If a film received only critical praise, that might not increase box office. Audience word-of-mouth was the more reliable indicator.
On an ordinary weekend, Lina and Wood were on a date and choosing a film for the afternoon.
They arrived at a theater on Fifth Avenue and looked at the current listings and posters.
"How about Tom Cruise’s new movie? The papers are full of praise, and the visuals are strong. It’s worth seeing," Wood suggested.
"But it’s 156 minutes. That’s too long. I still want to take my bag in for service afterward, and they’ll be closed," Lina said.
"Then American Pie. It’s funny and easy."
"I don’t like crude humor. Let’s see Legally Blonde. A classmate saw it last night and said it was good."
Wood shrugged. He didn’t mind. There was a screening soon, so he bought two tickets.
They got popcorn and soda and entered the modest theater, taking seats near the back.
Other patrons arrived gradually. Wood glanced around while eating popcorn.
As more people entered, he noticed that by start time the theater was about 80% full. It was the highest occupancy he’d seen this year.
He mentioned it to Lina.
Lina looked up and saw that most of the audience was female. That differed from the usual male-majority crowds.
The lights dimmed, the film began, and they stopped talking and watched.
...
Meanwhile, Irene also left home and went to the theater to see Eyes Wide Shut.
In her previous life she had skipped it because the content wasn’t to her taste, but this time she went to view the late director’s final work.
"One ticket for Eyes Wide Shut, please."
She entered the largest auditorium, which seated 200. Only the center seats were occupied; the rest were empty. The occupancy was low.
The film started. After thirty minutes, Irene wasn’t engaged. She didn’t follow the plot clearly, only that the production design was elaborate and the leads were attractive.
Others seemed to feel similarly, and quiet discussion began.
"Did you understand it?"
"Why doesn’t William divorce if he thinks his wife is cheating?"
"He doesn’t know. He only suspects."
"So did she cheat or not?"
...
She thought the wife’s behavior would later be called an "emotional affair."
After sitting through 156 minutes, the film ended. The lights came on, rousing some sleeping viewers. As she left, she heard scattered complaints.
On the other side:
"Elle is amazing. So smart and pretty. She’s my new idol," Lina said excitedly after Legally Blonde. She wanted to be like Elle.
"What if I went to law school? Getting into Harvard for graduate school must be difficult, right?" Lina said, thinking aloud as they walked.
"I don’t think so..." Wood looked at his girlfriend, who often had sudden ideas, and replied cautiously.
"Why not? Are you like the men in the movie, thinking girls with blonde hair aren’t smart?" Lina’s eyes widened.
"No, of course not. I just think... Harvard is far from us. Maybe consider NYU or Columbia?" Wood improvised.
"You’re right. Distance matters."
Wood wiped his brow, relieved. Then he saw Lina wasn’t heading toward bag service, but toward the Fifth Avenue shops. He stopped her. "Baby, wrong way. Bag service is to the right."
"I changed my mind. I want a pink dress. My closet needs one."
Wood opened his mouth, met Lina’s gaze, and sensed that saying "no" would end the date. He conceded.
"You’re right, baby. You could also look at Chanel. The one Elle carries would suit you," he said.
"That’s not Chanel, it’s Prada. But looking is fine. If I find the same one, great."
Similar conversations were happening elsewhere. Clerks on the shopping street reported that pink merchandise, usually slow-moving, was selling well.
The city was seeing a trend in pink.
...
At dinner, her father knew Irene had seen Eyes Wide Shut and asked her opinion.
Irene paused, then said, "Not great."
"Oh?" Francis was surprised. In terms of critical reputation, that film far outranked Legally Blonde. He expected at least some praise.
"This movie is about a wealthy couple testing each other. The husband goes to a party and gets scared, while the wife fantasizes about an affair.
In the end, they decide it’s safer to stay home and argue. How many points should I give that?"
Francis laughed. "Your summary, setting aside subtext, is accurate. At your age, it’s normal not to connect with its view of marriage."
Irene shrugged. She wasn’t interested in that interpretation.
Then she remembered the MTV awards. Her film wouldn’t qualify this year, but Britney’s album might.
She called Britney. On the phone, Britney praised Edward Nelson repeatedly, saying he drove a luxury car to help her confront rivals, which she appreciated.
Edward had also loaned her the sports car he’d provided to the production, and she’d been enjoying it.
While talking, Irene noted how often Britney mentioned Edward. She estimated they were close to becoming official, so she hinted:
"The MTV ceremony is soon. Do you want me to walk the red carpet with you?" Before Britney could answer, she added,
"If you have someone else in mind, choose them."
Though the phrasing was pointed, Britney hesitated.
"I do want you to come, but Edward mentioned going to the awards first..."
"Did you say yes?"
"No, I said I’d think about it." Britney heard Irene’s tone and sensed displeasure.
"Hmph, keep him waiting a bit. Don’t agree too quickly."
She meant more than the awards, but Britney missed the subtext.
"Oh, okay, then I’ll tell him next week."
Irene covered her forehead. She couldn’t manage Britney’s choices.