By: Lurker
I took a trip to the movie theatre this weekend, ideally with the intent of seeing TRON. However, I found myself scoping out the lobby and the audience in the screening room. To that end, it’s interesting to notice the majority of filmgoers were male. After arriving home, I checked out the preliminary box office numbers this weekend. Yet again, another romantic comedy hasn’t garnered much box office draw even with a huge star cast (How do you know?). Although this was one recent trip I had to ask myself what parts should Rob look for next?
The TRON audience was mainly families and young men. In my recent articles about the business of leading men and Hollywood box office numbers, trends currently show that Rob needs to appeal to a more male audience. Men propelled The Expendables to $274 million worldwide over the summer. So what screenplays have potential to draw men to the theatre?
We know that there are rumors about continuation of the Jason Bourne Series. We also know there are scripts like those on the recent blacklist that look to appeal more to men. The recently published blacklist has a couple, Safe House & Gangster Squad. Books adaptations that are more appealing to men typically follow ideas and spy thrillers and war movies or spin-offs of video games. We all saw photographs of Rob reading a book, My Friend the Mercenary this summer too. I recently read The Lost City of Z, which has already been optioned by Plan B Studios a modern take on Percy Fawcett’s Amazon adventures. Given that good Hollywood scripts are very secretive are there other scripts or books in these genre’s that could help Rob appeal to the male audience?
Please join us tonight Dec 20th 7pm EST for a group discussion!
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I agree Rob definetly needs to look for that next big thing to keep his career moving forward. I also agree that it will have to be something that appeals to the male audience.
After looking at the blacklist and seeing mostly spy,war, sci-fi on the list it seems this is were Hollywood is going to put their money.
Also, after reading this article:
http://www.totalfilm.com/features/20-war-stories-that-should-be-movies
It does seem that the war type movie is still something to look at, these type of movies can actually appeal to both the male and female audience depending on the story line.
Rob seems to do very well in the period type movie (Little Ashes, Haunted Airman, WFE, BA). So it will definetly be interesting to see what he choose next.
I agree Kim…It will be interesting to see what he chooses next. Rob seems to be good at analyzing scripts and cares about finding the truth of a story or character. These are really great gifts and strengths for an actor to have.
Hi All!
Stopping in early to comment sorry but I won’t be able to stay. I think that Rob should do something next that he would not be comfortable with. Say a serial killer or stalker type. I can’t really see him in a war movie at the moment. He’s to lanky looking. He would really have to beef up.
i could see him in a Dan Brown movie (think Tom Hanks) Rob seems very intelligent. Maybe he could do some voice overs too. Just a few ideas.
Great Article and I will talk to you ladies soon!
Have a Good Night!
Laura, I was thinking Rob should play a gangster…. There are a few British gangster books I’ve read that I would like to see made into a film.
Rob seems to do well in period type movies. He seems to blend into the eras with the right costumes. So another movie set in the past would be interesting.
Oh! It would be nice to see him in a period British gangster film, written with a non-linear structure to make it more contemporary.
So here’s another question to add to the mix.
Should Rob try to target the box office or critical acclaim?
It seems in history the most popular film isn’t always the most critically regarded?
Well I think for him right now, he needs to establish himself at the box office. Then go after critically acclaimed stuff.
And I would agree with you – partially for the fact, that he needs to broaden the scope of his audience. Right now his primary appeal is female (pick the age range and reason).
And I would stay away from any romantic comedies. Box office disasters.
Oh! I agree no romcom movies!!!!
I would love to see Rob do a movie with Guy Ritchie. Have u seen any of his films?
Sherlock Holmes I saw, sort of. I could never finish it. No clue why.
Well if u can, pick up “Lock Stock and Two Smocking Barrels” or my favorite is the “The Real Rockin Roller.” Great article by the way…..
I will check them out.
You know I watched the Expendables again the other night with my son. What was interesting is the special effects during the fight scenes looked like Call of Duty (the video game).
And all the previews last night (we were in the 3D movie) were all CGI animations coming soon! I was paying more attention looking for trends.
I have to check it out. I have not seen it yet. Now u probably won’t want your son to see this but have u seen “Kick Ass”? It’s based off of a comic book and it was really good. Not a lot of CGI just a great story.
No, I didn’t see that one either.
Well! I recommend it only for adults because it’s pretty graphic.
I saw this bc of Nicholas Cage and it was really dark, but you are right it was good. Visually it was different too. Reminded me of Film Noir, I think that is what it is called.
In what way did this movie remind u of Film Noir? Was it the writing, attitude or the visual styles? Only because I’ve always associated Film Noir visual styles with black and white. But “Kick Ass” does have that cynical attitude that’s similar to Film Noir.
Yeah I know Film Noir is usually black and white. Even though this was in color it still had the visual feel to me, I may not be explaining it right, but also the cynical attitude of the film too. It was just a very interesting movie to watch.
Yeah! It was really funny too.. My favorite moment was when Hit-Girl rescues Kick Ass, which is the first time they meet. The look on his face was priceless!!! Oh! And Nicholas Cage was perfect as Big Daddy..LOL!! Did u know Brad Pitt produced this film…?
LOL!! Gosh, I really botched the name of one of the movies I suggested to u Lurker. The title is “Rock n Rolla”
Sherlock Holmes is his mainstream stuff. But he’s a Great non-linear writer and Director.
Would you explain non-linear writing as it pertains to movies?
Sure! Well it’s a must for a story to have three parts. A beginning, middle and end. If a story follows this common straight line structure than it’s called linear. Now if a writer mixes up these three parts like starting a film at the end, flipping back to the beginning, than to the middle etc… is considered non-linear. Chris Nolan’s movie Momemto is an excellent example of this.
I hope this makes sense?
Oh! U have seen Inception? That’s non-linear storytelling!!
True, Inception is one of those.
But the explanation helped confirm.
Great!!! I thought I lost u…LOL!! Hey u bring up some good points about seeing a tone a trailers for big CGI movies.
Did u know about the Blacklist for Filmmakers?
Right, sorry – it sort of plays into another article we discussed here, the future of CGI animation. And it seems the 3D element is big. Although 3D – in my opinion is only good for movies where it makes sense. Just to make a 3D movie for any movie makes no sense to me given I’ve hear the budget increase.
Here again I botched the name LOL!! The correct spelling is “Memento” Lurker u may have better luck finding these films if I were better at spelling. LOL!!
U know another film based off a comic book is RED!!! It got some great reviews by critics and was being considered for some possible award. This would be amazing because not many movies based on comic books ever get considered for an Oscar!!!
That’s what happened to Dark Night!! Nolan was snubbed at the Oscars even though this was an excellent film.
You know I haven’t seen RED. It was one I wanted to see.
Me too!! However, I was a little skeptical at first because Summit produced it. LOL!! But it got great reviews so I will give it a chance…..
Which comes back to some things about box office draw, I’m seeing.
Movies are not opening everywhere. They are opening in limited releases and in selected areas. Therefore, I truly wonder if the ‘box office draw’ numbers are really the way to go for the future of actors in HW. I wanted to see Fair Game, The Kings Speech, Black Swan. None of those opened in my area and I’m in the #5 city in the US! So I just wonder what the strategy is for turning a profit now?
Well there is a difference between mainstream films and art house films. Art house films, like Black Swan etc…or films that are not apart of a franchise typically are limited releases until they gain wide appeal than they will get wider release.
Lurker!!! I’m have to go…. But I love the topic, great article!!!!
Let’s continue this conversation tomorrow at 7:00pm EST.
Ok see u then!
So what is truly the break point now for execs to open some of these films in wider release? I mean the numbers obviously have to reach some magical benchmark I would think. I also wonder what the margins are on movies one they go to DVD ? Is there more margin in DVD sales that Box office? I would think that might be a yes
Well the production budget u see on BoxOfficemojo.com does not account for distribution and marketing. This amount can sometime be the same as the production budget. So a film has to make double or triple it’s production budget before a film can turn a profit.
So the less theaters a movie is in, the less risk and money they loose on distribution. It’s kind of a pay as u go system.
I have a question about Executive Producer and what that title entails…….I was reading on Rob’s IMDB board and this is what is says about him being EP.
Robert Pattinson is listed in the credits as “Executive Producer”. What does that mean?
EditHistoryDelete Robert Pattinson put his name on as Executive Producer as a way to protect the film for Allen Coulter and Nick Osborne. This production credit enabled him to prevent the movie from being put out as some cheesy love story. By having him on as EP, if it started to look like that was going to happen (which it didn’t), he could use his clout as EP to redirect the focus more onto what it is. In the end, he really didn’t do a whole lot, but what it accomplished was very significant for everyone who wanted this movie to fulfill its potential
What exactly does this mean and what could Rob have done to assist them?
Good Q!!! An EP is the executive in charge of producing the entire project. That may mean taking charge of the entire project or providing some skill or resource that is absolutely vital to the project’s success. Or an EP can be a backer who bankrolls the majority of the project or puts up a partial share and then brings in investors to fund the rest.
I have a question what leading lady do u think R should work with next? Who do u think he would have great chemistry with for a drama and or comedy?
See I would love to see Rob eventually do a comedy but I think he needs to do some more dramatic type films. I also agree with Paris that I would love to see Rob in a really gritty seriel killer or something dark.
Actresses I would love to see him work with Haley Berry, Charlene Theron, Anne Hathaway.
what leading lady? I don’t know why but Catherine Deneuve popped into my head. or someone that would be to bossy or strong. He needs a break.
Hmm, I would love to see Rob do something comedic. I think his natural personality would come thru. I think someone like an Anne Hathaway for a comedic role. However, not a romantic comedy. Anne has a great sense of timing and it’s off beat. So does Mila Kunis for that matter.
Drama, hmm, someone in the same age bracket. Keira first came to mind, however, Natalie Portman. I might have to think some more. Although I would definitely consider what the part would be.
Do you think Rob would do well in another franchise? IMO, I think he should back away from franchises for a while.
Also I would like to see him work with Quentin Taratino. That would be interesting. 🙂
Oh, yeah. Depending upon the material Quentin is definitely a bit off.
that’s true but i love inglorious basterds.
No in fact, I would definitely go the franchise route. How else to counter act Twilight? You need something “BIGGER”, in my opinion.
I see your point. But what else could he do that could be part of a franchise? Star Wars is already finished. I GOT IT! Have you ever read the Dragon Riders of Pern?
He could play F’lar. One of the leads.
No never read that series.
Oh Diane Kruger. Someone not very famous…There were some fantastic female actors who were in the Tudors series, like Natalie Dormer and the actress who played Catherine.
Sorry – the actress who was Lady Jane Seymour. I can’t find her name.
OH one more – Evan Rachel Wood
Do you think that Rob is going to be like Johnny Depp? Strictly a character actor?
No I don’t think so, because he has played different types of characters in his films already, but period pieces seem to be his little nich.
I would agree a franchise is what Rob will need to pull the BO and get out of the Twilight spotlight. Haven’t read those books, what are they about?
http://pern.srellim.org/intro.htm I’m posting a link for you to look at. Its about a planet that is threatened to extinction. The only way they can fight it is with dragons.
Plus, OB I didn’t know that Brad Pitt produced Kick Ass. That is interesting. It does seem like more and more actors/actresses are starting their own production companies.
He had a production company when he was married to Jen Anniston. They were partners in it, I think.
Yeah, for me, I think there’s some benefit to
‘putting your money to work’ for you. When you’re sitting on a ton of cash, you want to be able to move it into a business venture. Financially there’s some benefits. And, I would assume on the creative side, some control.
That’s true because IMO actors can produce films that they would like to the public to see, films that are intresting to them. And if you’ve got the cash, that helps too. LOL
Oh that’s right I remember about that now, it was a big thing when they divorced.
Has anyone noticed that magazines are still selling the Jen/Angelina feud? Will it ever end? I mean Brad and Jen have been divorced how long and they both have clearly moved on.
Yeah, the sad thing is it makes me wonder if the Robsten thing will ever go away.
That’s true. probably not. I think Kristen would definitely have to come out. Plus it benefits her more than it does him. So why would she let go of her cash cow? Did you read my rant in the e-mail?
Or I wonder if Rob would end it if he had a girlfriend and he finally said enough is enough i would like to live my life now. Kristen can then go and bottom feed off someone else. LOL
Yes! but I think Robsten will die down after TW. However, you’re right it only benefits her. But it gets back to one of our original discussions earlier this year about the scandal media addicts. Clearly we see which camp she falls into.
True. Its like beating a dead horse. LOL
Yes, I saw your rant earlier and understand those feeelings so well.
I also agree the only person that benefits for Robsten is KS, and the only company is Summit. Rob doesn’t gain anything except overexposure. I think that is why he tries to hide as much as possible. I have read him in an interview say that is one of his worries.
I really can’t wait to see what role he picks next. I also think we will see some good work in WFE and BA.
I am anxious to see how he interacts with all the actors in BA and WFE. I think I saw a glimpse of that in RM and Little Ashes. And I am looking to see how he has developed as an actor. So yes, I am anxious. I would also like to see him in some parts that are less ‘brooding’ Rob has one of the Tom Cruise mega watt smiles. Would be nice to see that on film.
I have to say that is my husband’s biggest complaint about Rob and his movies that he is always plays the broody, emo type of characters. He didn’t enjoy The Bad Mother’s Handbook and said Rob was good in that one.
So, yeah I would love to see Rob play something maybe a little lighter.
I think for right now Rob should stick what he knows he can play. Unless he’s absolutely certain that he would have success trying to play a different character. Have you seen How to Be?
No that is on my list to see yet.
You should see it. I watched it on the net. i’ve also seen the haunted airman. That was good too. The one thing I noticed about R is that he connects to his characters extremely well. When I saw R in How to Be…I saw Art (his character) not rob.
I don’t think BA has found a US distributor yet.
Still? wow.
yeah last I read about it….still no distributor.
Yeah I am not happy about no US distrubtor. Because I like these type of movies and can’t wait to see this movie.
Well I read on one of the websites dedicated to R that he was very friendly to everyone on the set of WFE and a hard worker.
Yeah, I heard the same thing from different people on the WFE and BA sets that he was a hard worker, a lot of fun, and really nice. I would think all of those things coming out is only going to help Rob in the future.
That’s true. Directors look for that when they are asking about people. So i’ve been told.
See I saw the Haunted Airman, Rob was good in it, became Toby. I just didn’t care for the movie itself, I didn’t understand it. My hubby hate this movie and didn’t understand it either. This is were he gets that Rob plays all the same roles, because Toby in Haunted Airman did have a Edward in Twilight feel to it.
It had an Edward feel to it? I have to disagree there. I didn’t see any Edward in Toby. I know that it seemed weird but don’t forget Toby was mentally unstable. The place he was in was not Haunted. It was his mind playing tricks on him.
See this is what my husband saw not me. I was just confused by the whole movie.
oh. 🙂
I’m going to go for the night. Take Care!
Sounds good to me too. Night.