The box office revenues for "Saw" continue to grow, especially thanks to the surprisingly positive reviews online. Horror movie enthusiasts have already started actively recommending it to their friends.
This unexpected situation, however, is quite explainable. American horror films traditionally attract audiences with plenty of blood and screams, where the plot often takes a back seat. Most viewers watch such films not for the story. Moreover, due to cultural differences, Eastern psychological horrors rarely resonate in America.
Just recall which horror films have been popular in the US: the old four classics – Leatherface, Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and Jason Voorhees.
An exception is perhaps only Freddy, who operates more through dreams, while the others are based on violence. These franchises started their existence back in the last century. For instance, the latest installments of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "A Nightmare on Elm Street" were released in 1994. This year, sequels were planned, but they would be released ten years after the last films.
From more recent successful examples, we can mention "Child's Play" and "Scream," as well as the recently started "Final Destination" series, which received good reviews. "Final Destination" truly brought something new, while "Child's Play" and "Scream" remained true to the old templates.
In the current horror film market, there is great anticipation for new releases like "Final Destination." Viewers are just craving something fresh. "Saw" perfectly satisfied this demand. It doesn't just kill for the sake of killing; it has its unique approach and idea, which already sets it above most horror films, deserving widespread acclaim.
Last week's box office data came in, and MGM was glowing with happiness – a whopping $42.5 million in one week, a real gold mine.
At the Cooper household, Eric threw a family party, inviting James Wan and Leigh Whannell. Both are in high demand right now, with many wanting to invite them to dinner.
After a delicious dinner, Eric's mother, Emily Cooper, brought out freshly prepared desserts.
"Try this, it's my signature dish," Emily said with a smile.
James Wan quickly stood up and took a plate.
"Mrs. Cooper, your culinary skills are amazing. This is the best meal I've had in America."
Emily laughed.
"What a smooth talker. My sons never said such things."
Leigh Whannell took a piece of dessert and, without saying a word, gave a thumbs up. His method of flattery was effective.
When Emily left, Eric looked at the two partners:
"Do you know what I feel most from you right now?"
"What?" they asked.
"Confidence. I see confidence and calmness in you. Remember our first meeting at Burger King, you were completely different."
Leigh Whannell, more relaxed, confirmed:
"A successful person is always confident."
They laughed together.
After the laughter, it was time to discuss business. Eric, crossing his legs, asked:
"What are your plans next?"
"I'm going to write the script for 'Saw 2'," Leigh Whannell replied.
James Wan shook his head:
"I don't know yet. As we discussed before, I have no desire to direct 'Saw 2', but I'm willing to work behind the scenes."
"I knew you would say that. Look at this, I've prepared your next project," Eric said, handing him a script draft.
"'Get Out', interesting title."
Leigh Whannell also looked at the script while Eric stood up and started pacing, digesting the food.
After some time, they finished reading, and James Wan thoughtfully said:
"Although it's only a script draft, one cannot deny that this is a very interesting story. Let me guess, 'Barbershop' inspired you, right?"
"You guessed it," Eric admitted.
Although "Barbershop" was in theaters for only a month, it brought MGM an impressive $80 million at the box office with a budget of only around $8 million. An absolute success.
According to surveys, more than 80% of the viewers of this film were African Americans, which opened Eric's eyes to the potential of this market. Since then, he had been thinking about how best to tap into it, and here James Wan's idea came in handy, and "Get Out" appeared in his mind.
As a screenwriter, Leigh Whannell immediately saw the depth in the project. He read the script carefully and couldn't hold back his admiration:
"Eric, this script has huge potential. Although it looks like a horror film, its essence lies in the issue of racism, in the exploitation of black people by whites."
"The use of hypnosis to take over bodies is not new, but if whites use hypnosis to seize the bodies of blacks, that's innovative."
"The issue of racism has always concerned Americans, and this film has found a very fresh perspective."
"Who wrote this script? I must meet this person; he has an amazing imagination."
Eric didn't respond, just looked at him. After a moment, Leigh Whannell realized:
"It was you?"
"Who else?"
"What?! You should be a screenwriter, not a producer. This is one of the best horror ideas I've ever seen."
"I don't deserve such praise. I just sketched the overall idea, and the specific content still needs to be developed."
Leigh Whannell, wasting no time, enthusiastically hit his chest:
"Leave it to me; I'll do everything in the best way possible."
"And what about the script for 'Saw 2'?"
"Don't worry, I'll manage everything. These two scripts will be my main work for this year. If anything goes wrong, I promise to give up my share."
After such words, Eric couldn't refuse. They shook hands, sealing the deal. Then Eric turned to James Wan:
"James, Leigh will handle the script, and you'll take on the direction?"
James Wan didn't have time to answer before Leigh Whannell had already put his arm around his neck:
"We are the golden team, you won't leave me?"
Spreading his hands, James Wan smiled and agreed:
"Alright! A good script and a great producer – I have no reasons to refuse. Besides, it's indeed an interesting story."
Late at night, after seeing off James Wan and Leigh Whannell, Eric and his father, Charlie Cooper, stayed in the study.
"Dad, how are things with the stocks?"
"Today, I sold everything for $530 million and got back $640 million. I don't know who turned out to be such an unlucky buyer."
"Ha-ha, someone always has to be left empty-handed, right?"
"Exactly. So, should we publish the news?"
At that moment, the clock in the study struck midnight. Eric nodded:
"Publish. I can already hear the death knell!"
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