SiCKO, Michael Moore's highly acclaimed and entertaining expose of the American health care system, captivated audiences across the country earning $4.5 million on just 441 screens, for the second highest opening weekend of all time for a documentary, next to Moore's previous film Fahrenheit 9/11. The weekend grosses more than doubled the projected box office revenues projected by NRG. The announcement was made today by Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company.
SiCKO's record breaking opening and robust per screen average of just over $10,200 placed it among the top 10 films at the box office this weekend alongside the big-budgeted LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD and RATATOUILLE. SiCKO achieved the third highest per screen of the weekend.
93% of moviegoers said they would strongly recommend SiCKO after seeing the film this weekend. To meet the tremendous demand for SiCKO, The Weinstein Company plans to add the film to 200 additional screens on Tuesday and will continue to roll-out the documentary to theaters across the country in the weeks ahead.
SiCKO built off of its success last weekend when it grossed an incredible $70,000 during its exclusive opening in one theater at AMC Loews Lincoln Square in NY and sold-out all 43 sneak previews across the country, bringing its cumulative gross to $4.6 million. SiCKO had an impressive less than 30% drop this weekend at the AMC Loews Lincoln Square, despite expanding into additional runs.
Harvey Weinstein said, "Audiences across the country had an outstanding response to Michael Moore's hilarious and wickedly entertaining film, which takes on George Bush, the politicians and big business. People who saw the movie now understand why the Bush Administration didn't want people to see this movie. We are thrilled that in addition to playing strongly in cities like NY and Los Angeles, SiCKO played to sold out audiences in mainstream commercial theaters in markets like Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; and Atlanta, GA as well as smaller markets such as cities in Vermont, Hartford, CT; Sacramento, CA; Austin, TX; and Madison, WI, showing the breadth of interest among all Americans. We are excited to continue expanding the film so that more and more people will be able to experience the film."
SiCKO is written, directed and produced by Michael Moore. The film is produced by Meghan O'Hara and co-produced by Anne Moore. Kathleen Glynn. Bob Weinstein and Harvey Weinstein serve as executive producers.
