"This March, the overall box office rose 37.5% compared to the same period last year. The main reason is the release of Gilbert's new film last weekend."
Gilbert rested his head on Scarlett's plump thigh, casually observing the manicure on Scarlett's left hand.
Scarlett, meanwhile, read the news report to Gilbert, enjoying this rare moment of quiet.
"Since the financial crisis, the entire film market has shown a flourishing trend. With this favorable tide, it's not surprising that Knives Out achieved a first-weekend box office comparable to a summer blockbuster.
Once the hype subsides, though, the drop in box office will be rapid."
Scarlett paused and looked down at Gilbert. "Darling, does that sound accurate?"
Gilbert toyed with Scarlett's left hand and replied, "There's some truth to it, but the bigger reason is the box office pull of Tom and me."
"That's true," Scarlett nodded. "I've noticed online that many fans are coming just for your name. But the online word of mouth for Knives Out has been very positive. Let me read you a few comments."
Scarlett scrolled through the tablet, showing Gilbert one review.
"Here's a good one:
'The best mystery film I've seen in the past five years, not because of its light deductions, but due to its strong execution.
It presents a story without flashy techniques in a vivid, compelling way. The classical yet powerful audiovisual style grips the audience, especially the montage of clearing suspicions—it's beautifully done.
The themes are witty yet precise, full of entertainment and human warmth. It sets a new standard for commercial films.'"
Gilbert raised an eyebrow. "That's high praise."
"And here's another," Scarlett said, pointing to another comment.
"Watching in theaters, viewers who aren't fans of mysteries might find the plot slow and the dialogue heavy.
But for fans of detective novels, it's a true renaissance. The setting in the ancient manor feels very Agatha Christie, with dialogue so information-rich you dare not leave for the restroom.
The only flaw is Mark Wahlberg's presence, as you can predict the culprit early on.
But overall, the film is very complete, and the humorous little details scattered throughout are quite charming."
Gilbert laughed. "Ha! If Mark reads that, he'll probably be pleased."
Scarlett continued, "But I've seen a lot of comments arguing that Martha is the culprit, and some saying Harlan Thrombey just committed suicide.
Everyone has an opinion, and the debates are intense."
Gilbert sat up, wrapping his arm around Scarlett's waist and pulling her close.
"That's normal. These debates actually help boost box office. Fans go back to theaters repeatedly to prove their point."
Indeed, that was exactly what happened. Unable to convince each other, many fans rewatched the movie multiple times to support their theories.
This helped Knives Out's box office continue climbing. In the second week, during four weekdays, the film earned $26.9 million.
Over the second weekend, it made $32.06 million, pushing the North American total past $100 million, reaching $125.04 million.
Against a $40 million budget, this was a massive success.
Of course, the happiest person wasn't Disney, but Tom Cruise. Although he accepted a reduced salary, he still had a box office share.
The higher the box office, the higher his share, so the pay cut wasn't a loss.
Meanwhile, the film began releasing in some overseas markets. Despite Gilbert and Tom Cruise's pull, the audience for mystery films remained niche.
In its overseas opening weekend, in 29 markets, the film earned $70.93 million. A solid but unremarkable figure, bringing the global total to $195.97 million.
However, the film received widespread acclaim internationally. In Agatha Christie's home country, the UK, Knives Out was extremely well-received.
The Guardian commented: "From every angle, Knives Out embodies the characteristics of classic golden-age detective stories.
It includes many core elements of Agatha Christie's novels: upper-class life in rural manors, fathers as creators and protectors of wealth, a group of parasitic children each with their own issues, servants and nurses living in the estate, and murder.
The story itself unfolds as a classic detective puzzle, full of ritual and theatricality typical of traditional mystery novels.
Yet, the director's ambition doesn't stop there.
Within this seemingly classical and even formulaic story, a very contemporary issue is subtly integrated, giving this seemingly purely entertaining film a political dimension as well."
Over in the Japan, the market for mystery novels and films is equally thriving, producing many renowned mystery writers as well as films.
And then there's the hugely popular anime Detective Conan, famous worldwide.
Famed Japanese film director, also skilled in suspense films, Tetsuya Nakashima commented on Knives Out:
"This film pays homage to mystery writer Agatha Christie. Gilbert's script is witty and humorous, with a tightly controlled pace.
The comedic timing and rhythm delivered by each actor are precise, leaving no moment slack, making this two-hour film thoroughly enjoyable for the audience.
In trying to unravel this intricate murder mystery, some of the comedic elements are the most entertaining parts.
Whether modern audiences are still willing to watch Agatha Christie-style mystery films in theaters remains to be seen.
But Knives Out is still a witty, novel detective story. It keeps some viewers curious while having them laugh continuously until the very last second."
The UK and the Japan were also the top-grossing overseas markets for Knives Out.
Other markets contributed relatively little box office; without the names Gilbert and Tom Cruise, the numbers would likely have been lower.
Back with Gilbert and Scarlett, their conversation gradually moved to the bedroom. Scarlett thoroughly dominated Gilbert, but in the end, she was left panting and exhausted.
Afterward, she lay on Gilbert's chest, gasping for breath.
"By the way, Jessica Alba is so pretty. Didn't you even think about her?"
"Nope."
"Really?" Scarlett didn't believe him. "You'd let such an opportunity pass?"
Gilbert gave Scarlett's small, pert backside a firm pat and replied, exasperated, "Am I the type who can't wait? See a beautiful woman and immediately have to win her over?"
"Hm…" Scarlett drew out the word, then firmly stated, "You are that type of person."
"All right then, looks like you're still hungry."
Gilbert flipped on top of her, and Scarlett begged repeatedly, "Help, help! You're not that type! I dare not, hahaha…"
After their playful tussle, Gilbert shifted focus to Scarlett's career.
"Recently, in Captain America and Iron Man 2, you've performed really well. Once these films air, I think your popularity will rise significantly."
Scarlett still retained some of the artsy, youthful charm she had while working with Sofia Coppola. She said wistfully, "I also want to win the Oscar for Best Actress."
"Don't worry," Gilbert said. "We can't let Black Widow define your image. I'll find a role that suits you perfectly."
...
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