'Where The Wild Things Are' Runs $32.4M 
Oscar Can't Always Get What He Wants 
NBC Bright Spot Of Lousy GE 3Q Earnings; 4Q … 
Oops! Vivendi May Delay 20% NBCU Sale? 
65 Nations Vie For Foreign Language Oscar 
Elle's Women In Hollywood Power List 
HOW BIG IS BIG? AEG Predicts Michael Jackson … 
Sane Debt-Reduction Move By Redstone; But … 
EXCLUSIVE: Comcast Wants NBCU Deal Done … 
Stan Rosenfield Is One Very Happy Flack
By Nikki Finke | Category: Magazines | Thursday February 21, 2008 @ 3:04pm
Breaking News
Marketplace
-
Two Weeks of Posts Comments 1 THE END OF 'OPRAH' AS WE KNOW HER: Daytime Diva Giving Up Syndie … 648 2 UPDATE: Academy Picks Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin As 82nd … 174 3 Adrian Pasdar Let Go From NBC's 'Heroes' 132 4 VIDEO: Fox Releases New 'Avatar' Trailer 123 5 Joss Whedon Makes Bid For 'Terminator' 120 ‘This Is MORE Of It’ Spoof
News/Opinion Poll
Loading ...Deadline | Hollywood Top 20
Title Studio Gross 1 This Is It Sony $23.2M 2 Paranormal Activity Paramount $16.3M 3 Law Abiding Citizen Overture $7.4M 4 Couples Retreat Universal $6.4M 5 Where Wild Things Are Warner … $5.9M 6 Saw VI Lionsgate $5.2M 7 Astro Boy Summit $3.2M 8 The Stepfather Sony $3.2M 9 Vampire's Assistant Universal $3.0M 10 Amelia Fox … $3.0M 11 Cloudy With Meatballs Sony $2.7M 12 Zombieland Sony $2.6M 13 A Serious Man Focus $1.0M 14 Boondock Saints II Apparation $.546M 15 An Education Sony … $.467M 16 Halloween II Weinstein $.445M 17 Good Hair Roadside $.422M 18 Invention Of Lying Warner … $.393M 19 Capitalism Overture $.373M 20 Toy Story 3D Disney $.262M Box Office Poll
Loading ...Twitter @nikkifinke
- EXCLUSIVE: Summit To Market 'Twilight Saga: New Moon' With 15-City Cast Tour -- http://tinyurl.com/ylk4xuc 2 weeks ago
- More updates...
-
RSS Feeds
I can’t decide what’s worse, seeing George Clooney’s face or Joel Stein’s name on the cover of TIME.
George Clooney’s movies are notorious for under-performing at the box office.
Yet he’s considered “The Last Movie Star” and his salary keeps going up and up because he’s Hollywood’s star.
His entire career is geared toward appealing to his Hollywood peers than the general audience. And the greater irony is that some of his films would have been profitable, if he hadn’t been paid so much in up front cash and points.
Not one of his best pictures, face shows that he didn’t want to be there, mouth and jaw too uptight, and his wardrobe stylist missed the mark…big time.
NOW, picture this… black turtle neck, sleeves pushed up above wrists, great expensive watch on wrist, arms crossed in front of chest, head tilted slightly down, slight smirk smile, and eyes looking up with the Clooney “eye sparkle”. Or, maybe a slight over-the-shoulder look. Women want the Clooney, yum, yum. This cover fails.
Signed,
btl FEMALE Teamster, cause not all teamsters drive trucks (but we love our drivers that do)
I just don’t get this George Clooney thing. He’s not that handsome and he’s really not an amazing actor. His movies basically never make big bucks or rise to any artistic heights. Most of the time he seems to just mug for the camera. Oh, maybe that’s what a movie star is today… a smug mugger.
Everyone says Clooney is a box office bomb. Yet, Michael Clayton has done decent numbers.
Michael Clayton: cost $25 million and has a WW so far of $82 million.
Good Night and Good Luck: cost,$7.5 mill, US BO, $31.5 mill. Oceans..all made money.
I would really love to see the numbers on his flops when it comes to DVD’s. I bet his films do better than expected when you count those numbers in.
Yes, his pre-2003 films all flopped but I would venture to say, his luck is changing…or at least his decision making skills have improved.
I don’t get why this is news? It’s Stan’s JOB to get Clooney’s face out there. Is it a slow news day?
Coming soon on Tmz…erm DHD
Clooney looks ready to star in THE MITT ROMNEY STORY biopic. The film will only be exhibited in Utah.
Okay,
How can you hate this man? Because he’s being paid “too much”? Because he looks like he has too much fun in his films? Because he’s good looking? Because he actually has a pet project that actually matters? Get over yourselves and your jealousy people. You all sound like he turned you down for the prom.
Nobody believes Clooney is the Last Movie Star. I’m sure many people wouldn’t even put him in the top ten. Stein’s main argument is that George agreed to go over to his house for dinner. That’s it. That accessibility makes him a movie star (because movie star have always been known for that quality, right?)
He also makes a ridiculous statement that: “There are plenty of huge box-office draws (Will Smith, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Johnny Depp) and even more famous celebrities (Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, Lindsay Lohan), but no one besides Clooney is so gracefully both.”
Now only Joel Stein would a) act like Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise aren’t huge box office draws, b) somehow act like Will Smith and Tom Hanks haven’t handled celebrity gracefully and c) mention Lindsay Lohan in a discussion of movie stars.
The one quote in the article that really makes sense is Sid Ganis’s who equates Clooney to Gregory Peck. I can buy that. But guess what, Peck wasn’t the only (or the biggest) star of his era and neither is George.
It’s a fluff piece that doesn’t even really pretend to be actual journalism. I’ll bet Clooney is already making jokes about how embarrassing this whole thing is.
Got jealousy? First of all the comment about the stylist is ridiculous. His grey pinstripe suit and white shirt match his distinguished salt and pepper hair. His expression to me says, ‘Humility’. You projected your own baggage onto him. As to his acting, there are so many examples of his talent. His best talent is that you don’t often catch him acting. On E.R. he was the king of destination and moment before. You wouldn’t know what that is because you have no training yet feel qualified to expound your expertise on his technique. The biggest evidence of his talent is his ability to clearly define his choices in obtaining his objective and bring them straight from within in the moment. He is one of the best moment to moment actors working today. Oh yeah, he writes and directed a hell of a good movie called ‘Good Night, Good Luck’. Why is it news you ask? Well, it’s news because everyone likes to hear about Clooney because he is an all around likeable guy. It’s news that says for all the ill adjusted freaks out there, there is still good eggs like Clooney. And no one pisses off bitter, jaded, malcontents than an all around great guy who also happens to be good looking, multi-talented, educated, informed, unselfish, and having a great life. I mean who wrote all those criticisms? O’Reilly? Is that you?
“Do I look like I’m negotiating to you?”
Yes George you do look like you’re negotiating.
“Well I’m not. I’m angry. I don’t negotiate when I’m angry. I’m trying to win an Oscar here damn it!”
I’ll vote for you George you deserve to win.
“Damn right I deserve to win.”
I remember when he was in Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and then on that 1980s show about the girls living in a sorority.
I think the whole thing about him vs. Fabio in the restaurant says it all.
The ONLY film I’ve felt compelled to see of his was Syriana because I heard he had suffered a painful injury during the torture scene. I actually felt sympathy for the man and
I wanted to see exactly what he was doing when it happened. I was glad to know that he recovered.
As to his acting: He’s a total light weight. YOU NEVER FORGET YOU’RE WATCHING GEORGE CLOONEY.
He’s like the William Shatner from StarTrek – but without the likability from the fans.
Seriously, the guy’s a winner in my book. Most of his films are enjoyable, and he’s done great things for the industry. Michael Clayton? Rocked. Syriana? Rocked. Good Night Good Luck? Eh, okay. I really thought Confessions of a Dangerous Mind was seriously entertaining. Three Kings. Out of Sight. O’ Brother Where Art Thou. Now that I think about it, his choices have been getting better and better. Who can deny that he’s a smart guy?
This man is not only glib, he is also smug. He can’t open a movie, he is power hungry and he works so hard to cover his insecurities.
If he is the last movie star, then may I ask what Brad Pitt, Will Smith and Tom Cruise are. Because they are actually big world wide, it is amazing how far you can go in Hollywood with no talent as long as you have a good publicist, how else do you explain that Time cover and the headline?
Let’s be clear that I’m not an industry “insider,” I’m not a failed actor/writer/director/gaffer/best boy. This poster is a businessman in his 50’s with a wife and kids who WANTS to enjoy film but is sooo often (and I mean regularly) disappointed with the product and the self-important non-talents that make them.
So why am I writing? Simple: I like Clooney. If pressed, I might confess that he’s better-looking than me, but frankly I don’t mind because when we ‘hang out together’ George doesn’t lord over me; see, I’m IN ON THE JOKES. My Gorgeous Wifey likes Clooney (my counterpart fantasy crush is Nicole Kidman) but this is all in spirited fun because George is obviously a Good Guy. He’s not going to take my girl, but he gives me props for being good at what I do, whether he cares about my work or not.
His wars with the right-wingers (whether you agree with his stance or not) establishes him as one who will swing away simply to defend his principles rather than curling up like most celebrities do. (Case in point: Michael Jordan who refused to endorse a black candidate running against Strom Thurmond: “Republicans buy shoes too.” Sickening and something you’d never hear from Clooney.
And as for Box Office. You tell me that you people actually use this as a benchmark? Go ahead then, tell me of the greatness that was “Wedding Crashers,” “Norbit,” “Evan Almighty” and “The Heartbreak Kid” to name only a recent few. Yes, I’m well aware that Hollywood doesn’t actually set out to make horrible movies ON PURPOSE but nevertheless you people would have a hard time convincing the rest of America otherwise.
And as for always seeing “George Clooney” when he’s on screen, I would dare to venture that you have the same problem with Cary Grant, John Wayne, Clark Gable and the modern-day ‘yes it’s really me’ — Tom Cruise who simply is unable to EVER blend into a role.
Why this Time cover now? Beats me. I still think the guy is okay. But then again, that’s only my opinion and I don’t live in Hollywood.
Happy hating.
I predict he will run for Congress in 10 years then be elected to the Senate and eventually be President. I think he’s growing bored with Hollywood. George is destined for much more important things than showbiz. He’s very smart and very well educated not from school but from life. His films are important and they resonate with political sensibility. President Clooney 20 years from now sounds about right. He’ll be the Democrat Reagan.
Joel Stein? I DON’T GET JOEL STEIN. He’s not a good nor interesting writer. Is he blowing Mr. Time or something?
Wow. Is your taste for Schadenfreude not being met? Damn you for being successful George! Get a grip, haters.
Ever since the Charlton Heston incident he’s been dead to me.
In January 2003, Clooney accepted some award and said, “Charlton Heston announced again today that he is suffering from Alzheimer’s.”
To kick a man for having an incurable disease is cowardly enough. But when Liz Smith offered him a chance to withdraw the comment, he had to kick a defenseless man a second time saying, “I don’t care. Charlton Heston is the head of the National Rifle Association; he deserves whatever anyone says about him.”
On the outside Clooney is handsome and charming, but on the inside there is genuine ugliness and cruelty.
I’d love to know why George Clooney is called a movie star when the only hits he’s had have been ensemble pieces. In other words, he alone is not enough to bring in an audience. He needs big name co-stars to do so.
Therefore, he’s not a movie star.
On another note, surely I’m not the only person who’s sick to death of seeing his face and hearing about what he’s said. Does George Clooney NEVER shut up? Jesus.
Too bad he’s not like the smarter stars who disappear when they don’t have a movie yet. That way he’d be missed rather than being in my face every single damn day.
There’s a lot of complaint here about Clooney’s movies not making enough money. What seems to be overlooked is that when you look at his resumé, he has mostly chosen movies for their creative merits over the possibility of a box office smash (and the exceptions, like the Oceans movies, have done well and turned out to be pretty solid movies).
And on his “art films” (dare I use the phrase?) the projects often have *tiny* budgets, so that they don’t have to make big bucks, but can still break even. I’d also agree that his films likely do stronger DVD business than theatrical in many cases.
Is it really such a dig at the guy to point out that for the most part he has resisted the temptation to sell out? Is it so bad to take a risk instead of going for something safe and mainstream?
And I have to point out that there are very VERY few stars who consistently can guarantee a blockbuster – Will Smith is the only one who comes to mind (maybe Ben Stiller, although he hasn’t made many movies lately? maybe seth rogen can get there after a couple more hits?). Even a Tom Cruise or Tom Hanks doesn’t mean you’ll even break even any more. Same with Pitt, Jolie, Sandler, Russell Crowe, Colin Farrell. Pretty much all of them, for every big hit there are three or four that lost money.
Besides Will Smith, is there anyone consistently guaranteeing big box office?
Sean,
Your post is disturbing. Even though I work in this industry, and worked a couple of days on Good Night and Good Luck………..and thought George Clooney was one of the nicest “Movie Stars” in this business, I’m disgusted that he said these comments.
My Grandfather died from Alzheimer’s Disease, it destroyed my Grandmother, and broke our hearts.
So, I take back my playful wardrobe change comment, because if your statement is true………they should have dressed him in SHIT.
You now know , I don’t usually watch the Oscars………dog and pony show.
Clooney is Gregory Peck?????????
That’s offensive and silly. Peck was a gentleman, class, gravitas and warmth, stunningly handsome. A true movie star
Clooney, not. Clooney is aging, smug, self-important, a one-note overrated tv actor who whines and complains immaturely about paparazzi and media attention, then goes and does media stunts like this.
A true movie star is iconic, incomparable. Clooney’s always styling himself after the Rat Pack, now Peck. He and others, like Pitt, are big bores and passe. The studios have no guts or imagination to gamble on fresh talent.
“The Last Movie Star”?? I love Clooney, but gimme a break.
Don’t worry George, you’ll always be the very best Batman who ever put on the cape and cowl. Your pal,
Robin the Boy Wonder
Incidentally, as a follow up to my “Got Jealousy?” response, I went into Best Buy today to pick up a copy of Michael Clayton and they were sold out. Clearly Clooney is no movie star.
maybe best buy wasn’t “sold out” of michael clayton, maybe they cleared the shelves of it for more profitable inventory – this is the time of year stores do that
but, giving the benefit of the doubt, then bravo – clooney packed the house at best buy
Hey, Milo/ 2:25 pm:
Given your argument, if no one guarantees big box office, then all actors should get choice roles and be considered movie stars. And, you only reference one female “star” in your laundry list of actors. You must either work for Warner Bros., or be a friend of Clooney, or both, with that tired brand of sexism.
Clarence, were were these hordes when the movie was in theaters?
That’s right. Someplace else.
And to Milo – how is doing not one but three Ocean’s movies not playing it safe? The first one was fun. The second and third were horrific and made me want to vomit at all the smugness on display by not only Clooney but everyone else involved (with the exception of Catherine Zeta-Jones who actually seemed to have showed up to act).
If Clooney wants to do his “art films” as you call them then he should be paid accordingly. His regular salary is ridiculous considering he fails to bring in an audience on his own. He should be paid as much as Chris Cooper (though Cooper can act circles around the once-pretty-now-oily Clooney).
Such a know-it-all hubris-sufferer.
Dear Francine,
Where were they when the movie was in the theaters? They were sitting in some Transformer type movie. Unfortunately, the general public is of the Starbucks mentality when it comes to taste in movies. Or they wait until people tell them that it’s a good movie. That’s why it was re-released in the theaters so that they simpletons might now go to see it after everyone tells them it’s a good movie.
Dear Chris,
Now we all know you work at Best Buy. Thanks for exposing their marketing practices. I know they were sold out because one of your co-workers said, “We’re all sold out.”
Is Clooney doing anything to hurt anyone? How dare him be successful and have opinions. If he expresses them, people say, “Shut up, George.” If you express yours and people tell you to shut up, you’d say “it’s my opinion and the last time i checked, it’s a free country.” Jealousy and hypocrisy, the Los Angeles way of life.
For the record, Clarence, I’m not the same Chris you responded to; in case you didn’t know and in case you cared. But who cares if the other Chris works at a Best Buy? Was that an elitist jab at someone’s occupation by some elitist writer? I’m sure Mr. Clooney wouldn’t approve.
BTW and PS: I am not against famous people expressing their opinions (in fact, I’m all for it) but I am against someone like Mr. Clooney who seemingly annoints himself as the ultimate arbiter of a given situation and representative of an entire group. That takes some fucking hubris as far as I’m concerned. Sort of like Spielberg when it comes to the Holocaust.
And Nikke I totally love you, btw. I love how you use ’shit’ and ‘fuck’ for emphasis and not because you’re inarticulate.
“And, you only reference one female “star” in your laundry list of actors. You must either work for Warner Bros., or be a friend of Clooney, or both, with that tired brand of sexism.”
Interesting that you read it as “sexism”, but that list just comes from the people I could think of at the top of my head that have had the reputation of guaranteeing that a movie make big money. The obvious one I left off was Julia Roberts, who was mentioned earlier in the thread.
You do realize that I was listing people who do NOT guarantee a movie making a ton of money, right? So being left off that list isn’t really a slight.
So if there are female stars who can guarantee a blockbuster, who are they?
Dear Chris #2,
I am not a writer.
I don’t think Clooney has ever anointed himself as the “one”. Yeah, what hubris it takes to take time out of his life to travel to Darfur with cameras and try to help. What a pathetic loser he is for saying, “hey, this is wrong and with my fame, i can bring some much more needed attention to the situation.” I’ll bet if you were from Darfur you’d have a much different opinion about Clooney. Clooney himself has said he is much better at the “business side” of Hollywood than acting. After his long years of experience in the industry both in front of, behind the camera, and on the producing side of the business he’s qualified to weigh in situations like these. He’s certainly more qualified than you or I.
I just don’t understand why everyone hates that he has opinions. It’s not his fault that the media decides to quote his every word and print it. Is it a recording artists fault if the radio overexposes their song to the point where you hate the song? Is it the same to say “I hate that recording artist”? Why does it bother people like you that he’s out there trying to make a difference where he can. You don’t have to agree with him. I don’t think he’d require that you do what he says or agree with his every opinion. He just offers them. And, it’s not his fault that THE MEDIA shoves it down your throat. He doesn’t The Media does. Put your hate where it belongs…Access Hollywood, The Insider, and Extra.