama's use of Wall St. to pay for his campaign was the coup d' grace considering Congress and the Supreme Court are already bought and paid for wouldn't you agree?
Only an ignorant fool thinks that republicans are the only corrupt party.
Katiet
The people of Food, Inc. were not glorifying Wal-Mart in anyway. They were using it as an example of what people can achieve if they demand something more ethical from their suppliers. I don't think anyone watched Food, Inc. and absolved Wal-Mart of their numerous sins. Moore could have used this as an example of how companies like Wal-Mart can be forced to change, but instead he has to patronize us all.
estcruzer
POssibly that lesson is in the extra 80 minutes you haven't seen.
Hollywoodaholic
I'm conflicted - should I buy the Blu-ray at Wal-Mart to rub it in their faces, or as some kind of ironic gesture, or should I buy it anywhere BUT Wal-Mart so as not to contribute another dime to their corporate Godzilla growth? Help me out here.
nosocialize
You should rent it at netflix. That way less money goes to the movie studio, walmart loses too and the dvd sales are lower. Better yet get it at the library. That way "capitalism: a love story" would be watched in a "socialist" way.
lordmi
whatever, but....in your scenarion the first thing WalMart will do - will cut wages.
estcruzer
and health insurance coverage - possibly more profitable for them.
johnstafford
Michael Moore is as brilliant, and acerbic, a writer as a filmmaker. I'm laughing with tears in my eyes!
liberatorquest
It would have been funny, if he wasn't trying so hard to tell us to go buy his DVD and making us feel bad for not having seen his movie, when we had the chance. It's a salesman selling a product, so it loses its humor!!!!
RawhideRex
LMAO
estcruzer
Who's DVD should he promote? Is anyone else having the same exposure impact? Please - I'm really interested, list the documentaries with such incredibly broad distribution that nail some of the major offenders of today - please list them. and Thanks.
politico83
I do still dislike Walmart and nearly never shop there (once in a while its 3 in the AM and they're the ONLY ones open around where I live). On the other hand they are hugely better then they were 10 years ago.
They've added organic food, they push their vendors on enviornmental reforms, they are pro health care reform (saying, in effect, if we aren't put at a price disadvantage by paying for health care when Target et al does not we're fine with paying for it). I've found it a lot harder lately to hate Walmart.
I mean I'd pick them over Whole Foods now too. Whole foods is anti union, has a raging glen beck type CEO and prices their same organic produce at double what Walmart does. Sure Walmart has issues, but better the devil with the good price then the devil who gouges you.
superdad
Thanks for the sales pitch! I have never been to whole foods will defiantly shop there now.
octavio
Michael Moore should be elected our United States President!.
He is in favor of the average John Doe.He can accomplish a great deal in very little time.To be successful like Michael Moore is not an easy task!.Michael Moore would had passed and implemented a succesful single payer health care bill in a few months.Something that is taking the USA 40 years to do.
Michael Moore is the Michael Jackson of documentaries.He is
100% correct when he says that the USA is a plutocratic country --- a country run and owned by the filthy rich large USA corporations --- We need to tell Michael Moore to run for Office!.
lordmi
We have pretty reliable President.
That does not mean Moor is less than he is.
HollyK64
octavio
You are foolishly under the impression that because someone calls some film footage a documentary that means it's true. Moore sells fiction as non-fiction. He's a fraud. At least when you buy something at Walmart, you're getting something for your money. With Moore you're just buying deception.
snicklefritz
I hope you are being sarcastic or injecting some good drugs. Otherwise, you are a populist sheep
thebaker
Oh yes, evil evil Walmart. How dare they be more successful than Michael Moore! Honestly, can't you liberals be more creative than that?
lordmi
more than Your Last Recession?
Satyricon
Oh, well, when you make such a cogent counterargument, I can now see...oh, wait...
nancyj
Hey Mike, you're wrong about one thing. The only politicians owned by the evil corporations are the ones not yet in the pocket of SEIU, like, um, the president.
HollyK64
nancyj
That was a real zinger. Right on the money. I like it.
lordmi
I guess You better fit that place
superdad
Walmart sure has his size in stock, XXXXXXL.
lordmi
the stock, which some of us keep buying.
That's the circle
snomee
One solution to all this is a progressive corporate tax that would increase the % of tax on big business, while giving tax cuts to small and medium sized businesses. It would enable smaller companies to compete with big corporations, and limit their size and power, and it would also solve our budget deficit problem, as it would give the government a sizable revenue boost. On top of all this it would stimulate the economy and really get us out of this lingering economic weakness. If only there was some political will to take on the giant corporations for the good of the people, the country and the economy.
See my article: http://www.scribd.com/doc/27736795/Budget-Deficit-Solution for more on this topic.
Aemsere
just wanted to note that I enjoyed the movie, and that I thought it made many good points.
I don't think it's as delicious as sicko, but considering the subject matter, it's probably a bigger accomplishment.
Thank you.
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