IndieWire: 5 Indie Box Office Showdowns
I’ve always wondered, I’m sure like a lot of you, why Magnolia Pics decided to release Bel Ami via VOD prior to the film’s cinema release and Peter Knegt of IndieWire might have just explained it for me. I’ll be honest I hadn’t heard of Bruce Beresford’s “Peace, Love and Misunderstanding” – sorry Bruce I’m a bad fellow Aussie, but in any event, here’s what Peter had to say:
“2. Robert Pattinson vs. Jane Fonda
The Films: Robert Pattinson period romance “Bel Ami” and Bruce Beresford’s “Peace, Love and Misunderstanding,” which stars Jane Fonda, Catherine Keener and Elizabeth Olsen.
The Release Dates: Both June 8th
The Prediction: Neither likely to receive very strong reviews based on responses from debuts at Berlin and Toronto, it might be an uphill battle for both “Ami” and “Understanding.” One might think marketable casts will cancel that out, but let’s keep in mind Pattinson’s “Little Ashes” grossed just $481,586 back in 2009 and Fonda’s “Georgia Rule” was a big dud in 2007. Still, it’s probable both will cross the $1 million mark, at the very least. And give the overall edge to “Bel Ami.” While “Little Ashes” was a Salvador Dalà biopic were R.Patz played gay, “Bel Ami” has the type of sex appeal to woo Pattinson’s fan base a bit more. But the real potential for both films? VOD. Both will be released on it (“Ami” well before its theatrical run), and these are the kind of films that tend to do quite well on that format.”
I’m assuming those figures Peter referred to are US figures only since we know that Bel Ami has already well and truly made over $1 million. If you want to read the full article, click on the link above.
5 comments on “IndieWire: 5 Indie Box Office Showdowns”
Leave a Reply
2 April 2026 - Jimmy Fallon Show *Confirmed*
2 April 2026 - New York Special Screening *confirmed*
Role: Charlie Thompson
Director: Kristoffer Borgli
Role: Antonius
Director: Christopher Nolan
Role: TBA
Director: Lance Oppenheim
Role: Scytale
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Role: Noah(?)
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Role: Bruce Wayne | Batman
Director: Matt Reeves
Lisa
I still don’t understand why Bel Ami is only limited release. It has so many really big stars in it. I don’t know how these things work but wouldn’t it do phenomenally well if it was released in all the cinemas? If there is anyone here able to explain it for me I’d appreciate it.
Have a gorgeous Monday! 🙂
Maria
Hey @Lisa – that’s usually how indie films work. I guess they don’t have the big budget for promotions like all the blockbusters and sometimes it’s just about what cinemas are affiliated with the distributors. Although Event Cinemas are on board so it’s not so limited here in Australia.
Not sure how the US industry works though.
Lisa
Thanks Maria. I’m so excited because I just found out the Bel Ami is coming to my local cinema (Cinema Paradiso at Ettalong Beach) on 24th May!!!!! Woooo Hooooo! I thought I would have to trek to Sydney to see it but its showing right around the corner from me here! I’m delirious with joy! Maybe I should get some friends together to come see it with me – just to stop me from leaping through the cinema screen! Hee hee!
Vicky
Very interesting and does go some to explaining why VOD. I just feel the overall promo of this movie really let it down, but maybe thats just me. Anyway, building the bridge and the important thing is, just 16 days to go!!!!!!!!!!!
Carmel
It is baffling to me too. It seems the marketing budget is more important than the movie. I suppose it is called the entertainment business. All we can do is support it here in Oz so it is clear that Rob movies are good business. 16 days! I can’t wait