This year’s movies kept viewers guessing
Hollywood's awards season is about to start. Looking back on this year's film, one trend sticks out: the questioning of facts — even in documentaries. And it seems like filmgoers liked it.
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STEVE CHIOTAKIS: Golden Globe nominations were announced this morning here in Hollywood. And that marks the beginning of award season. Of course Tinseltown is asking locals to suspend disbelief. But this year, the facts behind some films — even documentaries — have been questioned more than usual.
Marketplace’s Jennifer Collins reports.
Jennifer Collins: First there was “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” a documentary about the underground art world. Then there was “Catfish,” another documentary that explored the dubious world of love online.
Clip from “Catfish”: I mean she must be pretty awesome. At least, from Facebook.
Each film kept movie-goers guessing. And each — though small — brought in over $3 million in U.S.
Paul Dergarabedian is a box office analyst.
Paul Dergarabedian: I think you’re going to see more independent filmmakers making films like this, because they’re really fun to watch. They’re probably fun to make, and if you can keep your costs down they’re probably profitable.
Jason Squire is the editor of the “Movie Business Book.”
Jason Squire: It really draws more attention to the movie, acts as a marketing tool and it’s great that it helps bring more people into the movie.
Well, most of the time. “I’m Still Here” — a film about Joaquin Phoenix becoming a hip-hop artist — tanked after he admitted it was contrived.
I’m Jennifer Collins for Marketplace.