After reading an interview with super producer Jerry Bruckheimer in the New York Times, we wondered if this weekend’s movie-going crowd will be sold by the designer label-flaunting new release, Confessions of a Shopaholic. The Times had its concerns: “A film that celebrates shopping as sport? At a time when nationwide unemployment is nearing double digits and the retail sector has fallen off a cliff? Paging Marie Antoinette.” Bruckheimer’s sassy retort: “We did a movie a long time ago called Top Gun. Two months before the release some planes were shot down over Iran, and it was all over the front page.”
Touche. But we were still doubtful. So, we decided to do a little experiment: This morning we pounded the pavement in SoHo to chit-chat with what we’re assuming is the target demographic, real shopaholics — come on people, it’s 10 o’clock on a Thursday! — about whether they’re still interested in seeing this chick flick in spite of the Great Recession. Their responses after the jump. Warning: The prognosis is not good.
Name: Chase Occupation: Graphic Designer Age: 28 Spotted getting her shop on at: Urban Outfitters Are you planning on seeing Confessions of a Shopaholic? Probably not. Why or why not? I just don’t really go to movies. It’s not my type of movie. Does the economy influence your answer? No.
Name: Siena Occupation: Jewelry Marketing Age: 24 Spotted getting her shop on at: Zara Are you planning on seeing Confessions of a Shopaholic? No. Why or why not? It’s just not my kind of film. Does the economy influence your answer? It’s just bad timing. Five or 6 months ago, everyone would have loved it. I just feel bad for the filmmakers.
Name: Erica Occupation: In between jobs. Age: 23 Spotted getting her shop on at: H&M, with her 20% off one item coupon in hand. Are you planning on seeing Confessions of a Shopaholic? Yeah. Why or why not? Because I can’t not see it. I’ve actually read the books; I categorize them under guilty pleasures. I call them “shitty chic lit”— I wanna write that one day. I have to trick my boyfriend into taking me to the matinee or trick friends of mine because… they’d have to be tricked to see it. Does the economy influence your answer? No, the economy is affecting every other decision in my life. I’ll probably get up to see the matinee and probably sneak food in or download it illegally online. I want to escape the country and hope things get better when I get back.
Name: Alona Occupation: Works for a foreign airline Age: 30 Spotted getting her shop on at: H&M, also with her 20% off one item coupon in hand. Are you planning on seeing Confessions of a Shopaholic? Yes. Why or why not? Just because you made me curious — good promotions! Does the economy influence your answer? No.
Name: Rudy Occupation: Fashion Stylist Age: 25 Spotted getting his shop on at: Steve Madden Are you planning on seeing Confessions of a Shopaholic? No. Why or why not? It’s fashion week. No time. Does the economy influence your answer? No. It affects a lot but not that.
Name: Yelena Occupation: Assistant to President of Financial Firm Age: 26 Spotted getting her shop on at: Bloomies Are you planning on seeing Confessions of a Shopaholic? Yes! This weekend. Why or why not? Because I’ve read the books and saw clips and things on blogs and People.com. I’m also interested in the fashion and I like her [Isla Fisher] as an actress. Does the economy influence your answer? No. I think right now the economy is bad but people want a form of escape. It’s not reality, but one day it will be again in my positive opinion. The film’s going to be uplifting.
Name: Linette Occupation: Sales associate Age: 22 Spotted getting her shop on at: Lucky Brand Jeans Are you planning on seeing Confessions of a Shopaholic? Not in theaters. Why or why not? It’s one of those movies if I caught on TV I’d think, “Oh, let me watch it.” Does the economy influence your answer? No, I wouldn’t say the economy has to do with it. Gran Torino was awesome, Slumdog Millionare was dope. I only will see a movie if I know it’s gonna be awesome or if it’s a good director.