In the center of the newspaper was a photo from Eyes Wide Shut. Tom Cruise and his wife were dressed formally, embracing, surrounded by lights.
The image had strong visual contrast, but the emotion was ambiguous.
Los Angeles Times chief critic Kenneth Turan titled his review: "A Dazzling Eyes Wide Shut."
He praised the film as a major work, describing the pacing as "slow, solemn, and dreamlike," more psychological exploration than erotic display.
He noted that in theme, visuals, atmosphere, and performance, the film was accomplished. It was a complex, detailed final work from Kubrick, requiring patience from viewers.
Besides the Los Angeles Times, The New Yorker, Chicago Sun-Times, and San Francisco Chronicle also gave Eyes Wide Shut high marks.
After reading, Irene turned to Shelly. "Mr. Cruise must have a substantial PR budget."
Shelly didn’t answer directly, but his expression suggested it was expected.
However, not all outlets offered only praise. The New York Times criticized the film, calling the pacing slow and self-indulgent, and arguing it didn’t meet its stated goals.
"Why don’t I see reviews for our movie?" Irene flipped through the paper. She hadn’t gotten up early to read about Eyes Wide Shut.
"Be patient. Look again," Francis said, patting her shoulder before walking to the wine cabinet for a bottle.
Irene frowned, watching him. He usually opened estate wine only to celebrate. "Are our box office numbers in?" she asked.
"I’m waiting for MGM’s call. Statistics take time, especially financial data. We need to wait."
He’s celebrating early, Irene thought, hoping that wouldn’t backfire.
She looked through the paper again and found a Legally Blonde review in The Washington Post.
Critic Hall Carter called the film an unexpected success. Based on the synopsis and trailer, he had anticipated something shallow.
Instead, he found the film funny, well-written, and well-directed, and credited Reese Witherspoon’s performance as central to its success.
She didn’t play a stereotype; she gave the character intelligence and comedic timing, and Carter praised the lead throughout.
"’Well-written and well-directed’—that’s for me, right?" Irene wasn’t fully satisfied.
Though the assessment was accurate and the lead was the film’s centerpiece, as she’d intended, two words of praise felt minimal.
Then, in the Chicago Sun-Times, she saw that Roger Ebert had used the headline "Glory of the Coppola Family – The Birth of Another Talented Director" to commend Irene.
The piece praised Irene directly, with precise language that avoided excess.
Irene admitted she was pleased reading it. "I don’t think I saw Roger Ebert at the premiere?"
"Top critics often receive screeners."
"So, the value of this review?"
"Ring—ring—"
Before Francis could answer, the house phone rang.
Irene and Shelly looked at each other. Before the maid reached the cabinet, Francis answered.
"Hello, this is Francis Coppola... Okay... Thank you for your support..."
Inside MGM headquarters, Joyce Jackson, holding new data, walked quickly to Robert Smith’s office, knocked, and entered.
"Robert—" Before she finished, Robert took the sheet from her hand.
Joyce sat down.
"Midnight screenings in 820 theaters, Legally Blonde earned $890,000. That exceeds our projections." Robert looked at the results.
"Also, the survey firm polled nearly 2,000 attendees. 85% gave it an A+, 96% gave it A or higher, and less than 1% rated it below C," Joyce said quickly, excited. "That’s more than ten points higher than our Bond film’s approval."
Many viewers were Britney fans or people drawn by her, but the high approval indicated the film itself resonated.
High approval often suggested strong box office potential.
"This was the right decision. Irene Coppola is impressive; she met expectations," Robert said, exhaling.
He had faced pressure approving Joyce’s recommendation to distribute Legally Blonde. With good reviews and box office, he could justify it.
"Contact the theater chains and expand the release from the current base. With these numbers, 1,600 theaters is feasible, up from 800," Robert decided.
Reducing theaters earlier was necessary; now expansion was possible.
"Okay, I’ll contact them immediately."
"Also, increase publicity. Many critics were focused on Eyes Wide Shut; now we can shift their attention."
"Understood."
They outlined a detailed marketing plan to maximize Legally Blonde’s position.
"Midnight screenings: $890,000. MGM is expanding promotion," Francis said after hanging up, relaying the news to Irene and Shelly.
"Expand promotion?" Irene heard her father’s summary of MGM’s plan. "It seems the movie is working."
Francis poured wine for Shelly and, seeing Irene’s expression, poured a small amount for her too. "This box office is solid," he said, raising his glass. "Congratulations, my baby."
Irene smiled, touched her father’s glass, and said, "Thanks, Dad."
Out of view, her stress had been building. In her previous life, Legally Blonde had performed well, and she had tried to recreate the original, including keeping the lead...
...but with her as director, the outcome was uncertain. Her father had told her privately that if it failed, she could focus on school and try again in four years.
But she knew that a failure label would make returning to commercial directing much harder.
Her subsequent plans would also be at risk.
For Irene, this film had to succeed.
Fortunately, it was halfway there. If the box office held, she wouldn’t be dismissed by Hollywood.