Two Weeks in Another Town: From Box Office Failure to Cult Classic
The trajectory of a film's reputation is rarely a straight line. For Two Weeks in Another Town, the journey from its initial release to its modern standing is a stark example of how critical perspectives evolve over decades. While it debuted to financial loss and harsh reviews, it has since been reclaimed by cinema historians as a perceptive look at the movie business.
Key Facts
- Financial Outcome: The film resulted in an overall loss of $2,969,000.
- Initial Reception: Widely panned by contemporary critics for its script and characterizations.
- Modern Standing: Holds an 89% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 9 reviews.
- Studio: Produced and distributed by MGM.
Box Office Performance
Despite the prestige associated with its production, the film struggled significantly at the box office. According to MGM records, the movie earned $1 million in the U.S. and Canada, and an additional $1.5 million in international markets. While Variety reported that distributor rentals in the U.S. and Canada exceeded $1 million, the total revenue was insufficient to cover costs, leading to a total loss of $2,969,000.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Initial Critical Reaction
Upon its release, critics were largely unimpressed, focusing their disdain on the script, the direction, and the perceived nastiness of the characters.
Critiques of Script and Character
Bosley Crowther of The New York Times dismissed the film as "glib trade patter," comparing the plot's arbitrary development to "spear-and-sandals spectacles" from Cinecitta. Similarly, Harrison's Reports noted a lack of dramatic tightness and emotional impact, stating the film failed to be a "powerful film yarn."
The characters were a particular point of contention. The Chicago Tribune described the cast as a "scheming, quarrelsome lot," while Time magazine questioned the pervasive negativity of the characters, suggesting the film portrayed Hollywood as a place where the people running it are "devils." Larry Tubelle of Variety echoed these sentiments, calling the characters "despicable."
Direction and Staging
Vincente Minnelli's direction also came under fire. John Russell Taylor of Sight and Sound described early sequences as "stolidly and sluggishly" handled, noting that a frenzied car ride nearly descended into self-parody. Philip K. Scheuer of the Los Angeles Times argued that Minnelli erred by staging the film as a heavy melodrama and encouraging players to lean toward "burlesque" in their performances.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Modern Re-evaluation
In the years following its release, the reputation of Two Weeks in Another Town has undergone a significant transformation. Modern critics now view the film's perceived flaws as strengths, praising its psychological depth and visual style.
On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds an 89% positive score from 9 critics, with an average rating of 6.4/10. Richard Brody of The New Yorker has hailed it as one of the "sharpest and most perceptive movies about the film industry." Furthermore, David Thomson described the work as "underrated," suggesting that its intense psychological detail causes any narrative faults to vanish.
Jonathan Rosenbaum highlighted the film as one of Minnelli's last great pictures, specifically praising the costumes, decor, and Scope compositions (cinematography utilizing a wide-screen aspect ratio), which he believes make the film "compulsively watchable."
Financial and Critical Summary
| Metric | Initial Release | Modern Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Box Office | $2.5M Total / $2.969M Loss | N/A |
| Critical Consensus | Negative (Aimless, Nasty) | Positive (Perceptive, Expressive) |
| Rotten Tomatoes | N/A | 89% Positive |
| Key Praise | Capable acting (Tribune) | Psychological detail & Visuals |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money did Two Weeks in Another Town lose?
The film resulted in an overall loss of $2,969,000, according to MGM records.
Why did early critics dislike the film?
Early critics criticized the script for being aimless, the characters for being overly nasty and despicable, and the direction for being sluggish or overly melodramatic.
How is the film viewed by modern critics?
Modern critics generally view it as an underrated and perceptive study of the film industry, praising its psychological detail and Minnelli's expressive visual compositions.
What is the film's current rating on Rotten Tomatoes?
The film has an 89% positive rating based on 9 critics' reviews, with an average score of 6.4/10.
Who are some of the modern critics who praised the film?
Notable supporters include Richard Brody of The New Yorker, David Thomson, and Jonathan Rosenbaum.