[Chapter 390: Record-Breaking Opening Day Box Office - Audience Matters More Than Critics]
Although some moviegoers had been swayed by the professional critics to skip Independence Day, starting from the evening of July 4th, footage on UPN and MCA TV networks showed long lines at major theaters across all the big cities.
Without exception, these crowds were there for Independence Day, proving the effectiveness of Linton's strategy and showing that the film genuinely resonated with mainstream viewers.
During Linton and his team's promotional tour in New York, reporters inevitably asked about the critics' harsh reviews.
"Linton, how do you respond to the fact that Independence Day only scored 2.9 from professional critics?"
"People work hard every day and are already tired. They go to the movies to relax, not to be lectured. Independence Day was made to bring joy to the audience, simple and pure fun."
Since he could no longer avoid combatting the professional critics, to amplify the publicity, he had Hillary arrange for a feature interview with the New York Times.
"Linton, what do you think about the critics' collective attack on Independence Day, giving it a ridiculously low score of 2.9?"
"If you look back on Hollywood's past thirty years, you'll see professional critics always go after the movies loved by the public, trying to prove how special or superior they are. They love to bash films or filmmakers that do well at the box office. Whatever, let them talk."
"So, Linton, you don't care about what professional critics say?"
"Why should I? Kelly, let me ask you -- how many professional critics are there in North America?"
"Maybe around two hundred?"
"And how many moviegoers have the habit of watching films?"
"Probably fifty million or even more."
"See, it's simple. As a producer, writer, and actor, we make movies for those fifty million plus viewers, not just the two hundred critics. Now there are two data points: professional critics gave Independence Day an average score of 2.9, but the audience rating hit 93%. That's based on a survey of over 5,000 viewers just before dawn today. Whose opinion should I value more?"
"Still, you don't care about critics' attacks?"
"Why would I? Today's professional critics only represent themselves, not the majority of audiences. Their tastes always clashed with the public. Why should I care about their bashing and low scores? Remember, movies exist -- and thrive -- because of the vast audience, not these critics who just spew venom. Without audiences, the movie industry would collapse. Without critics, I believe the industry could keep moving forward, maybe even faster."
"So you prioritize audiences over critics?"
"Exactly, because the audience is most important to me and to the entire film industry."
---
That night, inside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, after the first intense round between Linton, Cristiana, and Nicole Kidman, Nicole held Linton from the left side and asked anxiously, "Honey, you're clashing so fiercely with the critics. Aren't you worried they'll try to sabotage you during awards season?"
"Babe, when have any of my films -- whether I directed or starred in them -- ever put winning awards first?"
"You don't want to win an Oscar?"
"To me, the Oscar is important, sure, but it has never been as important as fan recognition."
"Honey, but that's the Oscar."
"So what? What is the real goal of winning an Oscar?"
"To earn the audience's respect and personal satisfaction. No, wait -- the biggest goal is to increase your salary and commercial value."
"Right. The Oscar's biggest function is to boost commercial value. But look at past Best Actor winners -- who earns more than me? Who can compare to my commercial appeal?"
"So, the Oscar doesn't really matter to you."
"More or less. My attitude is: if I get one, great. If not, no big deal. But I will never make movies just to chase awards, or try to please the judges and critics deliberately."
"Honey, I get it. You've reached that level where you don't need the Oscars to shine, but Cristiana and I aren't there yet. I still dream of winning an Oscar."
"That's true. Winning Best Actress would help both of you a lot. Don't worry -- I'll make sure you both have a chance at the big awards in the future. For now, stay away from this conflict between the movie and the critics."
"Really, Muah! You're the best! Cristiana, let's enjoy some popsicle first?"
"Sure..."
Watching these two stunning beauties enjoy their pops with such relish, Linton laid back happily. It was, without doubt, the best way to pass the time while waiting for the opening day box office numbers.
Soon, the next round of battles began...
---
By 2 AM, after the second round of game ended, the phone finally rang in the room.
"Boss, great news!"
"Stop teasing. What's the opening day box office? Spit it out."
"The stats are in for Independence Day's opening day. It played on 3,600 screens, grossing $21.35 million. Adding $6.37 million from the midnight shows, the total is $27.72 million -- we've just set a new record for the highest opening day box office in North America."
...
"Wow, that's fantastic! We broke the box office record!" Cristiana and Nicole both cheered as soon as they overheard the news and rushed into Linton's arms to give him passionate kisses.
"Let's celebrate properly..."
"Alright, I want to be on top..."
"Me too, let's do it together..."
The game was on...
---
July 5, Saturday.
Thanks to Independence Day's blockbuster opening, critics went into a frenzy of attacks. Nearly every newspaper was filled with scathing reviews aimed at Independence Day, dragging its professional score down even further to an unbelievable 2.6.
Yet when viewers saw the real picture at theaters through MCA and UPN broadcasts, and read of the heated debates between Kenneth and audience members about Independence Day in newspapers, and saw Linton's clear statement in the New York Times that audiences are more important than critics, most young people decided to go to theaters themselves.
As Linton said, this generation didn't blindly worship authority, and his statement that "audience matters more than critics" struck a chord with them.
As a result, that night UPN and MCA's footage showed a surge of crowds flocking to theaters nationwide to watch Independence Day.
A theater manager in New York pointed to the long line at the box office: "Look, these people are lined up for one reason only -- to see Independence Day. All the tickets up until 10 PM are sold out. The only option now is for later shows."
In Chicago, another theater manager said, "The audience enthusiasm has exceeded all our expectations. We had to add five extra screenings today, and still can't meet demand."
...
Unsurprisingly, Saturday's box office grew even more, reaching a staggering $28.53 million.
According to a post-release audience survey by Cieasre, the film maintained an A-grade rating, with over 92% positive reviews. The box office forecast for North America predicted at least $300 million in total gross.
*****
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