Here’s a potential forehead slapper:
The non-money-making film “The Ledge“ which co-starred Liv Tyler (no, it’s not about her Dad falling off of the ledge like he falls off of the wagon) was released in 2011 and even streamed live by Sundance. One year later, it’s being released with a different cast (but very similar plot) as “Man on a Ledge.“
If “Man on a Ledge’s” screenplay hasn’t changed much from the original, then this is like releasing the “The Wizard of Oz” then releasing “The Oz’s Wizard” one year later. Will Disney re-release “Mary Poppins” then a year later release “Poppins, Mary?”
Why stop at movies? Will San Quentin release Charles Manson–then release Phil Spector the next year?
Sometimes, it’s a mystery why Hollywood would even consider remaking a property that wasn’t profitable. But, it’s similar to two competing hamburger chains’ modus operandi. Whenever “McDonald’s” opens up a new restaurant, a year later, “Burger King” will open a restaurant nearby because the chain thinks it can make a better cheeseburger and fries–and make a better profit.
Hopefully, the “new” “The Ledge” will learn from the “old” “The Ledge’s” non-profitablity and message. That is, the original “The Ledge” was strongly pro-atheist. Unfortunately, Hollywood often forgets that the entire US market is not solely situated in California, New York and/or other major cities. A good chunk of profits comes from inside The Bible Belt–where a pro-atheist message could very well be ignored–as will the film sending out this message.
For instance, the money-making potential of the Christian audience was proven with the success of “The Blind Side.”
To recap: it was the story of future pro-football player Michael Oher, who was adopted by Leigh Anne Tuohy, a Christian. Clips of the movie were shown to 22,000 U.S. “mega-churches” and their pastors before it was released, along with suggested Bible passages for pastors to include in their sermons. For example, a clip in which Tuohy turned her car around to pick up the homeless Oher was suggested to accompany a sermon on Matthew 25:35-36 which is about taking strangers in. This later translated to the film’s recognition–and the final box office tally.
Time and the box office will tell if the vast Christian market will pay to see “Man on a Ledge” if it has a strong pro-atheist take. However, if this message is weakened for the sake of profitability, then not only will “Man on A Ledge” be a pale critical imitation of the original, but it very well won’t please either The Bible Belters or the Caifornia/New York/major cities market.
Yes, “Man on a Ledge” is a virtual financial tightrope that will play out for the paying public to see on January 27th.
Watch movies online “The Ledge” on SundanceNow. Watch The Blind Side via youtube movies
See “Man on a Ledge” in Theaters on Jan. 27, 2012. Official site: http://www.manonaledge.com/
Trivia: Budgeted at $10 million, when released “The Ledge” made $5176.00 dollars (reported IMDB) . Oh, You read it right.