'Precious' box office tallies set record for limited release; movie opens nationwide November 20

November 9, 5:27 PMBooks on Film ExaminerConnie Ann Kirk

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'Precious' box office tallies set a record for a limited release of only 18 theaters. Above, a scene from the
movie, starring Gabourey Sidibe in the title role.  (AP Photo/Lionsgate, Anne Marie Fox)
 

Precious box office tallies set a record, released today, for a limited release of only 18 theaters over the weekend.  Heated by the high-profile endorsements of producers Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, the film made over $1.8 million in just a few theaters in 4 cities across the country.  The movie is based on the novel Push by Sapphire and Romona Lofton.

More theaters will open with the movie this Friday, according to the Los Angeles Times.  Washington, DC; Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco will show the film next weekend.  It will also open in more theaters in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta.  By November 20, Precious should be available in a theater where most people who would like to see it will have a theater near them showing it.

The strategy for getting a wider release of the film that is about a difficult, perhaps more enlightening than entertaining subject, was to open it very small in African American neighborhoods and art house theaters in only 4 cities and let its publicity grow by word-of-mouth.  Attention drawn to the film by Oprah Winfrey, especially, brought audiences to the theaters and left others looking for where to find the movie in their area.  Critics are giving the movie positive reviews, and there is even Oscar buzz circulating about its various performances, especially the role of the lead character, played by newcomer, Gabourey Sidibe.

Those looking forward to seeing Precious should be able to see it by either November 13 or November 20 in their local area. 

See the trailer for Precious here.

See Also:

'Precious' movie theaters limited to only 18 nationwide at opening

Oprah Winfrey says about movie, 'Precious' - 'it split me open'

Oprah Winfrey says 'Precious' feels 'like a modern-day 'Color Purple'"

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Connie Ann Kirk is the author of 10 books and has a Ph.D. in English.  She is currently at work on a novel and a screenplay.  Contact Connie at: ConnieAnnKirkOnExaminer@gmail.com.  Check out Connie's Examiner pages at: National Books on Film Examiner; National Literature Examiner and the National Young Adult Pop Cullture Examiner. Please feel free to visit Connie's website any time.