- On Tuesday,
Sony announced that it will be releasing the rom-com "The Broken Hearts Gallery ," executive produced bySelena Gomez . - It marks the first major studio release of the summer, as it comes out a week before the highly anticipated "Tenet."
- But will audiences show up?
- Reaction on if it's safe to go back to movie theaters was mixed after the news about "The Broken Hearts Gallery."
Sony announced on Tuesday that it is jumping ahead of the highly anticipated thriller "Tenet" and opening its romantic comedy "The Broken Hearts Gallery" in theaters on July 10, a week before the Christopher Nolan movie.
Sony is touting the movie, executive produced by Selena Gomez, as the first major studio wide release of the summer. It will open nine days after the Russell Crowe thriller "Unhinged," which will be the first high profile release to go in theaters since the coronavirus pandemic shut down the world.
"The Broken Hearts Gallery" is the directorial debut of Natalie Krinsky (previously she was a story editor and writer on "Gossip Girl") and stars Geraldine Viswanathan ("Blockers," "Hala," "Bad Education") as a twentysomething New York City art gallery assistant who is an "emotional hoarder." After her latest breakup, she decides to create a pop-up space filled with "items love has left behind," according to the press release.
"Hearing from more female writers and directors is very much needed," Gomez said in the release. "Natalie is a wonderful talent and I am happy to be a part of her debut film. I understand people's concerns regarding returning to activities we all loved prior to COVID-19. I hope everyone will listen to scientists' recommendations and consider others' health and safety while enjoying the movie theater experience."
Hollywood certainly is trying to get back to normal with theatrical releases beginning to fill the July calendar. Also on Tuesday, AMC, the largest theater chain in the country, announced it plans to reopen most of its locations in July.
But are audiences ready to go back?
The experience will certainly be a unique one. Theaters that are already open in areas of the country are obeying state and CDC regulations by not operating at full capacity, practicing social distancing, and having staff wear masks.
When "The Broken Hearts Gallery" news broke yesterday, the reaction online was mixed. Some people think it's just plain foolish to go back to a movie theater at this point.
—Kate Erbland (@katerbland) June 9, 2020
—Rendy (@Rendy_Jones) June 9, 2020
—Jack Sloane (@jack_sloane17) June 9, 2020
However, many Selena Gomez fans say they are going.
—‘ (@littleselss) June 10, 2020
—Karla is Rare (@SelxTayxAri) June 10, 2020
—SOFI cant do life any longer (@sxsoff) June 10, 2020
And others think it's the right kind of movie to get us all moving forward about feeling OK to go to theaters.
—Exhibitor Relations Co. (@ERCboxoffice) June 9, 2020
—Daniel Humphrey (@danielihumphrey) June 10, 2020
It's clear there will not be a mass dash back to the theaters next month. It will be a slow, gradual process for mass audiences to feel comfortable to go to the