Michael Moore Releases Next Film Online for Free, Sort Of . . .
Michael Moore has had a sordid relationship with America's political representatives over the years. But, despite what one might think of him personally, the work he has done to "get out the vote" is impressive. Before the 2004 election, Moore traveled to 62 cities to inspire young people to vote. Now, Moore is making this experience available to anyone who is interested, as his new political documentary, Slacker Uprising, will be available online. On September 23, the film will not only be available to view on the Internet, but it can also be downloaded for free (for three weeks) on SlackerUprising.com. Though he says he considered releasing this movie in theaters, with a public that is now so savvy with the computer and the Internet, this method of distribution seems more effective. Moore's decision follows the trend that is also being followed in the music industry where artists like Radiohead and Neil Young released their music online. The plans for Slacker Uprising will all be announced on Friday, September 5, by Moore.
Moore says he doesn't hope for Slacker Uprising to be thought of as a film intended to affect the election. Instead, he hopes it will be like his first film, Roger & Me, in 1989, and just thought of as a film meant to thank his loyal fans. "I thought it'd be a nice way to celebrate my 20th year of doing this," Moore said. But, don't think that Moore's mind is ever totally off the political situation, "And also help get out the vote for November. I've been thinking about what I want to do to help with the election this year." Slacker Uprising cost a total of about $2 million to make. Moore spent about $1 million of his own money, and then another $1 million was spent by the distributors, Brave New Films. They don't expect to profit from the film.
As for the critics, they see Slacker Uprising as "Michael Moore's big election movie" of the election year. Just as Fahrenheit 9/11 was very critical of Bush, people are wondering what Moore will be saying about, or more accurately against, McCain.
Source: the Associated Press