By Linda Winsh-Bolard
Remember how GOP blasted, repeatedly, Hollywood stars and producers for their slant to the left?
And how the Industry always acted as a progressive?
It was never really believable, but it just got ridiculous.
Little Fockers, the rather silly, unattractive spin of the same old, same old, dysfunctional family grossness, got nasty reviews, and dismal attendance.
But the stars got paid big bucks.
So far, the movie took in about $105 million against $70 million of the actor’s payout.
Although Dustin Hoffman is not the top earner, he got the most for the least. Universal found his scenes disappointing and wanted to re-shoot them. Hoffman demanded, and got, 7, 5 million for the five days re-shoot.
Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro got $20 million each. De Niro takes additional cut because his company, Tribeca Productions, produced the movie. Owen Wilson was paid $15 million, Barbra Streisand $7 million and Jessica Alba about $3 million.
Universal wanted a hit. It certainly hit the expense account, even if that is the only astounding thing about Little Fockers.
A source close to the film said, "It's taken in close to $105 million in the US and $72 million overseas.”
It this is true, it is unlikely that the investment has yet been repaid; as for profit, it would take double of current figure to make any (distribution, advertising and productions costs have to be repaid before any profit comes in).
Remember this next time an actor shoots his/her mouth about the rights and freedoms of working people. Fees like these cut the pay for the crew and supporting actors to the bone.
As for Universal, studios CEO never learn. Unable to read a screenplay and envision the film made out of it, they repeatedly bank on "stars". Repeatedly, the audience dismisses empty shells of films adorned by ribbon names.
Yet, nothing ever changes. Of course, some actors made it into politics. Their performance did not get better in that field either, but their greed became legendary.
