New York, October 4, 2004 - Magnolia Pictures' "WOMAN, THOU ART LOOSED" starring Kimberly Elise, Loretta Divine and Bishop T.D. Jakes which garnered strong critical praise debuted at #6 in its opening weekend with an impressive $2.35 million gross on only 408 screens. According to Variety, this marks the first time a film has debuted in the top 10 on so few screens in nearly seven years (Steven Spielberg's "Amistad," opened with $4.6 million from 322 theaters in 1997).
Earning rave reviews from The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, "WOMAN, THOU ART LOOSED" is already distributor Magnolia Pictures' third largest grosser behind documentaries "Capturing The Friedmans" and "The Control Room." Magnolia Pictures plans to expand the film into 150 additional theaters on Friday, October 22nd.
"We're thrilled with the results of our opening and it is a tribute to the reach of Bishop Jakes, as well as the raw emotional directness of the film, which was so well executed by director Michael Schultz and producer Reuben Cannon, and so well acted by Kimberly Elise and the amazing supporting cast," Magnolia Pictures President Eamonn Bowles said.
"WOMAN, THOU ART LOOSED" is a moving family drama anchored by Kimberly Elise¹s fierce performance as Michelle Jordan, a young woman attempting overcome painful demons--the memories of abuse and molestation that she suffered at the hands of her "Uncle" Reggie (Clifton Powell) and the abyss of drugs, prostitution and incarceration that she fell into as a result.
Best known for her roles in Beloved and John Q, Elise pours her soul on to the screen and conveys all of the discouragement, frustration and bitterness that the damaged Michelle has lived. Just as noteworthy is the compassionate and understated performance of Loretta Devine (Kingdom Come, Waiting to Exhale) as Michelle's mother Cassie. She portrays a woman vacillating between truth and denial of her situation and the terrible abuse that she unwittingly condoned. Bishop T.D. Jakes proves the catalyst to both women in the form of a much anticipated revival that is as inspirational as it is tragic. Based on the best-selling novel and stage play by Bishop T.D. Jakes, "WOMAN, THOU ART LOOSED" is a moving tale of dysfunction, isolation and finally, redemption.
"WOMAN, THOU ART LOOSED" is directed by Michael Schultz, written by Stan Foster, produced by Rueben Cannon, co-produced by Tammy Garnes and Will Griffin, with cinematography by Reinhart Ray Peschke and edited by Billy Fox. The cast includes Kimberly Elise, Loretta Devine, Debbi Morgan, Michael Boatman, Clifton Powell, Isalis DeLeon, Sean Blakemore, Ricky Harris and Bishop T.D. Jakes. The film is rated R and runs 99 minutes.
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY MAGNOLIA PICTURES
Earning rave reviews from The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, "WOMAN, THOU ART LOOSED" is already distributor Magnolia Pictures' third largest grosser behind documentaries "Capturing The Friedmans" and "The Control Room." Magnolia Pictures plans to expand the film into 150 additional theaters on Friday, October 22nd.
"We're thrilled with the results of our opening and it is a tribute to the reach of Bishop Jakes, as well as the raw emotional directness of the film, which was so well executed by director Michael Schultz and producer Reuben Cannon, and so well acted by Kimberly Elise and the amazing supporting cast," Magnolia Pictures President Eamonn Bowles said.
"WOMAN, THOU ART LOOSED" is a moving family drama anchored by Kimberly Elise¹s fierce performance as Michelle Jordan, a young woman attempting overcome painful demons--the memories of abuse and molestation that she suffered at the hands of her "Uncle" Reggie (Clifton Powell) and the abyss of drugs, prostitution and incarceration that she fell into as a result.
Best known for her roles in Beloved and John Q, Elise pours her soul on to the screen and conveys all of the discouragement, frustration and bitterness that the damaged Michelle has lived. Just as noteworthy is the compassionate and understated performance of Loretta Devine (Kingdom Come, Waiting to Exhale) as Michelle's mother Cassie. She portrays a woman vacillating between truth and denial of her situation and the terrible abuse that she unwittingly condoned. Bishop T.D. Jakes proves the catalyst to both women in the form of a much anticipated revival that is as inspirational as it is tragic. Based on the best-selling novel and stage play by Bishop T.D. Jakes, "WOMAN, THOU ART LOOSED" is a moving tale of dysfunction, isolation and finally, redemption.
"WOMAN, THOU ART LOOSED" is directed by Michael Schultz, written by Stan Foster, produced by Rueben Cannon, co-produced by Tammy Garnes and Will Griffin, with cinematography by Reinhart Ray Peschke and edited by Billy Fox. The cast includes Kimberly Elise, Loretta Devine, Debbi Morgan, Michael Boatman, Clifton Powell, Isalis DeLeon, Sean Blakemore, Ricky Harris and Bishop T.D. Jakes. The film is rated R and runs 99 minutes.
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY MAGNOLIA PICTURES
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