Hoping to bowl them over

The opening of Michael Moore’s documentary “Bowling for Columbine” was preceded by a ubiquitous “see my movie” pitch. In case you somehow missed the e-mail, here’s an excerpt.

Dear friends, fans, and fellow evildoers: I am very happy and excited to tell you that this Friday, my new film, “Bowling for Columbine,” will open in New York and Los Angeles.

It is, I promise, the last thing the Bushies want projected on the movie screens across America this week. The film is, first and foremost, a devastating indictment of the violence that is done in our name.... I truly believe this film has the potential to rock the nation.... Yes, I believe this movie can create a lot of havoc -- but I will need ALL of you to help me do this. Are you game?

... Movies live or die based on what happens at the box office the first weekend of its release. I need you, if you live in the New York or L.A. area, to go see “Bowling for Columbine” this Friday and Saturday -- and take as many family members and friends with you as possible.... A strong opening not only means that the rest of America will see this film, it means that a good number of people who see it are going to leave the film angry enough to get active and get involved. If it does poorly, I will have a difficult time finding the funding for the movie I want to make next....

Don’t let that happen.

... Yours, Michael Moore