This is interesting to note, that FF Coppola wanted his film, Megalopolis to be distributed through theatres and not via the streamers.
There were two considerations for him.
1) It was created for a cinematic big-screen experience.
2) He didn’t want to lose ownership of the film, to the Streamers
What are your thoughts about that, and why in America the film has had theatrical longevity? .
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/francis-ford-coppola...
1 person likes this
Some movies are more enjoyable and look better on theater screens, Geoff Hall. I think those are two reasons Megalopolis has had theatrical longevity in America. Streaming is convenient for people who can't make it to the theaters, watching movies in the comfort of their homes after a long day of work, etc., but there's nothing like the theater experience. "He didn’t want to lose ownership of the film, to the Streamers" I'm not sure how that works, but I understand Francis Ford Coppola wanting to keep ownership of his film.
3 people like this
Geoff Hall Actually, you can't find Megalopolis screening anywhere. Coppola is apparently taking it on a road show the old fashioned way, as it's theatre run ended last September and its reception across the board - critically and audience-wise was below dismal considering its $120m budget (worldwide, just over $14m box office total). So possibly it is selling out wherever it is playing... but where is it playing? Here's another article talking about why you can't see it on streaming and talking about Coppola taking it on the road.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/why-cant-stream-fran...
2 people like this
Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg do you think he’s four-walling the film?
I don't know one person who has seen it!
2 people like this
It's certainly a conversation and development to think about. Always happy to learn about some form of success, but most importantly to understand the in-depth optimistic pov out of it.
There's obviously a lot of interesting technicalities involved!
2 people like this
Jed Power I went to see it with my son and we left the theatre feeling very underwhelmed, to the point there was no conversation about it on the way home, in the car. I can’t think of a any other film we’ve been to see, that it has ever happened to us.
With hindsight, we wondered if it was perhaps that the film had more meaning in America and didn’t really translate well internationally?
3 people like this
Geoff Hall I do believe that four-walling is the term for what used to be called a traveling road show. I don't recall if anyone but his own company is involved. Certainly no releasing company has come to my attention.
2 people like this
Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg yeah, the usual deal is for the production company to take the box-office and the theatre all the concession sales. That would be pure profit for FFC's company, but I can't see him recouping the $120m budget for the film, via four-walling.
3 people like this
Geoff Hall Maybe it's just Canada, but I find the theater releases a lot underwhelming since Barbie and Eras. It could be because I'm super-heroed to death. Also, given the current state of affairs, superhero Marvel type movies seem a bit out of place.
We still need entertainment, especially during challenging times and streaming is where they are all at. I look at the quality and quantity of content available in streaming, and even cable, and then when compare it to the theater of late, it's a no-brainer for me.
A lot of my reluctance to go to the theater is that matinees are no longer available, and that I'm still using a walker. I loved the atmosphere of the matinee in my reclining Cineplex chair with my large popcorn and Pepsi. However, that option is no longer available, so if there's a film I want to see, I will rent it from either Cineplex or YouTube. I don't think I'm alone.
Where I might start going back to the theater regularly is if bands simulcast live performances through the theater. I'd much rather go to see Bloodywood, Lamb of God, Måneskin, Bad Bunny, and Kendrick Lamar perform on a movie screen as they play live in Germany or wherever.
2 people like this
Debbie Elicksen thanks, Debbie. Event cinema is really taking off in the UK. It’s a shame that the things you love, are no longer available.