‘Narnia’ on Top of the World Again
By Frank Segers
LOS ANGELES — The power of the Japan market for Hollywood films was amply demonstrated last weekend as "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe" propelled itself back into the No. 1 position at the international box office on the strength of its debut there.
"Narnia," which began its international campaign almost three months ago, bowed Saturday in Japan for a weekend box office estimate of $9.2 million, more than the comparable gross of any other overseas entry. To date, the family fantasy has earned $389 million.
Meanwhile, the best of the Oscar-related films was "Syriana," which racked up an estimated $7.4 million from 40 markets, ahead of the supporting actor award for George Clooney Sunday night. Its international total stands at $18.9 million.
"Capote," which won the best actor Oscar for Phillip Seymour Hoffman, yielded an estimated $2.2 million in 32 territories. Its international total is $5.2 million.
"Brokeback Mountain," which won three Oscars including best director, garnered an estimated $4.5 million, raising its international total to about $59 million.
"Memoirs of a Geisha," which bowed internationally December 16, grossed $4.3 million during the weekend, raising its international total to $88 million, of which $12.8 million comes from Spain, the film’s biggest foreign territory. It ended up with Oscars for art direction, cinematography and costume design.
"Munich" managed $2.2 million in its sixth weekend from 51 territories, bringing the Steven Spielberg picture’s international total to $76.1 million.
"Walk the Line," for which Reese Witherspoon won the best actress Oscar, slowed to an estimated $1.5 million in 15 markets this weekend, for an international total of $41 million.
"Pride & Prejudice," starring Oscar nominee Keira Knightley, grossed $1.2 million in 36 territories, raising its international total to a respectable $72.3 million.
"The Constant Gardener," starring supporting actress winner Rachel Weisz, chugged along in the U.K. (No. 16 in its 17th week), raising its international total to $36 million.
"King Kong," in its 12th week of release, has garnered $327.1 million internationally (vs. $217 million domestically).
"The Pink Panther" remake had a muscular $4 million weekend in 22 territories, raising its international total to $18.2 million.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
