Not long after the FIFA corruption scandal unveiled, a $24-million movie about the soccer organization hit theatres, earning only a total of $913 over its weekend debut.
United Passions, features Tim Roth, who is known for his lead roles in Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, plays ex-FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Sam Neill who is known for his roles in the Jurassic Park movies plays as ex-President Joao Havelange.
The film was only released in 10 theatres, leaving people wondering if it’s a bad timing or simply a bad movie. Blatter himself resigned just last week after being re-elected for his fifth term. The movie originally launched a world premiere at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.
Critics have been quick to bash the movie, calling it “unintentional comedy gold” and “pure cinematic excrement.” United Passions has been described as one of the most unwatchable films in recent memory, and a complete FIFA propaganda film.
Written and directed by Frederic Auburtin (recognized for directing the Man with the Iron Mask), this “historical drama” attempts to portray the creation and beginnings of FIFA as the savior of soccer — Blatter himself depicted as a hero. The movie focuses more on the organization as a body more than soccer itself, starting with first World Cup in 1930, to winning agreements with Coca-Cola and Adidas.
The movie was filmed in France, Switzerland, Brazil, Azerbaijan and Uruguay and currently has a whopping 2.1 stars on IMDB.
FIFA itself has contributed over $20-million to the budget of the film, though one could expect very little income in return.
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