This is a gentle, innocent movie about the reflections of an aging man (David Morse), who returns to his home town after the death of his best friend. Memories of life at age eleven floods back as it was a magical time that changed his life. Three eleven-year-old children, Bobby Garfield (Anton Yelchin), Carol Gerber (Mika Boorem), and John "Sully" Sullivan (Will Rothhaar), share their lives. Carol and Bobby have a special affection for one another including sharing a kiss "by which all others will be measured." Bobby lives with his mother, Liz (Hope Davis), a bitter, vain woman who looks for pleasures for herself without sharing much with her son. Into their lives comes a mysterious new boarder, Ted Brautigan (Sir Anthony Hopkins), who befriends the boy, but generates distrust from the mother. As time passes, the man and boy share confidences, and special powers are revealed. The man warns the boy to be on the lookout for the "Low Men in Yellow Coats" who are seeking him. The two share a summer's adventures and come to love one another before the inevitable happens. A confrontation with a school bully also changes everyone.

Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for Hearts in Atlantis?

Directed by Scott Hicks, with Anthony Hopkins, Anton Yelchin, Hope Davis leading the cast, Hearts in Atlantis was produced by Castle Rock Entertainment with a confirmed budget of $31,000,000, placing it in the low-budget category for drama films.

With a $31,000,000 budget, Hearts in Atlantis sits in the mid-range of studio releases. Marketing costs for a wide release at this level typically add $30–60 million, putting the break-even point near $77,500,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• Arachnophobia (1990): Budget $31,000,000 | Gross $53,200,000 → ROI: 72% • Arlington Road (1999): Budget $31,000,000 | Gross $41,100,000 → ROI: 33% • Birth of the Dragon (2017): Budget $31,000,000 | Gross $7,220,490 → ROI: -77% • Dangerous Liaisons (2012): Budget $31,000,000 | Gross N/A • Extraordinary Measures (2010): Budget $31,000,000 | Gross $15,134,293 → ROI: -51%

Key Budget Allocation Categories

▸ Above-the-Line Talent Drama films live or die on the strength of their performances. Securing award-caliber actors and experienced directors represents the single largest budget line item, often consuming 30–40% of the total production budget.

▸ Location Filming & Period Production Design Authentic locations — whether contemporary or historical — require scouting, permits, travel, lodging, and often significant dressing to match the story's time period. Period dramas add the cost of era-accurate props, vehicles, and set decoration.

▸ Post-Production, Color Grading & Score The editorial process for dramas is typically longer than genre films, with careful attention to pacing and tone. Color grading, a nuanced musical score, and detailed sound mixing are critical to achieving the emotional resonance that defines the genre.

Key Production Personnel

CAST: Anthony Hopkins, Anton Yelchin, Hope Davis, Mika Boorem, David Morse Key roles: Anthony Hopkins as Ted Brautigan; Anton Yelchin as Robert 'Bobby' Garfield; Hope Davis as Elizabeth 'Liz' Garfield; Mika Boorem as Carol Gerber

DIRECTOR: Scott Hicks CINEMATOGRAPHY: Piotr Sobociński MUSIC: Mychael Danna EDITING: Pip Karmel PRODUCTION: Castle Rock Entertainment, Village Roadshow Pictures, NPV Entertainment FILMED IN: United States of America

Box Office Performance

Hearts in Atlantis earned $24,185,781 domestically, for a worldwide total of $24,185,781. The film skewed heavily domestic (100%), suggesting strong North American appeal.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Hearts in Atlantis needed approximately $77,500,000 to break even. The film fell $53,314,219 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $24,185,781 Budget: $31,000,000 Net: $-6,814,219 ROI: -22.0%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Unprofitable (Theatrical)

Hearts in Atlantis earned $24,185,781 against a $31,000,000 budget (-22% ROI), falling short of theatrical profitability. Ancillary revenue may have reduced the deficit.