"Analyze This" Dominates Box Office, Ranks as One of the Top-Grossing Comedies of 1999

Strategic Insights -

The opening of mobster comedy "Analyze This" with Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal, released by Warner Bros., surpassed expectations by earning $17.7 million at 2,518 theaters during the Friday-Sunday period. The film's success can be attributed to strong reviews, sneak previews, and the enduring popularity of comedies. Studio sources predict that "Analyze This" may eventually gross around $55 million.

Key Takeaways:

  • "Analyze This" opened with an estimated $17.7 million at 2,518 theaters, making it the highest-grossing film of the weekend.
  • The comedy benefited from sneak previews, strong reviews, and the ongoing demand for comedies, allowing it to attract a significant audience.
  • "Analyze This" outperformed the debut of Sony's "Cruel Intentions," which earned $13.2 million at 2,312 theaters, despite featuring a recognizable star, Sarah Michelle Gellar.
  • The remake of "Dangerous Liaisons" proved to be a cost-effective investment, expected to turn a profit despite its $10 million production budget.

Statistics:

  • "Analyze This" earned an estimated $17.7 million at 2,518 theaters during the Friday-Sunday period.
  • The film's production budget was not disclosed.
  • "Cruel Intentions" opened with a respectable $13.2 million at 2,312 theaters.
  • The remake of "Dangerous Liaisons" cost a reported $10 million.
  • The second weekend of "8 Millimeter" saw a significant drop in audience, earning $7 million at 2,370 theaters.

Sources:

  • "HOLLYWOOD, March 7 (UPI) The opening of mobster comedy ``Analyze This'' dominated the nation's box office with an estimated $17.7 million at 2,518 theaters during the Friday-Sunday period..."
  • UPI (United Press International) 1999