Summer’s Smaller Hits Show Lasting Appeal of Brainier Fare

Even without the once-in-a-generation breakaway hit “The Blair Witch Project,” independent and art-house releases acquitted themselves quite well this summer. The grosses may not appear impressive when compared to the giant studio releases, but most were low-cost films with upscale appeal.

The function of independent movies in summer, says Sony Pictures Classics principal Michael Barker, is as counter-programming to major-studio escapist fare. Most of the stronger specialized films played all summer long and are continuing into the fall, owing their popularity to favorable reviews and word of mouth.

A gross of $4 million or more is considered a breakout hit in the specialized market, according to Barker.

MGM marketing head Jerry Rich describes “Tea With Mussolini,” a World War II period drama starring Cher and Dame Judi Dench, as the “antidote” to teen movies. Not surprisingly, English-language films such as “An Ideal Husband,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Tea” fared best, but “The Red Violin” and “Run Lola Run” were also very strong, as was Wim Wenders’ Cuban-based musical documentary “Buena Vista Social Club,” one of the better-performing nonfiction films in recent years.