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Box Office Mojo has the numbers from Syriana's limited release last week. Playing in only 5 theaters, it earned $372,000 over the 3-day weekend and has earned $553,000 since it's release on Wednesday. That's an average of $74,400 per screen, the highest of any film currently playing (Harry Potter holds the #2 slot for per screen average with $14,231).
Hello Mel.
So am I right in thinking that these figures suggest that Syriana could prove a massive box office (as well as critical hit?). Or am I just dreaming.
All the best from
Jude
So am I right in thinking that these figures suggest that Syriana could prove a massive box office (as well as critical hit?). Or am I just dreaming.
All the best from
Jude
The Envelope/LA Times has an interesting article about Syriana's excellent box office last weekend, which then veers into Oscar talk:
Early riser
'Syriana' gets off to a fast start, but still needs to prove its mettle against the big boys.
November 30, 2005
"Syriana" played to packed houses this weekend, and distributor Warner Bros. crowed about the picture's $74,900 per-theater average.
The political thriller has pulled in $605,175 so far at two theaters in Los Angeles, two in New York and one in Toronto. Strong traffic, to be sure, but a highly talked about studio picture better be auspicious on such a limited basis.
That's especially true on Thanksgiving weekend, a frame when the box office is inflated across the board.
How does the "Syriana" opening compare to other recent limited openers? This year, only Warner Bros. stablemate "Tim Burton's Corpse Bride," had a higher opening per-theater average: $77,633, also at five venues. It ultimately found a modest audience, with $53.1 million grossed thus far.
"The Aristocrats" boasted $60,949 per location in its debut earlier this year, but failed to connect with the mainstream, hauling in just $6.3 million.
In recent years, pictures like "Punch-Drunk Love" and "I Heart Huckabees" celebrated $70,000-plus averages out of the gate, only to founder from there.
Remember, a high per-theater average is only an indicator of possible widespread success, so it's too early to deem "Syriana" a commercial hit, which it must to be a force in the best picture race.
Fortunately for "Syriana," political intrigue plays well outside of New York and Los Angeles. "Syriana" writer Stephen Gaghan's "Traffic" drew crowds in both limited and wide release prior to its Oscar nominations. Earlier this year, "The Interpreter" — another film saddled with the liberal political label — made a solid $72.6 million.
Warner Bros. plans to add five venues to "Syriana" on Friday, and then will take the film nationwide to about 1,900 theaters on Dec. 9, opposite the opening of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."
One area where "Syriana" could score even if it fizzles at the box office is in the best supporting actor race, where George Clooney seems to be making a smart tactical decision. The best actor category is simply too competitive with the likes of Joaquin Phoenix ("Walk the Line"), Philip Seymour Hoffman ("Capote") and David Strathairn ("Good Night, and Good Luck") in the fray. Meanwhile, supporting actor appears to be a weaker category.
Clooney is respected in the industry as an actor, producer and activist, and between "Syriana" and "Good Night, and Good Luck," he has tackled political themes that Hollywood likes to back. Unfortunately, the Oscar race is little more than a political campaign, hence the focus on factors inessential to his performance and the hyping of sensational aspects (like how he gained 30 pounds for the role).
Meanwhile, "Rent" looks like it will go the way of last year's "The Phantom of the Opera." Director Chris Columbus' adaptation of the 1996 Broadway musical has an audience, garnering $17.7 million in six days. But those numbers are not sizable enough to classify the picture as a hit, something it needs in order to overcome a mixed critical reception and to stick with the academy.
"Pride & Prejudice" fueled speculation for dark horse best picture and actress bid, thanks to a successful nationwide release. Focus Features sold the Jane Austen adaptation, featuring Keira Knightley, more as a frothy romantic comedy than an uptight costumed affair, and the movie snared a solid $7.2 million for the weekend at 1,299 theaters. It will need to survive the post-Thanksgiving slump that most pictures suffer in order to maintain momentum.
Then there's "Walk the Line," which looks more and more like it will transform Johnny Cash into the Man in Gold with nominations for picture, actor and actress and then some.
In addition to being the type of picture that Oscar voters dig, it's also a crowd pleaser. The music drama had the best hold among major wide releases over the weekend, and with $55.2 million in the till after 11 days, it's on track to top "Ray" as the highest-grossing picture of its genre — and that's before it receives any boost from nominations.
Waiting in the wings though are most of the major best picture wannabes, each of which will test the waters in limited release. On Dec. 9 comes "Brokeback Mountain," "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Mrs. Henderson Presents," and then on Christmas weekend there's "Munich" and "The New World."
'Syriana' gets off to a fast start, but still needs to prove its mettle against the big boys.
November 30, 2005
"Syriana" played to packed houses this weekend, and distributor Warner Bros. crowed about the picture's $74,900 per-theater average.
The political thriller has pulled in $605,175 so far at two theaters in Los Angeles, two in New York and one in Toronto. Strong traffic, to be sure, but a highly talked about studio picture better be auspicious on such a limited basis.
That's especially true on Thanksgiving weekend, a frame when the box office is inflated across the board.
How does the "Syriana" opening compare to other recent limited openers? This year, only Warner Bros. stablemate "Tim Burton's Corpse Bride," had a higher opening per-theater average: $77,633, also at five venues. It ultimately found a modest audience, with $53.1 million grossed thus far.
"The Aristocrats" boasted $60,949 per location in its debut earlier this year, but failed to connect with the mainstream, hauling in just $6.3 million.
In recent years, pictures like "Punch-Drunk Love" and "I Heart Huckabees" celebrated $70,000-plus averages out of the gate, only to founder from there.
Remember, a high per-theater average is only an indicator of possible widespread success, so it's too early to deem "Syriana" a commercial hit, which it must to be a force in the best picture race.
Fortunately for "Syriana," political intrigue plays well outside of New York and Los Angeles. "Syriana" writer Stephen Gaghan's "Traffic" drew crowds in both limited and wide release prior to its Oscar nominations. Earlier this year, "The Interpreter" — another film saddled with the liberal political label — made a solid $72.6 million.
Warner Bros. plans to add five venues to "Syriana" on Friday, and then will take the film nationwide to about 1,900 theaters on Dec. 9, opposite the opening of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."
One area where "Syriana" could score even if it fizzles at the box office is in the best supporting actor race, where George Clooney seems to be making a smart tactical decision. The best actor category is simply too competitive with the likes of Joaquin Phoenix ("Walk the Line"), Philip Seymour Hoffman ("Capote") and David Strathairn ("Good Night, and Good Luck") in the fray. Meanwhile, supporting actor appears to be a weaker category.
Clooney is respected in the industry as an actor, producer and activist, and between "Syriana" and "Good Night, and Good Luck," he has tackled political themes that Hollywood likes to back. Unfortunately, the Oscar race is little more than a political campaign, hence the focus on factors inessential to his performance and the hyping of sensational aspects (like how he gained 30 pounds for the role).
Meanwhile, "Rent" looks like it will go the way of last year's "The Phantom of the Opera." Director Chris Columbus' adaptation of the 1996 Broadway musical has an audience, garnering $17.7 million in six days. But those numbers are not sizable enough to classify the picture as a hit, something it needs in order to overcome a mixed critical reception and to stick with the academy.
"Pride & Prejudice" fueled speculation for dark horse best picture and actress bid, thanks to a successful nationwide release. Focus Features sold the Jane Austen adaptation, featuring Keira Knightley, more as a frothy romantic comedy than an uptight costumed affair, and the movie snared a solid $7.2 million for the weekend at 1,299 theaters. It will need to survive the post-Thanksgiving slump that most pictures suffer in order to maintain momentum.
Then there's "Walk the Line," which looks more and more like it will transform Johnny Cash into the Man in Gold with nominations for picture, actor and actress and then some.
In addition to being the type of picture that Oscar voters dig, it's also a crowd pleaser. The music drama had the best hold among major wide releases over the weekend, and with $55.2 million in the till after 11 days, it's on track to top "Ray" as the highest-grossing picture of its genre — and that's before it receives any boost from nominations.
Waiting in the wings though are most of the major best picture wannabes, each of which will test the waters in limited release. On Dec. 9 comes "Brokeback Mountain," "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Mrs. Henderson Presents," and then on Christmas weekend there's "Munich" and "The New World."
These are really good numbers when you look at some of the other movies that have recently opened and are still not doing quite as well! This can only be fantastic when it finally does open on the 9th. However, it will be up against Narnia. I'm thinking that many will drop the kids off at Narnia while mom and dad pop across the aisle to see Syriana.
This is the first time alarm bells are inging for me over the prospect of Clooney being included for the supporting actor rather than lead actor category for Oscar consideration. This obviously would not be good news for Sid (or am I being too alarmist here)
Anyway fingers crossed all round.
Jude
Anyway fingers crossed all round.
Jude
(POTHOS @ Dec 1 2005, 01:11 PM) [snapback]1038[/snapback]
This is the first time alarm bells are inging for me over the prospect of Clooney being included for the supporting actor rather than lead actor category for Oscar consideration. This obviously would not be good news for Sid (or am I being too alarmist here)
No, I had the same reaction. Isn't there even a ? as to whether Sid's "on" long enough to even be considered? If GC throws his name in Supporting Actor...oooof. Here's hoping.
That does lead to the question of "who" would be considered the Lead Actor then.
Box office update: In limited release, WB's "Syriana" stayed strong as it expanded from five to nine theaters in Gotham, L.A. and Toronto. Pic made $491,000, giving it an impressive average of $54,444. Political thriller looks well positioned as it goes wide next weekend. (Variety)
According to Box Office Mojo, Syriana has now earned $1.2 million in just 2 weeks of very limited release. I have to admit, this is a better showing than I expected. It won't be number 1 when it opens wide this weekend (Chronicles of Narnia will be #1), but it should open in the top 10 and possibly the top 5.
According to Box Office Mojo, Syriana has now earned $1.2 million in just 2 weeks of very limited release. I have to admit, this is a better showing than I expected. It won't be number 1 when it opens wide this weekend (Chronicles of Narnia will be #1), but it should open in the top 10 and possibly the top 5.
This is the first time alarm bells are ringing for me over the prospect of Clooney being included for the supporting actor rather than lead actor category for Oscar consideration.
I had the impression Clooney was speaking as a producer of Syriana when he said they'd not bother to push for a best actor nomination, but would try in the supporting category where he thought their chances were better. Production companies sometimes take out ads in trade papers suggesting nominations, ("For Your Consideration..."). I didn't think George Clooney was suggesting that HE'd try to get a nomination in the supporting actor category, but rather that they'd get behind the person with the best shot at a nomination. That could be Sid. We'll have to wait and see.
Carol
The FYC ads have been out for Syriana for a couple of weeks now and they're pushing Clooney, Damon and Wright for Best Supporting Actor. Often this campaigning is written into a performer's contract and the studio/production company is obliged to campaign for them to a certain extent, until a frontrunner in the group becomes clear. At this point, Clooney is the early favorite. It's still too early to call - the first major group (National Board of Review) announces their picks tomorrow and we still have until the end of January before Oscar nominations are announced. Let's sit tight and see which way the wind is blowing. There could be a few surprises yet to come!
The Envelope/LA Times has another story about Syriana's box office today:
Coming up big
"Syriana" and "Pride" start small but make the most of their limited release status.
At the box office, the weekend following Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for limited releases to show they have what it takes to become awards contenders.
This year was no exception, with "Syriana" and "Pride & Prejudice" both making statements and "Walk the Line" reinforcing its front-runner status before other major contenders arrive on the scene.
With the unappealing "Aeon Flux" the only new picture of note, smaller films were able to make some headway on an otherwise quiet weekend.
Among Oscar bait presently in theaters, "Pride & Prejudice" was perhaps most impressive. With a 39% drop for the weekend and $22.4 million in the till after 24 days, the picture continues to exceed humble expectations from its modest release pattern.
The Jane Austen adaptation has also raised the ante for the upcoming "Mrs. Henderson Presents" and "Casanova" in their bid for the academy's "fun" best picture nomination.
"Walk the Line" now stands as the highest grossing traditional best picture candidate, overtaking "Cinderella Man," and it should maintain that perch through the beginning of the year at least.
Even though the Johnny Cash biopic descended a hefty 50% over the weekend, the fact that it has generated a sizable $68.3 million without the aid of year-end accolades should ensure it a spot among the best picture nominees.
"Syriana" remained relevant in limited release. At nine theaters, the political thriller logged $521,410 or $57,935 per packed location. On Thanksgiving weekend, it averaged $74,900 at five sites. Maintaining that level of activity following a holiday and an expansion is encouraging.
Distributor Warner Bros. plans to roll out "Syriana" to about 1,750 theaters on Friday, counter-programming the perceived liberal movie against "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," which carries conservative buzz. "Syriana" should come in at a strong second place.
Also in limited release is "Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont." The British comedy-drama starring Joan Plowright in the title role is being handled by a small independent distributor, Jour de Fete Films, and has posted decent numbers since its Nov. 25 opening. The film hasn't yet been lost in the shuffle, as might be expected for such an unheralded release.
While not in the running for best picture, "Mrs. Palfrey" could be a dark horse for a best actress nomination — Dame Plowright has never won and was nominated only once. However, she has to contend with the Academy's favorite Dame, Judi Dench of "Mrs. Henderson Presents."
On Friday the Oscar race hits full stride. Three major Academy Award hopefuls will be unleashed on a limited basis: In addition to "Mrs. Henderson Presents," there's "Brokeback Mountain" and "Memoirs of a Geisha."
"Brokeback Mountain" has the air of inevitably, given the raft of hype from critics and industry observers. However, Ang Lee's cowboy love story could peak too soon — some may find that the emperor has no clothes, as is often the case with front-runners — and it will be a challenge for distributor Focus Features to find a mainstream audience.
"Memoirs of a Geisha" has pedigree in spades, but in its marketing and hype, it also has the aura of a movie made to win awards rather than stand on its own at the box office.
The next picture perceived to be a surefire best picture nominee doesn't come until Dec. 23 with Steven Spielberg's "Munich." In between there are movies with remote chances, like "King Kong" and "The Producers," and the busy Christmas vacation frame will bring Terrence Malick's "The New World," Lasse Hallström's "Casanova" and Woody Allen's "Match Point."
"Syriana" and "Pride" start small but make the most of their limited release status.
At the box office, the weekend following Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for limited releases to show they have what it takes to become awards contenders.
This year was no exception, with "Syriana" and "Pride & Prejudice" both making statements and "Walk the Line" reinforcing its front-runner status before other major contenders arrive on the scene.
With the unappealing "Aeon Flux" the only new picture of note, smaller films were able to make some headway on an otherwise quiet weekend.
Among Oscar bait presently in theaters, "Pride & Prejudice" was perhaps most impressive. With a 39% drop for the weekend and $22.4 million in the till after 24 days, the picture continues to exceed humble expectations from its modest release pattern.
The Jane Austen adaptation has also raised the ante for the upcoming "Mrs. Henderson Presents" and "Casanova" in their bid for the academy's "fun" best picture nomination.
"Walk the Line" now stands as the highest grossing traditional best picture candidate, overtaking "Cinderella Man," and it should maintain that perch through the beginning of the year at least.
Even though the Johnny Cash biopic descended a hefty 50% over the weekend, the fact that it has generated a sizable $68.3 million without the aid of year-end accolades should ensure it a spot among the best picture nominees.
"Syriana" remained relevant in limited release. At nine theaters, the political thriller logged $521,410 or $57,935 per packed location. On Thanksgiving weekend, it averaged $74,900 at five sites. Maintaining that level of activity following a holiday and an expansion is encouraging.
Distributor Warner Bros. plans to roll out "Syriana" to about 1,750 theaters on Friday, counter-programming the perceived liberal movie against "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," which carries conservative buzz. "Syriana" should come in at a strong second place.
Also in limited release is "Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont." The British comedy-drama starring Joan Plowright in the title role is being handled by a small independent distributor, Jour de Fete Films, and has posted decent numbers since its Nov. 25 opening. The film hasn't yet been lost in the shuffle, as might be expected for such an unheralded release.
While not in the running for best picture, "Mrs. Palfrey" could be a dark horse for a best actress nomination — Dame Plowright has never won and was nominated only once. However, she has to contend with the Academy's favorite Dame, Judi Dench of "Mrs. Henderson Presents."
On Friday the Oscar race hits full stride. Three major Academy Award hopefuls will be unleashed on a limited basis: In addition to "Mrs. Henderson Presents," there's "Brokeback Mountain" and "Memoirs of a Geisha."
"Brokeback Mountain" has the air of inevitably, given the raft of hype from critics and industry observers. However, Ang Lee's cowboy love story could peak too soon — some may find that the emperor has no clothes, as is often the case with front-runners — and it will be a challenge for distributor Focus Features to find a mainstream audience.
"Memoirs of a Geisha" has pedigree in spades, but in its marketing and hype, it also has the aura of a movie made to win awards rather than stand on its own at the box office.
The next picture perceived to be a surefire best picture nominee doesn't come until Dec. 23 with Steven Spielberg's "Munich." In between there are movies with remote chances, like "King Kong" and "The Producers," and the busy Christmas vacation frame will bring Terrence Malick's "The New World," Lasse Hallström's "Casanova" and Woody Allen's "Match Point."
According to Box Office Mojo, the numbers for Friday alone were very impressive. Narnia pulled in $23,9 mil. taking over the number one spot in the theaters over Harry Potter, (no surprises there) BUT, in the #2 spot, pulling in $3,790 mil. is Syriana, pushing HP to number 3!!! That's just Friday's numbers kids, but what a showing! Personally, I'm speechless. I knew Syriana was bound to do well, but to come out in front of HP blows me away.
Yay Sid!!!
Yay Sid!!!
Box Office Mojo has their weekend estimates posted now (actual weekend will post on Monday):
1 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe $67,064,000 / $67,064,000
2 Syriana $12,030,000 / $13,529,000
3 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire $10,315,000 / $244,119,000
4 Walk the Line $5,750,000 / $77,003,000
5 Yours, Mine and Ours $5,150,000 / $40,917,000
6 Aeon Flux $4,625,000 / $20,282,000
7 Just Friends $3,900,000 / $26,464,000
8 Pride and Prejudice $2,491,000 / $26,385,000
9 Chicken Little $2,256,000 / $127,230,000
10 Rent $2,000,000 / $26,912,000
The first $ amount is the weekend take, the second $ amount is the overall take. Hurrah for #2!
1 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe $67,064,000 / $67,064,000
2 Syriana $12,030,000 / $13,529,000
3 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire $10,315,000 / $244,119,000
4 Walk the Line $5,750,000 / $77,003,000
5 Yours, Mine and Ours $5,150,000 / $40,917,000
6 Aeon Flux $4,625,000 / $20,282,000
7 Just Friends $3,900,000 / $26,464,000
8 Pride and Prejudice $2,491,000 / $26,385,000
9 Chicken Little $2,256,000 / $127,230,000
10 Rent $2,000,000 / $26,912,000
The first $ amount is the weekend take, the second $ amount is the overall take. Hurrah for #2!
Way too awesome. Personally I'm really looking forward to seeing this flick (even if it means waiting until it's released on VHS/DVD) Syriana seemed to me from the start to be a winner.
Syriana is continuing to hold its own at the box office, maintaining second to Narnia through Tuesday. But with the release of King Kong today, expect it to slip to third. It will probably continue to make about $1 million/day during the week, but Kong's mighty take will push Narnia to second and Syriana to third.
Current box office total: $15,296,374
Current box office total: $15,296,374
In which the staff at Box Office Prophets discuss Syriana's wide release box office take, and a possible dark horse for the Oscar:
Monday Morning Quarterback: Part Two
By BOP Staff
December 14, 2005
What powerful subject matter? You got anything where a gigantic family has hijinks?
Kim Hollis: Syriana opened to $12 million in 1,752 venues. What do you think of this performance?
David Mumpower: I expect that you all will disagree, but I find this unsatisfying. A Matt Damon/George Clooney film should do much better than this independent of the subject matter.
Reagen Sulewski: This number seems to say "polite acknowledgement" to me, as opposed to the gaudy numbers it put up in limited release.
David Mumpower: That's a great way of saying it, Reagen. "We applaud the effort now please go make Ocean's 13 and don't screw up like last time."
Kim Hollis: Given the venues and the downbeat subject matter, I think that's pretty damned good. I mean, this isn't Danny Ocean and friends. This is a guy who fought the establishment and is embittered about the way it turned out.
Kim Hollis: How much further do you see Syriana expanding, and also, do you think the film is an Academy Awards contender?
David Mumpower: Honestly, I think this is pretty much the audience for the film and the pre-release Oscars buzz seems to be vanishing. It's been received as a good but not great film and only the second best Clooney release of the season.
Joel Corcoran: I think it's an Academy Awards contender, much like Traffic was, but at the same time, I don't think the opening box office really warrants expanding it. I think Syriana is one of those movies that will trickle outward across the country, but never expand far beyond 1,700 venues or so.
Reagen Sulewski: It's a cynical and not altogether transparent film, and I don't really see audiences turning the tide on this one. It might expand to the 22-2300 range. There's a few nominations I could see (extreme dark horse: Alexander Siddig), but no more than a few.
Kim Hollis: Yeah, the fact that Good Night, and Good Luck has such universal praise and admiration is not a happy thing for Syriana.
By BOP Staff
December 14, 2005
What powerful subject matter? You got anything where a gigantic family has hijinks?
Kim Hollis: Syriana opened to $12 million in 1,752 venues. What do you think of this performance?
David Mumpower: I expect that you all will disagree, but I find this unsatisfying. A Matt Damon/George Clooney film should do much better than this independent of the subject matter.
Reagen Sulewski: This number seems to say "polite acknowledgement" to me, as opposed to the gaudy numbers it put up in limited release.
David Mumpower: That's a great way of saying it, Reagen. "We applaud the effort now please go make Ocean's 13 and don't screw up like last time."
Kim Hollis: Given the venues and the downbeat subject matter, I think that's pretty damned good. I mean, this isn't Danny Ocean and friends. This is a guy who fought the establishment and is embittered about the way it turned out.
Kim Hollis: How much further do you see Syriana expanding, and also, do you think the film is an Academy Awards contender?
David Mumpower: Honestly, I think this is pretty much the audience for the film and the pre-release Oscars buzz seems to be vanishing. It's been received as a good but not great film and only the second best Clooney release of the season.
Joel Corcoran: I think it's an Academy Awards contender, much like Traffic was, but at the same time, I don't think the opening box office really warrants expanding it. I think Syriana is one of those movies that will trickle outward across the country, but never expand far beyond 1,700 venues or so.
Reagen Sulewski: It's a cynical and not altogether transparent film, and I don't really see audiences turning the tide on this one. It might expand to the 22-2300 range. There's a few nominations I could see (extreme dark horse: Alexander Siddig), but no more than a few.
Kim Hollis: Yeah, the fact that Good Night, and Good Luck has such universal praise and admiration is not a happy thing for Syriana.
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