Schuster outgrosses 'Monster' star
March 05, 2004 Edition -1
The Charlize Theron film Monster has already earned Nu Metro, its South African distributor, more than R1-million in revenue.
The film, an art-house staple until Theron's Academy Award win, opened on just 15 screens countrywide on February 17.
"The response from the public has been unprecedented," Nu Metro Theatres managing director Fred Withers said yesterday.
He attributed the good takings to the national euphoria surrounding Theron becoming South Africa's first Oscar-winning actor for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wournos.
However, Monster's takings pale in comparison with Leon Schuster's low-brow Mr Bones, which made about R4-million in its first week of release last year. The comedy opened on 100 screens.
Nu Metro has announced that it is to increase the number of screens showing Monster to 25.
It has also reversed an earlier, controversial decision not to screen the movie in Benoni, Theron's hometown. Monster was to start screening there today.
"This is a result of increased demand from her hometown of Benoni," Withers said.
The media had speculated that a copy of the film had not been sent to Benoni because it was considered too highbrow for the town, but Nu Metro denied this, saying it had wanted to show the film in cinemas that served large areas.
Mr Bones grossed more than R32-million during its theatrical release in South Africa, becoming the highest grossing South African film.
Produced by Anant Singh, it also became the highest grossing video rental title in South Africa.
Mr Bones stars Schuster as a white witchdoctor who, sent to look for the son of his tribal king, brings back an American golfer.
Theron is expected to arrive in Johannesburg from Los Angeles this weekend for a five-day visit.
Nu Metro publicist Jarred Krombein said her Johannesburg and Cape Town bases would be closely guarded secrets.
Theron has optimistically requested a low-key visit and has set aside only half of her visit for public engagements, spending the rest on a private itinerary. - Sapa
