Very promising engagements for French films this month
Thanks to the highly successful release of “A Very Long Engagement,” with already over 1.6 million admissions to its credit, the month of October ended on a high note for French films in the home market. The fine performance of “L’Enquête corse” (close to 2 million admissions) also confirms the resurgence of French films indicated at the start of the fall season in September.
Following the trail blazed by the unforgettable “Amelie” and its 8.5 million admissions score, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s new feature was eagerly awaited. And his new opus, shot in France, has not disappointed, considering the impressive initial results for “A Very Long Engagement.” Released October 27 by Warner Bros., the film won over more than 1.6 million spectators in its opening week and has jumped to the top of the box office. No less remarkable is its per-print average, reaching 2,289 spectators, even though the film, produced by 2003 Productions, was released on 707 prints. The film’s leading lady, Audrey Tautou, is well know for casting a spell over audiences when directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, is here all the more powerful playing opposite the up-and-coming Gaspard Ulliel, who had previously attracted attention in “Strayed” by André Téchiné in 2003 and “See How They Run” by Michel Blanc the previous year. These results bode well for the numerous foreign buyers who have already acquired the rights to “A Very Long Engagement” from Warner Bros., some of whom are planning to release the film as of the end of November.
Another star performer in the month of October was “L’Enquête corse,” a comedy by Alain Berberian, which was released October 6 by Gaumont-Buena Vista International. After four weeks on French screens, the film has pulled in close to 2 million admissions. This score is all the more impressive since the film’s admissions rose by 4% between its third and fourth week, proving that Christian Clavier and Jean Reno still have what it takes to bring a laugh from French audiences. Produced by Légende Entreprises and sold by Gaumont, the film has already been released in several foreign territories.
“Like an Image,” distributed in France by Mars Distribution since September 29, is also coming through with flying colors, boasting a running total of close to 1.6 million spectators. The Jaoui/Bacri duo has once again hit the right note with French audiences, this time also offering us the chance to discover the talents of the young actress, Marilou Berry.
“A Common Thread,” which had shared the International Critics’ Week Grand Prix at Cannes last May (along with “Mon Trésor” by Keren Yedaya), has also set out to conquer the public. Released October 13 by Pyramide, this feature film by Eléonore Faucher has already been seen by 178,779 moviegoers, a good score for this fine debut film.
At the end of October, French films’ market share stood at 36%, slightly above the average for previous years. The various success stories of the month all played their part in boosting admissions figures, which currently stand at close to 145 million spectators, showing an increase of 19% compared to the same period last year.
TOP 10 FRENCH FILMS RELEASED SINCE JANUARY 2004
| Movie | Released | No. of prints * | Adms. | Box office (MEUR) |
| Les Choristes* | March | 326 | 8 313 746 | 45,7 |
| Podium | February | 554 | 3 559 512 | 19,6 |
| Two Brothers | March | 739 | 3 297 298 | 18,1 |
| Les 11 Commandements | February | 501 | 2 966 348 | 16,3 |
| Crimson Rivers 2 : Angels of the Apocalypse | February | 650 | 2 090 010 | 11,5 |
| Mariages ! | April | 100 | 2 007 421 | 11,0 |
| L' Enquête corse | October | 507 | 1 982 286 | 10,9 |
| Double zéro | June | 595 | 1 850 031 | 10,2 |
| RRRrrrr !!! | January | 775 | 1 703 125 | 9,4 |
| A Very Long Engagement | October | 707 | 1 618 337 | 8,9 |
* Number of prints at date of release.
