Fantastic reviews of both In The Fade and Arcadia have done little to seduce audiences out of the sunshine, which is a great shame as these are two really strong films which at any other time would have easily done better. Arcadia in particular has been getting unanimous praise across a range of critics. Also, audience wise, the score from Portishead’s Adrian Utley and Goldfrapp’s Will Gregory lends itself to wider appeal. Perhaps this is why it delivered higher audiences than In The Fade, which unfortunately has failed to make a significant impact. As I say, in another context Diane Kruger’s performance and the film’s topical story would have had a stronger effect.
The Happy Prince was the success story of the weekend for us. Even with the distractions of consistent sunshine, attendance was strong with feedback suggesting good word of mouth. Rupert Everett has put himself out there to promote the film and there are lots of good interviews supporting the release. Meanwhile Hereditary continues to tick over with reasonable admissions.
The coming week I’m keeping The Happy Prince and Hereditary, as well as Arcadia with some screenings in a bigger auditorium – I figure this might attract audiences to hear the score in a more powerful sound system. Also, much talked about and praised Leave No Trace opens, plus Queer Vision and Doc ‘n Roll seasons begin.
- Mark Cosgrove, Cinema Curator at Watershed