Ocelopotamus

So there’s lots of news buzz this week about how Michael Moore’s health care industry documentary Sicko has already been pirated to YouTube and other places, two weeks before the film’s original June 29 release date. And as a result the movie will be opening early, with sneak previews in 27 selected markets.

I think this statement about the situation from a Lionsgate spokesperson is fairly perceptive:

“The spokesperson issued a statement also given to other media outlets, saying that ‘while virtually every movie released these days faces a similar situation, ‘Sicko’ is more than just a movie, it is a call to action. We are responding aggressively to protect our film, but from our research it is clear that people interested in the movement are excited to go to the theater so they can be part of the experience and fight to reform health care.’

Personally, I’m not planning to watch it early on YouTube myself, but I can say that even if a gang of movie pirates did tie me up (in high heels) and force me to be watchin’ it ahead of time, yarrr, I’d still go to the theater and pay my admission just so I could support the film.

I think buying a ticket for this movie is a statement a lot of people are going to want to make, regardless.