
Intolerable Cruelty
Synopsis
Miles Massey is an exceptional divorce lawyer who specializes in saving cheating husbands from having to pay expensive settlements. Unchallenged, he wearies of his life — until he meets the cunning Marylin Rexroth. When Massey’s representation of her husband in court denies her any divorce compensation, Marylin vows to get revenge, enlisting the help of an oil baron, and the two vie for the advantage in a flirtatious duel of wits.
What is the budget of Intolerable Cruelty?
Intolerable Cruelty, a romantic comedy directed by the Coen Brothers, features a stellar cast including George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Released on October 10, 2003, this film explores the witty and cunning world of divorce law. The budget of this movie plays a significant role in understanding its financial journey and overall impact in the film industry.
What was the production budget of Intolerable Cruelty?
The production budget for Intolerable Cruelty was set at $60,000,000. This figure places it within the mid-range for romantic comedies of its time, especially considering the star power and production quality involved. Compared to similar films, such as "The Break-Up" and "13 Going on 30," which had budgets around $50 million, Intolerable Cruelty's budget reflects the Coen Brothers' reputation for high production values.
Key Budget Allocation Categories
While specific breakdowns of the budget are not publicly available, major cost factors typically include:
- Talent: High-profile actors like Clooney and Zeta-Jones command significant salaries.
- Locations: Filming in various locations, including Los Angeles, adds to the overall costs.
- Production Design: The film's aesthetic and set design likely required a considerable investment.
What were the major production costs for Intolerable Cruelty?
Several elements contributed to the production costs of Intolerable Cruelty. Notable expenses included:
- Cast Salaries: The lead actors' fees were substantial, given their star status.
- Location Expenses: Filming in upscale settings to match the film's themes likely increased costs.
- Marketing: A significant portion of the budget is often allocated to marketing campaigns, which can be crucial for a film's success.
Challenges during production can lead to budget overruns, although specific details for Intolerable Cruelty are not widely documented. The initial budget of $60 million remained consistent throughout production.
How did Intolerable Cruelty perform at the box office?
Intolerable Cruelty grossed a worldwide box office total of $121,327,628. The domestic earnings amounted to $35,327,628, while international markets contributed significantly to the overall revenue.
Break-even Point Analysis
To determine the break-even point, a film typically needs to earn about twice its production budget to cover marketing and distribution costs. For Intolerable Cruelty, this means it needed to reach approximately $120 million. With a total of $121 million, it just surpassed this threshold.
ROI Percentage
The return on investment (ROI) for Intolerable Cruelty can be calculated as follows:
- Total Earnings: $121,327,628
- Production Budget: $60,000,000
- ROI: \[(Total Earnings - Production Budget) / Production Budget\] x 100 = \[(121,327,628 - 60,000,000) / 60,000,000\] x 100 = 102.21%
This indicates a solid financial performance, with a return of over 100%.
Was Intolerable Cruelty profitable?
Yes, Intolerable Cruelty was profitable. The film's earnings exceeded its production costs, resulting in a positive financial outcome. This success contributed positively to Universal Pictures and the Coen Brothers' reputation, allowing for future projects with potentially higher budgets.
Impact on Future Movie Budgets in the Genre
The financial success of Intolerable Cruelty may have influenced future romantic comedies to allocate similar budgets, especially when featuring high-profile talent. The film demonstrated that a well-crafted story combined with star power could yield significant box office returns.
Records Set
While Intolerable Cruelty did not set any major box office records, its performance solidified the Coen Brothers' ability to create commercially viable films outside their usual genre.
Commonly Asked Questions
How much did Intolerable Cruelty cost to make?
The production cost of Intolerable Cruelty was $60,000,000.
Was Intolerable Cruelty profitable?
Yes, the film was profitable, earning over $121 million at the box office.
What was the most expensive element of Intolerable Cruelty?
While specific details are not available, the most expensive elements likely included cast salaries and location expenses.
How much did Intolerable Cruelty make at the box office?
Intolerable Cruelty grossed $121,327,628 worldwide.
Did Intolerable Cruelty go over budget?
No, the film maintained its initial budget of $60 million throughout production.
In summary, Intolerable Cruelty's budget and box office performance illustrate the financial dynamics of filmmaking. With a production budget of $60 million and worldwide earnings exceeding $121 million, the film stands as a testament to the potential profitability of well-executed romantic comedies.









































































































































































































































































































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