Clive Barker's
Midnight Meat Train opens in theaters today. Good luck trying to catch a ride. In the wake of months of questionable decision-making concerning the Ryuhei Kitamura-directed film, Lionsgate opted to release the film on 100 screens (as previously reported) in bargain theaters only. Websites are rallying together, initiating a move to seek out theaters selling tickets online, then buy as many as you're willing to pay for, even if you can't make the screening. But I'm confused. Who is this supporting, exactly?
Since the drama began, Lionsgate's fumbling of the film appeared to be a callous consequence to new and old regime in-fighting. Reports, including a few here on Shock, pointed to Joe Drake - a Ming the Merciless of horror, if you will - as the offender, accused of dropping all pictures once shepherded by Peter Block (save for anything
Saw-related, natch). The studio's mindset extends much deeper than personal grudges and veers into - gasp - business-related territory as it turns out. One insider called in today to tell me Lionsgate was "sweetening a deal" it has set up with the theaters selected to run the film. They'll be granted greater incentives later down the road when sure-fire hits like Saw V are released. Also, keep in mind these are theaters that have no qualms about harboring a film
sans a major advertising push. Lionsgate has injected next to zilch in a marketing campaign. They drop the film into bargain theaters so they don't have to spend a dime on ads.
Taking that one step further... As distributor, Lionsgate was contractually obligated to give the film a theatrical release. But as one source says, even though they've made back any money spent on the production thanks to foreign sales, Lionsgate is still in danger of paying out fees if its domestic box office reaches a certain mark. So, again, the solution to avoid this is to put the film in obscure bargain theaters and ensure they don't reach that number.
This brings me back to today's rallying cry for help. To me, it's like hitting a deer, finding it by the side of the road fatally injured, propping it back on its feet and, like a marionette, helping it to move again thinking all is okay. The damage is done here. Lionsgate obviously dropped the ball, the fans got screwed and the individuals behind-the-scenes (I'm talking about those who creatively worked on the picture) are left with a sour taste in their mouths. I know Kitamura if frustrated as f**k and is ready to move on. Others are over it and are hoping MMT will find its recognition on DVD.
But to stir up everyone to buy tickets online (which is a difficult feat in and of itself) shows what, exactly? That the fans are out there? Well, sure - they've been supporting it since they smelled trouble months ago. That the fans want horror? That's nice, dear. Lionsgate doesn't care. They know you're going to be back in their lovin' arms when Saw V comes a-hoppin' along. Your ticket sales are going right back to them anyway - so it's a double-edged sword. On one side you want to support the film, on the other you're supporting the very studio that screwed you. Ouch.
And don't get me wrong. I'm behind the flick. My review falls in line with the many positive opinions of support. It has just got me thinking about all of this craziness. Just before I sat down to spew some thoughts (and mind you, this is just my opinion - you're free to disagree with me, of course), I got a call from a filmmaker who begged the question, "Where is this kind of support for all of the other great films facing distribution troubles? Is it only because it's Clive?" I don't believe it's simply because of Barker's attachment. It goes beyond that - the movie is good. Audiences do deserve to have it as an option when they walk into a theater this weekend. But it did get me thinking of the other flicks waiting in the wings - like,
All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, delayed for well over a year now - or those that have forgone a theatrical run and were dumped to DVD, such as
Inside.
How does one pick and choose the films you fleetingly mention from time to time and the ones you fight for tooth and nail? Furthermore, to the point where you're telling people to go out and buy tickets? That's a lot of responsibility and putting your own neck on the line. Because if those fans don't like the film, you're f**ked. My stance is this: MMT has fallen victim to Hollywood's Darwinian law of survival. It was devoured by the hyenas of the boardroom. And as an observer, all I can do at this point is understand the "whys" and the "hows" of this unfortunate thing that has happened to a good film.
If you want to buy a ticket - even if it's playing nowhere near you - by all means, do so if it makes you feel like you're supporting a cause. All I ask is question how that dollar or two is being used.
Comments
Posted by: djblack1313 on August 1, 2008 at 21:25:48
i just got back from seeing MMT and it's very f^ucking awesome! as grateful as i am being able to see it, love it and plan on buying it on DVD, i'm pissed that EVERYONE can't see this movie in the theater. i kid you not guys, it's a bad ass movie!
it's gory (VERY!) in a # of intense kills and VERY creatively shot! some of the shots the way they are filmed, i've never seen done before.
SPOILER-ISH:
there's a scene in the movie where a victim's head has been knocked completely off and the immediate POV is the victim looking at his/hers own body from which it's been severed from!! but you don't realize it at first. the POV then switches to the us (the viewer) looking at the head still kinda blinking/twitching.
the movie is so incredible shot/filmed i'm blown away. both my friend i went with and i totally love this movie. THIS MOVIE NEEDED A WIDE F^UCKING RELEASE!!!
(IMO) this movie is SO MUCH BETTER than most of the movies released this year.
i'm not trying to bash "The Strangers", but it's Joe Drake's produced film and i can see why he bumped MMT from it's initial release date and had "The Strangers" take it's place. MMT blows "The Strangers" in EVERY POSSIBLE WAY! i kid you not!
Posted by: MarkMyWords85 on August 1, 2008 at 23:34:23
I agree with some points you make there Ryan. I'm not planning on buying tickets, because as you said, we're just paying Lionsgate, but I do feel more insulted by their move than I normally would (and I understand it's SHOW BUSINESS, not SHOW FRIENDS). Why? Well, I don't know of a single response made to any of the "fan letters" many put out earlier this summer asking for wider release; not even a prewritten response like "local listings will be available on (date), thank you for supporting Lionsgate." It struck me as weird. Second, the "official site" is another joke, not offering a single theater listing or even an accurate release date. But I guess the main reason so many have felt betrayed is because Clive is a personable guy who has embraced his fanbase. Sure, I want to see Mandy Lane, Trick R Treat, and others, but 1) they never had release dates to begin with except "TBA 2007/8/9" and 2) I haven't been invested in and inspired by their creators' work since I was 12.
This is already pretty long... anyway, it sucks, we'll all support the DVD release, but I think we're all just a little disappointed that we can't scream along to MMT in a packed house.
Posted by: McHateN' on August 2, 2008 at 03:26:50
I can't say enough f**k the guys at Lionsgate hope their studio burns down. I hope Saw V flops which I kidda doubt it but, for the fans reading (DON'T WATCH SAW V) to support MMT. Anyway Im totally getting the DVD when its release.
An again F**K the guys at Lionsgate and I hope you never release another horror movie again.
Posted by: Matt Cole on August 2, 2008 at 03:52:13
Yeah, I'm pissed for Clive.
I like his work and more publicity of his work
means more of it can be translated to film.
...But I'm sure the Ind. COULD GIVE A **** less about that. I hope Clive never has to work with LG for this reason again.
Posted by: djblack1313 on August 2, 2008 at 10:17:48
this is (IMO)one of THE best horror movies i've seen in forever & the BEST Clive Barker movie do date! as much as i don't want to give LG my money, i will DEFINITELY be buying this on DVD.
Posted by: Jeremy on August 2, 2008 at 11:35:14
Hey, Ryan, great article but I think you answered your own question about why the mad rush to support with this: "But as one source says, even though they've made back any money spent on the production thanks to foreign sales, Lionsgate is still in danger of paying out fees if its domestic box office reaches a certain mark."
Depending on what that mark is, there could be the perverse pleasure in knowing the fans could force Lionsgate to pay out some of their own cash. Had they done right by this movie and given it a normal release, they could have pocketed some extra cash even after forking over the fee. But if the movie barely makes its mark in a few discount theaters and LG still has to pay, they could have screwed themselves out of, at the very least, a half-decent payday.
As for why other movies haven't reached this level of buzz...
1. The distribution situation is very odd. It makes better press than "little indie/foreign movie has trouble finding home." That should be obvious considering how many articles about this have popped up here and at other horror sites.
2. Clive Barker + Ryuhei Kitamura adapting what was supposed to kick off a series of movies from Books of Blood. Fans are possibly now thinking this could hurt the others, like Pig Blood Blues and Book of Blood.
Posted by: Ryan Rotten on August 2, 2008 at 11:52:06
Jeremy...
You're absolutely right about addressing that marker where Lionsgate has to pay out. But I don't think it could ever be reached. I know the number and even still, if every fan bought a one dollar ticket in some bargain theater, the marker might still be unattainable.
I did think of that as well. I just think it's unrealistic.
Posted by: Jeremy on August 2, 2008 at 12:04:09
Fair enough, Ryan. But still, if the fan response is rabid enough to get close to that mark, think of the cash LG could have reeled in from that same audience in full-priced theaters. Even at matinee prices, LG could have POSSIBLY still made themselves a nice bit of cash even after the payout. (I stress possibly because, yeah, I don't know the exact numbers.)
Again, I think a lot of the attention is coming from just how bone-headed this decision was, especially at a time when a little movie with Liv Tyler and the Underworld guy managed to more than hold its own against Indiana Jones and The Four Hags from New York on its opening weekend. LG is starting to make the Weinstein brothers look smart and rational in release choices, and you gotta admit, that is no mean feat whatsoever!
Posted by: The Inspector on August 2, 2008 at 13:42:15
"a little movie with Liv Tyler and the Underworld guy"
A little movie which was exec produced by the guy who now RUNS Lionsgate...
Posted by: Judson on August 2, 2008 at 16:20:42
I think the only reason for the "fan outrage" is because it's Clive Barker. There's so many films, of all genres, that never see the light of day in theatres, and I'm OK with that. The best horror I've seen lately has all been on DVD and are films with little or no theatrical run. Hatchet, Behind the Mask, Inside and Frontiers come to mind. None of these films were made by big genre names such as Barker, so no one cared. I'm just happy that we're getting to a point where great new horror films are no longer a thing of the past. All our young horror filmmakers are people that grew up with the films that we all think are the best, and as long as filmmakers keep putting out real horror (and not remakes) then the great ones will find their place on the big screen because studios, agencies, and distribution companies won't be able to ignore it.
Posted by: N3kr0 on August 3, 2008 at 20:04:56
I have to Agree with this opinion, there's no way that buy tickets like that can help in any way the movie, i'm waiting for the movie here in Portugal, i dont believe i'll see it in theaters, just like Martyrs, lol, very unfortunatly... i don't understand how a studio like lionsgate, having SAW saga with them (golden bars with every movie) why are they doing this? obviously this would earn them much money, but, they have decided to humiliate
every single person attached to this movie, well known actors by the way... mother F*****S
Posted by: Wyngarde on August 3, 2008 at 22:23:06
Same thing happened to "Equalibrium" and "Idocracy", 2 really good movies.
Posted by: Marand East on August 3, 2008 at 23:55:13
Well, I have been mostly on the sidelines watching as this unfolds and I am sure that the movie might be playing in the local dollar theater here in Knoxville (I could be wrong on that though...), but as a horror fan I agree with everything Ryan said and I have to ask the same question that he asked. What good will it do? Plus, how is your dollar being spent? To me, I am not looking at this scheme to buy tickets no matter if the movie is near you or not as a plausible answer. There really isn't one. I say this because first and maybe my only reason is the state of the economy and the everyday man's wallet. To just throw money away like that nowadays, to me, sounds ludicrous and not well thought out. Would you really throw 10 dollars on tickets for a movie that you might never see in theaters when you know your tank is on "E"? Or if your fridge is damn near a spot just to house ice and artificial light and nothing else?
I think this movie will hit big when it hits DVD like Hatchet did. I didn't even want to see Hatchet at first, but bought it anyway because 1) all the buzz, 2) it was only 9 dollars at Wal-Mart the day it was released, and 3) because of Mercades McNabb and Kane Hodder's involvement. So call me old fashioned or dumb for not seeing the big picture with this plan, because when I spend money I like to see where its going...
Posted by: J. on August 4, 2008 at 02:01:49
Three niche markets could have been pooled to make some money for LG. First you have horror movie fans who eagerly anticipate any true horror movie. You also have Clive Barker fans who keep hoping for movie adaptations that actually work, and with Barker and his production company involved this could be the start. Thirdly are fans of Asian director Ryuhei Kitamura, who has made many inroads with his body of work from japan, and this is his first american movie. So with a real marketing campaign, and really nothing huge. Hell ComiCon was last week, a perfect place to sell this flick. coulda worked.
Posted by: omnidecay on August 4, 2008 at 02:49:20
The ****s at lionsgate werent worried about the fact that this could have made money. Its lionsgate...they know his would have made boat loads of money. Its nothing more then a stupid ****ing girl named Joe Drake throwing a fit. They wanted to tank the film to make Peter Bloch look bad. The problem is that Peter rocks! and Joe is just a stupid *****...The point of buying the tickets is to hopefully make Lions pay out the funds. True, its a hard number, but Ive seen harder things done. Secondly, to show that fans of horror will still stand up for one of their legends! Sure, we all think, "this sucks, we dont get to see it!". But think of all that Clive has done for us and for the genre. Its been a while since the fans have made something of their own. Remember its not the studios who control this, its the money. And money comes from the FANS! DDarko was re-released, so why couldnt the MMT? Its all in how far the fans want to push and how far they want to go. The reason no one responded to the emails is because LG can just hit the delete button ON ALL OF OUR EMAILS. Why would they create an automated email response? This is the company who is now pushing Tyler Perry films and just ****ed over CLIVE BARKER and Darren Bousman (talk about bite the hand that feeds). Im sorry but I for one and saying **** Tyler Perry, **** Lionsgate, and **** SAW V!
Posted by: Ted G. on August 4, 2008 at 16:27:30
Hey Ryan,
Ted G here. Good piece you've written, and I agree with you 98% of the way. The fans have already been let down by Lionsgate and no amount of $1.00 ticket sales is going to save it. Vinnie Jones will play a tough guy in some other movie, Barker will write yet another underrated novel, and Kitamura is going to make crazy amounts of bank off his US version of Versus. Life goes on.
I, personally, was not blown away by MMT. I thought it was a very good film and it kept me entertained, but I guess after all of the hoopla, I expected something a little more. Sure, Ted Raimi's scene will undoubtedly become part of a future "best of" gore reel, but I found myself wanting more.
That's not to say that I'm downplaying the film's strengths. Its a great little flick and deserved more than being Lionsgate's dumpster fetus... but when all is said and done, its just another example of our beloved genre getting the shaft.
As fans of Hollywood's redheaded stepchild of a genre, the only thing we can do is soldier on and keep supporting R-rated horror.
Although I end up saying it about once a decade, better luck with the next movie, Clive.
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