Weekend box office wasn’t kind to movies that weren’t supported.
Hobbled “Musk” fell 77 percent as it was stripped of most theaters by Bleecker Street. With just 63 venues, this important three hour expose of the owner of Tesla made just $71,530 in its third (technically second) week.
Bleecker Street really ensured that “Musk” died an ignoble death. So now the question is, how soon will HBO start showing it? If they’ll show it considering their new ownership? Also, will Universal Pictures put some muscle into the international release? Let’s hope the ghost of Bleecker Street founder Andrew Karpen haunts the new owners like it’s a horror movie.
Meantime, “You Can See Everything” is booming. Up to $45 million now. This is despite controversies surrounding filmmaker Lance Oppenheim, and some push back now for Nathan Fielder. Is this a documentary? Or a set up? Incredibly entertaining, yes. But is “YCSE” a fiction movie? I’ve actually read some sympathy for the antagonist, Billy Evans. That seems preposterous.
“The Social Reckoning” dropped 85% this week, it’s over. After 3 weeks, the tally is $9 million. Again, Sony folded like a house of cards. Director-writer Aaron Sorkin, however, gets a plus this week with the Lincoln Center revival of his play, “A Few Good Men.” That should be a big hit, and remind everyone that Sorkin is a great writer nevertheless.
Warner’s “Clayface” is in at $24 million, number 1 this week, which is just what was needed. “The Cat in the Hat” is coming November 6th. Warner’s is perking back up, especially with “Dune 3” on the way. Don’t mention “Digger” to anyone.
I really liked “The Only Living Pickpocket” starring John Turturro in a masterful turn, with Steve Buscemi shining in a supporting role. I hope it gets a wider release from its three theaters this week. It’s reminiscent of a film noir, and a kind of Sidney Lumet movie in the best ways. It would be swell to see the NY Film Critics give Turturro some love.
Still out there and plugging along, quietly: “Heart of the Beast.” Brad Pitt and Odin the dog are sensational, the film hums with seat of the pants action and beautiful cinematography. Long after a lot of these other movies disappear, “HoB” is going to keep resonating.
