It was a happy coincidence for Sony that Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal already had a Osama Bin Laden project in the works when he was killed. With Bigelow attached, Sony was able to fast track the project, give it some much needed credibility, and scare anyone off from making a competing picture. Even before cameras start rolling this untitled Bin Laden movie has had its fair share of controversy and it’s now considering how to avoid more.
Sony was set to release the picture October 12, 2012, which would have put it just weeks ahead of the 2012 election. Now they are giving serious consideration to movie the release date to after the election or even into the next year. Spielberg made the same decision with Lincoln just a few weeks back, but while that was motivated by a desire to keep Republicans from using the movie as a promotion for their party Sony is moving their film to avoid further accusations that the movie is meant to bolster Obama’s chances at reelection.
Moving to November or December is the most likely move for Sony to make, it keeps the movie’s name out of the election rhetoric but places it firmly in Oscar season, which with Bigelow’s recent win is the kind of publicity Sony won’t be able to resist.
It’s encouraging that the movie is avoiding (too many) political connections and trying to stand on its own feet as an action-thriller (with some obvious Academy pandering). Although I admit either way I’m seeing this movie the first day it comes out. What are your thoughts?
3 comments
“It’s encouraging that the movie is avoiding (too many) political connections and trying to stand on its own feet as an action-thriller (with some obvious Academy pandering).” Uh, yeah. How exactly can’t a movie on Bin Laden be very very political? The guy was a terrorist, who no matter if you agree or don’t agree with him, was killing people due to quasi-religious/political views. It’s ALL politics – with a bit of action on the side.
Could this be a “have your cake and eat it, too” situation? Sony sets the date for Nov. or Dec. after the election so they can say that they don’t want the film to be politicized, yet all of the marketing for a Nov./Dec. release will hit right around the election.
All of the t.v. spots and trailers reminding people of who killed Osama would dovetail nicely with Obama’s 11th hour push at the polls.
You took the words right out of my mouth. The pub and advertising leading up to release could still collide with the election.
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