Monday, March 29, 2010
Flop?
There’s been lots of talk recently in the fandom whether or not Remember Me is a so called “Flop”. I will preface that I have not seen the movie. *ducks* I had personal reasons not to see it due to the intense subject matter and unfortunately, the twist ending would be too much for me to handle. So, this will not be a movie review. But instead, I will tell you why Remember Me is not a flop.
The term “Flop” is just really subjective. It can mean lots of things to different people. Studio Execs, Newspapers/Media, Critics, Agents, Actors, and the general public all view the term in different ways. Larry Richman (@larry411) who is an independent movie reviewer and reporter, says, “Flop” is in the eye of the beholder”. He continues, “It really depends on who is making that judgment. Everyone has their own agenda.” Usually a movie is a true “FLOP” if it fails to make any money back at all especially if there was an inflated budget. Even so called hit movies can be considered a flop if they fail to meet studio expectations. Larry says, “For better or worse, it is usually the press who makes that call and the public generally accepts their opinion. And what the press says is usually based on a number given publicly or privately by industry insiders or the filmmakers.” The studio usually has a number in mind when they are making opening weekend predictions based on early “buzz” or word of mouth, and reviews. Larry says, “So ultimately it’s the studio/distributors themselves who define whether or not the film is a flop, based on whatever predictions they had”.
So for example, The Green Zone with Matt Damon, who let’s face it is a bigger name than Rob at this point, which opened the same weekend as Remember Me had a $100 Million dollar budget. It made only $14.5 million. It was expected to open at $30 to $50 million. It didn’t. So this movie in most circles is considered a huge disappointment or a “flop”.
Remember Me is an indie movie. Summit is an indie studio. They spent $16 million on the movie. It made half of it back the first weekend. It jumped up considerably the second week and is now opening internationally. There are DVD sales, Television/Cable rights to be sold as well. This movie will definitely make it’s money back and at the end of the day this is what any studio wants, to make it’s money back and of course, a little bit more. Did it open gangbusters the first weekend? No. Summit was expecting somewhere around $20 million. Personally, I think that was inflated since Rob really didn’t have a strong A-list caliber co-star as his leading lady to help really sell the movie, say for example Amanda Seyfried who was partnered with Channing Tatum to make “Dear John” a hit. That also had a depressing, sad ending. However, you had two hot, well known actors in the lead. I don’t want to discredit Emilie DeRavin, but she has more of a cult following from ‘Lost’ and ‘Roswell’ than Amanda’s A-list movie resume.
FYI Some famous flops include Fight Club, Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Office Space, Donnie Darko, The Wizard of Oz, Citizen Cane, The Breakfast Club and I could go on. These movies are awesome in my opinion. Point being there is life after the Box Office. I could see Remember Me becoming a huge cult favorite. Or even one of those movies you cozy up to on a Sunday afternoon on the couch because it’s on cable.
So “Remember Me” was not as huge as any of the “Twilight” saga films. Big deal. As of Sunday, (Mar 28th) the movie has made over 22 mil both domestically and internationally. It’s made it’s money back. I applaud Rob for trying a different role that challenged him as an actor. He could have done a cheesy romantic comedy or the typical teen slasher horror flic. He didn’t. He’s not selling out anytime soon and with Bel Ami and Water for Elephants on the horizon, Rob’s box office power will continue to rise.
Awesome post RL…and very true. I personally loved the movie..did it have some flaws..sure..but I loved rob in it..and I am happy Rob is extending himself in challenging/unique roles. I cannot wait for Bel Ami and WFE…I see a big future for Rob, and cannot wait to see it as it unfolds.
Great post RL! I was so sick of hearing people call Remember Me a flop. Thx for explaining & setting the record straight.
Great post. I agree with everything you said. I think once Remember Me comes on DVD it will do amazing! I have seen it 5 times so far and every time I am blown away, and word of mouth will really help.
Kimbo
Nice post! Movie studios are very funny things. They completely ignore even the balance sheet when it tells them they're making money unless they see more than $100 mil in surplus. And good for Rob for following his heart and not his wallet.
It should be noted that while RM made $8m in its opening weekend, Summit only takes 1/2 of it as theatres get half. So to make their $16m budget (not including the marketing costs) it needs to make, at the very least, $32m after everything is said and done.
I don't think comparing Dear John is quite fair. That movie is based on a very popular book, much like Twilight. I don't think the critics over-reaction helped at all. Nor did those saying they wouldn't see the movie because Rob was acting with somebody other than Kristen. I guess he isn't allowed to do that. This movie showed the difference between Rob fans, Twilight fans & "Robsten" fans.
Regarding Bel Ami & WFE, as much as I am aching to see these movies, I can't see them being big money makers. They are both more arthouse movies then big money makers.
Amazing post. Well done. xoxo
Good Job BB! <3 Fuck Ted and his flop comments.
I enjoyed the movie… Matter of fact, I'm going to see it a second time with my sister because she hasn't seen it yet. The subject matter was more 'intense' than I expected it to be.
Anyone that expected it to be huge like the Twilight movies was an idiot!
Who said Summit expected to open at $20 mil??
Well, it stands at $17 million domestically now and will likely to become Summit's 6th highest gross movie if it surpasses Astro Boy ($19.5 million). And internationally it already made $10 million as of Sunday after releasing Germany and Italy, for example. I see the total foreign to pass $15 million eventually (given U.K and France are yet to open). So, we are seeing something ballpark $35 +mil globally.
Even if Summit just get half of that, that makes back production and print cost. So they will rely on Cable and DVD to make up for marketing.
Summit never expected $20 million OW; that's untrue and it's really disingenous to pull numbers out of the sky as if you have a direct line to Summit. It's well known inside the industry that Summit hoped for between $10-$12 million opening weekend for Remember Me. Obviously they didn't get it…they got a little under $8.1. Disappointment? Sure, but flop? No way.
I wouldn't call it a flop but throwing around box office numbers like it's going to change the critics minds is getting a bit much. They expected too much of this movie based on it's star. They advertised this movie like it was going to be a blockbuster and it wasn't. Without Rob this movie would have fared much worse, I think that in itself shows Rob has box office power.
RM was aweseome! I can't wait for the DVD to watch Rob and TH over and over and over again
RM was a good movie!!! People shouldnt knock it!! I dont think anyone expected it to be a blockbuster. Its a very deep movie and really leaves you thinking! It has actually left me feeling sad each time I have left it.
I have seen it twice now. I will buy the DVD when it comes out! I think Robs acting was Wonderful. It was nice to see a different side to him and a totally diff look other than Edward. You did a GREAT Job Rob!!!
I think the comment above about Diff kinds of fans was totally accurate.
Rob Fans, Twilight Fans and Robsten Fans, all a diff breed I guess.
I am all three!!
seen the movie and will see it again, it showcases rob's budding talent as an actor, kudos!