All is Lost expanded into 483 theaters this past weekend and according to Box Office Mojo‘s estimated ticket counter, 116,900 people went to see it. The site estimates 538,100 tickets have been sold since it hit theaters on October 18, this compared to the estimated 30.7 million tickets sold domestically to see Gravity.
Now I know what you’re going to say, Gravity had a bigger marketing budget and was released into 3,575 theaters on its opening weekend compared to the six theaters All is Lost was screened in when it opened. I understand the economics of it all, but that doesn’t mean I have to like, or accept it.
Now, I’ve received a press release from Lionsgate announcing a February 11 DVD and Blu-ray release for the film, which will be preceded by a January 21 video on demand release, none of which are options allowing people to see the film as it is meant to be seen. It also pains me how audiences will lap up Alfonso Cuaron‘s Gravity (which, don’t forget, I liked) not realizing a much better, “stranded with little means for survival” movie was out there.
Where Gravity features too much comforting dialogue, All is Lost features virtually none. Where Gravity features a great, but intrusive score, All is Lost features a score so subtle you hardly notice it. In fact, it’s amazing to me a film centered in space could actually be louder than one set in the midst of a storm in the middle of the ocean.
I wrongly speculated in Regal theater. Her response was to say, “The worst theater ever.” Well, she does have a point.
I know most moviegoers don’t care about a single word I’ve already typed. In fact, based on the estimated tickets sold, it would appear there are probably at least 30 million Americans that went and saw Gravity that didn’t see All is Lost and might not even know it exists. However (and don’t think I’m picking on Gravity here, that was simply an easy thematic comparison), the next time you begin to wonder why so many films coming out of Hollywood are sequels or an attempt at a franchise starter, remember there are films out there that are worthy alternatives.
And don’t think I’m placing all (or even the bulk) of the blame on moviegoers as some of the issue is with the number of theaters the film has been released in. However, based on the map at the film’s official site there are several options to choose from all across the country. To be honest, right now I’m worried the Coens’ Inside Llewyn Davis will have just as tough a time and hope CBS can bring ’em in.
As for All is Lost, just like director JC Chandor‘s Margin Call, it seems relegated to being found and appreciated at home, perhaps largely helped by a Best Actor nomination for Robert Redford. But trust me when I say those that end up seeing All is Lost at home and enjoy it, will be kicking themselves for missing it in theaters. So don’t forget about it this weekend, while everyone is off seeing The Hunger Games: Catching Fire you can probably get a theater largely to yourself and check out one of the year’s best.
