Avatar: Opening Weekend Report

Published on December 21, 2009 by Martyn Conterio · View Comments

James Cameron’s latest eye-feast has battled Mother Nature this weekend in the US. Not even the self-proclaimed king of the world James Cameron could stop it. Despite bad weather affecting its opening weekend takings, Avatar still managed to bag $73 million dollars. Not too shabby. According to The Hollywood Reporter this did not match the aspirations of 20th Century Fox, who it appears, were after some record-breaking figures.

Avatar is showing in 106 countries across the globe and its domestic gross added to its international takings equals a grand total of…drum roll, please: $232 million dollars! That, however, hasn’t even covered the budget, which is reported to be around $300 million. It has proved such a costly endeavour that 20th Century Fox needed co-financiers and in August they decided to show a fifteen minute preview to generate hype. Fox spokesperson Chris Aronson, despite the bad weather, forecast great things for Avatar – especially as it is attracting an older audience than expected:

“With 62% of the audience being older, that bodes well for playability. The older audience has holiday distractions right now, but once they’re freed, they will be flowing to this movie.”

It is still very early days for the film, but will it allow Cameron to out-do himself and re-create the Titanic phenomenon? Not a chance. Avatar, despite its groundbreaking special effects job done by Weta (yadda, yadda, yadda) will not have the cross-over appeal the Boat movie did. After curiosity has been sated, only die-hards will return for a second helping or third helping of Cameron’s eco-techno space opera. It’s no Star Wars. Do expect this to run for a while: especially around Oscar season.

On the subject of awards: there is no doubt the special effects bods (at least) will be bagging them left, right and centre. Cameron might get a nod here and there for his directing and sheer vision, but don’t expect another “I’m King of the World!” cringe-worthy moment.

Avatar is currently playing in 2-D, 3-D and Imax.