Estimates for Saturday's and Sunday's USA box office.
Saturday went really well, with only a 40% drop-off from last week. The total gives a drop-off of 51% for the weekend.
Serenity ranks 7 on Saturday beating A history of Violence by a stunning $1,000 (according to estimates, I would not be surprised if this is reversed when the actual numbers come out).
October 09 2005
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UnpluggedCrazy | October 09, 11:54 CET
GVH | October 09, 11:57 CET
[ edited by killinj on 2005-10-09 19:00 ]
killinj | October 09, 11:58 CET
ETA: for a scifi movie
[ edited by gossi on 2005-10-09 18:59 ]
gossi | October 09, 11:59 CET
zeitgeist | October 09, 12:00 CET
pat32082 | October 09, 12:00 CET
gossi | October 09, 12:02 CET
IMForeman | October 09, 12:04 CET
pat32082 | October 09, 12:05 CET
killinj | October 09, 12:07 CET
That is clutching at straws, though.
gossi | October 09, 12:07 CET
technovamp | October 09, 12:08 CET
Or rather the senior partners welcome Zeitgeist as our new moderator :).
Simon | October 09, 12:09 CET
zeitgeist | October 09, 12:10 CET
pat32082 | October 09, 12:12 CET
I want to see it again (I've seen it 5 times), but I'm so busy and so broke today, I'm not sure I should. I guess it's going to be another day for me.
[ edited by Nebula1400 on 2005-10-09 19:16 ]
Nebula1400 | October 09, 12:13 CET
Congrats, zeitgeist. Couldn't have been a better choice.
[ edited by barest_smidgen on 2005-10-09 19:34 ]
barest_smidgen | October 09, 12:14 CET
Last Fridays figures had a big boost due to all the fans going first day (well, a lot of them).
When you factor out the fan factor here, these results seem fairly good to me. The real bastard is this: now we have to wait ANOTHER weekend to know if this has legs. Assuming it stays in the same number of cinemas (which might be a real issue), it's possible (but not probable) this could swing around slowly. I doubt it, but... straws.
gossi | October 09, 12:15 CET
Just back from my third (fourth if you count the preview) viewing in the UGC in Dublin. And in all cases the crowds have been good. It is in one of the biggest screens and I've never seen it half empty. Also the audience were laughing along, and gasping in some cases, which has to be a good thing.
Fence | October 09, 12:16 CET
Mr Universe | October 09, 12:16 CET
Knuckleball | October 09, 12:16 CET
Wow, don't you look all handsome in your new blue. Barest_Smidgen must be loving the colour! Now, this has made me smile. :D
(A Buffy Bot one too)
nixygirl | October 09, 12:17 CET
ETA- I knew there was a reason I was compelled to put on my W-esque t-shirt when I got out of the shower this morning :)
[ edited by zeitgeist on 2005-10-09 19:32 ]
zeitgeist | October 09, 12:19 CET
Outsider | October 09, 12:20 CET
ETA: it has opened in Portegual this weekend, also. Trying to get figures for that as well.
[ edited by gossi on 2005-10-09 19:22 ]
gossi | October 09, 12:21 CET
Also: What about the take for the week Monday-Thursday? I don't see those figures. But even not counting that, if it makes 2.5 M$ between Sunday and Thursday (not impossible), it's made half its budget in two weeks. That ain't bad, either.
[ edited by zencat on 2005-10-09 19:25 ]
zencat | October 09, 12:22 CET
I wonder if Caroline would send me a black hood.
Allyson | October 09, 12:24 CET
gossi | October 09, 12:25 CET
Back to topic, these figures look quite good to me. Can't wait for the UK figures though.
miranda | October 09, 12:25 CET
barest_smidgen | October 09, 12:32 CET
Serenity finishes 7th for Saturday.
Be warned, those great critics who love to pick over Serenity will be all over these results.
gossi | October 09, 12:33 CET
technovamp | October 09, 12:37 CET
Bayta | October 09, 12:37 CET
gossi | October 09, 12:45 CET
The Dark Shape | October 09, 12:46 CET
Knuckleball | October 09, 12:49 CET
I really hope it doesn't drop many theatres next week.
gossi | October 09, 12:52 CET
Who besides Federal employees get Columbus Day off work? I never got off that day when I went to school, state employees here don't get the day off, and the private sector certainly works that day. I don't think it really counts as a holiday weekend like say Labor Day where most people get the day off.
killinj | October 09, 12:53 CET
[ edited by MySerenity on 2005-10-09 20:01 ]
MySerenity | October 09, 12:54 CET
BTW: Does anyone know for which day the income from the pre-screenings counted? Because they would be counted towards the opening weekends box-office if I recall correctly. This would imply that the actual drop-off is less than what would be reported.
Celebithil | October 09, 12:55 CET
And as far as I can tell, the opening Cameron Diaz and the Pacino/McConaughey movies are doing worse business than Serenity last week. It may not be raking it in as we'd like but to quote someone: "There is no shame in this...";-)
[ edited by EdDantes on 2005-10-09 21:04 ]
EdDantes | October 09, 12:55 CET
MySerenity | October 09, 12:57 CET
Oh, I'm ranting, aren't I? Sorry. But if you're going to pay $9 for a movie, why would you want to miss half of it?!?
Oh, and the kids around here all have the day off tomorrow, BTW.
And Celebithil, that's a really good question! Where *did* the prescreenings get put? That would affect the percentage change, even if only a little bit.
Bayta | October 09, 13:00 CET
Knuckleball | October 09, 13:03 CET
MissKittysMom | October 09, 13:04 CET
Ah, zeitgeist, congratulations! Joining SNT in the dapper blue. Now we have TWO charming men sporting the cerulean.
When the Senior Partners decide to promote a woman, will we have hot pink? I think I'd kinda dig that.
Willowy | October 09, 13:04 CET
ps. Nice to see you back Willowy. You made a slight dissapearing act :)
[ edited by MySerenity on 2005-10-09 20:06 ]
MySerenity | October 09, 13:05 CET
sasja | October 09, 13:06 CET
Now I'll be waiting anxiously for the actuals and for word from Joss. If I remember correctly, he said that a 40% drop would be normal, but he thought we could beat that, so I hope he's not too upset.
obsessed | October 09, 13:16 CET
You're right, it's not big Hallmark-y day, but schools & universities are closed 'round here, as are banks, other financial companies (Schwab/Lynch/Amex -- massive presences in my neck of the woods). Plus, post offices, local offices, etc. Was just trying to stay positive and was thinking that that, along with the big rains could work just a bit in our favor.
barest_smidgen | October 09, 13:17 CET
I like to play coy with my over-obvious references.;-)
And btw, I think we can safely say we've all been there at one point or another with the teenagers. We saw 'The Grudge', with a big chunk of annoying, rowdy, fart-sounds-producing teenagers and I remember wanting to go all Kill Bill on their collective asses.
And hi Willowy, you missed some lively times on the boards here. There was some frettin', fussin', calculatin', Jossin' and the odd fatality. But it's all good...;-)
EdDantes | October 09, 13:22 CET
IMForeman | October 09, 13:24 CET
Stupid moving.
Willowy | October 09, 13:25 CET
http://www.showbizdata.com/dailybox.cfm
You know, we are the only action figure in the top ten (well History of Violence has some action, but can hardly be called anything but a drama) so if theaters keep us around I think we can manage to continue to build an andience...here's hoping!
embers | October 09, 13:25 CET
[ edited by MySerenity on 2005-10-09 20:26 ]
MySerenity | October 09, 13:26 CET
killinj | October 09, 13:27 CET
This news makes me happy!! Hopefully Sunday's numbers will be good too!!
And yes, a very special Hell for those disruptive, rude people!! It wasn't just the teenagers talking the last time I went and also had a couple of people getting up to go to the rest room I assume during the final battle scene!! And people wonder why most would rather stay home and wait for the dvd!!
Firefly Flanatic | October 09, 13:36 CET
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/reviews/?id=1908
They basically describe Serenity as a mere action movie, to the point where it is obnoxious for the audience...
Le Comité | October 09, 13:36 CET
IMMORTAL | October 09, 13:41 CET
The difference is that only federal government employees are entitled to a day off with pay on a federal holiday (although any employer may, of course, follow the federal schedule, as is ususally done in the DC area.) On national holidays (Labor Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Christmas, etc.) everybody gets the day off or gets bonus pay (except salaried employees, of course!)
That's my understanding of it, anyway.
Chris inVirginia | October 09, 13:43 CET
impalergeneral | October 09, 13:44 CET
Congratulations zeitgeist, you definetely deserve it!
And good figures today. Anyone know when the UK ones will come out?
Apocalypse | October 09, 13:48 CET
Me too! Come on, this is a Joss board. There should be more women in charge!;-)
Yeah I read that a while ago too. One of the few truly crappy reviews out there. But then I've often found myself udnerwhelmed by BOM's review section. Maybe they should stick to numbers...
EdDantes | October 09, 13:50 CET
Knuckleball | October 09, 13:52 CET
ChosenOne5376 | October 09, 13:55 CET
Ah, but Joss is a feminist and feminism means a belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. That means that when it comes time to decide a new mod, the decision should be made solely on things other than gender. Does anyone really believe that the Senior Partners were checking plumbing when they made their decision? :) Plus let's not forget that the mighty Caroline is in charge here. I know, I know, it was a joke and I posted a long reply. Bad me, no biscuit... off to shop for Scotland trip some more!
zeitgeist | October 09, 14:06 CET
Re: Overly mobile audience members. I think the real problem is that most the larger theaters do no monitoring to prevent people from doing what a friend of mine calls "surfing the plex". When one or two individuals discretely sneak in, it's no particular skin off my nose as an audience member, but what really burns me is the large groups of teens or families who step in, take 5 minutes for their eyes to adjust, loudly disccuss the best seating options, noisly take their seats. Then, fifteen minutes later, they're up and ready to repeat the process.
Considering what movies cost and how expensive the overall cost of living is out here, I really don't blame people for doing this. I just wish they'd do it more politely. When these roving groups go to the special hell, I hope they are irritated by people who are taking brief visits from other theaters in the special hell.
[ edited by bobster on 2005-10-09 21:10 ]
bobster | October 09, 14:09 CET
By the time "Serenity" has left all theatres, it has broken about even with it's budget. Then, the DVD releases (using the rumoured release date of December 20th...) and "Serenity" pulls in major money. (I really think "Serenity" will kick ass on DVD.) However, not quite enough to merit a sequel. But, enough for Universal to go "Hmm... maybe we should see what we can do to buy the TV right back from Fox..." Seeing as how the next possible release for a Serenity sequel would probably be 2008 (presuming Joss would write/direct)... I think there's quite a lot of time for "Serenity" to make money, probably enough for a sequel. But, personally, I'd rather have a weekly series than a movie every three or four years. But that's just me.
Knuckleball | October 09, 14:14 CET
I actually think the sequel will be better than this one, if Joss gets the chance, because he's done the character introductions, and now he can just concentrate on doing the story without serving the need to bring people up to speed.
pat32082 | October 09, 14:20 CET
I think a new series is a non-starter, but to play along for the moment: No, they'd just have to play the existing episodes first, then air the new ones.
@theonetruebix | October 09, 14:24 CET
ChosenOne5376 | October 09, 14:25 CET
Apocalypse | October 09, 14:26 CET
pat32082 | October 09, 14:27 CET
I don't mind which way I get it, I wants more Firefly/Serenity. Wonder if a sequel was commisioned would Joss do it before or after Goners.
Ghost Spike | October 09, 14:29 CET
As much as I'd be impatient, I would vote for letitng him do Wonder Woman and Goners first. Let the moviegoing public see him as not just Firefly/Serenity-guy before heading into filming a sequel.
@theonetruebix | October 09, 14:36 CET
I spoke to Joss about Goners and such after the London premiere, but that was informal chatter so I'm not posting owt other than to say I'm looking forward to it :)
gossi | October 09, 14:37 CET
Knuckleball | October 09, 14:39 CET
Of course, he's also been on record in recent months saying he'd do one if the network involved stayed outo f his way.
So, the record doesn't appear to mean much, heh.
@theonetruebix | October 09, 14:39 CET
MissKittysMom | October 09, 14:40 CET
[ edited by Ghost Spike on 2005-10-09 21:43 ]
Ghost Spike | October 09, 14:42 CET
Joss has said to me as soon as there's information that can go online about Goners, it'll be coming my way. So I'll make sure it goes here before the rest of the t'interweb gets it.
gossi | October 09, 14:42 CET
Simon | October 09, 14:42 CET
Joss' answer on the TV thing tends to change depending on context I think. I don't know what the legal status of the series is, and Joss claims not to either - the reality is, who owns what of Firefly now I really don't know, it's become a bit of a legal mindfield I suspect.
[ edited by gossi on 2005-10-09 21:45 ]
gossi | October 09, 14:44 CET
If there is a sequel, I think Joss said that Tim would do it. Anyways, now that we're on the big screen, I'd be happy with two more because the trasition back to tv would be difficult.
MySerenity | October 09, 15:06 CET
alexreager | October 09, 15:10 CET
It still has to be said, though, unless these results turn around it does look unlikely there will be motion picture sequels.
gossi | October 09, 15:13 CET
@theonetruebix | October 09, 15:17 CET
Unfortanetely, EdDantes, we have seen many of these in france (yes, I know, I am taking risks talking about France to EdDantes ;) ).
I am sad to say this, but I don't think Serenity will do as well here as in the UK... that won't prevent me to go to the preview the 14th of october (the BDM is out the 19th in France), but I don't expect France figures to help "save" Serenity (and that's not the few firefly virgins I will invite to the theater that will change something ;) ).
Le Comité | October 09, 15:41 CET
As for a long weekend and how it will affect the box office, yes, in Canada it is Thanksgiving tommorrow and too many people I know went home for the weekend and will be expected NOT to sneak out to see a movie when they should be experiencing Family Time. On the other hand, I know some who will be dragging their whole extended family.
And on one minor happy note, a friend in England called me on his mobile a couple of hours ago to say that he had just seen Serenity and enjoyed it a lot. It was not a movie he would have gone to see without my recommendation. I'm happy to have introduced him to the 'verse.
Lioness | October 09, 16:05 CET
Of course, there's always an ongoing comic book series. Or how about Serenity: The Animated Series? If Buffy can get a cartoon, then maybe anything's possible.
Oh, hang on. I think I see the flaw...
Outsider | October 09, 16:12 CET
Sure cinema takings are very important for quick greenlit sequels, but dvd power isn't to be underestimated. How much money has Blade Runner made on video and dvd? Much more then it made at theatres, that's for sure. Senerity will at least be a cult, and that might work for it.
Alot of big films have flopped that have cost 100 million etc, at least Senerity isn't a big risk with 40 million, still big, but not huge, it'll get in profit eventually, and dvds should do the rest of the work. That's the hope!
[ edited by SeanValen on 2005-10-09 23:23 ]
SeanValen | October 09, 16:20 CET
However, conversely Universals "The Chronicles of Riddick", the Pitch Black sequel, has never had a sequel. It didn't get enough money domestically, and STILL hasn't made enough on DVD, after 3 different releases of the DVDs. They had already written 2 more films, but haven't been allowed to make them.
gossi | October 09, 16:23 CET
I'm sure people have speculated on this already, but if Joss has signed our BDH for 2 more films, I suspect he has a pretty clear idea of where he wants to take them and the stories he wants to tell. I just know if he needs to, he'll find a way to tell them. Right?
ETA: gossi and I must have been posting at the same time. Brought me down there!
[ edited by lone fashionable wolf on 2005-10-09 23:27 ]
lone fashionable wolf | October 09, 16:26 CET
gossi | October 09, 16:27 CET
But I do believe in Joss, and us, still.
lone fashionable wolf | October 09, 16:46 CET
Uh yeah, it really was just a wee jokey. Guess I'm gonna have to be careful making those with the new sherrif in town....;-)
Oy I really gotta be careful with what I say, don't I? I never said anything bad about France. You once said that if France went a certain way, other countries would likely be the same and I just pointed out that there's no reason to assume that because every country is different. Case in point, the UK seems to be going well, and according to you, France probably not so much. So I'd say those differences are a good thing right now. Any idea why it's not catching on so much in France? Is it too 'cowboy' style?
Does anyone know what the actual money intake was in the UK? At BOM all I saw was 'Australia' under the overseas markets so far.
And yeah, Joss saying 'if he had to pick someone else to do a sequel it would be Tim', isn't quite the same as him saying 'if there are any sequels, it WILL be Tim because I most assuredly won't be making them'. I think this is how rumors start on the internet communities.
EdDantes | October 09, 16:49 CET
ETA: I was the person who asked the Tim Minear question at the Edinburgh screening at the Q&A, if anybody wants to pelt me with stones.
[ edited by gossi on 2005-10-10 00:07 ]
gossi | October 09, 17:06 CET
Hubby thinks he says "noble as a grape", which is just preposterous.
But there it is, in the official companion..."noble as a grape"....please someone tell me it's a misspelling. He couldn't have said "noble as a grape"!!
Rogue Slayer | October 09, 17:10 CET
Jon | October 09, 17:11 CET
RavenU | October 09, 17:14 CET
Uwe BollPaul Greengrass for example.Simon | October 09, 17:15 CET
pat32082 | October 09, 17:16 CET
[ edited by gossi on 2005-10-10 00:18 ]
gossi | October 09, 17:16 CET
zeitgeist | October 09, 17:18 CET
I'm so glad for the anonymity of a nickname ;-)
ETA: Off to the cinema for viewing no. 5! Saw it Saturday night at a way-uptown multiplex. Sat among 25 or so sullen filmgoers. It wasn't until more than halfway through that the audience (sadly) was starting to get the humour. I think ultimately Serenity was quite different from what they were expecting but they enjoyed it. Although I was the only one left who sat through the entire credit run -- just for the FF theme.
[ edited by Drifter on 2005-10-10 01:05 ]
Drifter | October 09, 17:29 CET
I had a great experience today. I went to see Serenity for the 2nd time (yeah, yeah, I know -- lightweight), 2pm matinee showing here in Sacramento, CA.
So was the 2nd time amazing? Wouldn't know. It was sold out. Sold. Out.
So, that's a good thing, right?
ETA: congrats to zeitgeist on his mod-ification (er, um . . . well, you know what I mean). Great thing about lurking for a long time, seeing all those familiar names turn blue.
[ edited by Starhawk on 2005-10-10 00:31 ]
kalia | October 09, 17:29 CET
Does anyone know if a transcript of the movie is posted anywhere? There were several lines that I didn't quite catch and I would love to have a transcript. I did some web-searching but couldn't find one.
And yes, I've heard the term "noble grape" before, in regard to vineyards. What a strange thing for Jayne to say, though.
sari | October 09, 17:34 CET
I'd rather people didn't post links to transcripts of the movie, cheers.
Simon | October 09, 17:37 CET
@theonetruebix | October 09, 17:37 CET
ETA- Yeah what Simon and theonetruebix said :)
zeitgeist | October 09, 17:38 CET
gossi | October 09, 17:41 CET
And I must add my congrats, zeitgeist.
palehorse | October 09, 17:44 CET
This was our fourth viewing and, according to Mr. Grrr, our last in the theater. We've blown our moviegoing budget (and babysitting) for the next several months, but it was worth it. Sooooooo worth it.
GrrrAargh | October 09, 18:46 CET
sari | October 09, 18:46 CET
And Sari, definitely get that companion guide - it is so worth it. It not only has the complete script with much more scenes with Inara that I wish had been in the movie, but it has a lot of great photos from the movie and some beautiful artwork as well depicting the scenes.
Firefly Flanatic | October 09, 19:12 CET
I saw the BDM yesterday. The cinema was about half full - and this was the 5.20pm showing, IOW before the shops closed, so that was good. I dragged five others along with, including two total "Firefly " virgins and a husband who disliked the pilot so much he's never watched the rest - but plans to do so now.
IOW, a hit, a palpable hit...
Gill | October 09, 19:22 CET
teenes | October 09, 20:04 CET
I don't think we should fret this early in the game, especially if we don't hear from Universal with a yay or nay about a sequel. The movie still has to open in a lot of countries and DVD sales will definetely be included in the numbers when they consider to greenlight a sequel or not. A more clear international scenario will only be clear by late November, when most countries will have released the movie, maybe by then we'll be really close to those US$80 million, said in that EW article.
I won't rush a sequel. I wish to see Joss concentrate in the other projects he has lined up already. As a fanboy myself, I just like to as much Joss-ness as possible, no matter what type or product he's doing.
Numfar PTB | October 09, 20:18 CET
killinj | October 09, 20:26 CET
Just curious if the merchandising stuff like the action figures, soundtrack, novelization and the Visual Companion guide contribute at all to the movie totals.
Firefly Flanatic | October 09, 20:31 CET
Nope, those are viewed as separate products.
killinj | October 09, 20:36 CET
And these late reports are sort of odd, but intriguing. Could be just an weird little blip, or some kind of critical mass from all the evangelizing building up or something. (I myself was a in a bit of a mild panic yesterday morning and would up calling all the people I knew who I thought might be interested in seeing it and saying that this weekend was definitely the time. One was in No. California....)
Anyhow, to those who declare the BDM a boxoffice bomb, I say a moderately conditional nyeah-nyeah-nyeah.
bobster | October 09, 20:38 CET
Tiny Tabby | October 09, 20:45 CET
I have this gut feeling that the Sunday numbers are going to be better than projected based on my experience and some of the Sunday attendance accounts I've been reading.
Regardless of what happens, I love the BDM!
Horatio Hellpop | October 09, 20:54 CET
Firefly Flanatic | October 09, 21:10 CET
Huh? There's anonymity? That's news to me! ;)
nixygirl | October 09, 21:18 CET
Christopher | October 09, 21:34 CET
I mean, could it be that word-of-mouth actually still means something and a mass audience movie can actually pick-up interest, rather than being a hit-and-run affair? Nah. That would be good and good things hardly ever happen....
[ edited by bobster on 2005-10-10 04:43 ]
bobster | October 09, 21:42 CET
ChosenOne5376 | October 09, 21:52 CET
Poster Boy | October 09, 21:57 CET
Nebula1400 | October 09, 22:06 CET
MySerenity | October 09, 22:22 CET
dcubed | October 09, 22:45 CET
Is it? I think we were discussing this somewhere else, and I'm not sure a lot of people get Columbus Day off. Of course, federal and state employees do, do students? I've never had a job that got it off, it doesn't seem like a really 'honored' holiday. But I guess 'honored' is kind of relative. My company just recently made us start getting MLK Jr day off. I say 'made' because they took away one of our personal days so that everyone got MLK Jr day off....but I'm not bitter....
I'm just not sure Columbus Day registers for many workers.
Rogue Slayer | October 09, 22:47 CET
I most certainly did not :) Thanks again for all of the kind words (I don't mean the ones about mugging;)), folks, it means a lot to me to be able to give something back.
zeitgeist | October 10, 00:03 CET
ETA: Congratulations, zeitgeist. You look lovely in blue!
[ edited by Tiny Tabby on 2005-10-10 07:09 ]
Tiny Tabby | October 10, 00:08 CET
[ edited by Firefly Flanatic on 2005-10-10 07:20 ]
Firefly Flanatic | October 10, 00:19 CET
(Spoilers)Just thought preechers death was written poorly. Not enough screen time and they just blew him off. I mean we all new he had a mysterious past and now we are just to say oh well he's dead. The next death was also pointless. I mean it was almost as if they found out that Preechers death didn't resonate enough so they figured they needed to kill another character.
I mean killing Wash off is like the equivalent of getting rid of Willow or Zander. His character made the show for me. I loved Mal and co. but Wash made the show for me. I have to be honest, even if the stories continue, I am really not as interested now knowing that Wash is dead. I know Joss likes everyone to know that any character could go at any time but I would have felt the same way had Willow or Xander had been killed in Buffy.
Great movie....dissapointing character outcome. For that reason I hope this is it. No Wash no more Firefly for me.
[ edited by SoddingNancyTribe on 2005-10-10 07:37 ]
DarenG | October 10, 00:34 CET
Oy.
Oy.
@theonetruebix | October 10, 00:37 CET
Tiny Tabby | October 10, 00:37 CET
My turn to add congratulations to zeitgeist, who is most deserving of all the plaudits he is receiving.
SoddingNancyTribe | October 10, 00:42 CET
Oy I really gotta be careful with what I say, don't I? I never said anything bad about France.
Of course, EdDantes, I was teasing you!
Mmh, in fact, I said something like: "I would not necessarily counting on the fact that Serenity will do well abroad, if I were you" and then refering to some specific problems in France. I wasn't saying (or even less hoping!) that this would be the same in other countries, just that in could be the same... and I am glad that the movie does well in england (despite the fact that they still refuse europe... <-- teasing again, you see? ;) ).
Well, first of all, "it is not catching on so much" because it hasn't been released yet! ;)
But, more seriously, the reasons why I don't see him be really successful here are:
1) lack of distribution (only 200 copies or so, which is not very good - it is 1/10th of US distribution, which was not very wide by itself, but the population here is 1/5th of the US or so).
2) bad reviews in big magazines (although not *all* big magazines).
3) nearly no promotion (only mid-size posters in theater or in the paris subway, as far as I know).
4) the movie appears, to people who don't know it, as a mere SF action movie (which it seems to be, according to Box Office Mojo). In general, this does not bring much audience here; a good deal of people tend to consider themselves "intellectual" here (I won't picture you this in detail, you probably know the stuff), and thus despise such kind of movies.
Le Comité | October 10, 00:51 CET
DarenG | October 10, 00:56 CET
I wish my parents were into fandom. My dad likes sci-fi, and been a fan of Star Trek for a long time, but only passively. I'm still planning on loaning him my DVDs, I just need to get them back from a friend. In the meantime, I'll probably take him to see Serenity one of these days.
[ edited by electricspacegirl on 2005-10-10 08:09 ]
electricspacegirl | October 10, 01:01 CET
Very kind of you SNT, thanks so much! :)
zeitgeist | October 10, 01:08 CET
holycow | October 10, 01:25 CET
Got to talk to many folk afterward -- for weird reason. Many of us lined up after theatre at guest desk to get our money back because some drunk non-paying visitor came into the theatre and addressed the crowd for several minutes. I went out to get security (such as it was) and while I was gone, he disappeared. This came right at the vital moments in the Signal complex. I and everyone else missed it. After much expression of displeasure to the (suddenly) numerous staff, we waited for the manager to arrive.
We all talked and, long story short, well, everyone just keenly loved the film, as did dozens of others I've talked to over the week. I've only come across one person who just "liked it." I think Serenity is really making its mark.
BTW, almost everyone accepted free passes to another film of our choice. So all those bucks stayed on Serenity's ledger.
ETA: darned 'y' key . . .
[ edited by Drifter on 2005-10-10 08:57 ]
Drifter | October 10, 01:50 CET
Much sniffling (besides my own) made it clear the emotional impact of events later in the film was significant. Several people shouted "oh, no!" and someone behind me sobbed audibly for several minutes. As for me, I seriously can't remember ever having the experience before of going to a movie and reacting to it from a virtually unspoiled place, then seeing it again and reacting just as strongly although I knew exactly what was coming. The second viewing was even better for me than the first. I could stop working to catch all the dialogue and visual details and just let the storytelling sweep me away. Next time I'll remember Kleenex, though -- my sleeve got pretty soggy.
I wasn't the only one who sat through all the credits, and I had a good feeling leaving the theater. Outside, I recognized some patrons standing around or sitting in their cars, engaged in intense discussion. From what I picked up in passing, the comments sounded uniformly positive. It really felt to me like awareness of Serenity is finally starting to leach into the mainstream. I hope Uni is patient as word-of-mouth continues to build. If Pitch Black can get a sequel, I don't understand why Serenity wouldn't merit being given the same opportunity. And we haven't even tapped the DVD-release goldmine yet!
I must say that blue suits you, zeitgeist -- more local color is just what this joint needs :)
Wiseblood | October 10, 02:33 CET
@theonetruebix | October 10, 02:34 CET
Madhatter | October 10, 04:48 CET
Actually, state employees, at least here in Florida do not get Columbus day off.
killinj | October 10, 07:14 CET
http://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=1916&p=l.htm
Box Office Mojo had predicted a bigger drop for the weekend than we actually got, and I'm hoping we won't lose too many theaters this Friday in spite of the number of movies that are currently 'out'.
embers | October 10, 07:47 CET
Let's not kid ourselves, that's nowhere near as cool ;)
zeitgeist | October 10, 10:25 CET
I'm distressed at the numbers being bandied about, though - $27 million? Argh. Just - - argh.
rockgoddes | October 10, 12:17 CET
Drifter | October 10, 12:33 CET
Outside of us tracking all of this, no one in NorthAm is even going to notice.
@theonetruebix | October 10, 13:17 CET