Angelina's latest box office flop raises questions about her future marketability.
You have to give Angelina Jolie some credit. Only she can take a decent film, give a decent performance, but have a film completely bomb because her name is associated with it. This past weekend, A Mighty Heart came in 10th at the box office, making less than $4 million dollars. Looks like A Mighty Heart has joined the ranks of such classics as Howard the Duck, Glitter, Gigli, and Ishtar. How can this happen? Isn’t Angelina Jolie supposed to be the new age Mother Teresa?…
Article comments
126 - Gina
Irony, you are just shooting yourself in the foot with your hateful rants. Do you think anyone is going to watch this movie because you called Americans vile names? It is even doing worse sat the box office. After two weeks, it has raked in 6 million and has drpped tp 14, that is the most pathetic box office perfomance for a movie with such a high profile star. Even Nancy drew is doing much better. And Irony, viewers have been clearer with the reasons why they have not watched this movie, they can't stand Angelina Jolie one minute more. For the record, I sincerely believe the movie would have done better with Tandie Newton or Halle Berry, it owuld not have all that hoopla but would have performed better at the box office.
Lets see what excuses you will make for wanted bombing.
127 - Danielle
Did Angelina Jolie's Off-Screen Behavior Tank A Mighty Heart?
Absolutely!! And No!!
1) I believe people are just sick and tired of 1) seeing her face and 2) hearing her voice. As someone said on another blog somewhere in response to "something" she said:
"SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP..........."
2) Also, it is fairly obvious that the "only" reason she was awarded this role is because of her relationship with the producer. What has she done in the past that would give anyone the idea that she could play this role?
Granted, anyone can give a surprise performance, but what in the past would immediately think of AJ in this particular case???
Madonna also "understood" the material when it came to Chicago (plus would have killed to play the role), but can you imagine???? She may have talent, but I don't think anyone is blind enough to believe that AJ "popped" into anyone's head.
3) Add in the issue of race...Agree or disagree on the issue of if white can play black or black can play white. It's actually a minor point. Many actors, producers and distributors face this issue and it always rears it's ugly head. Even Glenn Close and Halle Berry have had to deal with this and I don't think anyone would argue about their abilities.
But, considering all the other drama surrounding this woman, what producer in their "right mind" would take that "additional" risk?? Usually when this issue comes up, it is generally the "ONLY" issue in an otherwise drama free production. Yet while these people create their own problems wherever they go, why take that extra chance........?? Sorry, DUMB!!!!!
4) AJ decision to take this role was based on ego and ego alone.
While there were plenty of people available to play the lead role, take a moment to look at the supporting cast of this "indie film". While indies are produced and released every year, take a moment to look up the top indie films of the past and decide for yourself how many starring roles went to familiar, recognizable faces.
Indie films are low budget, BUT, if the material is RIGHT (or the publicity) can still attract of slew of big names and recognizable faces. So where are the other "stars" that clamored for a place in this important, historical drama??
You have a film that is slated for actors across continents, with positions for people with a following. So, where were they?
For a chance to do and say something important, many stars have and will continue to accept less money simply for the opportunity, so.....where are they in this case??? Or was the supporting cast also "played down"?
Not questioning the ability of the supporting cast, but I can think of quite of few well known face that could have easily fit in into the casting and helped to draw in an audience.
5) It was the combination of many issues that turned people off of this film. Jolie being a huge issue, the suspect reasons behind the casting of Jolie and the rest of the cast. The drama she continues to take such pleasure surrounding her self. Add the "race card" as the small cherry on top (the very small last straw on the camel's back). What you get in a recipe for dismal comsumer last words.
Personally I would have paid money to see a 2 headed, 3 legged turtle in the role with a great supporting cast.
What it actually comes down to is lousy production from the word go. Casting is always 90%. This includes the actors as well as the director. While I can not question the director, the casting of this production was based on something other than talent and capability. If this were the main focus, there would have been a largely different cast in this film. The combination of production (BP) and the drama that is AJ makes this film an automatic NO GO.
128 - ALEX
"39 " June 28, 2007 @ 05:19AM " Jane
Dear Alex, you may think we all bleed red, that's a very convenient way to deny yourself of responsibility that comes with being black!!!! Read more Maya Angelou books please.
THERE ARE MANY FINE BLACK ACTRESSES IN HOLLYWOOD WHO COULD HAVE PLAYED PEARL. The person who has mentioned Sophie Okenado is right. She looks very like Pearl and she could have pulled it off.
Alex would it okay if George Clooney plays Stevie WOnder? Ask yourself that question!"
JANE - it is because I have read Mayo Angelou's books, that I can say what I have. You simply did not get my point. I fear some of us (hopefully not you) have become racist in the process of fighting racism.
Let not history’s evil be used as a weapon for immortality…
And Jane " read more about Willy Lynch, listen more to Nina Simone’s music.
PEACE
ALEX
-Biracial woman
129 - Brie
This film has tanked BIG TIME. EVEN SOME PEOPLE THINK THE FILM IS FUNNY RATHER THAN A DRAMA. IT REMINDS ME OF BORAT IN A WAY. I tell you why. I think brangelina are crazy to think they can put a white woman in a black woman role. Did they really think many blacks would keep quiet about it? LOL. Sorry but if they thought they would get away with it, wait until the films get to Europe. It will get more negative press. I say don't bother coming here to open this film. They might be boo on the red carpet by several black people. It will make the news around the world, trust me.
130 - THIS IS FOR THAT ALEX
Alex whoever said you should have learned how to control your anger in an earlier post is right. I'm black and I'm angry about this, so as many many many many black people I know. Leave people who're angry alone. You've voiced your opinions in this post many times, stop repeating yourself. Just accept the fact that other black people ain't happy about this and move on like a normal, educated, sensible person would.
131 - Shampoo
Yes the article is correct. Obviously a lot of people feel this way, which is why this film has lost money so far. I know there're hard core fans out there but sorry on this battle you're wrong guys. Most people are sick of the these two. People don't want to pay to see either of them.
132 - @mydesk
If anyone wishes to bring ocean13 into this argument , I'd say wait until the curious benjamin comes out. We'll see if Brad has lost it. I bet he feels nervous as hell. Yes the article is correct. Darl is right on this one. People don't want to see jolie and I second many people here on race. Mariane is black and jolie shouldn't have been chosen to play her.
133 - @mydesk
By the way Irony and Danielle and Alex are the same person I think. I've a feeling its that Ray who was fighting with the author of this article.LOL Man this person is seriously retarded. Alex cut the biracial shit you're this person telling people American are scum. It's you. I can see it clearly LOL. People stop responding to this post. We see if this Ray can talk to himself. LOL LOL LOL
134 - @mydesk
STOP RESPONDING TO THIS POST PEOPLE. THE CONVERSATION ENDS. SEE THE ABOVE WHY.
135 - virtual redhead
I won't see anything Jolie or Pitt have done. To me Jolie is some kind of vampire - not only does she have Jennifer's husband, but the two movies originally intended for her (Mighty Heart and Wanted) when Plan B was the company Brad and she created. (Another vampire act: she is now essentially co-owner of that Brad/Jen project.) I also wonder if she is trying, in her way, to vampire Jen's place as America's sweetheart. Jen earned that title simply through being a genuinely charming, funny, approachable, self-deprecating and nice person - as her large circle of CLOSE friends prove. AJ has to go about it a little differently, because she has no warmth or humour - but she can do her best Diana imitation. But unlike Diana, none of it seems genuine but self-serving at best. Sorry! Not buying it... I'm off now to rent a pile of Jen movies, not because most are works of art, but because she is the Real Deal. "Life's hard - get helmet." Can you get any classier than that when your husband does a mag spread with his new not-lover and pseudo-children; proceeds to move in with her and gives her your roles and reduces you to "Jen who???" overnight? To hold your head high during such an onslaught is truly an inspiration to all of us women who have undergone similar trying experiences. Saint Angelina? Ha! SAINT JENNIFER, Patron Saint of Real Day to Day Get On With Your Life Women - YOU ROCK!!!
136 - tgs
virtual redhead. You are very wrong. Wanted is a totally different movie from the one JA was doing. Research is your friend.
137 - Rowan
Just curious, who are Angelina and Brad Pitt's friends? Never saw even one of them with them at the Premieres. I guess they are truly over. The movie was only 16 million but this is the third week going to the fourth and it has not even made half its budget. That says a lot. I don't think they should release it in Europe. My advice is that let them lie low and try to re evaluate their position. I think Angelina wants us to hold concerts in her memory after her death like Diana. This role was supposed to make her look like a real home hero and to finally lose her vampire image for a heroic one. Sorry dear, don't steal husbands next time you want to steal people's hearts.
138 - ALEX
@mydesk - You know basic respect is something I was taught - obviously you missed out on a bit of that. I never ever said 'American are scum'. So stop the slander - I came upon this article by chance and while I am not blogging I thought it was important to say something. Well we all have opinions and now after reading many posts I realize that Einstein is correct:
'Two things are infinite - the universe and human stupidity, I am not so sure about the former"
139 - ALEX
I THOUGHT THIS IS IMPORTANT ...excerpt from Willie Lynch's speech
'The Black slaves after receiving this indoctrination shall carry on and will become self refueling and self generating for HUNDREDS of years, maybe THOUSANDS.'
WARNING - THIS SPEECH IS VERY OFFENSIVE! the full speech can be found at The Talking Drum
140 - Enough Already
Oh Jesus Christ. Are we still on the Angelina stole Brad nonsense? When will that end? I would like to know how many people on here would go see a movie by Julia Roberts who "vampired" her husband away from his wife? How many people will see a movie by Catherin Zeta Jones who starting hooking up with Michael Douglas while he was still married? Or Jennifer Garner? Or Kate Hudson? Or Courtney Cox? Or Tom Cruise? Or Ben Affleck? Or Paul Newman?
My opinion is that this is about how Angelina Jolie took the average girls dream of marrying the star quarterback and crushed it. Let's be real, Jennifer Aniston is at best a 5. But she got Brad the 10 which gave all us normal girls the sense that we could do it too but now he's gone off with the prettiest girl in school and reality has set back in.
I am shocked that the writer of this article would consider himself a "journalist" after writing an article that was so biased and without foundation. There are no sources or facts provided, just speculations. The movie did badly because no one wants to go see a sad movie during the summer. Everyone is up for those crazy adventure movies. I think if they had waited to release it til fall when serious movies are released it would have done better.
141 - expressions
Oh bull "Enough Already"
If Angelina was the big star that she was before, then her fans would go see the movie whether it was in the summer, spring, winter or fall. The bottom line is that she is not liked as much as before. I myself NEVER liked the woman. I just didnt get what people admired about her. her lips to me are just disgusting. I hate big lips, its just not my thing.
Jolie's popularity is falling. plain and simple. She is pretentious and as far as i can see she is unable to stand on her own two feet.
I dont hate Angelina but i dont like her either.
She played the leading role in "A Mughty Heart". As far as i'm concerned she has no heart. I'm sorry but you dont steal another woman's husband and expect people to feel sorry for you.
142 - Angelina haters are FAT WOMEN
[Edited] Jolie has NEVER been a big box office draw, so her popularity isn't "dropping" it's at the same level it's ALWAYS been at.
[Edited]
143 - cinnamon
AMH was not made for the purpose of making money and not "for general patronage" kind of movie. It was made in a very limited budget and... it was shown in very limited theaters. If you want fun and intertainment, this is not the movie for you. Come on, this movie is really intense and riveting and Angie is SUPERB. She's a very talented actress and beautiful with or without makeup. I just couldn't understand why you have this hatred in your hearts when she hasn't done anything wrong to you and YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HER!!! Don't drag their EXs into whatever negative issues you want to say to satisfy your egos. Jennifer and Angie are two different types of people. Has it ever occured to you that Brad is with Angie because they have the same interests in life, that is why together they form a family and that they are happy? Stop making Jen a victim. It's so unfair .It's OVER folks. Let it go.
144 - LisaL
Excellent article BRAVO!!!! Great writer, very truthful, right to the point.
I will never go to a movie that has these two (BP or AJ)on the list. I would rather miss the movie!!! And I know many people who think the same way.