March 2-4, 2001
(Grosses in millions)

Around the World Round Up
by Kenan Bresnan

Hannibal continued to reign in many countries and enjoyed tremendous openings in France, Belgium and Hong Kong. The only rivals were newly released Chocolat and holdovers from What Women Want and Vertical Limit.

Raking in $18.3 million from an estimated 3,400 locations in 19 territories, the Silence of the Lambs sequel boosted its foreign total to an impressive $89 million. With more than 30 territories still to open in, the international bank should hand out more than the domestic tally, probably in the range of $165-$200 million. The cannibal gobbled up an excellent $5.2 million in France, overthrowing homegrown comedy La Verite si je mens 2, which itself has grossed a phenomenal $32.5 million. In fact, with a 60% market share, French films have done the majority of business there for the first time in 20 years.

Hannibal has racked up $24.8 million to date in the United Kingdom, 27.9% of the international total. Along with Germany's $14.9 million, Italy's $12.3 million, and Spain's $6.4 million, major markets account for 65.6% of the foreign haul (excluding France's opening). About the only place it hasn't taken is Australia, where the restricted rating and lousy word of mouth have hobbled it ($5 million in 18 days). It wasn't so hot in Hong Kong either, opening with a decent $503,000 from 33 screens.

Chocolat chalked up an impressive $4.4 million from 906 locations last weekend, bringing its foreign total to $8.7 million from 16 territories. Though set in France, the Juliette Binoche starrer managed a weak $657,000 from 214 screens there, partially thanks to poor critical response. Good news in the United Kingdom though, as it savored a solid $1.3 million from only 207 screens. In Argentina, it came up with a very good $291,000 from 39 screens. Other totals include a sumptuous $1.9 million in Italy, an excellent $1.1 million in Brazil, and Australia has given $1.6 million in 18 days.

Quills surpassed its $6.6 million domestic tally overseas. It's had very diverse reception from all 27 territories it's opened in. Distinguished numbers from Latin America make up most of its profit. Mexico's $1.8 million and Brazil's $715,000 made up most of the Geoffrey Rush starrer's fortune. A reasonable $273,000 from 51 in Australia also helped, but a very poor $84,000 from 40 screens in Spain supported little. In only three cinemas, Italy had a modest $16,000. The West End of London is the only place in Blighty where some business was drummed up, otherwise it's been terrible all around there.

Soaring past $100 million, Mel Gibson's What Women Want continued to score in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands. Germany had a very powerful $5.2 million in its third weekend for a spectacular $22.3 million, on track to surpass Cast Away's $26.7 million to be the highest grossing American picture of the year there. The United Kingdom continues on a fabulous $21 million run thanks to a $1.1 million weekend in its fifth. Italy is near $9 million and the Netherlands' outstanding run of $3 million has helped it edge towards Mission: Impossible 2's $4.3 million.

Cast Away's foreign haul shot up to $159.5 million in 25 territories. Asia's wonderful performances in Japan ($11.1 million) and South Korea, where it is still at number one in 31 days, has $7.1 million.

Domestic dud Proof of Life showed more promise in overseas bows, thanks to a less-competitive environment than if faced at home. In Australia, Kiwi Russell Crowe helped it top the charts with $787,000 from 202 screens, booting Hannibal. Italy and Spain gave fair $977,000 and $853,000 respectively.

After capturing a solid $12.6 million in Japan, Thirteen Days opened at number one in another Asian market, Taiwan. The Cuban Missile Crisis drama posted $188,000 in two days in Taipei. On March 16, its foreign campaign really lifts off in the United Kingdom taking on Enemy at the Gates.

Prospects aren't bright for Miramax's All the Pretty Horses, which gathered up a meager $209,000 in Mexico in its initial foreign tryout.

Next week, Best in Show hopes to take Hannibal off the top spot in England. In France, Traffic debuts along with The House of Mirth. In Germany, Oscar noms in Erin Brockovich and Gladiator get re-issued, while Quills and Digimon: The Movie debut. In Australia, Traffic, Bounce and Dr. T and the Women face off. In Japan, 102 Dalmatians takes on one of its last markets up against Snatch and Finding Forrester. And in Italy, Traffic and Forrester premiere.