Local title The Alzheimer Case (De Zaak Alzheimer) saw a massive response in Belgium over its five-day opening for Kinepolis Film Distribution/RCV.

Selling nearly 60,000 tickets from its 34 screens the psychological thriller took $348,074 (Euros 299,344) over the five-day weekend (Oct 15-19) and $387,286 (Euros 333,066) including previews.

By the close of its first week The Alzheimer Case is expected to have sold more tickets than any other local film released in the last 12 months totalled.

Erik Van Looy's film, which stars Jan Decleir, follows an elderly hitman suffering the first signs of Alzheimer's who realises he is being used in a political power struggle.

The Alzheimer Case received the audience award at this year's 30th Flanders International Film Festival, which it opened.