Jack Cutmore-Scott, John David Washington and Robert Pattinson in Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" - Warner / Melinda Sue Gordon

  • Attendance at French cinemas has been undermined by the Covid-19.
  • “Tenet”, which will be released on August 26, could reverse the trend.
  • Christopher Nolan's film career is being scrutinized by all professionals looking for indicators of a recovery.

Morale is not good for cinema operators. The announcement that Nicki Caro's Mulan will ultimately only be released on Disney + has depressed dark room professionals. As evidenced by the video below where Gérard Lemoine, furious, destroys the display of the film in the hall of Cin Nepal. Only one hope remains for them: the release of Tenet by Christopher Nolan on August 26th.

The reaction of an operator following Disney's decision ... #Mulan pic.twitter.com/I2uWICofve

- Destination Cine (@destinationcine) August 6, 2020

Despite the presence of excellent films such as Ip Man 4 by Wilson Yip, Eté 85 by François Ozon, the disaster film Greenland - Ric Roman Waugh's last refuge , wonderful animated films and French comedies, the public is sulking the theaters. obscure. "The cinephiles are back but the occasional spectators are still drawn ears", specifies Nicolas Colle, journalist in charge of the analysis of the exploitation and the distribution for Ecran total , media of the professionals of the cinema.

Our articles on the rooms are here

Senior citizens absent

The good weather, a restricted programming and the fear of the pandemic combine to keep the public away from the rooms. “Seniors, a population at risk and big cinema consumers, are still cautious,” says Nicolas Colle. The closure of cinemas like the Grand Rex in Paris, shows that attendance is not there. "Their programming based on covers was not enough to fill this huge room but it will reopen on August 26, just in time for Tenet , a great spectacle ideal for her", explains the journalist. Does Christopher Nolan's work have all the assets to attract the public? Or does it risk to do nothing in a gloomy context?

“Yes, I really believe it! insists Nicolas Colle. This film contains great spectacle for those who desire it, a spy plot for those who want a solid story, and a mysterious side for those who want something original. In short, everyone can find what they want there. Christopher Nolan is a very popular author in France whose feature films like Inception (2010), Interstellar (2015), Dunkirk (2017) not to mention his Batman have been successful. “He obtains, on average, 2.5 million admissions in France, insists Nicolas Colle, which makes him a popular director whose every film is expected. "

"Tenet" to the rescue

An intriguing trailer like the multiple postponements of the release of Tenet has sharpened the envy of a private blockbuster audience for months. But what if the film ultimately does not live up to their expectations? "The first feedback from the lucky ones who were able to see it in the United States is very positive," said Nicolas Colle. However, it will be impossible for Tenet to save the cinemas on his own even if he attracts a massive crowd in front of the big screen. "If it obtains 1.5 million admissions, it will be a good result," said the journalist. Even if Warner loses some money, it will give a strong signal to other studios. "Hoping that the film will not be pirated upon its release in certain regions. "A very real risk," sighs Nicolas Colle.

Tenet's success could encourage the release of other blockbusters like Cate Shortland's Black Widow, announced for October 28, or Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman 1984 , slated for September 30. "Distributors must accept the possibility that they may lose money," says Nicolas Colle. If they don't show these films in theaters, they won't hold up! Cinema is a fragile ecosystem. Warner sets a good example with Tenet by agreeing not to distribute it globally since theaters in some countries remain closed. Tenet's figures will be scrutinized by all professionals who will learn from them for the future,” predicts Nicolas Colle.

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Repost from @imax: Just in: Shot with IMAX Cameras, Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated @TENETFilm coming to IMAX theaters worldwide starting August 26. #IMAX tickets on sale soon.

A post shared by TENET (@tenetfilm) on Jul 27, 2020 at 10:40 am PDT

“Getting out of blockbusters in 2020 is also essential to avoid congestion in theaters next year,” predicts Nicolas Colle. Some, even in France like Olivier Marchal whose  Bronx was sold to Netflix and Kheiron whoseBrutus vs César is finally distributed on Amazon Prime Video, have already chosen the platforms option. "It is clear that the pandemic has changed the situation as regards certain works, recognizes Nicolas Colle. But theaters will always be important because I can't imagine films like Tenet or Avatar 2 not being shown on the big screen. “Hopefully the health situation at the end of the summer vacation will be green to allow spectators to return en masse to the white screens.

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