Grindhouse (Rodriquez/Tarantino, 2007)

[captainhowdy]

Tarantino considering longer Death Proof for Cannes
Quentin Tarantino is considering screening an extended version of Death Proof at Cannes this May. In U.S. theaters, the movie is one-half of the double feature Grindhouse, which also features Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror, but the films are being split into two separate releases in non-English-speaking markets. It is unknown whether Death Proof will get a competition spot at this year's Cannes. (Variety)

[X.]

QT and Robert Rodriquez just got egged!

Grindhouse had a fawning barrage of media hype behind it and a seemingly built-in audience primed for its brand of nihilistic thrills, but Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez’ attempt to revive 1970s schlock was mostly ignored over Easter weekend.

Instead, Blades of Glory held well to capture the gold for the second weekend. Down 30 percent, the figure-skating comedy drew an estimated $23 million.

Grindhouse churned out a shabby estimated $11.6 million, the least-attended nationwide start for directors Tarantino and Rodriguez. At 2,624 theaters, the horror double feature wasn't the widest new release, but it had the highest screen count—an estimated 3,700 screens—making up for a showtime-limiting three-hour runtime. If many moviegoers had wanted to rip into Grindhouse, they had plenty of chances.

While nihilistic movies frequently open to higher numbers, Grindhouse rang particularly hollow. The last pictures from Tarantino (the Kill Bill movies) and Rodriguez (Sin City) each debuted to well over $20 million. Each was an unusual success, leading to expectations (including this writer's forecast) that a double-billed event could follow suit.
However, Grindhouse was sold on the directors' names, the style and the novelty instead of story or character. Much of the promotional campaign was dedicated to explaining the term "Grindhouse," blanking out on the point of emulating niche cinema from the '70s in the first place. It couldn't work as a spoof because it lacked identifiable references for today's audiences that patronize similar trash, and it suffered the usual horror comedy dilemma that afflicted Snakes on a Plane and Slither among others: too funny to be scary, too scary to be funny.
What's more, Grindhouse was essentially a horror anthology, and that sub-genre has never been big business. Grindhouse was also a self-referential movie about the movies, and such navel-gazing often leaves the public cold. The promise of lurid thrills can only take a picture so far.

For distributor The Weinstein Company, Grindhouse marks the ninth weak box office performer in a row. Their last hit was Scary Movie 4, which started with $40.2 million on Easter weekend last year. Despite Grindhouse's failure, overall weekend business this year was up five percent from that frame.

[captainhowdy]

The 'Sin City' director - who has five children - has allegedly been spotted getting cosy with sultry 'Charmed' star Rose McGowan at his Austin ranch. A friend of the filmmaker revealed to America's New York Post newspaper: "Robert spends all of his time on his ranch in Austin. "His kids are home-schooled, and he even shoots movies there and edits them on the property. He doesn't like to leave much." However, a spokesperson for Rodriguez has played down rumors of a romance, saying: "Rose is working with Robert on a yet-to-be-announced project. They have a professional relationship." Last week, Rodriguez announced he was splitting from his wife of 16 years to cast and crew on the set of his new movie, 'Grind House'. He said: "This is an extremely painful time for me and my family, and Elizabeth and I very much appreciate your understanding and patience." Rodriguez went on to inform workers the split was amicable, that they still intend to raise their five children together and will remain partners in their production company, Troublemaker Studios.

[X.]

Everyone in the industry knows that Rodriquez is boning Rose McGowan. 

[kaytee]

No one seen Death Proof yet? Isnt it out in the cinemas already?

[captainhowdy]

No one seen Death Proof yet? Isnt it out in the cinemas already?

I was surprised to see them showing the trailers for Grindhouse here in Q8 last week...

[kaytee]

So you getting the double bill, we only getting single releases here...dont think Robert Rodrigues part will be coming out here...

[captainhowdy]

So you getting the double bill, we only getting single releases here...dont think Robert Rodrigues part will be coming out here...

Nope, its just Death Proof over here as well...

[X.]

Rodriquez' "Planet Terror" has been playing in Dubai since Thursday. I won't be seeing it.

[fizz]

You guys have me confused now...I think only Planet terror is out, which i have zero interest in watching...

[kaytee]

Oh my bad, I thought Death Proof is out in Dubai. I need to get back to my senses...

[madali]

I guess this is a KFF movie.