IN THE SPOTLIGHT
also opened strongly with $10.8 million in 1,512 theaters. The Focus Features release, which took the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in May, was timed to the anniversary of the violent clashes between white nationalists and anti-racism counter protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia. Lee’s film, produced by Jordan Peele (“Get Out”), is a true-life tale of African-American police detective Ron Stallworth (played by John David Washington, son of Denzel), who in 1979 infiltrated a Colorado Springs, Colorado, cell of the Ku Klux Klan.
“The anniversary of Charlottesville was something that was very key to Spike,” said Lisa Bunnell, Focus’ president of distribution. “It’s obviously a very emotional film that reflects the times. When audiences respond to that, it’s what cinema is all about. The state of the country is such that we’re all feeling really conflicted and alone. This movie is a call to action, and a movie that brings people together.”
It’s Lee’s best debut since 2006’s “Inside Man.”
Sony Screen Gem’s PG-13-rated “Slender Man” didn’t catch on the way some horror releases have this year. The film’s 15 percent “rotten” Rotten Tomatoes rating probably didn’t help. Audiences also gave it a seldom seen D-minus Cinema Score. But with a $10 million budget, the tale of an internet-famous boogeyman has a quick path to profitability for Sony.