Oscar's gold at B.O.
Boat, other pics reap post-Acad bonanza
"Titanic" experienced a 9% boost on a Tuesday-to-Tuesday comparison and ballooned 51% from Monday evening's Oscar-night numbers. The picture, currently at $497.2 million domestically, could reach the half-billion mark by tonight.
"Titanic" was neither the sole beneficiary of Oscar bumps nor the mightiest proportionally. "As Good as It Gets," prized for Jack Nicholson's and Helen Hunt's starring performances, rose by 85% from the prior week, grossing $515,000. The adapted screenplay and supporting actress winner "L.A. Confidential" expanded 51% for the period, and "Good Will Hunting," with gold from supporting actor Robin Williams and scripters Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, was on the rise by 35%.
Historically, Oscar-winners have experienced significant boosts the day following the telecast and through the following week. However, typically, when a best picture winner is in release, it reaps the biggest rewards. Admittedly, "Titanic" flies in the face of all commercial trends -- Oscar or otherwise.
Also receiving a slight tweak was "The Full Monty," which jumped by 6%. Even "The Apostle," empty handed but benefiting from the spotlight, was revived with a 17% bump in biz.
New fare definitely took a back seat. "Primary Colors" was second overall with an $870,000 Tuesday. And ongoing titles "The Man in the Iron Mask," "U.S. Marshals" and "The Wedding Singer" had respective Tuesday-to-Tuesday drops of 51%, 44% and 38%.
