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