July 13, 2007, - 4:25 pm
OY: Bill Maher Vies to Become New Michael Moore, Makes Anti-Religion “Documentary”
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Uggh! One Michael Moore is Moore than enough. Now we have two.
Atheist is set to release a “documentary” he made about–actually, making fun of–religion. And the studio distributing it next year is comparing Maher and the movie to Moore and his “work.” Worse, it’s being made by the makers of “Borat.”
Lionsgate studio just sent me this press release:
LIONSGATE SEES THE LIGHT ON LARRY CHARLES/BILL MAHER DOCUMENTARY ABOUT WORLD RELIGION
Spring 2008 Release Planned
SANTA MONICA, CA (July 13, 2007) – Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, announced today that it has acquired distribution rights to an untitled documentary about world religion, directed by Larry Charles (BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) and starring political humorist and author Bill Maher (“Real Time With Bill Maher,” “Politically Incorrect”). . . .
The documentary follows Maher as he travels around the globe interviewing people about God and religion. Known for his astute analytical skills, irreverent wit and commitment to never pulling a punch, Maher brings his characteristic honesty to an unusual spiritual journey. [DS: Yeah, right.] The film will mark Charles’ first feature project since the critically acclaimed, wildly successful BORAT.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be working with Larry Charles and Bill Maher, two of the sharpest, funniest minds in show business,” said [Lionsgate President of Theatrical Films, Tom] Ortenberg. “I can’t imagine a better team to tackle the subject of religion in a smart, inventive and unpretentious way. We feel this film can play as broadly as a Michael Moore film, and it’s sure to be as provocative, informative and entertaining as any documentary in recent memory. Certainly, the promo reel that the sales team screened at Cannes generated enormous enthusiasm among acquisition executives across the board. Of course, a movie that deals topically with religion is bound to generate controversy, and that makes it a risky proposition.” . . .
Said Maher, “Comedically, the topic of religion is hitting the side of a barn – it’s literally hard to miss. This movie will make you laugh so hard you’ll pray for it to stop.”
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Tags: America, Bill Maher, Bill Maher Passes Gas, Borat, Cannes, Kazakhstan, Larry Charles, Lionsgate, political humorist and author, President, Real Time With Bill Maher, Santa Monica
Bill Maher makes me puke so hard that I pray for the dry heaves to stop.
Adam_Schwartz on July 13, 2007 at 5:44 pm