I’ve been reading peoples comments on the web recently wondering: Why is The Barrens only being released at two theatres? People sharing in their disappointment of once again not seeing Steve on the big screen. Well, maybe we can answer that for you by sharing some musings from Darren Lynn Bousman’s blog. But first, let’s read what Mr. Bousman has to say about Steve.
Steve and Darren
Excerpts from Perception is KING:
I can’t say enough good things about my cast: Mia Kirshner, Allie McDonald, Peter DaCunha all amazing. But I had an ace up my sleeve, I had Moyer. Stephen FUCKING Moyer turns out a fucking chill-inducing performance… In a lot of respects the entire movie rests on his shoulders… And he kills it; he makes this movie his bitch.
And now to answer THE question:
I remember getting the phone call that the movie would only be released on a handful of screens and then it was doing VOD/DVD/ STREAMING.
This was a punch in the gut. But a feeling I was getting all too used to. Dear Baby Jesus, what do I tell my cast? What do I tell Moyer?
For something like Barrens, if a full theatrical release was planned, it would cost upwards of 10 even 20 million dollars to make an impact…
In the scheme of movie making, 10 million dollars does not seem like a lot. But you have to add that 10 to 15 million to the budget. It increases everyone’s risk… The Investors, the Producers, the Studio… Suddenly this little movie has to make back 15 to 20 million dollars JUST to break even…
Whereas if it goes straight to VOD/DVD it doesn’t have to sit behind the P and A spend. So the movie begins making money for everyone almost instantly…
I fucking hate it, but I get it… It’s a business… These movies aren’t made to make art, they are made to make MONEY. The greats, however, can accomplish both.
You can visit Darren Bousman’s Blog to read this post in it’s entirety.
OK, I really really REALLY like Darren Bousman!
The man knows talent.
And Stephen can make me his Bitch anytime.
Comment by BN — October 3, 2012 @ 4:43 pm
Translation: Order the DVD! I did!
Comment by callonmebill — October 3, 2012 @ 5:32 pm
I get the politics/money behind it… but it still sucks
Especially with tne number of bad movies out there that get a wide release and don’t do well… it’s not like every movie makes it’s budget/breaks even, but at least those ones are given a chance!
But… at least we get it on DVD much sooner, and then we can all enjoy the film… and like he said, they all start making money that much sooner too…
We’ll just have to have a gathering of SM fans sometime and rent out a theater so we can put a bunch of his work up on the big screen to drool over
Comment by shelhill — October 3, 2012 @ 5:54 pm
Well Shel, that’s sort of what 6 different groups are trying to do with The Barrens at tugg.com, eh? Sure doesn’t seem like too many Steve fans are buying tickets. The east coast, west coast, south and midwest are all covered. Obviously, not everyone wants to drive 100′s of miles to a movie, but it is an opportune time for get togethers.
Comment by aemac — October 3, 2012 @ 5:59 pm
That’s the tough thing… as many locations as they are trying for screenings, some of them are just to far away for a lot of people, for whatever reasons… (including us
since I’m not allowed to travel anymore… boo!)
But I really can’t wait to hear from you all after you get to see it on the big screen!!
Comment by shelhill — October 3, 2012 @ 6:49 pm
Darren’s blog is pretty fascinating and definitely sheds some light into how and why some of these decisions are made. I still find it hard to believe they couldn’t sell this movie, especially at this time of the year.
I’m crossing my fingers that we can get the Cherry Hill showing sold. Aemac’s working her butt off going around and marketing the film in her area.
Comment by SenseofDoubt — October 3, 2012 @ 7:08 pm
I wish you were closer, Shel.
Comment by aemac — October 3, 2012 @ 7:54 pm
They seeem to be doing this more and more often, with movies – even with big names! I wonder if this is the way of the world – downloading movies direct to your TV or DVDs. Does nto have the same impact as seeing movies on the big screen.
This Darren sounds beaut!
Comment by Lizzie1701 — October 3, 2012 @ 9:05 pm
Me too!!
But, we all know there will be more movies in his future… eventually I’ll get to see him in the lead on the big screen 
Comment by shelhill — October 3, 2012 @ 9:30 pm
Looking forward to that day too!!
Comment by Wanda — October 4, 2012 @ 1:21 am
You guys will probably kill me over what I’m about to write, so please make it quick…
Stephen needs to get aggressive with the roles wants and get away from this horror/thriller movie crap! For the most part most of them (the movies) completely suck, people could care less about them and it’s generally thought as by the average person as ‘throw-away” films.
I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone, it’s just my humble and honest opinion. It’s why I was ecstatic when I read about the move where he plays a DA in a murder/mystery story!
I thought, “Finally! A movie that will REALLY showcase his incredible work and talent that people will actually ALL be able to see!” Again, I’m sorry if this has offended anyone, but in my eyes… he needs to get out of this limited and seriously biased genre of roles.
If not, he’s going to continue to be regarded by those that don’t know how great his is, to be thought of as a “B-list” actor! These directors may be passionate about their films and their actors, but all I can think about is how Stephen himself won’t go to a scary movie because they freak him out! Duh?! So what does that tell you?!
The other thing to remember is that a LOT of people don’t have HBO so their scope of his talent is based on movies like this one and that’s not good.
I know that Stephen’s acting in this film is likely and certainly amazing… but I’ll never see it (even on VOD or DVD) because I detest these movies and will never watch them even if he’s in them or not.
Okay… start screaming at me and I am sorry but it’s how I feel.
Comment by wickedlywonderful — October 4, 2012 @ 11:10 am
I’m not gonna attack you, Wicked. Nothing wrong with having an opinion and I give you credit for sharing it when you know it won’t be popular.
I do have a question, though. I haven’t seen The Barrens yet, and you said you haven’t, but from what I’ve read Steve has done an excellent job with his character. If this is true, why would you say, it’s not good if people judge his talent by it? Especially, if you haven’t seen it?
By the way, how’s it going woman?
Comment by aemac — October 4, 2012 @ 12:30 pm
Hey Wicked… no worries, I think we’re all pretty respectful of others opinions around here… and you’re not wrong about the types of movies SM has been making lately… although a lot of his past work has been very different, including Starter Wife, but most of it hasn’t been mainstream American stuff…
But, the nice thing for him and AP and the others on TB is that they don’t need to be making huge blockbusters, they can choose scripts and directors that they find interesting, since they have the full time job in TB. And I do imagine that the TB shooting schedule has placed some limitations on movies they can and can’t do.
The things I’ve read about the Barrens make it sound more like a movie about SM’s character going crazy as opposed to a straight horror monster movie.
But I would definitely love to see him in like a straight up action type movie or a rom/com or even just a drama that doesn’t involve something supernatural
Which I think Evidence is more just a crime drama, though more of an independent film… But I fully expect as time goes on that we’ll see some new and different stuff… especially come that sad, sad day when TB comes to an end.
Comment by shelhill — October 4, 2012 @ 7:35 pm
My apologies, I didn’t mean to say his portrayal or role in “The Barrens” wasn’t good, as a matter of fact, I’m sure it’s just as incredible as so many other things he’s done.
What I meant was that there are so many people (movie-goers) that mistakenly believe if they’re (actors) in a horror flick, therefore they must be bad actors!
In an interview I saw (probably here) SM was talking about how this was a movie in which his character was going crazy/paranoid about a monster, but that there really is a monster too!
I guess I just wish that movies like this one have kind of gone away from being Oscar-worthy (think the Shining) to being blood and gore fests with no plots etc. or that’s what people believe when a movie like The Barrens goes limited via VOD/DVD.
What I mean is, if this movie had been distributed nationwide, I don’t doubt for a minute that it would have garnered HUGE attention to Stephen and his incredible acting abilities.
Hell, I’ve thought for a long time that if they ever did a remake of The Shining, SM would be absolutely BRILLIANT in that movie! And maybe if they’d done that with The Barrens, people would have had that opportunity, to see what we’ve seen…
Now? This overall bias of the genre and the money-grubbers that only care about the bottom line, makes the release of this movie seem as if it’s just another, snoozer of a horror flick.
I swear… if I won a $200 million lottery I’d use every red cent to finance a movie that would give SM an Oscar winning role!
There’s no doubt he has the talent and versatility! Plus he’s just an incredibly cool person… I just want to see him in more meaty and major release dramatic roles (or even as a smartass friend in some funny rom-com would be highly welcomed!)
And you’re also right about scheduling conflicts between working actors and their studio obligations… look what happened with the Big Valley remake. BTW, did that movie ever even get made?
Anyway… I would just love to see him in something that would just knock the socks off the average public (and the panties off all of us! LOL!)
He SO deserves it!
Thank you for not banning me from the board! LOL!
As to the “How’s it going?” question. Health issues has reared it’s ugly head yet again, another day of nasty tests set for tomorrow. The test done thus far has pretty much paid for my Doctor’s vacation to Fiji this summer I’m sure.
If the tests don’t come back clean he’ll probably get a trip to Aspen this winter too! LOL! You just gotta roll with the punches and keep it positive.
And fantasize that Billith will walk around nude for at least half of Season 6 minimum… cuz’ seriously… I could pretty much stand anything if I got to see that! OFLMAO!! 
Comment by wickedlywonderful — October 4, 2012 @ 9:56 pm
Thanks Wicked for your insight, many valid points made, and I think all the ladies who visit this site are awesome, and I enjoy all opinions and the great wit you all share. I too wish to see Stephen on the big screen that guarantees him a larger audience, which hopefully results in seeing him on the big screen more often for my benefit….umm! Anyway, I don’t really care for horror films either, but my teenage sons are really into anything scary, so I’m going to buy this DVD and watch it with them. Kill two birds with one stone as it were! I really want to support Stephen and have always enjoyed anything he’s in.
Comment by Wanda — October 4, 2012 @ 11:38 pm