Approximately almost two decades back, George Clooney was merely that handsome doctor from the popular sitcom series ER. But the actor has made some significant progress as he has become an actor with magnetic charisma, charm, and versatility to play different roles. From playing a romantic lead to keeping the audience’s attention fixed on the screen with a dramatic role, he can do it all, and that too effortlessly.
Hence, it is safe to say that George Clooney has risen above just being the handsome guy from ER. The Ideas of March actor is one of the highest-paid actors in the industry, and almost every project he takes on always ends up a smash hit at the box office. However, the actor took the biggest gamble of his life, as he mortgaged his house to fund a passion project.
George Clooney Could Not Save Leatherheads From Flopping
Leatherheads is not George Clooney‘s first attempt to work as a director and an actor in the same, as he had earlier written, directed, and acted in Good Night, and Good Luck which was a massive success. However, unlike the 2005 film, he could not replicate the success as his sports comedy film fumbled badly at the box office.
The film managed to sell only $4.54 million worth of tickets during its first day in theaters, which was immensely low as it was forecasted that the film would be #1 in ticket sales. But that’s not all as the film stumbled on opening day coming behind the gambling drama 21, which earned $5.1 million upon its release.
Clooney’s 2008 film was decimated savagely by critics, especially the script of the film. According to critics at Tomatometer “Despite a good premise and strong cast, this pro football romcom is half screwball and half fumble.” Though the movie was loaded with big names, they could not make it successful, as the film earned only $41.3 million worldwide and $9.2 million in DVD sales. Sadly, Leatherheads could not be like his previous efforts Confessions of a Dangerous Mind and Good Night, and Good Luck which were praised by both the critics and the audience.
George Clooney Mortgaged His House To Fund His Passion Project
Clooney is one of the biggest talents, and he has made positive career choices, that have helped him with ample opportunities to grow. But, being a hotshot in Hollywood means sometimes you have to take risks so that you can bring an outstanding story to life, sometimes the risk pays off, and sometimes it does not.
The Ocean’s Twelve actor was one of the biggest names in the movie industry in the early 2000s and after enjoying massive success in his earlier films, he decided to be a part of the 2005 film, Good Night and Good Luck. Clooney was not only going to act in the film but also write and direct it.
However, in order to bring the film to life, he decided to mortgage his house so that he can fund the movie. Moreover, he got help from Mark Cuban and Jeffrey Skoll, giving them producer credit for the film. But that’s not all as George Clooney was meant to walk away with $120, 000, but he made a massive pay cut, opting to take only $3 for his contribution to the film.
This was a bold move from the star and a risky one too because being an A-list celebrity does not guarantee success. However, the biggest gamble of the Gravity actor paid off as the film earned $56.5 million at the box office with an additional $22 million in DVD sales. Luckily, things turned out to be fine for George Clooney as well becoming a major success at the box office. with nominations in six Academy Awards categories, including Best Picture.
Good Night, and Good Luck can be rented on AppleTV.
Source: Reuters
