On the heels of the response to “Joker: Folie à Deux” (Warner Bros.) on PVOD (in its second week out, it managed only a tenth place showing on either iTunes or Fandango), “Megalopolis” (Lionsgate), Francis Ford Coppola’s much lower grossing but also much publicized $100 million self-financed film , got a home release that garnered almost zero interest. “Saturday Night” (Sony) was the other big name release, and landed #6 on both iTunes (ranking by revenue) and Fandango (by transactions) top 10 lists (#4 and #6 respectively; it was #1 for a day at iTunes).
It’s not like it was a much bigger hit than “ Megalopolis ” in theaters or PVOD. Its domestic gross was only $9.5 million, less than $2 million better than Coppola’s film.
“Megalopolis” not making either list is surprising. But what is stunning is it is nowhere to be found among the more than 80 movies listed on their daily list, nor has it since it was released. “Goodrich” (Bleecker Street) with Michael Keaton, which grossed barely over $1 million is #24 Monday.
“The Apprentice” (Briarcliff), with a $4 million total, made the top 10 its opening week. Both films have the same $19.99 rental price as “Megalopolis.
” Clearly the poor general audience word of mouth for Coppola’s film is a fact. But perhaps its status as a film which was distributed as a service deal by Lionsgate (as effectively as was possible under tough circumstances) reduced its marketing and other awareness elements. .