Michael Moore Gets Clever In Theaters

Michael Moore, known best for harassing alzheimer sufferers (Charleston Heston) and being portrayed as a terrorist (by Team America and Bill O’Reilly), is working on an as-yet-titled film that covers the bank bailout. Sounds promising given his past work, despite his annoying voice. Why is this news-worthy? Well, Friday night, the first official trailer was to premiere, but instead the following clip was shown:

By itself, it’s not that big of a deal. A little clever teaser that uses the same joke that’s been told on comedy shows and internet parodies. However, in select theaters in Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago got an extra surprise. Here is Slashfilm contributor Brendon Connelly’s account of what took place while the teaser played on screen:

During this, ushers really did walk out amongst the patrons with buckets in hand and wearing T-shirts with the slogan ‘Save our CEOs’. I don’t know if anybody dropped any cash in, or for that matter what Moore’s team would have done with any donated funds. Perhaps he’ll actually try and pass it on to the ailing institutions and film the ensuing events for the film? Sounds like a possible Moore move.

The audience members were filmed, so it is likely they will be featured in a future trailer with the above clip. See, everyone? Viral marketing doesn’t just have to be websites and billboards. A lot of people give Moore a hard time (especially conservatives and republicans), but you have to admit this is pretty clever. Moore knows how to make a point.

The film is set to release on October 2nd. Thanks to Slashfilm for the heads up.