Directors Joe Carnahan and Kevin Smith have spoke out about their disgust at American audiences for not flocking to see something as innovative as Grindhouse.
Carnahan, the director of the cool Smokin’ Aces (Review Here) said this on his blog…
What is wrong with American moviegoers? Is there nothing NEW that they’re willing to embrace? Jesus, it’s the worst kind of erosion. We’re making dumber and dumber films and they’re becoming cash cows. God Bless ‘300′, at least it’s got balls and the director WENT for it. THAT movie is good for the business, it’s good for everybody. But some of these other flicks don’t even TRY because they know in the end, EXACTLY the age range and demographic driving ticket prices these days. Those monstrosities (the names of which I won’t mention) are pure pieces of commerce, marketed to perfection.
I hope ‘Grindhouse’ recovers. It’s an audacious idea that I wish would’ve been given a bigger break. Maybe as they separate the two films, they’ll pry some sunshine out of the situation and the Weinstein’s will save the day. It bums me the f*ck out though when something like that, a really cool idea that looks like a great time at the movies, made by real talent– can’t push past.
It’s just dead wrong kids…and we ALL pay the price when those don’t work.
Kevin Smith chipped in with his two cents…
“What’s Costner’s line in J.F.K. again? ‘God, I’m ashamed to be an American today…’”
“I’d say the problem was America most definitely was at the movie theaters this week – which is why the stuff that grossed higher than Grindhouse… grossed higher than Grindhouse,” Smith wrote. “That’s the third fantastic film of the year which has failed to attract the audience it richly deserved in its opening week. Add Grindhouse to a list that includes Black Snake Moan and Zodiac.”
Although I haven’t seen Black Snake Moan or Zodiac yet (they haven’t been released over here yet), I’m baffled as to how those two movies didn’t make more of an impact than what they did. They had great plots, great cast, great trailers and great critics buzz but for whatever reason, no love from audiences.
Ultimately, we are the biggest losers here with Grindhouse because less and less studio’s will be willing to take on risks. It’s going to be very interesting to see how the movie performs for the rest of this week and indeed next weekend now that Easter is over.
source – slash film
2 Comments
I was glad to have seen GRINDHOUSE.!! I would have seen it earlier in the week(and i was supposed to see it the opening night) but I couldn’t get around to it and, I was only just able to see it just recently.
I thought Rodriguez did a FABULOUS JOB with his first film, “Planet Terror.” everything the hardcore, grungy teen-mid adult populace would want in this kind of film! And Tarantino with his second film, was an awesome film as well, he delivered the top notch action and witty dialogue so he did not dissapoint. There was one thing, though that had me “baffled” at the end, but its really minor in this context.
But I have to agree with the little article you posted…i agree that America is totally DUMB for not having flocked to see it. They really don’t know what they’re missing.!!
And also, I think that the Weinstein company considerin SPLITTING THE TWO movies is a terrible idea…you can’t watch the movie like the way I DID and have the same effect watching only one film in one showing. It’s just ridiculous…nobody, honestly, is gonna wanna pay FULL ADMISSION price for the one film because, as much as i love the films and tarantino and rodriguez, they don’t stand alone well. They were meant to be seen together all in one 3 hour sitting.
Anyways, im sad to see grindhouse not performing as it anticipated…it really deserves top prize.
What I want to know is…Where’s the 300 crowd??? 300 made it to the top when it came out, why can’t they come and support Grindhouse? They’re the same people.
And just to put in my two cents here…i thorougly enjoyed 300, but Grindhouse was so much better and enjoyable. period.
Great post ALK,
Hopefully the 300 crowd will get off their asses and see the movie this week.