Director John Woo is coming out against criticism for the dismal showing for part 1 of his latest film, "The Crossing". Woo says that audiences "now prefer to watch comedies" and "their impatience has resulted in the failure of many good art films". [Photo/Agencies]

Director John Woo is coming out against criticism for the dismal showing for part 1 of his latest film, "The Crossing".

Since its December 2 premiere, the star-studded film has earned about $18 million. "The Crossing" cost around $48 million?and took four years to make.

In contrast, the upcoming Chinese film, "Gone With the Bullets", has earned over $20 million in pre-sale tickets alone before the film was pushed back from also opening on December 2 to this coming Friday.

Woo says "The Crossing" is receiving a lukewarm reception because the film wasn't adequately promoted and its release date was "inappropriate".

The director also came out against the viewing public. Woo says that audiences "now prefer to watch comedies" and "their impatience has resulted in the failure of many good art films".

Woo added that he will not change his directing style to cater to the mass market.

Related:

The Crossing premieres in Taipei

Woo brings sinking of Taiping to screen

John Woo's 'The Crossing' heads Singapore Festival lineup