Sony's Big Steal
How did Sony manage to steal “District 9?” Other companies should kick themselves for missing this one.
The obscure import from South Africa registered a $37 million weekend, but here’s the dirty little secret: “District 9” is an absolutely brilliant movie that could easily sneak away with some Oscars.
Some critics missed the boat on this one (including Variety), but at a packed Academy screening over the weekend at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater, the film received the most applause of any movie in a couple of years. That’s usually a signal.
On one level, “District 9” is a sort of ET from Hell. It’s tough and relentless, but carries a subtle subtext about apartheid and man’s inhumanity that lifts it far above the level of sci fi potboilers.
The success of the film serves as another reminder that the acquisitions business is far from dead – perhaps some of the acquisitions folks are simply too timorous. Hats off to Peter Jackson for fostering this movie and to Sony’s Peter Schlessel for zeroing in on it so fiercely. The director is an unknown named Neill Blomkamp and the producers are Ken Kamins and Bill Block – a one-time agent who keeps popping up with intriguing films.
A year ago “Slumdog Millionaire” went begging for attention until Peter Rice locked it up at Fox Searchlight. This year “Hurt Locker” had trouble finding a buyer and now along comes “District 9” – another superbly made film that any studio should have been proud to release
So the big question: Are there more potential winners out there that the majors are too timorous to touch?
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Yes there is... The Stoning of Soraya M. The studio who picks this up will be very lucky.
Posted by: Michael Kontaxis | 08/17/2009 at 08:44 PM
I was stunned that 'Son of Rambow' was never really distributed. Thankfully a friend recommended it on DVD. Entertaining films with heart and intelligence do exist. And the biggest fans of this film are actually my sons - a pretty dog-gone good demographic.
Posted by: Ivan Calhoun | 08/18/2009 at 09:05 AM
Ecstatic this film is doing so well. Phenomenal film that easily transcends it's classification of "sci-fi". Studios take note! Great, entertaining and poignant films can come from unknowns so long as the story, writing, talent etc. are all there. Peter Jackson's a genius.
Thank you Mr. Jackson!! And Blomkamp. You guys really did an inspired job with this content.
Posted by: mckay stewart | 08/18/2009 at 12:12 PM
Someone should do the same thing to the movie INK! Incredible Sci-fi movie with a heart. No names from Colorado that's getting stunning reviews and ecstatic audience responses around the country. It has over 100,000 hits on the trailer on-line. I've seen this movie three times. I can't imagine how much money it would make if it opened wide.
jaminwinans.com/ink.html
Posted by: Cole Nelson | 08/18/2009 at 01:49 PM
I saw District 9 on Saturday at the Arclight, Thank God for reserved seating and Arclight! This movie is masterful loved the underlining, the obscure meaning, with a thoughtful ending. This is such a now movie, and I agree what a steal for Sony, they just keep picking up great movies and making money. Here, here for them and these obscure movies.
This brings me to my favorite movie of the year so far, it is also obscure, actually too obscure. About a month ago I saw a little Indie from Colorado of all places. The movie is called INK, if you have not seen it SEE IT NOW! I saw it at the Egyptian Theater in June or July and absolutely loved this movie. This movie is a gem same kinda of underling tones and social balance, a real NOW kinda movie. So perfect, such a reflection of todays society. I was lucky enough to find it and I hope you do too. Jamin Winans is the Writer/Director, and the only reason I know this is that I met HIM after the movie for a Q&A that the cast and crew gave. What a great opportunity to meet an up and coming Director and cast! Any way I found out that INK is playing at the Laemmle Sunset 5 theater in Hollywood on the 20th and 27th, I am going to go see it again maybe a third time. INK is the BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR, I promise you will not be disappointed, I just wish Sony would pic it up or somebody, so everyone gets to feel the way I do about this Masterpiece!!!!!
Posted by: John Taylor | 08/18/2009 at 02:14 PM
This is funny because I just read this article and I scrolled down to comment about a movie called Ink and someone already beat me to it. This movie is HANDS DOWN the best movie that I have seen this year. This movie has already gathered rave reviews, sold out shows all across the nation and a strong following. It is multi-layered, very original and has a very powerful message. I am still surprised that this movie has not been picked up by someone. This movie is AMAZING. You have to see this trailer. How can you not be excited?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C5I1SavGyA&fmt=22
Posted by: Sarah Mahler | 08/18/2009 at 02:42 PM
@D9movie was off the chain @ Comic Con & at theatre!!!!! Well-written story, character development & more than enough exploding heads/body parts. Central character reminded me of Michael Scott's persona and physical presence in the tv series, "The Office" - weird. Many sociopolitical & morality issues. Prawns exhibited more "humanity" than humans. Do I smell Oscar bait? Remember, there' s 10 slots for Best Picture noms :) Thanks Mischa, George, Geoff & Ryan for coming out to see this can't-miss flick. The R-rating for bloody violence is serious folks. I didn't see any kids in the audience like I did for Watchmen = :) . . . Going w/hubby (next time) when he goes to see this flick. I so much wanted to give him spoilers :)
Posted by: BustAGroove | 08/18/2009 at 02:43 PM