Thanksgiving is one of those occasions where you look back and think about all the things that give you pleasure and make your life richer. Nicole Kidman has been doing this a lot in interviews for the epic. I bet you hadn't noticed had you? Kidman is thankful for Tennessee, for her daughter’s crying, for her movie and its director.
She is thankful for a gullible press, dress designers who think she is still special and a publicist who earns every dollar of her salary. Some feel she is thankful for her husband, but that is more of an abstract as opposed to a literal gratitude. Yes, Nicole Kidman is one lucky woman.
I can't wait for this whole PR tour to be over and let the chips fall where they may or fly at who they will. Sounds like there are some problems with the film… are we surprised? Not at all, this thing was doomed for a very long time, but think of our sheer glee knowing that most of the problems with the film are being placed right in Kidman's lap. Damn, Christmas came early to all of us didn't it? I can't wait to read the reviews.
Here we are - the big New York City premiere of the epic and Keith is there in his big boy suit and nine inch heels. They look so happy don't they? So perfect like a couple is supposed to; they are so in love, so blessed to find peace and contentment with one another. Well that’s what Kidman wants you to think. She really is pushing this happy and satisfied bit isn't she? Going to concerts and local festivals; getting coffee together. Are you like me and don't really trust what is being said? I know that with Kidman it’s all said for a reason. The reason being that she wants to sell the movie, right? Perhaps, just perhaps there is something else that Kidman feels the need to sweep under the carpet? Some rumors going around about her secure happy marriage perhaps? Well stay tuned because long after the epic rises or falls the focus will switch and it will be all about .....? Yeah a little tease for all of you to stay tuned… kind of like Ted Casablanca reminding all of us about the reality of the fairytale, and perhaps even more! We know the truth…we just need to remember it from time to time.
Happy Thanksgiving to all...from Urban Myths
69 comments:
Urban Myths. The PR tour has a little way to go. I would recommend some sleep for some people though before going on TV interview shows. Happy Thanksgiving, same me some turkey:
http://nicole-kidman-journey.blogspot.com/2008/11/you-cant-run-or-hide-from-nicole-this.html
Yes, a Happy Thanksgiving to all... with a hugh, healthy slice of turkey courtesy of kidman herself... and with a basically established rating at Rottentomatoes of a rotten 51% and a consensus of..."Built on lavish vistas and impeccable production, Australia is unfortunately burdened with thinly drawn characters and a lack of originality." That pretty much squashes any awards love for the baz, the film...and especially for kidman...couldnt happen...once again, to a more deserving has-been. But once again I have to say, they all brought on themselves...
Well I say Haappyy Thanksgiving to all of those in 2 inch heals (or more) and for their spouse!!!! YEAH!!! to all of the people in heals trying to reach their brides!!!!! Here is some cranberry sauce to you....hope you live up to your expectations!!!!
So, some early results box office results from down under are in...
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/11/27/2431540.htm
"Baz's Australia grosses over $1m on opening day"
"Director Baz Luhrmann's epic starring Hollywood heavyweights Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman collected $1,307,853 in ticket sales nationally, according to Nielsen EDI figures published by Screen Australia.""..."But it falls well short of the massive $2.03 million racked up on day one by the latest James Bond caper Quantum Of Solace."
...so recall what this genius said..."the head of 20th Century Fox in Australia, Marcus Oliveira, said he believed the film will outdo Titanic to become the highest-grossing film in this country."
And just a reminder...this is 2007...not 1997...
...ps...
make that 2008! Where does the time fly!
Hi Maclen - aah yes, has not done so well up against james bond 007 so far over here in Oz.
The other thing is that we don't have Thanksgiving over here so it is not a holiday period at present where people would be thinking of attending movies. Or is it really because the film is the turkey we all said it would be!
Don't forget to save me some of your turkey for thanksgiving Maclen.
Certainly choice...some turkey for Thanksgiving...but for sure the kidman krew will probably be eating crow after this holiday weekend. How much more of a sign this is not the "huge savior" of the aussie tourism trade when the movie starring the so called "royalty" of the Australian silver screen gets out grossed by bond in their own homeland?
New York Times Review of Kidman:
"It’s a ludicrous role — not long after priming her pump, the barren widow turns into a veritable fertility goddess — but she rides Sarah’s and the story’s ups and downs with ease. Mr. Jackman gives the movie oomph; Ms. Kidman gives it a performance.
More than anything else in the film, Nullah included, Ms. Kidman tethers “Australia” to the world of human feeling and brings Mr. Luhrmann’s outrageous flights of fancy down to earth."
Maclen - did you get a chance to see Granny's interview on 'The Movie Show'? She seemed much more composed, agree? Link below:
http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2419881.htm
Choice said...
"Maclen - did you get a chance to see Granny's interview on 'The Movie Show'? She seemed much more composed, agree?"
yeah...certainly an intimate, one on one interview without an audience is just naturally calmer, choice...but you would think that a celeb who has been in her biz for over 20 yrs would be able to handle the "bright lights" and answer a basic question coherantly. That is what I try to point out...basically kidman didnt connect with the audience on letterman...or in other words...the audience seemed to be laughing at her, and not with her...which is alway bad... and as easily, she may as well been paris hilton and what she was trying to sell was just irrelevent...
...and so how did the film kidman was trying to sell do on the first day of release? Well, I posted the results of the first day of gross in OZ...about half of quantums first day gross... initial numbers for the first day's US gross at Nikki Finkes site...
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/twilight-beats-wednesday-opening-of-four-christmases-australia-looking-like-ruperts-folly/
...#1 was Twilight with about $8mil ch
#2 was Fourchristmas's with about $6.1mil
#3 was Bolt with about $5.1mil
#4 was Quantum with $4.1mil
#5 was Transporter 3 with $3.3mil
#6 was Madagascar 2 with $2.7mil
and at #7...was Australia with $2.5mil
...and as finke writes...."that Fox was right to predict only $13M for the 3-day weekend and $18M for the 5-day holiday. Rival studios who thought the pic could do $25M and finish No. 4 are quickly pronouncing the pic DOA with a debut like this." And as for Australia's awards chances...." "Fox wasn't lowballing. I guess they knew how bad it was. And with only 52% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, it isn't likely to have legs or get Oscars," one studio exec told me when he saw the numbers." You need to realize about Rotentomatoes...61 postitive reviews may seem like a good result...but not when it's juxaposed with 57 negative reviews...Oscar winning films do not win with a 52% rating.
Maclen - that is a very good point about the difference between a one-on-one interview VS. infront of a huge crowd. Nic would put it down to being famously shy which is a bit of a joke. How can someone who adores being infront of a camera claim to be shy?
Thanks for the reviews update. Definitely not an Oscar candidate then.
Just out of interest, I was checking the "Australia" entry on IMDB, and quite a few individuals seem to like it. I would put that down to Nic fans who will accept anything she dishes up.
Surely, choice, it's just that there are celebs who just cant really make a connection to the "regular"moviegoing folk...if kidman couldnt build a solid base of fans to ensure her films are a success, no amount of industry insiders...big honcho studio heads... or industry pundit's excuses and constant second chances can really guarentee her true success. Because it seems she just cant catch a break, as the news keeps getting "worser and worser....just read this at Nikki Finkes, if true is really embarrassing...
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/twilight-beats-wednesday-opening-of-four-christmases-australia-looking-like-ruperts-folly/
"THURSDAY 4 PM: I've just been told that Week 2 of the new Bond actioner Quantum Of Solace is beating the first week of Australia ... IN AUSTRALIA!"
Sounds like it might be on DVD by Christmas then? It if fails the US market, it definitely will.
On reviewer questioned why an Australian actress is used to put on an English accent ie. wouldn't it have been easier to use an English actress in the first place such as a drawcard like Keira Knightley or Kate Winslet.
Choice, I think you have hit the nail on the head ... I haven't seen the film yet, and it does sound like it is almost a farcical treatment - theatrical etc - but nevertheless, it is still based on the genuine change of spirit of the lead lady who becomes 'australianised' by the land. with NK ... we know she is simply dropping the British affectation and becoming who she is to begin with - which is all in reverse of the story so we lose any sense of realness there. It may have been better to make her a snooty Sydneysider - high society citygirl - than an Englishwoman [the few clips that I have seen I find that part of it quite irritating - her doing the accent!] So yes, someone like Keira or even Tilda Swinton would have been more believable. Just because NK wanted to make a film such as this since a child or that she would 'do anything' for Baz, was not good enough reason to give her the lead role in this particular film. I think there would have been way more people keen on seeing this film had it had another more believable female lead. There have been some really good comments made around the net and the closest to home I think is that in all of NK's films it seems like she is up there being conscious of her 'looks' and that it is always 'nicole kidman doing [character]' ... her mega fame has gotten between the audience and her 'art'.
Somebody is worried Maclen and ABC:
http://nicole-kidman-journey.blogspot.com/2008/11/dont-look-so-worried-nicole-its-early.html
Puhlease, comparing any movie to the most anticipated Bond film in 20 years is ludicrous.
"Australia" will not be judged in comparison to Bond's box office.
Some are grasping at straws and failing.
So, the latest numbers on Australia is that it grossed $2.9mil on thurs...with wednesday's $2.5mil for a paltry total of $5.4mil...but rejoice! The studio is absolutely overjoyed...they are in hog heaven at that jump in gross........of that HUGE ...$400k...Boy that is impressive...if that trend holds, Australia may even gross about $16.5 mil over the 5 day weekend! That would really be impressive...like...that's almost as much as they used to pay kidman to star in a movie like this! But, I doubt if they payed her that much of this flick...but if they did...D"OH!!
Oh dear, sweet, pitiful, Keith. The heels are a deal breaker. If your keeper insists you wear them please make sure you leave them at home next time we're together.
P.S. I dont know anyone who saw, or plans on seeing the movie, so I cant personally comment on how bad it is.
The following are highlights from a second film review for AUSTRALIA from the Canberra Times (Australia's capital city) by Film Reviewer Simon Weaving. I only have a hard copy of it. Their first review, was from Jim Schembi,. eir first review.
Highlights from Simon's review as follows. He rated it 2.5 out of 5. "Crikey", I hear Hugh say. It is a fair review, in no way scathing like that Scottish lass:
1. About 50 years ago, Fox came to the Australian outback to make a film called KANGAROO starring Maureen O'Hara. Despite the huge budget and technicolour, the film was neither a box-office hit nor a critical success. The film had a similar theme to AUSTRALIA.
2. At nearly 3 hours in length, AUSTRALIA required either a galloping storyline or an exploration of the characters in real depth. We get neither, and the film's plotting is devoid of suspense.
3. The people of the film are all caricatures rather than characters, and offer us little emotional connection.
4. Kidman is entertaining as the English lady but becomes less convincing as she falls for Jackman.
5. Mandy Walker's cinematography of the outback is stunning, but I suspect that like Kangaroo in 1952, this won't be enough to thrill audiences or woo the critics.
Simon Weaving
Film Reviewer
The Canberra Times
I have to say, I am yet to read one review from Down Under that truly loves the film. As much as we all want to support the film industry, but if it aint good, it aint good. Agree?
Further to my previous post, here is a link to that first review from 'The Canberra Times' last week (Jim Schembri). Definitely worth a read:
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/entertainment/australia-review-good-but-no-classic-and-way-way-too-long/1362949.aspx
Thanks for the links choice... hadnt seen the first review...have read the second one. Yeah the reviews are so-so...
...so, a box office update on Australia's friday's numbers...
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/twilight-beats-wednesday-opening-of-four-christmases-australia-looking-like-ruperts-folly/
...so a usual uptick in the gross... as Australia made around $5.5-$5.8mil for friday...for a total so far of about $10.9-$11.3mil. So, is this another "great sign" for the kidman fansies to rejoice that the movie is finding it's audience? Well, recall according to Nikki finke...Fox's expectations for the film were $13mil for 3 days....$18mil for 5 days. So if this number is correct that's only $10-$11 mil for 3 days...about $2mil behind Fox's own number...so it's fallen behind. WIth 2 days left can it reach the Fox magic number of $18 mil?
Stay tuned....
Hi Maclen.
Keep those updates coming.
Here's a very interesting article on the US critics as featured in the capital newspaper:
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/entertainment/skinned-alive-us-critics-get-the-knives-out-for-australia/1371828.aspx
Choice, if you read some of those reviews on IMDB you'd know many of them are not from her ardent fans. It is not all Kidman devotees that are liking this film or her performace. And some are saying they though they wouldn't like it but they do. Secondly, we have heard time and time again why cant a British actress play a Brit, an American play an American. This is nothing new. Streep as a New Zealander, Zellweger as a Brit, Kidman as a Russian. Its called acting people for a reason! Unless the actor is a different race and the part is an historical figure they should not be counted out.
Choice, I especially liked the title of that last article you link to...
"Skinned alive: US critics get the knives out for Australia"
...you think they intended that Thanksgiving pun?!
So it seems Variety.com is in Australia attempted damage control mode...
"Thanksgiving topped by 'Christmases'
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117996581.html?categoryId=13&cs=1
"Perhaps the most watched wide release off the holiday is Baz Luhrmann's sweeping epic "Australia," from 20th Century Fox. The Hugh Jackman-Nicole Kidman starrer was up 96% on Thursday, and 30% on Thursday, indicating that the film is building interest among adult moviegoers, as with Luhrmann's previous films."
...you should not, repeat not reference Variety.com for up to date numbers... I had read thursday an online story stating that Australia had grossed 3.3mil it's first day in the US, according to Variety.com, so I went to Variety.com to check out their numbers, because I was sure it had only grossed about $2.5mil... Variety.com had Australia making $2.2 mil...(I then realized that the article I had read was stating the gross in Australian dollars!) But I noticed mistakes in Variety.coms box office charts...for instance they had Four Christmas's at #1 with $6.1mil when Twilight had grossed $8mil...and they didnt even have twilight on the list! And the next day...on their weekly box office chart they then omit Transporter3 from the list. Unreliable... but so Australia friendly!
...so....another box office update for Australia...Well, in a sat update from nikki finke...Australia made $2.5mil on Wed...$2.9 mil on Thurs...and $5.7mil on Fri. But then says..."So Fox slightly bettered its predictions on Australia to $14M for the 3-day weekend and $19M for the 5-day holiday"...yet looking at her daily 3 day numbers... it only adds up to $11.1 mil...(nikki, your killing me!) In order for Australia to have grossed $14mil for 3 days, the total gross for Fri would have to be $8.6 mil...so, basically being sure finke uses Boxofficeguru.com numbers... I checked at BOG...and they say..."Fox's big-budget extravaganza Australia took in an estimated $5.8M on Friday giving the Nicole Kidman-Hugh Jackman tale $11M in its first three days." But then they state..."The Friday-to-Sunday gross may reach $14-16M putting the five-day tally at $19-21M." So maybe this is where finke made the mistake about Fox "besting" there 3 day estimate...so basically its wait for the final numbers for the total... we shall see....
Hi Maclen.
How was your Thanksgiving dinner? I found 'The View' TV show that you referred to with Granny on it. It was the same old banter from Nic, I couldn't stop yawning. But what made it so special was the look on Whoopi Goldberg's face throughout it. She looked like she was bored too. I'm a fan of Whoops from way back ... that is a lady with real talent.
Anyway, have added a link to that show on the Post as it is a good representation of that damn PR machine:
http://nicole-kidman-journey.blogspot.com/2008/11/you-cant-run-or-hide-from-nicole-this.html
Cheers,
Choice
Maclen, thanks for all the updates. Don't know if you have ever been to this site, but it analyzes box office takes every which way, daily, weekend, etc...
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving...
Hey choice...Had a great Thanksgiving...thanks...the whole huge family together again...with food, drink and an endless choice of pies...cakes...pastries...
As an "ozzie" I guess you dont celebrate it then? Do you have any equivalent out in the "outback?" So, About the View interview...all I've read about it is she got "misty" when speaking of her baby? Well, I'll see if that's true...and speaking of talk shows, caught a little of letterman last night...Faith Hill was a guest...again, I have to say...what a difference from kidman the walking talking car wreck...Hill spoke witty and humorously and effortlessly on kids...family...a true delight. Also poor Faith hill, you'll recall a few years ago she was apparently looking to try and make a jump from country music to movies...and when she heard about the casting of a film for a remake of The Stepford Wives, she lobbied very hard to get a part in that movie..and she got it...unfortunately, with kidman as lead in that film it crashed and burned... not sure if faith hill ever made another movie...
Urban Myths said...
"Maclen, thanks for all the updates. Don't know if you have ever been to this site, but it analyzes box office takes every which way, daily, weekend, etc...
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving..."
Hey Urban Myths...thanks, and I hope you had a Happy thanksging as well!...no problem about the updates... as the local "loudmouth" I feel a need to substanciate all my Prognosticating...and yeah I do know box office mojo...I usually begin my celeb industry day over at Movie city news...and then from the links there I span out... that's one of the links... I only started using nikki finkes numbers because she was the fastest at getting them out...so I guess I'll also end with her numbers...except for that one mistake over the day day total...one thing is sure...Australia did not meet Fox's 3 day estimate...
Choice, I watched that clip from the View...yeah, the rehash...the orb is her soulmate... having a baby changed her at the "cellular level..the molecular level" ahhh she got all misty eyed...Joy Behar: "are you gonna cry again?" ...(boy that sure is a very warm and endearing description...ah, but the true question is did it change her in the "Deoxyribonucleic acid level?") But my favorite question..and answer was...Barbara Walters: "you can do that(have a baby) and still have a career?" kidman: Yep....oh..well.. we'll see?" Very amusing....
So, I decided to go to youtube and check out kidman's entire appearence on letterman earlier this week. It starts rather usual...dave offering kidman compliments...of course the first thing my sight goes to as kidman begins to speak is those hideously bloated lips...not just the upper...but the lower as well...whenever she smiles, she get's a crease across her lips that just look bizzare. And when dave begins to ask questions about the orb, she gets visibly nervous and tense... and tries to get on to her movie...as if she is worried if dave asks a question about the orb and she doesnt know the answer, she may reveal too much...so she begins to giggle and twitch...and there is where she blows it...she giggles and nervously looks to the audience at "everything" dave asks... so when dave attempts at having a conversation... about riding, or new zealand as opposed to OZ... she is just a giggling blathering moron... and when dave starts to talk about Paul Hogan and the crocodile dundee film, you see a bland and confused look on kidman's face...perhaps she was thrown because I've read that hogan was not too impressed at her film...because at first she says she doesnt know what dave is saying... but then she says she knows about the crocodile dundee film...but her film is not like THAT film...by the time its time to show a clip from the film... she is just out of it...and dave is just irritated...so I guess her performance matched her film's performance...
Hi Urban Myths & Maclen
Glad you had a great thanksgiving. No Maclen, we don't celebrate it here in Australia. I think the government would scream if we got another public holiday here. I liked your comment about the 'outback'. I have to say I have never been to the outback, and for some reason it doesn't appeal to me. Born and bred Aussie and it simply doesnt appeal. Maybe it's the thought of that extreme heat there? I would faint like someone else we know!!! Seriously, hope to get there oneday to see Ayers Rock. I do prefer the city.
I thought you guys may enjoy two more articles that came out today. The first is from the Sydney Morning Herald whic mentions the embarrassing moments for in that film. Do they mean Nicole and the overuse of CRIKEY?. The second article from The Australian newspaper mentions that the film is considered a flop in the USA.
By the way, I just remembered another Aussie outback movie called EVIL ANGELS, starring Meryl Streep about the naughty dingo. Did you see that? Might be good to watch that alongside the 1950's film KANGAROO that I mentioned yesterday.
LINKS TO ARTICLES:
http://blogs.sunherald.com.au/whoweare/archives/2008/11
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24729228-601,00.html
Hey choice...yeah checked out those articles...again, the film has basically a 50 50 reaction...not what you want though when it wants ot be compared to gone with the wind and wizard of oz...or wants to dethrone titanic as the top money earner! And that is a comment I hear from some aussies in the comments...why not make a movie that is supposed to represent Australia... a modern day "urban" realistic view of OZ, not a rehashed hollywood version of a "ozzie western" and an old fashioned outback fairy tail... might have played better...or been more popular. No I havent seen streep's movie EVIL ANGELS...although I do recall that refrain.." a dingo ate my baby"...
...so onto the latest box office updates... still waiting for nikki finkes numbers..to keep my updates consistant...but a few early numbers form box office prophets...which actually has Australia grossing $20 mil...and 14 mil for the 3 day weekend...(fri-sun) (I guess the wed-fri $11mil doesnt count as their 3 day sum) and leonard klady has it making $19.8mil total and and $14.6mil 3 day... wow, just what the studio predicted! They must be using the studio's numbers! Im sure the fansies will play it up...that's all they have...but this is still a major flop...again, not good enough for a $130+ budgeted film plus promo added...another 50mil of Aussie tourism money. It's another golden compass...so I'm sure the actual gross numbers will be less come Monday for this film...and I'll keep my eye on that one, you can be sure...but again, already another flop on kidman's long list...
Choice asked early on
How can someone who adores being infront of a camera claim to be shy?
Simple: This woman is useless without a script. Her inane responses and rigid body language prove just that.
..so...just a little overview...and perspective on just how badly Australia performed this week... according to the Klady numbers...Australia came in #5 at the box office. It was out grossed by the 2 weeks old films, Bolt by $12.0mil... and Twilight by $11.8mil...it was outgrossed by the 3 weeks old Quantum of Solice by $5mil. Australia outgrossed the 4 weeks old madagascar 3 in the 3 day weekend by only $100k. Amoung the two other films that came out the same day...it outgrossed the certainly lower budgeted film, Transporter 3, by only $1.7mil for the entire 5 day holiday week. Australia was outgrossed by the other same day opening day film, Four Christmas, by $26.8 mil for the same 5 day holiday week.
Sorry maclen wrong on all counts. The studio only ponied up about $80 million. They will make their money back. Second, Australia has made more opening weekend than MR did and that film turned out well for everyone involved. Third, many films that don't break the bank opening weekend have gone on to do well. Fourth, the film is on target with the projections which can't be ignored. With every post you seem to state certain facts but then add they don't matter. Well we all know they do.
A440, you may want to get your "tuning" straight. Many artists...singers, actors...are shy when talking about themselves or as themselves. We all know this but why are the realities of the world ignored here? Because this blog wouldn't exist without them.
Nikke finkes final numbers are in...and to finalize my updates on this thread ...$14.8mil 3day(fri-sun)...$20 mil for the 5 day...again the actuals on monday or so will be interesting. So its a $2.8mil profit over Foxes estimates... that should pay for a couple of tv spots and newpaper ads... I wonder if there will be a sequel? Well, the baz is soooooo prolific.... expect a sequel in the year 2015...except it will probably star Reese witherspoon!
OMG, RC. I do believe you are Wendy Day making excuses for the dismal showing of this film.
For a movie that cost $130 million to make and nine months to film, it is obviously a huge disappointment.
Whether it is poor editing, a bad script, the leading lady miscast, or all of these three combined, it is NOT the movie you (RC aka Wendy) and all of NK's supporters had hoped for.
Just admit it and stop this laughable excuse making. This movie should have brought in way more ... and should have been on top of the BO take, not #5 behind movies that have been out for 2-3 weeks. Jeesh.
realitycheck said...
"...Many artists...singers, actors...are shy when talking about themselves or as themselves...."
strange but true. keith talked about struggling to figure out who he was off stage for years. he doesn't necessarily come across as insecure, but i think most of us can agree that he is.
as i was skimming the conversation between maclen and choice, i was reminded about nk's appearance on the view. i haven't seen regis & kelly, but this was a definite 180 from letterman.
Beat at the box office by Reese and Vince?! Damn that has to sting!!
LMAO!!!! It didnt even make half what Four Christmases made!!!!
Hello All ... Welcome to another week at one my favourite Blogs. A few comments for three of you:
WASTEDEMOTION - I agree, it would have stung like a bee to come right behind "Four Christmases" (AKA 'Four Holidays' over here). Is that because it is a christmas movie? Reviews have been mixed for that too (5.7 on IMDB). But let's face it, Reese is an extremely popular actress, especially when she is in a comedy. Who would you spend your movie money on: Nic or Reese?
MACLEN - When is 'Australia' considered an official flop. If it was to pick up momentum down the track (like Moulin Rouge apparently did), does USA revise its box office records? Or is 'flop' status based on the first week period?
GETAHOLDOFURSELF - The View interview still had cringeworthy moments. But can someone tell me if that is Bette Midler on the show along with Whoopi? You can see 'The View' Interview here:
http://nicole-kidman-journey.blogspot.com/2008/11/you-cant-run-or-hide-from-nicole-this.html
Choice said...
"MACLEN - When is 'Australia' considered an official flop. If it was to pick up momentum down the track (like Moulin Rouge apparently did), does USA revise its box office records? Or is 'flop' status based on the first week period"
Glad you asked that choice, because I was also pondering the hope some have...certainly the NKUsers are hoping with all their might that word of mouth will "salvage" this movie..and threfore. give it "legs"...or this bad pun..."Happy Feet!". But the general consensus that a movie with a price tag of $130+ mil...whether or not the studio...and the aussie government split the budget...and then you have the added millions of extra costs...the promo...tv spots, newpapaper ads etc... flying kidman around the world to promo...a paltry $14.8 mil the first weekend is a flop. Twilight is considered a hit because it cost only $37mil to make...plus the above mentioned promo costs...but twilight grossed $69mill its first 3 day weekend...and in its second 3 day weekend it just grossed another $26mil for a total of $95 mil in just the two weekends, minus the weekday grosses .And even though twilight was hugely popular that first weekend, it dropped by 38% the second weekend form the first weekend. These days movies dont gross more in the second or third week of release...their totals drop...by whatever percentage their popularity rates...
...so I decided to take a look at the numbers... I looked back on the weekend gross trends of kidman's past movies (using box office mojo.com's weekly and daily charts)...minus the indies..(and minus happy feet...that was a robin williams vehicle)
I went back and looked at the trends of golden compass...Invasion...bewitched...the Interpreter...stepford wives...and cold mountain...and I calculated the percentage of the second and third weekend drops from the first weekend gross... for example, the second weekend drop of golden compass from the first weekend was 33%...the movie grossed $25.8 mil its first weekend and then grossed only $8.7mill the second weekend...in its 3rd weekend it dropped 49% from the second weekend and grosses only $3.9mil. So I looked at all the 1st and 2nd weekend drops of all those 6 movies, then I calculated the averages of the drops and found that kidman's average drop for the 2nd week gross was 47%...and the 3rd weekend drop averaged to 58%. So looking at Australia, which according to box office mojo.com grossed $14.8mil its first 3 day weekend, and based on the calculated gross drops for her past 6 movies going back to 2003...Australia might gross only $6.9mil in its second 3 day weekend..and then only $4.0mill in its 3rd weekend for a possible total of 25.7mill by its third 3 day weekends. And of course the variable is the WEEKDAY grosses...(and i didnt get into calculating those because even I'm not that crazy!) Now thats just based on the averaged numbers and percentage drops of her past movie history... Australia may drop only 10%... or 50% in its next weekend... but the point is they drop...and the comparison to Twights two weekend total of $95mill to Australia's potential 3 weekends of totals of only $25.7mill shows you what a very huge uphill battle Australia has...based on her history...
Oh dear. I tried to warn Baz not to cast Gran as I feared all this would happen at the Box Office. I urged him to cast Rachel Griffiths or Cate Blanchett and make it a modern story set in Sydney but he would not listen. You'd think when Russell Crowe took off, he would have thought harder about my ideas. Ha!
Someone has just posted the funniest comment on my Blog regarding Ted O'Connor. Seems he has some dirt from the Australia production crew. It could all be just made up, but somehow I doubt it. See what you think. Do you agree that CGI is being taken too far these days. If this is the case they might as well just robots to play lead roles:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=1678063906030754285&postID=8538852314679405075
Ahhh, Choice. That is Ted Casablanca. He writes for Eonline. He's the one who did the video bit that is on the blog, dispelling the "fairy tale" romance NK is spouting. Ted used to be quite enamored by Ms. K until recently - especially after the pap beating incident. He obviously knows more and is willing to tell.... hee hee..
Also, it appears the studio didn't insist NK skip any more premieres. She has arrived in gay Paree with hubby and baby in tow... and looks like a new "nanny" is carrying the babe:
http://tinyurl.com/6p25an
Hi Urban Myths.
I noticed that Hugh Jackman is in Paris too with his mother. DOes that mean the Australia premiere is being held there soon? See photo below
Cheers, Choice
http://www.celebrity-gossip.net/celebrities/hollywood/hugh-jackman-family-fun-in-paris-209360/
imahick, take your blinders off and go online. See what reviews are from real people who really saw this film. Not journalists who passed off hack jobs against Nicole as legitimate reviews. Not people who want to see this film fail because they have so much inexplicable vitriol for Nicole Kidman. The real members of the public are loving this film. And looking at the paid reviewers half are positive and half are negative. That's right in line with other Baz films. Even the hard-core skeptics on E! who have so much hate for this film, who said they would love "Four Christmases" have stayed basically silent. The most we have gotten out of them is that the vomiting scenes were hilarious. What a glowing review! Can they ever admit they shouldn't count their eggs before they've hatched. I never claimed this would be a blockbuster. Baz has said he knew they wouldn't come in at #1. But it's a wonderful film. And those that still have the attention span to sit through more than yet another 90 minute Hollywood clone can see that!
Urban Myths, Ted C has told nothing.
choice, Russell took off because of money. The man is talented but he is a bit arrogant and seems like he is only a team player when all his demands are met. Jackman was meant for the role. Crowe could never pull off the sensitivity required for a character like the Drover anyway.
Paris here we come. Oh yes, how the other half live:
http://nicole-kidman-journey.blogspot.com/2008/12/paris-lifestyles-of-rich-wrinkle-free.html
Choice said...
"GETAHOLDOFURSELF - The View interview still had cringeworthy moments. But can someone tell me if that is Bette Midler on the show along with Whoopi?"
i'm not sure i've ever seen an interview where nk looked completely at ease, but i don't remember anything cringe worthy about the view.
i think you're confusing bette with barbara walters. it's whoopi, barbara, joy, and a fourth host (whose name escapes me because i rarely watch) on the couch with nk.
In Praise of Australia
by Michael Jones
Let those without a heart beating in their breasts give Australia less than four stars. Those who boo kids at Easter Egg hunts, yell at referees at junior hockey games, sneer at sunrises, cut in line in front of little old ladies, give out healthy snacks at Halloween, talk during the Star Spangled Banner... they will laugh and slang at Australia. A pox on them. They prove that they are not really members of the human race.
For if you have a heart, if your thick cynicism barely covers a romantic soul a mile wide, if you teared up at the last scene in In America, if John Wayne in the doorway at the end of The Searchers made you feel something somewhere in you, if you have a pulse, you will love Australia.
I have looked at the reviews: two stars, two and a half stars, I did not read them.
I walked into the movie uninfluenced by words, but worried by the lack of eight down in today's New York Times crossword puzzle: critical acclaim. Biased? Perhaps, I love Baz Luhrmann's movies, but was resigned not to like this movie. I had read a scathing catty critique of all things Nicole Kidman that made me wonder at her status as Baz's favorite actress. I had read of Luhrmann scurrying to recut the movie days before its premiere. I went hopeful, but wary.
And then, from the graphic beauty of the opening credits to the bigger than the Outback story line, Baz had me at G'day. All the most popular of fictions swirling around its epic story: improbable love, class differences, larger than life characters, incredible landscape, life and death. And, my favorite story technique, an omniscient narrator speaking from some time in the future about the past that you are viewing. A movie with highs and lows, tensions built and equitably satisfied, a soaring score, a major throwback, stirring, Hollywood epic.
I just reread that paragraph and I hope it entices you to go see Australia, but, I realized I hadn't even mentioned cattle drives, bar fights, war, violence, mystery, love unrequited, love requited. It is such a big movie that at one point, halfway in, I fully expected a dissolve to a 'Intermission' sign and cocktails in the lobby discussing what we had all just seen and then back in for the climax. Australia feels like one of those big road show movies of the fifties: Ben-Hur, Cleopatra, The Ten Commandments, The Longest Day.
Most interestingly in such a classically told movie, is its historic story line on Aboriginal racism. Modern movies usually treat race and other au courant social issues with a bludgeon, making critical opinion an exercise in proving one's bonafides. As in Crash, an Oscar winner which will be as unwatchable in ten years as 'Ordinary People.'
Australia has at its core, a story of race. It tells that story in a way that makes everyone understand the injustice and cruelty through character and event. There is no treacle, nor superiority, nor moral wallowing.
I once met Jimmy Pike, an Aboriginal artist, who found success in prison, drawing dreams with magic markers. He and his family danced at an Australian government function I attended. They were forced to wear adult diapers to hide their nakedness, with the smell of a two thousand year old culture assaulting our aftershaved, perfumed, and deodorized senses. I didn't realize then, but do now after seeing Australia, how demeaning an experience it must have been to them and should have been to me.
Repugnance to racism does not overwhelm Australia but is an integral part of the story. No bludgeon to make its points, but a narrative flow that involves us all in discovering and understanding its evil. The characters are as compelling as the narrative: the youngster who plays a mixed race boy real; Hugh Jackman heroic and with a masculine beauty that Baz Luhrmann is unashamed in reveling in (there is a soap and suds soft **** shot so compelling that Mormons in California might reconsider their Prop 8 vote); a dastardly bad guy that joins the ranks of classic movie bad guys; Nicole Kidman, unlined but not distracting in her unworldliness, effective as Lady Sarah Ashley, effective in portraying love and the need to be loved in a highly sympathetic way; Bryan Brown, not seen on the screen of late, a robber baron who would give the Rockefellers a run for their plutocratic money.
Four stars. Or ten points. Or A+. Or a confession that Australia is so sappy in some parts that I had to do the old look at the ceiling and hope that no one noticed the welling eyes. Two stars? Two and half stars? Criticism based on plot holes, improbability, unbelievability, or a sentimental script? **** on the hard hearted bastards. They watch six movies a day in little rooms with pasty porcine nerds scribbling notes while eating take out. If you love movies and watch them in real movie houses with fellow movie lovers, 'Australia' is just for you, mate. But, bring a box of tissues, and, remember that the heart will always trump reason if given half a chance. Especially in a movie like Australia.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-jones/in-praise-of-emaustraliae_b_147041.html
getahold, the hosts are BW, Joy, Whoopi, Elizabeth, and the new girl Sherri Shepard. Elizabeth was absent the day NK was there and it was never mentioned why. They always pre-tape their Friday shows now, so perhaps they just forgot to say something. EH probably couldn't do a double taping that day. I thought it was quite amusing they were discussing Black Friday when it hadn't even happened yet. It was only Monday or Tuesday.
Hi Reality Check:
I was sure that was Bette Midler sitting next to Nic on the right on THE VIEW. Not entirely familiar with the show but don't you think this woman is a dead ringer for Bette?
Have another look - is it Bette?:
http://nicole-kidman-journey.blogspot.com/2008/11/dont-look-so-worried-nicole-its-early.html
Reality Check:
Further to my previous post, I attached wrong link. Try this:
http://nicole-kidman-journey.blogspot.com/2008/11/you-cant-run-or-hide-from-nicole-this.html
That's Joy Behar in the photo. Joy has often said people mistake her for Bette.
http://cricketfeet.com/actingqs/JoyBehar.jpg
Choice said...
"Paris here we come. Oh yes, how the other half live"
It's interesting... their first night in Paris, the kidmans and jackmans are pap'ed out for dinner...
http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/12/01/nicole-kidman-hugh-jackman-paris/
"Kidman & Hugh Jackman: Paris Partners"
...it's interesting, as I dont ever recall them getting all "social" in their movie shilling...I guess after the US flop of their film, they decided to take a cue from the tomkat's and the beckham's "Thankgiving festivities" papparatz public display... the couples out for pre Thanksgiving dinner in NYC...along with ALL their kids...then cruise and becks take in holmes broadway play...then the family's outing at a park...all in front of the paps, and all while kidman is also in town desperately trying, unsuccessfully of course...to sell her film. So, the next question is...will the kidmans and jackman's next take in a "play" while in Paris...and then off to a park?
I've been reading the reviews on Yahoo from people who threw away their money on Flopstralia. They seemed to be evenly split. There is no middle ground on this film apparently. People either love it or they hate it. Alot of people said they walked out halfway through it.Some said they fell asleep because it was sooo boring. Some of the comments about Kidman are really funny.Most seem to agree that Hugh does a good job but Kidman sucks.
I think timing of the movie release has a lot to do with it's success, and this one was released at the wrong time for sure. The fact that it's got a 50/50 rating from the attendees says it isn't a complete flop. I've yet to see it, but intend to this weekend.
realitycheck said...
"getahold, the hosts are BW, Joy, Whoopi, Elizabeth, and the new girl Sherri Shepard. Elizabeth was absent the day NK was there and it was never mentioned why. They always pre-tape their Friday shows now, so perhaps they just forgot to say something. EH probably couldn't do a double taping that day. I thought it was quite amusing they were discussing Black Friday when it hadn't even happened yet. It was only Monday or Tuesday."
i knew she was the new host, but i couldn't think of "sherri" to save my life. elisabeth i would have known. based on some of the conversation i wondered about taping ahead.
i've never noticed a resemblance between joy and bette, but i took a look at your link and can definitely see how choice made that assumption.
Thanks Reality Check for clarifying Joy is not Bette. She even sounds like Bette.
Cricket - you are right. The movie seems to be dividing people: either they love it or hate it. Even Oprah's seal of approval doesn't amount to much then for the US Box Office.
Anyway, an interesting article appeared in the local paper today. Nic is now a target at Facebook, not just at the movies. And they didnt even mention Urban Myths or NK's Journey in the article, damn!:
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,24738170-5018452,00.html
OK...is it me, or does every look Keith has had in past few weeks with the BPP look like he may or may not know exactly where he is at that moment?!?!?! I could be seeing things, but it really does appear that something has been a-miss with Mr. Urban-Kidman as of late!!!!
So, unendingly, this is hilarious...and rather typical of the addled minded and always PR shifting kidman...
http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/film/kidman-denies-shes-set-to-quit-silver-screen/2008/12/02/1227979973231.html
"Kidman denies she's set to quit acting"
...in Paris now shilling her movie, she is claiming..."that she had no plans to drop her career altogether."..and that..."Now I want to keep telling some beautiful stories." Only a couple of weeks ago, conviently timed to coincide with the premiere in OZ..she is quoted as saying... "In terms of my future as an actor and stuff, I don't know. I am in a place in my life where... I've had some great opportunities and I may just choose to have some more children...
...I've no idea what is in my future but I am very at peace with where I want to be. There are many things I want to do besides act."
You get that...just a few weeks ago, there were things she wanted to do "besides act"...
...but now, she wants to continue to "tell beautiful stories? Funny! I guess the idea of threatening... (but the question is exactly threatening who?)... that she "might" leave acting...(hint hint, nudge nudge!)...didnt cause people to stampede to her film...(perhaps if they had hired a "cinematic drover", the film might not have fallen over the cliff!)
..also notice this quote... "I consider myself to be a citizen of the world." You see, when she's in Oz shilling her movie, she just a native with her little "joey"...when she's in the US...she's just a simple down home Nashville native...but when she's in paris, she's a "citizen of the world!" But then what do you expect when she overdoes the botox and lip injections...she has so many different faces...and apparently, a "citizen" of whichever country her movie is premiering in! I really do expect her to proclaim at the German premiere...."Ich bin ein Berliner!"
Keith looked tired at the Paris premiere. I wonder if he really enjoys attending these things? WOuldn't he rather be on stage performing that being somebody's handbag:
http://nicole-kidman-journey.blogspot.com/2008/12/paris-premiere-and-din-din-with.html
I think he gets to perform in the hotel lobby, as long as there is a piano there.
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