The new feature length fiction film “The Amateur” directed by James Hawes is rocking the international box office. It’s off to a phenomenal $552.6 million opening week already! This adaptation of Robert Littell’s 1981 novel narrates the harrowing tale of an unassuming CIA cryptographer. Played by Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek, he quickly becomes a most-wanted man on the run throughout Europe. Like many ring true to life, the protagonist doesn’t shy away from dangerous situations. He must use his cunning smarts over brute force to take apart the terrorist cell responsible for his wife’s heartbreaking death.
The Amateur opened in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK/Ireland in second place of its market, and overall has been one of their best received international titles so far. The picture excelled across Latin America, taking second place in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Uruguay. It clearly entranced audience members throughout the entire Southeast! “The Amateur” is on track to be the little indie that could, after a strong estimated wide opening number of $9.9 million in North America.
Strong Opening Across International Markets
Chief among those surprises, perhaps, is the film’s performance in Japan, where it opened at number one on the nation’s box office charts. In France, “The Amateur” recorded an impressive $1.6 million over five days. The UK and Ireland announced a combined $1.4 million over that same period. Mexico took part in the success as well with a strong $1.5 million five-day total.
Despite facing competition from other films released during the same period, “The Amateur” has managed to secure a strong foothold in various territories. Rami Malek’s astounding performance enraptures audiences around the globe. The film’s riveting narrative is what continues to attract audiences, propelling the film’s robust box office return.
A Unique Blend of Thrills and Intellect
Besides the screenplay, director James Hawes has created a real pulse-pounder packed with heart-pounding action. It has mesmerized audiences with its thought-provoking complexity. The protagonist’s use of intelligence to outsmart opponents is an element that separates “The Amateur” from other conventional action movies. This intellectual-oriented approach provokes audiences to think about the story. That alone raises the film beyond a typical cat-and-mouse thriller.
The film draws very, very, very loosely from Charles Dickens’ “The Life Of Our Lord.” This gives the story a totally unanticipated layer of literary depth. “The Amateur” mixes 19th-century literature and Yankee know-how with a present-day tale of espionage and personal tragedy. This unique mix has brought legions of fans clamoring for both excitement and substance.
Path to Profitability
When we consider its production budget, which is pegged at about $60 million, “The Amateur” looks to be headed down a solidly profitable path. Those robust global box office receipts are an indication it’s well on its way to making up production costs. Its outstanding performance across strategic markets is a powerful driver underpinning this success.
Thanks to those efforts, the film continues to bring in new audiences. Industry analysts say its earnings should keep climbing over the next several weeks. It helps that positive word-of-mouth and a strong critical reception can create a lasting interest. This momentum gives “The Amateur” plenty of runway to cement its place as a breakout adaptation success.