“Wolfs”: Not a global cinema hit despite George Clooney and Brad Pitt – culture

In the noughties the equation was still very simple: charming George Clooney plus sexy Brad Pitt equals big money. The plan worked out for the crook comedy “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001) as well as for its two sequels. Even “Burn After Reading” (2008), the last collaboration between the “Sexiest Men Alive” (both won the title twice), was financially very successful for an art house film.

16 years later, the entertainment world looks completely different: Hollywood no longer sells its biggest hits primarily through stars, but through brands from the comic or video game cosmos. At the same time, more and more streaming giants are offering their self-produced content exclusively on their own platforms.

Streaming Killed the Movie Star

This is why a star vehicle like “Wolfs” can only be seen on a few screens worldwide. For example in Venice, where the buddy comedy recently premiered. Or in the USA, where a short theatrical release with a few copies was agreed upon.

In “Wolfs” the two box office guarantors play competing problem solvers – a profession that appears again and again in films. The most iconic of these men, known as “fixers” or “cleaners,” was portrayed by Harvey Keitel in 1994. His complete professional, who was briefly and succinctly called “Wolf”, left such a formative impression that he can still be referred to 30 years later.

Since Clooney and Pitt portray versions of Keitel’s character, the title “Wolfs” is not as awkward as it seems at first glance. “Wolves” would have been a good fit too. Ultimately, both see themselves as lone wolves who practice their craft alone. Due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, they are unable to do exactly that on their latest assignment. Of course, much to the delight of the audience, who are then able to enjoy cleverly constructed situational comedy.

Apple feels ripped off and pulls the rip cord

As co-producers of the film, who were immediately enthusiastic about the material, Brad Pitt and George Clooney would have clearly preferred a global theatrical release. The latter revealed his anger at the press conference at the Venice Film Festival: “Of course, the sudden change in Apple’s distribution plan is a low blow. At least many people will be able to watch the film at home. But a wide theatrical release would have been better.”

What had happened? Apple has repeatedly had bad experiences with the strategy of bringing its productions to cinemas with many copies before the start of streaming. The poor reviews and box office results of “Fly Me to the Moon” were the final straw. That’s why Apple quickly canceled the international theatrical release of all of its film projects – with one exception: “F1”, a wickedly expensive racing spectacle starring Brad Pitt, is set to fill box office worldwide next year.

Losers everywhere you look

“Wolfs”, on the other hand, is kept on a short leash. With no prospect of winning the favor of the general cinema audience, the tamed predator is likely to degenerate into a lap dog.

Especially since his humor only achieves its full effect when you, along with many other people, get involved in Pitt and Clooney’s quarrels. Missing this is a loss – especially for the cinema world and its heroes, who are not getting any younger.

Streaming start: September 27, 2024 on Apple TV+