Chapter 181: Brotherhood

As the day's screenings ended and more people watched 'Planet Terror', the polarization in audience opinions became more evident. In a survey report received by Miramax in the early hours, mixed reviews were prevalent, with negative feedback notably higher than at the release of 'Saw'.

To B-movie enthusiasts, this film was a masterpiece.

"Cool to the point of stupidity, bloody to the point of laughter, beautiful to the point of filth, tragic to the point of sorrow. CULT is beautiful, and Murphy knows how to make a scene!"

"Too awesome, the most thrilling film I've seen this year!"

"An unparalleled Cult film, brilliant and exhilarating!"

These viewers unanimously gave the film an A+ rating.

However, for non-B-movie enthusiasts, especially those attracted by the unique appearance of the female lead, most had a poor opinion of 'Planet Terror'.

"Playing a zombie shooting game for over an hour is more interesting than this film."

"The production is rough and disgusting."

Compared to these, the B- and C ratings reflected their genuine feelings.

Despite the polarized audience opinions, 'Planet Terror' received less negative press than Murphy expected the next day. It seemed North American media and professional critics were quite fond of the film.

Out of 37 North American reviews collected by Rotten Tomatoes, 30 were positive, giving it an 84% freshness rating.

On the more authoritative MetaCritic, with scores from 35 media outlets, the average was 77.

Clearly, the media and critics considered 'Planet Terror' a good film.

However, media and critics can only influence the market to a certain extent, not determine a film's future. The market would ultimately decide the fate of 'Planet Terror'.

On its first day in North American theaters across 2000 locations, 'Planet Terror' grossed $6.85 million, easing Murphy and Bill Roskis's concerns.

Especially for the latter, as 'Planet Terror' was his first project in charge. If the North American box office didn't meet expectations, it would negatively impact his future.

"Miramax's expected first-week box office is between $12 million and $14 million."

In CAA's independent office, Bill Roskis told Mike, "The film has already achieved half of the minimum expectation. The pressure for the next two days will be much less. As long as there's no drastic drop today, we'll definitely exceed expectations!"

"Yes!" Mike's mood also seemed good, "Finally, I have a client whose starring film grossed over $10 million in North America."

His look at Bill Roskis was complex, as were his feelings. On one hand, he hoped the film would meet expectations, boosting his client Jessica Chastain's standing in the industry and his own as her agent.

On the other hand, he didn't want to see the film succeed. If it did, Murphy-Stanton would climb higher as a director, and Bill Roskis's importance at CAA would naturally increase.

Bill Roskis had already fallen far behind him. If Murphy-Stanton continued to succeed, the gap between them would widen, possibly becoming insurmountable.

Bill Roskis checked the time and stood up, "Let's go to the event in Santa Monica."

Santa Monica Place is a renowned shopping center in the Los Angeles area, a frequent choice for media and film promotional events. When the 'Planet Terror' crew appeared in front of the shopping center, they attracted considerable attention.

Especially Robert Downey Jr., the center of media attention.

In Miramax's promotional strategy, Robert Downey Jr. was a key point. In the days leading up to the release, news like "Robert Downey Jr.'s comeback," "The talented Downey returns," and "Robert Downey Jr.'s latest work post-rehab" appeared across various media and websites.

The star in front of the camera always draws media focus. Although Robert Downey Jr. had faded from the spotlight, Miramax's planning and Robert Downey Sr.'s behind-the-scenes support, along with 'Planet Terror's' previous showcase at the Cannes Film Festival, seemed to herald the return of the once-rising star.

"Yes, I got the role because of Murphy."

In the designated interview area, Robert Downey Jr. was surrounded by reporters, more suited to such occasions than Murphy beside him. "Murphy personally picked me up from jail on the day of my release and gave me this opportunity."

"Are you very grateful to Director Stanton?" A reporter extended a microphone.

Instead of answering, Robert Downey Jr. gestured for the reporters on his left to make way, then walked towards Murphy, immediately draping an arm around his shoulder.

"Hey, brother!"

Hearing this, Murphy paused his own conversation, turned to Robert Downey Jr., and smiled.

A flurry of camera shutters captured the seemingly close moment between Murphy and Robert Downey Jr.

"Is it true you both served time in the same prison?" Another reporter asked loudly.

Murphy stayed silent, letting Robert Downey Jr. respond for a more impactful effect.

"Not only the same prison, we even shared a cell." Robert Downey Jr. released Murphy's shoulder, pointing at him, "Do you know how much Murphy has helped me? Without him, I couldn't have kicked my addiction! Without him, I wouldn't have made a comeback! Without him, I wouldn't be here today!"

He was visibly moved, "He was the light in my darkness! The angel who saved me from hell! He is my god..."

The reporters focused on Robert Downey Jr., who stepped forward, "And he's my brother!"

Saying this, he extended his arms and hugged Murphy tightly. Murphy, although not an actor, knew what to do and hugged Robert Downey Jr. back.

The continuous sound of camera shutters seemed to overshadow the Los Angeles sun, capturing this moment of brotherly affection.

This was another promotional point set by Miramax—brotherhood.

Murphy released Robert Downey Jr. and waved to the others, "Jim, Seth, Jonah, come here!"

James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Jonah Hill joined them, with Robert Downey Jr. introducing them, "Since my release, they've been a tremendous support, making me feel family and friendship. They're my brothers too!"

"Line up." Murphy whispered to James Franco.

The five stood close, posing for the cameras as if they were real brothers, capturing all the media's attention. Jessica Chastain, the female lead, was overshadowed by this display of brotherhood.

Standing in a corner, Jessica Chastain glanced at her agent Mike, who was intently watching the group, his brow furrowed.

Jessica Chastain sighed but said nothing. Regardless, this film had opened her path to Hollywood.

Unlike Murphy-Stanton, whose path to Hollywood was soaring, hers was still uncertain.

This publicity might not bring 'Planet Terror' the explosive box office of last weekend's 'Spider-Man', but it did attract some attention. Moreover, Robert Downey Sr. was leveraging his network to support his son. In Hollywood, where few lend a helping hand in tough times, many are willing to add to the success of others.

Robert Downey Jr. was clearly no longer the same. With another film that resonated well at Cannes, without much effort, some were willing to give Robert Downey Sr. the benefit of the doubt.

Miramax allocated only $4 million for 'Planet Terror's' North American promotional campaign, yet managed to create significant buzz in its first week, even matching the opening of '007: No Time To Die' in North America that weekend.

Of course, Murphy and Miramax were realistic, knowing a limited-audience B-movie could never compete with the decades-long legacy of James Bond.

The first day's box office proved this, with 'Spider-Man', in its second week, taking the top spot with nearly $20 million; '007: No Time To Die' in second with over $16 million; and 'Planet Terror' in third with $6.85 million.

The weekend rankings remained the same, with 'Spider-Man's' strong word-of-mouth boosting its daily gross; 'Planet Terror's' audience opinions further polarized, leading to a gradual decline in its daily gross.

This was a normal pattern for B-movies, and the decline wasn't significant, especially with no drastic drops. On Saturday, the film lost less than $1 million from its daily gross, ending with $5.92 million.

Sunday saw a general contraction in box office numbers for all films, with 'Planet Terror's' occupancy rate continuing to fall, but the decrease was still healthy.

As the new week began and the latest North American box office figures were released, 'Planet Terror' had exceeded Miramax's expectations.

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