Michigan bombs at the box office
Two films with strong Michigan ties opened wide in theaters this past weekend, and they both ran into a brick wall. So much for regional cheerleading; it doesn't matter at the box office.
"Whip It," directed by Drew Barrymore and starring Ellen Page, was mostly shot in Michigan. And "Capitalism: A Love Story" is the latest from Michigan filmmaker Michael Moore. Despite major marketing campaigns a talk show barrage for both films, they essentially tied for sixth place, bringing in $4.85 million. Ouch.
For "Whip It" this is unmitigated disaster, but hardly beyond prediction. There are only two female stars who can "open" a movie -- Meryl Streep and Angelina Jolie, and even they have to have the right projects. "Whip It" was a near all-female cast, with most of the burden being put on Ellen Page, who has had exactly one previous hit -- "Juno."
"Whip It" is no "Juno" -- the best film of 2007 -- to say the least. Barrymore's touch as a director is shaky at best, but even so, who was the audience for a film about roller derby girls supposed to be?
Teen boys don't go see films about empowered women, and teen girls generally want to see films about teen boys falling in love with teen girls. It's a sexist fact, but a fact nonetheless. So "Whip It" got whomped.
The failure of "Capitalism" to explode is more interesting. Realize, first off, that most documentary films never even dream of making $4 million, and with last week's limited release "Capitalism" already has $5.2 million, making it one of the top 20 docs of all time. Plus, it was only on 962 screens (compared to "Whip It"s 1700 or winner "Zombieland"s 3000).
Still, Moore is competing with himself here, and this debut is way behind his last film, "Sicko." Why?
I'm guessing it's a combination of things. First off, the film's focus isn't clear from the title (or from the movie itself, actually). It's subject matter is ridiculously broad. And the whole idea of how messed up the economy is may be just too painful for people to face right now.
Beyond that, the marketing campaign made it look pretty much like just another Michael Moore movie: Same old schtick, different target.
"Capitalism" will end up making $10 million and be a mild success at the same time it's a disappointment. "Whip It" is just a bomb. Again, ouch Michigan.
Comments
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Drews Whip it
In response to my being a screenwriter, well, I write everyday.
As for the directing, I've shot edited etc in DV.
Is it the same as film, no but it's cheaper.
): Anyway, Ellen is a looker, she may not have the top or the bottom of Raquel but she has that look of angst. Think Raquel in 10,000 BC, put Ellen's picture over the body.
My point was that the film was very well written no plot holes etc.
Secondly despite Tom's statement Drew used her DP well, and the actors were driven, lively and produced a great film. She can become a great director, she's good.
Third it will make all of its' money back. While it is no zombieland, it does have a few perks and MI should support this great film.
Whip It
No Raquel Welch? WHEN were you a filmmaker/screenwriter? :-) No, seriously, I'm curious whether you used Ms. Welch's name as comparison to illustrate that Ellen Page is no beauty? Is that it?
No "Juno?"
That means it must be good. "Juno" was sarcastic, cynical, and sophomoric. Not to mention highly overrated. It reminded me of "Clerks," an equally sophomoric and equally overrated--and now blessedly mostly forgotten film. Why "Juno" was so well-received by critics was a complete mystery to me.
Whip It
First let me qualify myself. I'm a writer/screenwriter etc.
I thought Whip it was wonderful. It's a sport film with women/teenagers.
I remember the shot on Belle Isle, which is shown as a country club in Texas. As they say on Nikki Finke's site it's a gem of a film.
Why?
A. Drama
B. Action
C. Love
D. A coming of age story
If the film had been properly marketed as a sports film it would have made more money with its wide opening.
As for Drew's directing, she did a great job with the locations, shots and actors. They all perform well.
While Ellen Page may not be Raquel Welch I think the film holds up.
As for film in Michigan, well Hollywood's greatest hit was the Dark Knight; maybe the third installment will be filmed here. And unlike all the dramas ( the only exception Red Dawn) . Comics always make money.
Whip It
First let me qualify myself. I'm a writer/screenwriter etc.
I thought Whip it was wonderful. It's a sport film with women/teenagers.
I remember the shot on Belle Isle, which is shown as a country club in Texas. As they say on Nikki Finke's site it's a gem of a film.
Why?
A. Drama
B. Action
C. Love
D. A coming of age story
If the film had been properly marketed as a sports film it would have made more money with its wide opening.
As for Drew's directing, she did a great job with the locations, shots and actors. They all perform well.
While Ellen Page may not be Raquel Welch I think the film holds up.
As for film in Michigan, well Hollywood's greatest hit was the Dark Knight; maybe the third installment will be filmed here. And unlike all the dramas ( the only exception Red Dawn) . Comics always make money.
Michigan Bombs at the Box Office
Hello Tom,
I think your review of the two movies is fair. But I think the title of your article is completely irrelevant to the subject matter. I do not think the average movie goer is making their movie choices based on the state the film was shot in or based on the state the director is from. It seems you are trying extremely hard to link the failures of theses movies to the State of Michigan. The connection does not exist. Movie failures are generally due to bad marketing, bad acting, bad writing, or poor choice of subject matter.
I am not sure if theme of this article is written in sarcasm or pessimism.
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