"Is America ready for a movie about an obese Harlem girl raped and impregnated by her abusive father?" The New York Times magazine asked recently. We'll soon find out. Thus far, Oprah and Tyler Perry's endorsement of 'Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire,' combined with positive word of mouth, has led to packed theaters. Lionsgate plans to expand the release of 'Precious' to between 800 and 1,200 theater screens by Thanksgiving Day. 'Precious' was acquired for $5.5 million by the Vancouver-based niche movie studio after its triple award win at Sundance.
Last weekend 'Precious' exceeded box office expectations bringing in $1.8 million in just 18 theaters, averaging $100,000. Not bad for a couple of days. That record opening gave the Lionsgate-distributed film the third best live action per-theater-average of all time after 'Dreamgirls' and 'Brokeback Mountain.'
The film's soundtrack, produced by director Lee Daniels along with Mary J. Blige and presently available online, will be available in stores on November 23, taking advantage of the national release.
While the $5.5 million investment is on the verge of becoming very profitable, can a movie this dark maintain its buzz through the holiday season?
Reader Comments (4)
Telisa at 7:47AM on Nov 12th 2009
I want to see Precious coming to a movie theater near me. I live in Lawton/ Ft. Sill area and there are no theaters near here even scheduled. I would have to go out to TX, I want to see that movie, but not THAT badly.
I want a demand-it type opportunity for all limited theater movie listing to be able to be voted upon. There are some movies I would love to see and others I can wait until they get released on dvd and still others that could be released straight to dvd, this is one of the movies I would LOVE to see on the big screen.
I feel strongly about this movie!
Telisa
Deb at 2:33PM on Nov 12th 2009
Personally, I'm getting really sick of seeing commericals for a movie that I can't go see. Either release the damn thing or stop the tease. For real!
catherine at 5:02PM on Nov 13th 2009
this is a movie that should be showing in every theater all across america, why are they advertising this movie and not showing it everywhere, people want to see the movie but its not showing everywhere so how would it make money if it does not show in a lot of theaters
Jamie at 5:51PM on Nov 13th 2009
Who ever is in charge of releasing the movie needs another job. "Precious" has already proven it is going to making a profit. Showing this film in limited theaters across the country is just plain stupid.