PUBLIC ENEMIES rakes in $41 million at the box office

Michael Mann’s Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp as Depression bank robber and folk hero John Dillinger, posted a solid box-office performance in its first 5 days, earning $41 million domestically and an additional $5.3 million from 5 markets overseas. The gangster epic placed a strong third in the box-office race, and “served as solid counterprogramming” to popcorn movies Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Ice Age 3, notes Pamela McLintock in Variety. “Universal was pleased with Public Enemies, which overcame concerns that a more serious drama wouldn’t play in summer.”

Universal’s president of worldwide marketing and distribution, Adam Fogelson, said, “Everyone questioned whether this film would do good business. It turned out to be a great holiday weekend for fans of adult titles.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, Public Enemies is showing broad appeal: “Opening audiences skewed 53% male and were evenly divided between patrons younger and older than 25.”

“Fans of the adult film can rejoice,” declared Adam Fogelson. “In the midst of all this lovely, wonderful pure popcorn fare, there is an audience for what is not only an entertaining movie but also has higher artistic aspirations.”

Variety notes that Public Enemies posted the best opening box office ever for a Michael Mann film. That “is a testament to Depp’s appeal,” says Variety, “proving he can open a pic even when not dressed as a pirate.”

The Zone thanks Sleepy and Theresa for box-office updates; you can read more on the Zone’s News & Views forum. For the Variety article, CLICK HERE, and for the Hollywood Reporter article, CLICK HERE. –Part-Time Poet

"A real genius"–Johnny Depp eulogizes Michael Jackson

Johnny Depp’s appearance at the London premiere of Public Enemies on June 29th was the first opportunity reporters had to ask for his reaction to Michael Jackson’s untimely death. “Well, obviously hearing about the sad passing of Michael Jackson, for anyone–for all of us–it’s very, very tragic,” Johnny said. “Some children lost a father; some parents lost a child; some brothers and sisters lost a sibling; so that’s obviously very sad. I had great respect for what he’s done, his work over the years,” Johnny added. “He’s a real genius.”

And what about the rumors that claim Johnny Depp may play Michael Jackson in a future motion picture? They have no credence. “As far as playing him in a movie, it’s such an obtuse rumor that I never had the pleasure of cultivating,” Johnny replied. “That’s not my idea, anyway.”

The Telegraph brought up the old false claim that Johnny’s performance as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was based on Michael Jackson–a rumor that Johnny debunked repeatedly in interviews at the time of the film’s release in 2005, and publicly refuted again on Monday. “He was not the inspiration for Willy Wonka,” Johnny said. “I wish I could say that I was inspired by him for the role.” However, there is no connection between Johnny’s portrayal of Roald Dahl’s candymaker and the King of Pop.

The Zone thanks Emma for the news articles from London and Marthamartha for the video clip from ITN News. To see the video, CLICK HERE. Warning–this video loads very slowly. To see a larger version of the photo of Johnny Depp at the London premiere of Public Enemies, CLICK HERE. –Part-Time Poet