Posted in: Movies, Universal | Tagged: crimson peak, film, guillermo del toro, Universal Pictures
Guillermo del Toro Reflects on Crimson Peak's Box Office Reception
Crimson Peak filmmaker Guillermo del Toro shares his thoughts on why the 2015 film struggled to resonate with moviegoers during its release.
Article Summary
- Guillermo del Toro reflects on the box office reception of his 2015 film, Crimson Peak.
- Del Toro believes the marketing strategy focusing on horror led to the film's poor performance.
- He suggested promoting the romance and mystery elements instead for better audience connection.
- Over time, Crimson Peak has found a dedicated fan base that resonates deeply with its unique blend.
Throughout his vast career, filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has proven to be a masterful storyteller. His projects range from mainstream hits to dark-horse films with a cult following. But regardless of the story, he always commits to the vision.
When the filmmaker released his 2015 film Crimson Peak, del Toro blended gothic romance with horror and the macabre, standing in stark contrast to his preceding action-adventure film, Pacific Rim. Still, despite his impressive track record and critical acclaim, Crimson Peak largely underperformed at the box office, becoming a lackluster release. Now, the Crimson Peak director is sharing his thoughts on the film's reception.
Guillermo del Toro Wasn't Thrilled with Crimson Peak's Marketing Strategy
When talking to Vulture, del Toro explains, "I remember distinctly, when we had the meetings [about promotion], they were all targeted toward getting the horror audience for the opening weekend, and I knew we were doomed! I was saying, 'You should promote the romance, and you should promote the mystery. The last thing you want to do is promote it as horror.' We were opening in October, and October is the month of Halloween, so I understand why it happened." He later adds, "It's a movie that connects with the people who love it at an almost molecular level. Little by little, some movies gather their audience through the years. Some others are very successful right when they come out, then you don't hear from them again."
Crimson Peak tells the story of an aspiring writer who is enticed by an enigmatic man to a secluded Gothic mansion perched atop a red clay hillside. As she navigates the twisted secrets of her new home and contends with the ghostly horrors of her surroundings, she finds herself fighting not only for her sanity but also for her very life.
Now that you've had a few years to mull over the film, did you enjoy Crimson Peak?
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