Sophie Turner is stacking up her work schedule!
The 27-year-old actress has been cast in the lead role for an upcoming psychological thriller titled Trust, THR reveals.
Saw franchise production company Twisted Pictures is producing, with Republic Pictures acquiring worldwide rights.
Keep reading to find out more…
Carlson Young, whose latest movie Upgraded just premiered on Prime Video, will serve as director.
While plot details are being kept under wraps, Gigi Levangie penned the script.
This is Sophie‘s second movie casting in less than a week.
Last Friday (February 9), it was announced that Sophie will reunite with her Game of Thrones co-star Kit Harington for a new horror film. Get the scoop!
Also coming up on Sophie‘s slate is the limited series Joan, which will air on ITV in the UK and on The CW in the US. Find out more and see a first look here!
Icymi:...
The 27-year-old actress has been cast in the lead role for an upcoming psychological thriller titled Trust, THR reveals.
Saw franchise production company Twisted Pictures is producing, with Republic Pictures acquiring worldwide rights.
Keep reading to find out more…
Carlson Young, whose latest movie Upgraded just premiered on Prime Video, will serve as director.
While plot details are being kept under wraps, Gigi Levangie penned the script.
This is Sophie‘s second movie casting in less than a week.
Last Friday (February 9), it was announced that Sophie will reunite with her Game of Thrones co-star Kit Harington for a new horror film. Get the scoop!
Also coming up on Sophie‘s slate is the limited series Joan, which will air on ITV in the UK and on The CW in the US. Find out more and see a first look here!
Icymi:...
- 2/14/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
In addition to gothic horror movie The Dreadful, announced earlier this week, Sophie Turner (“Game of Thrones”) has also been set to star in the thriller Trust, THR reports today.
The film is described as a psychological thriller, and The Hollywood Reporter notes that it comes courtesy of “director Carlson Young (Upgraded) and Saw outfit Twisted Pictures.”
“Republic Pictures has acquired the worldwide rights to the feature project, the first to be distributed under a multi-picture deal between Oren Koules’ Twisted Pictures and Republic.”
We have no plot details for Trust at this time. Stay tuned for more.
Gigi Levangie wrote the screenplay.
Twisted Pictures’s Dan Heffner and Ketura Kestin will executive produce with Lena Roklin of Luber Roklin Entertainment. Ethan Harari will co-produce.
The post ‘Trust’ – Sophie Turner Starring in Psychological Thriller from ‘Saw’ Franchise Producers appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
The film is described as a psychological thriller, and The Hollywood Reporter notes that it comes courtesy of “director Carlson Young (Upgraded) and Saw outfit Twisted Pictures.”
“Republic Pictures has acquired the worldwide rights to the feature project, the first to be distributed under a multi-picture deal between Oren Koules’ Twisted Pictures and Republic.”
We have no plot details for Trust at this time. Stay tuned for more.
Gigi Levangie wrote the screenplay.
Twisted Pictures’s Dan Heffner and Ketura Kestin will executive produce with Lena Roklin of Luber Roklin Entertainment. Ethan Harari will co-produce.
The post ‘Trust’ – Sophie Turner Starring in Psychological Thriller from ‘Saw’ Franchise Producers appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
- 2/14/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
This week The Perfect Murder examines the apparent suicide of actress and director Adrienne Shelly that turned out to be murder. Shelly had various acting roles in independent movies like The Unbelievable Truth and Trust, before going on to win various post-humous awards for the film Waitress in 2007. She was married to Andy Ostroy and had a daughter with him, who was two at the time of her death. On November 1, 2006, Shelly was found hanging in the West Village apartment she used as an office. She was hanging over the bath with a bed sheet tied around...read more...
- 6/21/2017
- by James Wray
- Monsters and Critics
Back in 2004, Hal Hartley directed “The Girl from Monday” and tried to launch a website where viewers could watch the film. Since the average internet speed back then was 34 Kbps — about 165 times slower than today’s 5.6 Mbps — that didn’t work so well. “The technology was still a little sticky,” Hartley said. “We ended up distributing it in a more traditional way, where I would travel all over the place with the film and do Q&As.”
With films like “Trust,” “Amateur,” and “Henry Fool,” Hartley’s movies have never been about the money — but he’s always had his eye on the bottom line. He owns 50% of every film he’s made, and constantly seeks to capitalize on technology as a way to achieve independence and financial sustainability.
Read More: Why the ‘Swiss Army Man’ Directors Backed the Psychedelic Comedy-Musical ‘Snowy Bing Bongs’
With Kickstarter, he raised more than $56,000 on DVD presales for his 2011 film, “Meanwhile,” and then raised a production budget of nearly $400,000 from 1,789 backers for his 2014 film, “Ned Rifle.” “‘Ned Rifle’ became my most successful movie to date, and I didn’t need to share that money,” he said. “It all came directly to me and the crew.”
Read More: How a Chance Encounter With Terrence Malick Turned Trey Edward Shults Into a Filmmaker
“Ned Rifle” was the final installment of the Grim family trilogy, one that included “Henry Fool” in 1997 and “Fay Grim” in 2006. The Kickstarter process taught Hartley that he had loyal fans in places like Japan, Australia, Europe, and Taiwan who were invested in his work. Now he’s testing that direct connection with Kickstarter to pre-sell a Grim family box set, complete with subtitles.
“I’m going to do the box set, no matter what,” said Hartley. “I really do want to make this approach to distributing my own film viable on its own. That’s why I’m gambling with this. My gambit here is the subtitling. That’s what is expensive about the undertaking, and why I’m going after $100,000. Four foreign languages translated accurately and sensitively, and then the authoring of that onto the DVD — it gets expensive. I’m just hoping the expense is worth it because it will help films contribute a wider audience around the world.”
See MoreHal Hartley’s Grim Family: An Oral History From ‘Henry Fool’ to ‘Ned Rifle’
Hartley says he’s talked with Atom Egoyan (“Sweet Hereafter,” “Exotica”) about the value of owning their work, since handling the various aspects of the business requires a full-time staff. Sustaining that support requires more work, and Hartley feels fortunate that the world of television has begun opening to him.
“Since I came back to America in 2009, I’ve worked for five years to get people interested in my TV projects – because I’ve been interested in episodic television for a long time,” he saidy. “I was also open to just being a director for hire. I saw a lot of half-hour comedy shows that were well written and said, ‘I can see myself directing that.'”
Read More: The 20 Best-Directed TV Drama Series of the 21st Century, Ranked
The veteran filmmaker got his TV break when he ran into Gregory Jacobs, his former first assistant director who had gone on to work for Steven Soderbergh and got his own television show, “Red Oaks,” on Amazon. Jacobs invited Hartley to direct an episode in season one, then half of the second season (five episodes). Starting next week, he will share season-three directing duties with David Gordon Green and Amy Heckerling.
“On my films, I’m thinking on a hundred different levels at any moment,” said Hartley. “While coming in to direct ‘Red Oaks’ — which is a script I take to very easily, it’s the kind of comedy I know how to do — what they expect of me is just to give it some character, explain to the actors the things that might not be perfectly obvious, and make the day, get all the shots. So it’s nice. I come away from a day’s work feeling good, like I’m a good skilled laborer.”
And is Hartley any closer to getting his own TV show?
“I’m developing something with Amazon. They optioned at least the pilot of my [half hour comedy] show,” said Hartley. “It’s about nuns who make beer to support themselves and they’re social activists, so they are wanted by the cops.”
Hal Hartley’s new Henry Fool Trilogy boxed set is part of Kickstarter Gold, a new initiative bringing back some of the most inventive and successful creators in Kickstarter history. Now through July 31, over 65 exceptional artists, authors, designers, musicians and makers are back as they push ideas and rewards from their past projects in bold new directions. Head here to learn more, and here to browse all the live Kickstarter Gold projects.
Related stories'Wet Hot American Summer: Fantasy Camp' Is The Roleplaying Game of Your Wet Hot DreamsNeil Patrick Harris Urges Jim Henson Fans to Support Kickstarter Campaign for New Exhibition'Hook' Prequel About Rufio Imagined as 'Moonlight' Meets 'Jurassic Park'...
With films like “Trust,” “Amateur,” and “Henry Fool,” Hartley’s movies have never been about the money — but he’s always had his eye on the bottom line. He owns 50% of every film he’s made, and constantly seeks to capitalize on technology as a way to achieve independence and financial sustainability.
Read More: Why the ‘Swiss Army Man’ Directors Backed the Psychedelic Comedy-Musical ‘Snowy Bing Bongs’
With Kickstarter, he raised more than $56,000 on DVD presales for his 2011 film, “Meanwhile,” and then raised a production budget of nearly $400,000 from 1,789 backers for his 2014 film, “Ned Rifle.” “‘Ned Rifle’ became my most successful movie to date, and I didn’t need to share that money,” he said. “It all came directly to me and the crew.”
Read More: How a Chance Encounter With Terrence Malick Turned Trey Edward Shults Into a Filmmaker
“Ned Rifle” was the final installment of the Grim family trilogy, one that included “Henry Fool” in 1997 and “Fay Grim” in 2006. The Kickstarter process taught Hartley that he had loyal fans in places like Japan, Australia, Europe, and Taiwan who were invested in his work. Now he’s testing that direct connection with Kickstarter to pre-sell a Grim family box set, complete with subtitles.
“I’m going to do the box set, no matter what,” said Hartley. “I really do want to make this approach to distributing my own film viable on its own. That’s why I’m gambling with this. My gambit here is the subtitling. That’s what is expensive about the undertaking, and why I’m going after $100,000. Four foreign languages translated accurately and sensitively, and then the authoring of that onto the DVD — it gets expensive. I’m just hoping the expense is worth it because it will help films contribute a wider audience around the world.”
See MoreHal Hartley’s Grim Family: An Oral History From ‘Henry Fool’ to ‘Ned Rifle’
Hartley says he’s talked with Atom Egoyan (“Sweet Hereafter,” “Exotica”) about the value of owning their work, since handling the various aspects of the business requires a full-time staff. Sustaining that support requires more work, and Hartley feels fortunate that the world of television has begun opening to him.
“Since I came back to America in 2009, I’ve worked for five years to get people interested in my TV projects – because I’ve been interested in episodic television for a long time,” he saidy. “I was also open to just being a director for hire. I saw a lot of half-hour comedy shows that were well written and said, ‘I can see myself directing that.'”
Read More: The 20 Best-Directed TV Drama Series of the 21st Century, Ranked
The veteran filmmaker got his TV break when he ran into Gregory Jacobs, his former first assistant director who had gone on to work for Steven Soderbergh and got his own television show, “Red Oaks,” on Amazon. Jacobs invited Hartley to direct an episode in season one, then half of the second season (five episodes). Starting next week, he will share season-three directing duties with David Gordon Green and Amy Heckerling.
“On my films, I’m thinking on a hundred different levels at any moment,” said Hartley. “While coming in to direct ‘Red Oaks’ — which is a script I take to very easily, it’s the kind of comedy I know how to do — what they expect of me is just to give it some character, explain to the actors the things that might not be perfectly obvious, and make the day, get all the shots. So it’s nice. I come away from a day’s work feeling good, like I’m a good skilled laborer.”
And is Hartley any closer to getting his own TV show?
“I’m developing something with Amazon. They optioned at least the pilot of my [half hour comedy] show,” said Hartley. “It’s about nuns who make beer to support themselves and they’re social activists, so they are wanted by the cops.”
Hal Hartley’s new Henry Fool Trilogy boxed set is part of Kickstarter Gold, a new initiative bringing back some of the most inventive and successful creators in Kickstarter history. Now through July 31, over 65 exceptional artists, authors, designers, musicians and makers are back as they push ideas and rewards from their past projects in bold new directions. Head here to learn more, and here to browse all the live Kickstarter Gold projects.
Related stories'Wet Hot American Summer: Fantasy Camp' Is The Roleplaying Game of Your Wet Hot DreamsNeil Patrick Harris Urges Jim Henson Fans to Support Kickstarter Campaign for New Exhibition'Hook' Prequel About Rufio Imagined as 'Moonlight' Meets 'Jurassic Park'...
- 6/21/2017
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
ER alum Anthony Edwards will be casting judgment in Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders.
VideosNBC Trailers: Our Knee-Jerk Reactions to Law & Order True Crime, Rise From Jason Katims and More New Shows
The actor will star in the first installment of producer Dick Wolf’s anthology series as Los Angeles judge Stanley Weisberg, who oversaw the murder trial of brothers Lyle (Miles Gaston Villanueva) and Erik Menendez (Gus Halper), our sister site Deadline reports. The show’s cast also includes Edie Falco (The Sopranos) as defense attorney Leslie Abramson.
Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders premieres this fall on NBC.
VideosNBC Trailers: Our Knee-Jerk Reactions to Law & Order True Crime, Rise From Jason Katims and More New Shows
The actor will star in the first installment of producer Dick Wolf’s anthology series as Los Angeles judge Stanley Weisberg, who oversaw the murder trial of brothers Lyle (Miles Gaston Villanueva) and Erik Menendez (Gus Halper), our sister site Deadline reports. The show’s cast also includes Edie Falco (The Sopranos) as defense attorney Leslie Abramson.
Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders premieres this fall on NBC.
- 6/2/2017
- TVLine.com
Every week, IndieWire asks a select handful of TV critics two questions and publishes the results on Tuesday. (The answer to the second, “What is the best show currently on TV?” can be found at the end of this post.)
This week’s question: In light of the recent “Roseanne” revival news, which sitcom would you like to see a revival of? (Let’s assume this is feasible from a network, talent, production, etc. standpoint.)
Liz Shannon Miller (@lizlet), IndieWire
So many great sitcoms are personality driven, which makes it hard to remember great premises worth reviving. (And also, when I think about some of my ‘90s favorites, like “Step by Step” or “Friends,” it’s like… Oh, maybe there’s nothing new under the sun.)
But, beyond my eternal wish that someone would remake “Almost Human” as an adorable rom-com about Karl Urban and Robot Michael Ealy falling in...
This week’s question: In light of the recent “Roseanne” revival news, which sitcom would you like to see a revival of? (Let’s assume this is feasible from a network, talent, production, etc. standpoint.)
Liz Shannon Miller (@lizlet), IndieWire
So many great sitcoms are personality driven, which makes it hard to remember great premises worth reviving. (And also, when I think about some of my ‘90s favorites, like “Step by Step” or “Friends,” it’s like… Oh, maybe there’s nothing new under the sun.)
But, beyond my eternal wish that someone would remake “Almost Human” as an adorable rom-com about Karl Urban and Robot Michael Ealy falling in...
- 5/2/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
After starring in director Hal Hartley's hits such as The Unbelievable Truth and Trust in the early '90s, Adrienne Shelly became known as the original indie queen and gained a huge fan following. Driven to do even more in the film world, she began writing her own screenplays and directing her own movies, including Waitress, which became a hit 2007 movie and is now a smash musical on Broadway - nominated for four Tony Awards. Even though Shelly was happily married to marketing company owner Andy Ostroy, 56, and had a daughter she adored, Sophie, now 12, the film and the...
- 5/7/2016
- by K.C. Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
After starring in director Hal Hartley's hits such as The Unbelievable Truth and Trust in the early '90s, Adrienne Shelly became known as the original indie queen and gained a huge fan following. Driven to do even more in the film world, she began writing her own screenplays and directing her own movies, including Waitress, which became a hit 2007 movie and is now a smash musical on Broadway - nominated for four Tony Awards. Even though Shelly was happily married to marketing company owner Andy Ostroy, 56, and had a daughter she adored, Sophie, now 12, the film and the...
- 5/7/2016
- by K.C. Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
Amazon’s new comedy Red Oaks is so likable, I wish I liked it more. Overseen by filmmaker David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express), with episodes directed by Amy Heckerling (Fast Times at Ridgemont High), Hal Hartley (Trust), and Gregory Jacobs (Magic Mike Xxl), it's about an incoming college sophomore named David (Craig Roberts of Submarine) who spends the summer of 1985 working as an assistant tennis pro at Red Oaks, a New Jersey country club with a mostly Jewish clientele. Like the main character of another current '80s comedy, ABC's The Goldbergs, David wants to be a filmmaker, an ambition that contradicts the wishes of his father, Sam (Richard Kind), who suffers a (thankfully not too severe) heart attack in the pilot's first scene and spends the rest of the series recovering. "There are a lot of wealthy people who are gonna remember you down the road when they pay...
- 10/8/2015
- by Matt Zoller Seitz
- Vulture
"The Eighties were good to me," says Jennifer Grey, and considering she's best known for having the time of her life with Patrick Swayze in 1987's Dirty Dancing, that would make sense. "You know those people who rock that hairdo from the moment they got laid the most in their life? The Eighties are a bit like that for me."
Grey, who also appeared in Red Dawn and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, isn't quite ready to leave the age of Rubik's cubes and Max Headroom behind — she currently appears as...
Grey, who also appeared in Red Dawn and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, isn't quite ready to leave the age of Rubik's cubes and Max Headroom behind — she currently appears as...
- 10/6/2015
- Rollingstone.com
This is a reprint of our review from the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. By this point, you're either a Hal Hartley devotee, or you're not. The fiercely independent filmmaker established his unique voice on films like "Trust," "Flirt," and "The Unbelievable Truth," and forged an offbeat indie genre unto himself (though it’s never been in vogue). And for most of his career, Hartley’s stayed far away from the studio system (2001's underrated "No Such Thing" being an exception). In 1997, the filmmaker arguably reached the peak of his critical acclaim with "Henry Fool," walking away from the Cannes Film Festival with a Best Screenplay award. It was perhaps the sharpest, most hilarious representation of the filmmaker's distinctly offbeat aesthetics — his deadpan tone, the arch theatrically heightened mise en scene — and he wasn't done with those characters and that world. Nine years later he returned with the sequel, "Fay...
- 3/31/2015
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
It started with the Cannes Screenplay prize winning "Henry Fool" in 1997, continued with "Fay Grim" in 2006, and now the story wraps up with "Ned Rifle." Hal Hartley's trilogy that started with a garbageman turned novelist, inspired to greatness by his friend Henry whose ego was bigger than his talent, features all of his trademark wit, dry humor and distinct tone. And just as the film heads into limited release, the director's works — which include "Trust," "Surviving Desire," and "The Book Of Life" — are getting a retrospective courtesy of Cinefamily in Los Angeles. "Hal Hartley's name is synonymous with 'independent filmmaking' since the golden age of Sundance. He's been writing, directing, producing his own films his own way — even playing the music or marketing them himself. It's been too long since he's been to Los Angeles, and with his newest 'Ned Rifle' — the completion of the trilogy that started with 'Henry.
- 3/30/2015
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
"Dad, give me five dollars." The opening line of writer/director Hal Hartley's "Trust" is delivered in a monotone by Adrienne Shelly, as she applies purple lipstick and stares blankly into a compact mirror. It's a striking shot that establishes everything you need to know about her character Maria -- a high school dropout and case study in youthful entitlement and vanity. Over a career spanning three decades Hartley has been an amazingly prolific filmmaker, directing a total of 15 features and 18 shorts. Unlike many of his late '80s/early '90s indie contemporaries (Quentin Tarantino, Gus Van Sant, Richard Linklater, et al), he has never catered to mainstream tastes, and his work has been greeted by the public in kind. He is known for creating stylized worlds that feel somehow hermetic and worldly, stilted and soulful, in films ranging from 1992's "Simple Men" to 1997's "Henry Fool," and...
- 3/17/2015
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
By this point, you're either a Hal Hartley devotee, or you're not. The fiercely independent filmmaker established his unique voice on films like "Trust," "Flirt," and "The Unbelievable Truth," and forged an offbeat indie genre unto himself (though it’s never been in vogue). And for most of his career, Hartley’s stayed far away from the studio system (2001's underrated "No Such Thing" being an exception). In 1997, the filmmaker arguably reached the peak of his critical acclaim with "Henry Fool," walking away from the Cannes Film Festival with a Best Screenplay award. It was perhaps the sharpest, most hilarious representation of the filmmaker's distinctly offbeat aesthetics—his deadpan tone, the arch theatrically heightened mise en scene—and he wasn't done with those characters and that world. Nine years later he returned with the sequel "Fay Grim," a far less successful effort (though one that's actually underrated). And eight...
- 9/13/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
The Toronto International Film Festival today announced an early selection of galas and premieres for this September’s instalment. Among the most exciting world premieres is that of Hal Hartley’s Ned Rifle. Hartley’s feature career first kicked off with The Unbelievable Truth debuting at Tiff in 1989, and such great films as Trust, Simple Men and Amateur followed from there.
Funded through Kickstarter, Ned Rifle is the final part of a trilogy inadvertently started with Henry Fool in 1997 and then continued with Fay Grim in 2006. Liam Aiken, who was a child when he appeared in Henry Fool, takes the lead role this time round, with fellow trilogy stars Parker Posey, Thomas Jay Ryan and James Urbaniak all returning. Hartley regulars Martin Donovan, Bill Sage, Karen Sillas and Robert John Burke also appear, while Aubrey Plaza joins the Hartley company in what looks to be a very prominent role.
Ahead...
Funded through Kickstarter, Ned Rifle is the final part of a trilogy inadvertently started with Henry Fool in 1997 and then continued with Fay Grim in 2006. Liam Aiken, who was a child when he appeared in Henry Fool, takes the lead role this time round, with fellow trilogy stars Parker Posey, Thomas Jay Ryan and James Urbaniak all returning. Hartley regulars Martin Donovan, Bill Sage, Karen Sillas and Robert John Burke also appear, while Aubrey Plaza joins the Hartley company in what looks to be a very prominent role.
Ahead...
- 7/22/2014
- by Josh Slater-Williams
- SoundOnSight
Matthew Garrett's Morris County anthology will be available on March 18th via the Unearthed Films Online DVD Shop, and also members of the Beneath the Underground Facebook page will have an opportunity to purchase a "Bootleg Edition" DVD of the film. Here are some stills, the trailer, and more details.
From the Press Release:
Award-winning writer/director Matthew Garrett (Beating Hearts) presents a trilogy of thematically connected stories as gruesome as they are tragic and heartfelt.
- Darcy Miller is "Ellie," a damaged teenage girl harboring a terrible secret. Through the course of one traumatic day, we learn what led this innocent girl down a path of self-destruction from which there is no return.
- In "The Family Rubin," an upper middle-class Jewish family struggles to keep up appearances as their seemingly perfect life begins to crack at the seams. Albie Selznick (Ricochet, "The Young & The Restless") leads an...
From the Press Release:
Award-winning writer/director Matthew Garrett (Beating Hearts) presents a trilogy of thematically connected stories as gruesome as they are tragic and heartfelt.
- Darcy Miller is "Ellie," a damaged teenage girl harboring a terrible secret. Through the course of one traumatic day, we learn what led this innocent girl down a path of self-destruction from which there is no return.
- In "The Family Rubin," an upper middle-class Jewish family struggles to keep up appearances as their seemingly perfect life begins to crack at the seams. Albie Selznick (Ricochet, "The Young & The Restless") leads an...
- 2/24/2014
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
To any filmmakers looking to get a wider audience for their most recent project, Viewster may have just the thing for you. The VOD service launched its inaugural Viewster Online Fim Festival (#Voff) in December, and today is the final day for submissions. This edition is entitled "When Life Gives You Lemons...," and it asks for dark comedy features and series in English or with English subtitles. The festival will provide filmmakers and producers the chance to show their film to a new audience and win prizes: $70,000 for first prize, $20,000 for second, and $10,000 for third. Millions of Viewster voters will vote to create a shortlist, from which an expert jury will select the winners. Ted Hope, producer of landmark films such a "Trust," "Safe," "The Ice Storm," "Happiness," and "Martha Marcy May Marlene" will lead the jury, which will announce the winners on April 1. For information on how to sign up,...
- 2/20/2014
- by Max O'Connell
- Indiewire
Morris County, the feature length anthology film directed by Matthew Garrett is not easy to categorize - and that is one of its strengths. It's a drama - but the stories venture into such dark, bitter, raw, and rattling territory, the film is custom built more for horror fans than fans of conventional dramas. At the same time, horror fans who gravitate toward a typical mainstream flavor of the genre may find Morris County a little too daring, somber, and unflinching for their tastes. What I admire most about the film is that it refuses to use the cookie cutter. Instead, writer/director Garrett let the film evolve into its own unique beast - and for that, at the very least, Morris County deserves your attention.
Given the nonconforming nature of this film, it's easy to see why finding appropriate distribution for Morris County (which has been complete for some...
Given the nonconforming nature of this film, it's easy to see why finding appropriate distribution for Morris County (which has been complete for some...
- 2/14/2014
- by Eric Stanze
- FEARnet
We know by now that celebrity directors such as Spike Lee use Kickstarter, as do independent filmmakers with no credits or connections. But, what about the independent director who has a big fan base and a respectable track record of making low-budget films with top talent? In the case of Hal Hartley, crowdfunding has freed him from the constraints of fundraising in the traditional route via pre-sales and producing partners. The director of quirky 90s films such as "The Unbelievable Truth," "Simple Men" and Trust," who was responsible for advancing the careers of Parker Posey, Edie Falco, and Martin Donovan, found that he didn't quite fit into any category -- he wasn't as dark and edgy as most indies and yet his films don't have blockbuster potential. "Well, I'm not the most popular filmmaker in the world. But I’m not difficult and obscure either. I like a good laugh,...
- 11/7/2013
- by Paula Bernstein
- Indiewire
Hal Hartley wants to finish a trilogy. And so he has turned to Kickstarter for his latest project "Ned Rifle," a third and final chapter to conclude the stories told in "Henry Fool" (1997) and "Fay Grim" (2006). Original cast members Parker Posey, James Urbaniak and Liam Aiken are onboard to star. This is Hartley's second go-round with Kickstarter, which has been highly successful for celebrity filmmakers with a vision. In 2011, he launched a campaign for "Meanwhile" and exceeded his goal of $40,000. But with a goal of $384,000, stakes are higher for "Ned Rifle." An indie darling since his debut feature "The Unbelievable Truth" competed for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance in 1989, Hartley and his idiosyncratic dramedies--such as the wonderful "Trust" (1991) starring late muse Adrienne Shelly--have long been absent from the screen. "Well, I'm not the most popular filmmaker in the world," Hartley writes on his Kickstarter page. "But I'm not difficult and obscure.
- 11/5/2013
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
Cinema is a kind of uber-art form that’s made up of a multitude of other forms of art including writing, directing, acting, drawing, design, photography and fashion. As such, film is, as all cinema aficionados know, a highly collaborative venture.
One of the most consistently fascinating collaborations in cinema is that of the director and actor.
This article will examine some of the great director & actor teams. It’s important to note that this piece is not intended as a film history survey detailing all the generally revered collaborations.
There is a wealth of information and study available on such duos as John Ford & John Wayne, Howard Hawks & John Wayne, Elia Kazan & Marlon Brando, Akira Kurosawa & Toshiro Mifune, Alfred Hitchcock & James Stewart, Ingmar Bergman & Max Von Sydow, Federico Fellini & Giulietta Masina/Marcello Mastroianni, Billy Wilder & Jack Lemmon, Francis Ford Coppola & Al Pacino, Woody Allen & Diane Keaton, Martin Scorsese & Robert DeNiro...
One of the most consistently fascinating collaborations in cinema is that of the director and actor.
This article will examine some of the great director & actor teams. It’s important to note that this piece is not intended as a film history survey detailing all the generally revered collaborations.
There is a wealth of information and study available on such duos as John Ford & John Wayne, Howard Hawks & John Wayne, Elia Kazan & Marlon Brando, Akira Kurosawa & Toshiro Mifune, Alfred Hitchcock & James Stewart, Ingmar Bergman & Max Von Sydow, Federico Fellini & Giulietta Masina/Marcello Mastroianni, Billy Wilder & Jack Lemmon, Francis Ford Coppola & Al Pacino, Woody Allen & Diane Keaton, Martin Scorsese & Robert DeNiro...
- 7/11/2013
- by Terek Puckett
- SoundOnSight
★★★★☆ The Unbelievable Truth (1989) is one of those débuts which arrived fully formed, with its own distinctive voice. Hal Hartley had recently graduated from the revered Suny at Purchase where he had already developed his unique style through several shorts. By the time he came to making his first feature, Hartley said he had more experience than he had resources, so it's no surprise that The Unbelievable Truth is as creatively accomplished as it is; a precocious soap opera with lashings of irony and self-reflexive dialogue, it announced the arrival of a major new voice in independent American cinema.
The film opens with mechanic Josh (Robert John Burke, who went on to a career almost exclusively playing soldiers and police officers), recently released from prison, hitchhiking back home. Permanently dressed in black (an excellent running gag involves him being constantly asked if he's a priest), he is shunned by many in...
The film opens with mechanic Josh (Robert John Burke, who went on to a career almost exclusively playing soldiers and police officers), recently released from prison, hitchhiking back home. Permanently dressed in black (an excellent running gag involves him being constantly asked if he's a priest), he is shunned by many in...
- 5/28/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Hal Hartley is one of the true originals of modern cinema. A consummate stylist, his work is erudite and eccentric, defiant in its singularity. After making first film The Unbelievable Truth (1989) for just $75,000, Hartley went on to quietly change the face of independent American cinema with his deadpan dialogue, brimming with arch and often philosophical insights on relationships. Over his first few films, Hartley also developed a sophisticated aesthetic to compliment his sharp writing. Over the next few months, Artificial Eye will release The Unbelievable Truth, Simple Men (1992) and Amateur (1994) for the first time on Blu-ray. CineVue's Craig Williams asked Hartley about youth, the Weinsteins and Alan Rudolph.
Craig Williams: What are your feelings about The Unbelievable Truth and Amateur looking back on them now?
Hal Hartley: Though I'm not terribly aged, I am older and I have been doing this for a long time so when I...
Craig Williams: What are your feelings about The Unbelievable Truth and Amateur looking back on them now?
Hal Hartley: Though I'm not terribly aged, I am older and I have been doing this for a long time so when I...
- 5/14/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Columns Festival Roundup San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay, Los Angeles International Lesbian and Gay, Locarno, Montreal World Film Festival by Judith Halberstam, Diane Sippl and Scott Macaulay Production Update by Mary Glucksman Imho Mikki Halpin and Eric Saks on multimedia’s new players Short Ends Features In Images We Trust Hal Hartley chats with Jean-Luc Godard Net Profit Doug Block catches Hoop Dreams The State Of Things (Part One) Mary Glucksman on the smaller independent distributors Likes And Dislikes Charlotte Macleod follows Darnell Martin’s I Like it Like That Breaking And Entering Diane Sippl talks to Charles Burnett about The …...
- 3/2/2013
- by t.k.
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
This article is dedicated to Andrew Copp: filmmaker, film writer, artist and close friend who passed away on January 19, 2013. You are loved and missed, brother.
****
Looking at the Best Actor Academy Award nominations for the film year 2012, the one miss that clearly cries out for more attention is Liam Neeson’s powerful performance in Joe Carnahan’s excellent survival film The Grey, easily one of the best roles of Neeson’s career.
In Neeson’s case, his lack of a nomination was a case of neglect similar to the Albert Brooks snub in the Best Supporting Actor category for the film year 2011 for Drive(Nicolas Winding Refn, USA).
Along with negligence, other factors commonly prevent outstanding lead acting performances from getting the kind of critical attention they deserve. Sometimes it’s that the performance is in a film not considered “Oscar material” or even worthy of any substantial critical attention.
****
Looking at the Best Actor Academy Award nominations for the film year 2012, the one miss that clearly cries out for more attention is Liam Neeson’s powerful performance in Joe Carnahan’s excellent survival film The Grey, easily one of the best roles of Neeson’s career.
In Neeson’s case, his lack of a nomination was a case of neglect similar to the Albert Brooks snub in the Best Supporting Actor category for the film year 2011 for Drive(Nicolas Winding Refn, USA).
Along with negligence, other factors commonly prevent outstanding lead acting performances from getting the kind of critical attention they deserve. Sometimes it’s that the performance is in a film not considered “Oscar material” or even worthy of any substantial critical attention.
- 2/27/2013
- by Terek Puckett
- SoundOnSight
DVD Release Date: March 5, 2013
Price: DVD $19.98
Studio: Entertainment One
Who's zoomin' who?: Martin Donovan (l.) and David Morse star in Collaborator.
Iconic indie actor turned formidable mainstream presence Martin Donovan (Trust) makes his feature film directorial and screenwriting debut with the 2011 independent drama-thriller Collaborator. He also co-stars in the film, which contains its share of laughs.
Robert Longfellow (Donovan) is a famous playwright who can’t seem to catch a break, his recent Broadway play having met with horrible reviews and an early cancellation, and his marriage being tested by the re-appearance of an old flame (Olivia Williams, The Ghost Writer). Retreating back to his childhood home to visit his mother (Katherine Helmond, Brazil), Robert crosses paths with his childhood neighbor, Gus (David Morse, TV’s Treme). A right-wing, ex-con who still lives at home with his mother, Gus is Robert’s polar opposite in every possible way. When...
Price: DVD $19.98
Studio: Entertainment One
Who's zoomin' who?: Martin Donovan (l.) and David Morse star in Collaborator.
Iconic indie actor turned formidable mainstream presence Martin Donovan (Trust) makes his feature film directorial and screenwriting debut with the 2011 independent drama-thriller Collaborator. He also co-stars in the film, which contains its share of laughs.
Robert Longfellow (Donovan) is a famous playwright who can’t seem to catch a break, his recent Broadway play having met with horrible reviews and an early cancellation, and his marriage being tested by the re-appearance of an old flame (Olivia Williams, The Ghost Writer). Retreating back to his childhood home to visit his mother (Katherine Helmond, Brazil), Robert crosses paths with his childhood neighbor, Gus (David Morse, TV’s Treme). A right-wing, ex-con who still lives at home with his mother, Gus is Robert’s polar opposite in every possible way. When...
- 2/14/2013
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Ben Affleck's "Argo" continues its ascendance to Oscar glory. Adding to its treasure-trove of trophies was the big win at the Dorian Awards given by the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association (Galeca).
In the acting categories, Daniel Day-Lewis won Film Performance of the Year -- Actor for "Lincoln" and Anne Hathaway was given the Female Performance of the Year award for her memorable performance as Fantine in Tom Hooper's "Les Miserables."
The complete list of Dorian Award winners is below. A celebratory toast will be held Sunday, February 17 in Los Angeles.
For more information, please visit: galeca.com and https://www.facebook.com/galecadorianawards
Here are the winners (in bold); for winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, click here:
Film Of The Year
*** Argo (Warner Bros.)
Beasts of the Southern Wild (Fox Searchlight)
Keep the Lights On (Music Box)
Les Miserables (Universal)
Lincoln (DreamWorks/Touchstone)
Moonrise Kingdom...
In the acting categories, Daniel Day-Lewis won Film Performance of the Year -- Actor for "Lincoln" and Anne Hathaway was given the Female Performance of the Year award for her memorable performance as Fantine in Tom Hooper's "Les Miserables."
The complete list of Dorian Award winners is below. A celebratory toast will be held Sunday, February 17 in Los Angeles.
For more information, please visit: galeca.com and https://www.facebook.com/galecadorianawards
Here are the winners (in bold); for winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, click here:
Film Of The Year
*** Argo (Warner Bros.)
Beasts of the Southern Wild (Fox Searchlight)
Keep the Lights On (Music Box)
Les Miserables (Universal)
Lincoln (DreamWorks/Touchstone)
Moonrise Kingdom...
- 1/17/2013
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association (Galeca), of which I'm a proud voting member, have announced the Dorian Award nominees for 2012's best in film and television across 20 categories.
In the film category, "Argo," "Beasts of the Southern Wild," "Keep the Lights On," "Les Miserables," "Lincoln," and "Moonrise Kingdom" are competing for the Best Picture title.
Winners of the Dorian Awards will be announced on Wednesday, January 16.
Here are the nominees; for winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, click here:
Film Of The Year
Argo (Warner Bros.)
Beasts of the Southern Wild (Fox Searchlight)
Keep the Lights On (Music Box)
Les Miserables (Universal)
Lincoln (DreamWorks/Touchstone)
Moonrise Kingdom (Focus)
Film Performance Of The Year - Actor
Alan Cumming / Any Day Now (Music Box)
Bradley Cooper / Silver Linings Playbook (Weinstein)
Daniel Day-Lewis / Lincoln (DreamWorks/Touchstone)
Hugh Jackman / Les Miserables (Universal)
Joaquin Phoenix / The Master (Weinstein)
John Hawkes / The Sessions (Fox...
In the film category, "Argo," "Beasts of the Southern Wild," "Keep the Lights On," "Les Miserables," "Lincoln," and "Moonrise Kingdom" are competing for the Best Picture title.
Winners of the Dorian Awards will be announced on Wednesday, January 16.
Here are the nominees; for winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, click here:
Film Of The Year
Argo (Warner Bros.)
Beasts of the Southern Wild (Fox Searchlight)
Keep the Lights On (Music Box)
Les Miserables (Universal)
Lincoln (DreamWorks/Touchstone)
Moonrise Kingdom (Focus)
Film Performance Of The Year - Actor
Alan Cumming / Any Day Now (Music Box)
Bradley Cooper / Silver Linings Playbook (Weinstein)
Daniel Day-Lewis / Lincoln (DreamWorks/Touchstone)
Hugh Jackman / Les Miserables (Universal)
Joaquin Phoenix / The Master (Weinstein)
John Hawkes / The Sessions (Fox...
- 1/9/2013
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Today on Indie Beat, Rob got the chance to talk with Stelio Savante, about his current projects, his start in the wide world of film, and of course, what he plans on doing next. Come on inside to check out the full discussion.
Here at Cinelinx we like to talk about all aspects of filmmaking and movie news. To that end, we now have Indie Beat where we'll highlight some of the latest news, trailers, and PR releases from the indie filmmaker scene. So if you're an independent filmmaker and want some coverage on our site, be sure to drop us a line at jordan@cinelinx.com. Now onto the interview!
Rob: What motivated you to produce 110 Stories? How did that project begin?
Stelio: I’m not a producer by trade but I’d been a cast member of the play commemorating 9/11 almost annually in NY. Playing the Bolivar Arellano role opposite Susan Sarandon,...
Here at Cinelinx we like to talk about all aspects of filmmaking and movie news. To that end, we now have Indie Beat where we'll highlight some of the latest news, trailers, and PR releases from the indie filmmaker scene. So if you're an independent filmmaker and want some coverage on our site, be sure to drop us a line at jordan@cinelinx.com. Now onto the interview!
Rob: What motivated you to produce 110 Stories? How did that project begin?
Stelio: I’m not a producer by trade but I’d been a cast member of the play commemorating 9/11 almost annually in NY. Playing the Bolivar Arellano role opposite Susan Sarandon,...
- 12/26/2012
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Young)
- Cinelinx
Glad you asked. Now that the entire programming slate has been announced for the 2013 edition of the Sundance Film Festival, let’s take a look at the representation of Latinos in the broadest, most diverse sense, because that is what that ill-defined lump category encompasses. {Full disclosure: I work as a Programming Associate for the Festival. These are not reviews but an insider breaking-it-down preview}
At first glance the Latino representation may not seem obvious. Nor may it seem as strong as the films and filmmakers from the African-American and Lgbt community representing, or the record breaking number of female directors’ – each group highly visible by their nature. We may not have a Mosquita y Mari or Filly Brown, two fiction films, which broke out of the festival this past year, but we do have two hugely relevant and urgent documentaries, Narco Cultura which explores the phenomenal music and social culture being shaped and perpetuated by the influence of Mexico’s violent drug cartels, and Who Is Dayani Cristal? an innovative doc-fiction hybrid produced by Gael Garcia Bernal that will hopefully re-divert much needed attention back to the Us/Mexico border. By the way, Who is Dayani Cristal? screens in the high profile Day One slot.
What’s Latino anyway?
I personally embrace the responsibility of changing the conversation as to what constitutes representing American Latinos. First, by focusing on both the above-the- line-talent (filmmaker or actor) And storyline/subject. The second part is highlighting the second, third, fourth and so-on generations of filmmakers. What about the filmmakers in the festival like Kyle Patrick Alvarez (C.O.G), Liz W. Garcia (The Lifeguard) and Eduardo Sanchez (S-vhs horror anthology and co-director of the infamous Blair Witch Project)? I don’t know these filmmakers personally so I can’t speak to how they might view their cultural identities and how it informs their work, if at all. But I do believe it is worth pointing out and feeling good about these last names being out there as part of the mainstream fabric. It is similar to how Robert Rodriguez does not identify himself as a Mexican-American yet his last name has been key to driving the younger Latino generation in feeling a proud connection as an American and not just “dash” American.
Chile is still hot
There are three films from Chilean filmmakers. In unprecedented fashion – because that’s how Sundance likes to roll- there is a repeat of last year with two in competition, El Futuro by Alicia Scherson (mostly taking place in Italy) and Magic Fairy by Sebastian Silva, an alumnus who broke out in 2009 with La Nana. In the section Spotlight aka “Movies we love and don’t care if they’ve traveled the festival circuit”, is Pablo Larrain’s No starring Gael Garcia Bernal. Chilean cinema is hot and king of engrossing character-driven fare. What we are seeing is a boom on two fronts; an invigorating new generation of provocateurs (Marialy Rivas’s Young & Wild comes to mind) and a slightly older generation of equally exciting filmmakers who continue to sustain their careers with their distinct voice (like Pablo Larrain along with Andres Wood).
So now lets dive in and look at the list. Loglines copied from official press release – Bold Italics are my comments.
Us Dramatic Competition
Fruitvale / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Ryan Coogler) — The true story of Oscar, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family and strangers on the last day of 2008. Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Melonie Diaz, Ahna O’Reilly, Kevin Durand, Chad Michael Murray.
Puerto-Rican Diaz delivers a fiercely moving performance embodying the girlfriend of Oscar Grant who was with him that fateful day. Diaz is no stranger to the festival. She’s previously been at the festival with four films including seminal indie American Latino story, Raising Victor Vargas 2002 and comedies like Hamlet 2 20008. Why homegirl hasn’t gotten more props for her mad acting skills I don’t know, but this girl is wildly talented and Fruitvale showcases her dramatic chops.
Us Documentary Competition
Narco Cultura / U.S.A. (Director: Shaul Schwarz) — An examination of Mexican drug cartels’ influence in pop culture on both sides of the border as experienced by an La narcocorrido singer dreaming of stardom and a Juarez crime scene investigator on the front line of Mexico’s Drug War.
Absolutely arresting photography that works in giving weight to the violent images the public has become numb from seeing. I predict some of my hard core brown and proud friends might focus and hence diminish this film based on the fact that this bi-cultural, Mexican-American subject is made by non-Latino filmmakers. It could be argued as a valid point. When it comes to documentaries a legit question to make when evaluating is “What makes This person the right one to tackle This subject? What is their connection?” Let’s watch it to find out, then give consideration to what other docs are currently out there on this same timely topic made by Latinos, and without bias regard their depth and artistic merit.
World Cinema Dramatic Competition
Crystal Fairy / Chile (Director and screenwriter: Sebastián Silva) — Jamie invites a stranger to join a road trip to Chile. The woman’s free and esoteric nature clashes with Jamie’s acidic, self-absorbed personality as they head into the desert for a Mescaline-fueled psychedelic trip. Cast: Michael Cera, Gabby Hoffmann, Juan Andrés Silva, José Miguel Silva, Agustín Silva. World Premiere. Day One Film
This marks Sebastian’s third appearance at the festival following La Nana and Gatos Viejos. Remember what I said about character driven? Silva excels at getting at spilling out the insides of his protagonists.
The Future / Chile, Germany, Italy, Spain (Director and screenwriter: Alicia Scherson) — When their parents die, Bianca starts to smoke and Tomas is still a virgin. The orphans explore the dangerous streets of adulthood until Bianca finds Maciste, a retired Mr. Universe, and enters his dark mansion in search of a future. Cast: Manuela Martelli, Rutger Hauer, Luigi Ciardo, Nicolas Vaporidis, Alessandro Giallocosta. World Premiere
Scherson’s last film, Turistas screened at various film festivals including the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2009. Shot in another country and in a different language, The Future continues the filmmaker’s incisive capturing of the strong female led journey.
World Cinema Documentary Competition
Who is Dayani Cristal? / United Kingdom (Director: Marc Silver) — An anonymous body in the Arizona desert sparks the beginning of a real-life human drama. The search for its identity leads us across a continent to seek out the people left behind and the meaning of a mysterious tattoo. World Premiere. Day One Film
An extraordinary cinematic and symbolic approach to the border crossing genre, this meta reflexive journey retraced by none other than Gael Garcia Bernal imagines the grueling experience of a migrant and who he might have been. Bernal has been lending his star power to the social justice causes that move him and you can tell its genuine.
New Frontier
Halley / Mexico (Director: Sebastian Hofmann, Screenwriters: Sebastian Hofmann, Julio Chavezmontes) — Alberto is dead and can no longer hide it. Before surrendering to his living death, he forms an unusual friendship with Luly, the manager of the 24-hour gym where he works as a night guard. Cast: Alberto Trujillo, Lourdes Trueba, Hugo Albores
As unsettling it is watch, its as deep to ponder, this incredibly-shot first feature had its world premiere at the Morelia Film Festival and its inclusion in the most daring section of the festival speaks to the highly diverse and radical new cinema coming from Mexico.
Spotlight
No / Chile, U.S.A. (Director: Pablo Larraín, Screenwriter: Pedro Peirano) — When Chilean military dictator Augusto Pinochet calls for a referendum to decide his permanence in power, the opposition persuades a young advertising executive to head its campaign. With limited resources and under scrutiny, he conceives a plan to win the election. Cast: Gael García Bernal, Alfredo Castro, Antonia Zegers, Luis Gnecco, Marcial Tagle, Néstor Cantillana.
There have been many films about the Pinochet regime and its wide-reaching after effects. But none have had as unique an entry point as No. Trust.
Midnight
We Are What We Are / U.S.A. (Director: Jim Mickle, Screenwriters: Nick Damici, Jim Mickle) — A devastating storm washes up clues that lead authorities closer and closer to the cannibalistic Parker family. Cast: Bill Sage, Ambyr Childers, Julia Garner, Michael Parks, Wyatt Russell, Kelly McGillis.
Okay, I only include this because this is based on the Mexican cult hit, Somos Lo que Hay by Jorge Michel Grau. Jim Mickle of Stakeland has promised to “Not Fuck it Up per Twitch interview
To cap off the features; Stalwart Spanish actor Alfred Molina is in Emanuel and the Truth About Fishes by Francesca Gregorini in Us Dramatic Competition, and we have a strong acting splash by Marcus DeAnda, a co-lead in Pit Stop directed by Yen Tan and co-written by David Lowery. The film about two gay working class lovers in small town Texas is in the Next section.
And lets not forget about shorts!
Short Film Competition
Broken Night / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Guillermo Arriaga) — A young woman and her four-year-old daughter drive across desolated hills. Everything looks fine and they seem to enjoy the ride, until an accident sends them into the nightmare of darkness.
Ever since writing and directing team Arriga and Innaritu broke up (Amores Perros, Babel) Arriaga has been trying to make his stamp directing his own material.
The Companion / Peru (Director and screenwriter: Alvaro Delgado-Aparicio) — On the outskirts of Lima, a young prostitute tends to his father, a fallen-from-grace artisan. However, the young man feels that his efforts are never enough. He tries to break free, but his father’s dependence is stronger than his son’s will.
Intriguing and highly atmospheric gem from Peru!
Chicago? Check. Mexicans check! No, but really this intimate glimpse is poetic and moving.
A Story for the Modlins / Spain (Director: Sergio Oksman, Screenwriter: Sergio Oksman) —The tale of Elmer Modlin, who, after appearing in Rosemary’s Baby, fled with his family to a far-off country and shut himself away in a dark apartment for 30 years.
Must see. Fascinating and inventive ‘Found family photos’ yarn.
#PostModem / U.S.A. (Directors and screenwriters: Jillian Mayer, Lucas Leyva) — A comedic, satirical, sci-fi pop musical based on the theories of Ray Kurzweil and other futurists, #PostModem is the story of two Miami girls and how they deal with technological singularity, as told through a series of cinematic tweets.
My favorite locos from Miami. After making the rounds with Life & Freaky Times of Uncle Luke, which played last year, these rump-shakers have been busy with their work in and out of their funky audiovisual collective Borscht Corp.
If you are heading to Park City I highly recommend you register to purchase Advance tickets here. See you on the mountain!
At first glance the Latino representation may not seem obvious. Nor may it seem as strong as the films and filmmakers from the African-American and Lgbt community representing, or the record breaking number of female directors’ – each group highly visible by their nature. We may not have a Mosquita y Mari or Filly Brown, two fiction films, which broke out of the festival this past year, but we do have two hugely relevant and urgent documentaries, Narco Cultura which explores the phenomenal music and social culture being shaped and perpetuated by the influence of Mexico’s violent drug cartels, and Who Is Dayani Cristal? an innovative doc-fiction hybrid produced by Gael Garcia Bernal that will hopefully re-divert much needed attention back to the Us/Mexico border. By the way, Who is Dayani Cristal? screens in the high profile Day One slot.
What’s Latino anyway?
I personally embrace the responsibility of changing the conversation as to what constitutes representing American Latinos. First, by focusing on both the above-the- line-talent (filmmaker or actor) And storyline/subject. The second part is highlighting the second, third, fourth and so-on generations of filmmakers. What about the filmmakers in the festival like Kyle Patrick Alvarez (C.O.G), Liz W. Garcia (The Lifeguard) and Eduardo Sanchez (S-vhs horror anthology and co-director of the infamous Blair Witch Project)? I don’t know these filmmakers personally so I can’t speak to how they might view their cultural identities and how it informs their work, if at all. But I do believe it is worth pointing out and feeling good about these last names being out there as part of the mainstream fabric. It is similar to how Robert Rodriguez does not identify himself as a Mexican-American yet his last name has been key to driving the younger Latino generation in feeling a proud connection as an American and not just “dash” American.
Chile is still hot
There are three films from Chilean filmmakers. In unprecedented fashion – because that’s how Sundance likes to roll- there is a repeat of last year with two in competition, El Futuro by Alicia Scherson (mostly taking place in Italy) and Magic Fairy by Sebastian Silva, an alumnus who broke out in 2009 with La Nana. In the section Spotlight aka “Movies we love and don’t care if they’ve traveled the festival circuit”, is Pablo Larrain’s No starring Gael Garcia Bernal. Chilean cinema is hot and king of engrossing character-driven fare. What we are seeing is a boom on two fronts; an invigorating new generation of provocateurs (Marialy Rivas’s Young & Wild comes to mind) and a slightly older generation of equally exciting filmmakers who continue to sustain their careers with their distinct voice (like Pablo Larrain along with Andres Wood).
So now lets dive in and look at the list. Loglines copied from official press release – Bold Italics are my comments.
Us Dramatic Competition
Fruitvale / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Ryan Coogler) — The true story of Oscar, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident who crosses paths with friends, enemies, family and strangers on the last day of 2008. Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer, Melonie Diaz, Ahna O’Reilly, Kevin Durand, Chad Michael Murray.
Puerto-Rican Diaz delivers a fiercely moving performance embodying the girlfriend of Oscar Grant who was with him that fateful day. Diaz is no stranger to the festival. She’s previously been at the festival with four films including seminal indie American Latino story, Raising Victor Vargas 2002 and comedies like Hamlet 2 20008. Why homegirl hasn’t gotten more props for her mad acting skills I don’t know, but this girl is wildly talented and Fruitvale showcases her dramatic chops.
Us Documentary Competition
Narco Cultura / U.S.A. (Director: Shaul Schwarz) — An examination of Mexican drug cartels’ influence in pop culture on both sides of the border as experienced by an La narcocorrido singer dreaming of stardom and a Juarez crime scene investigator on the front line of Mexico’s Drug War.
Absolutely arresting photography that works in giving weight to the violent images the public has become numb from seeing. I predict some of my hard core brown and proud friends might focus and hence diminish this film based on the fact that this bi-cultural, Mexican-American subject is made by non-Latino filmmakers. It could be argued as a valid point. When it comes to documentaries a legit question to make when evaluating is “What makes This person the right one to tackle This subject? What is their connection?” Let’s watch it to find out, then give consideration to what other docs are currently out there on this same timely topic made by Latinos, and without bias regard their depth and artistic merit.
World Cinema Dramatic Competition
Crystal Fairy / Chile (Director and screenwriter: Sebastián Silva) — Jamie invites a stranger to join a road trip to Chile. The woman’s free and esoteric nature clashes with Jamie’s acidic, self-absorbed personality as they head into the desert for a Mescaline-fueled psychedelic trip. Cast: Michael Cera, Gabby Hoffmann, Juan Andrés Silva, José Miguel Silva, Agustín Silva. World Premiere. Day One Film
This marks Sebastian’s third appearance at the festival following La Nana and Gatos Viejos. Remember what I said about character driven? Silva excels at getting at spilling out the insides of his protagonists.
The Future / Chile, Germany, Italy, Spain (Director and screenwriter: Alicia Scherson) — When their parents die, Bianca starts to smoke and Tomas is still a virgin. The orphans explore the dangerous streets of adulthood until Bianca finds Maciste, a retired Mr. Universe, and enters his dark mansion in search of a future. Cast: Manuela Martelli, Rutger Hauer, Luigi Ciardo, Nicolas Vaporidis, Alessandro Giallocosta. World Premiere
Scherson’s last film, Turistas screened at various film festivals including the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2009. Shot in another country and in a different language, The Future continues the filmmaker’s incisive capturing of the strong female led journey.
World Cinema Documentary Competition
Who is Dayani Cristal? / United Kingdom (Director: Marc Silver) — An anonymous body in the Arizona desert sparks the beginning of a real-life human drama. The search for its identity leads us across a continent to seek out the people left behind and the meaning of a mysterious tattoo. World Premiere. Day One Film
An extraordinary cinematic and symbolic approach to the border crossing genre, this meta reflexive journey retraced by none other than Gael Garcia Bernal imagines the grueling experience of a migrant and who he might have been. Bernal has been lending his star power to the social justice causes that move him and you can tell its genuine.
New Frontier
Halley / Mexico (Director: Sebastian Hofmann, Screenwriters: Sebastian Hofmann, Julio Chavezmontes) — Alberto is dead and can no longer hide it. Before surrendering to his living death, he forms an unusual friendship with Luly, the manager of the 24-hour gym where he works as a night guard. Cast: Alberto Trujillo, Lourdes Trueba, Hugo Albores
As unsettling it is watch, its as deep to ponder, this incredibly-shot first feature had its world premiere at the Morelia Film Festival and its inclusion in the most daring section of the festival speaks to the highly diverse and radical new cinema coming from Mexico.
Spotlight
No / Chile, U.S.A. (Director: Pablo Larraín, Screenwriter: Pedro Peirano) — When Chilean military dictator Augusto Pinochet calls for a referendum to decide his permanence in power, the opposition persuades a young advertising executive to head its campaign. With limited resources and under scrutiny, he conceives a plan to win the election. Cast: Gael García Bernal, Alfredo Castro, Antonia Zegers, Luis Gnecco, Marcial Tagle, Néstor Cantillana.
There have been many films about the Pinochet regime and its wide-reaching after effects. But none have had as unique an entry point as No. Trust.
Midnight
We Are What We Are / U.S.A. (Director: Jim Mickle, Screenwriters: Nick Damici, Jim Mickle) — A devastating storm washes up clues that lead authorities closer and closer to the cannibalistic Parker family. Cast: Bill Sage, Ambyr Childers, Julia Garner, Michael Parks, Wyatt Russell, Kelly McGillis.
Okay, I only include this because this is based on the Mexican cult hit, Somos Lo que Hay by Jorge Michel Grau. Jim Mickle of Stakeland has promised to “Not Fuck it Up per Twitch interview
To cap off the features; Stalwart Spanish actor Alfred Molina is in Emanuel and the Truth About Fishes by Francesca Gregorini in Us Dramatic Competition, and we have a strong acting splash by Marcus DeAnda, a co-lead in Pit Stop directed by Yen Tan and co-written by David Lowery. The film about two gay working class lovers in small town Texas is in the Next section.
And lets not forget about shorts!
Short Film Competition
Broken Night / U.S.A. (Director and screenwriter: Guillermo Arriaga) — A young woman and her four-year-old daughter drive across desolated hills. Everything looks fine and they seem to enjoy the ride, until an accident sends them into the nightmare of darkness.
Ever since writing and directing team Arriga and Innaritu broke up (Amores Perros, Babel) Arriaga has been trying to make his stamp directing his own material.
The Companion / Peru (Director and screenwriter: Alvaro Delgado-Aparicio) — On the outskirts of Lima, a young prostitute tends to his father, a fallen-from-grace artisan. However, the young man feels that his efforts are never enough. He tries to break free, but his father’s dependence is stronger than his son’s will.
Intriguing and highly atmospheric gem from Peru!
Chicago? Check. Mexicans check! No, but really this intimate glimpse is poetic and moving.
A Story for the Modlins / Spain (Director: Sergio Oksman, Screenwriter: Sergio Oksman) —The tale of Elmer Modlin, who, after appearing in Rosemary’s Baby, fled with his family to a far-off country and shut himself away in a dark apartment for 30 years.
Must see. Fascinating and inventive ‘Found family photos’ yarn.
#PostModem / U.S.A. (Directors and screenwriters: Jillian Mayer, Lucas Leyva) — A comedic, satirical, sci-fi pop musical based on the theories of Ray Kurzweil and other futurists, #PostModem is the story of two Miami girls and how they deal with technological singularity, as told through a series of cinematic tweets.
My favorite locos from Miami. After making the rounds with Life & Freaky Times of Uncle Luke, which played last year, these rump-shakers have been busy with their work in and out of their funky audiovisual collective Borscht Corp.
If you are heading to Park City I highly recommend you register to purchase Advance tickets here. See you on the mountain!
- 12/5/2012
- by Christine Davila
- Sydney's Buzz
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: Jan. 22, 2013
Price: DVD $24.95, Blu-ray $29.95
Studio: Olive Films
Adrienne Shelly finds herself in a potentially explosive situation in Trust.
The 1990 comedy-drama film Trust is the second feature from ‘90s independent stalwart Hal Hartley (Henry Fool, The Unbelievable Truth, Amateur).
Trust concerns the unusual romance/friendship between two young misfits wandering the same Long Island town. When Maria (Adrienne Shelly, Waitress), a recent high school dropout, announces her unplanned pregnancy to her family, her father dies of a heart attack, her mother (Merritt Nelson, Surviving Desire) immediately evicts her and her boyfriend breaks up with her.
Lonely and with nowhere to go, Maria wanders into town, searching for a place to stay. Along the way, she meets Matthew (former Hartley regular Martin Donovan of TV’s Damages) a highly educated and extremely moody electronic repairman living with his domineering and abusive father (John MacKay, Simple Men). The two...
Price: DVD $24.95, Blu-ray $29.95
Studio: Olive Films
Adrienne Shelly finds herself in a potentially explosive situation in Trust.
The 1990 comedy-drama film Trust is the second feature from ‘90s independent stalwart Hal Hartley (Henry Fool, The Unbelievable Truth, Amateur).
Trust concerns the unusual romance/friendship between two young misfits wandering the same Long Island town. When Maria (Adrienne Shelly, Waitress), a recent high school dropout, announces her unplanned pregnancy to her family, her father dies of a heart attack, her mother (Merritt Nelson, Surviving Desire) immediately evicts her and her boyfriend breaks up with her.
Lonely and with nowhere to go, Maria wanders into town, searching for a place to stay. Along the way, she meets Matthew (former Hartley regular Martin Donovan of TV’s Damages) a highly educated and extremely moody electronic repairman living with his domineering and abusive father (John MacKay, Simple Men). The two...
- 11/19/2012
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Dan Ouellette has had a long career in the New York independent film community, starting with his work as a production designer for Hal Hartley in 1990 with Trust and then, in 1992, with Simple Men. He’s also an accomplished visual artist (examples of which can be seen at his Neurotica Divine site) and has directed stylish music videos for the bands Android Lust and The Birthday Massacre. Dan is also, full disclosure, an old friend who I’ve also worked with professionally many times. (Films he’s production designed that Robin O’Hara and I produced include What Happened Was…, Saving Face, and Joe the King.) So, I’ve observed Dan as he’s developed several possible projects for his own directorial debut. One of those projects — typically for Dan, the most ambitious of the lot – consumed him over the last year and just premiered at the Sitges Film Festival.
- 10/10/2012
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
It’s a shame that the path of the television year must end on the Emmys, the awards show contained several highs, many lows and just some unfathomable results. Frustration, celebration, and embarrassment come to mind when mentioning the 2012 Emmys. Is it different any other year? No, not really. But its results sour the memory of a great year in television, right as we’re about to usher a new season this week at BuzzFocus. There were more deserving shows that were nominated but for whatever reasons unknown, the powers that be don’t agree.
The Academy of Television Arts & Science in some instances can look rather progressive. One minute they appear to have their shit together one moment–honoring Showtime’s Homeland, Outstanding Drama Series–but at the same time have their heads up their collective asses when they awarded ABC’s Modern Family nearly every major piece of hardware it could qualify for.
The Academy of Television Arts & Science in some instances can look rather progressive. One minute they appear to have their shit together one moment–honoring Showtime’s Homeland, Outstanding Drama Series–but at the same time have their heads up their collective asses when they awarded ABC’s Modern Family nearly every major piece of hardware it could qualify for.
- 9/24/2012
- by Ernie Estrella
- BuzzFocus.com
By Rachel Bennett
It’s that time of year again! This morning, the nominees for the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced. You can’t argue with some of the nominees (Mad Men, anyone?), but others — why not? Here is a category-by-category look at who made the cut, along with one show or person that I wish had been included instead of one of them! (You can also read Scott’s take here.)
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
This year’s nominees: Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory), Kathryn Josten (Desperate Housewives), Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Sofia Vergara (Modern Family), Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie), Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live)
My dream nominee: Eden Sher (The Middle)
Sher’s performance is one of the best on TV right now that virtually nobody is talking about. As Sue, she gives a different take on being a teenage girl than we’re accustomed to seeing.
It’s that time of year again! This morning, the nominees for the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced. You can’t argue with some of the nominees (Mad Men, anyone?), but others — why not? Here is a category-by-category look at who made the cut, along with one show or person that I wish had been included instead of one of them! (You can also read Scott’s take here.)
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
This year’s nominees: Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory), Kathryn Josten (Desperate Housewives), Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Sofia Vergara (Modern Family), Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie), Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live)
My dream nominee: Eden Sher (The Middle)
Sher’s performance is one of the best on TV right now that virtually nobody is talking about. As Sue, she gives a different take on being a teenage girl than we’re accustomed to seeing.
- 7/19/2012
- by Rachel Bennett
- Scott Feinberg
Martin Donovan is destined to be forever remembered for his remarkable actor-director partnership with Hal Hartley during indie film’s halcyon days of the early to mid 1990s. In era-defining movies such as Trust, Simple Men and Amateur, Donovan was Hartley’s on-screen simulacrum, a smart, softly spoken man who was simultaneously familiar and enigmatic. While Hartley’s work is sadly not nearly as popular or present as it once was, it’s fitting that Donovan has made his debut feature as a writer and director with Collaborator, a knowing and witty cinematic chamber piece that feels nostalgic for the more culturally sophisticated times of the 1990s.
Donovan, in the kind of role that made him famous, is Robert Longfellow, a playwright whose latest opus is a pale shadow of his previous work and who has left his wife (Melissa Auf der Maur) and child back in New York to...
Donovan, in the kind of role that made him famous, is Robert Longfellow, a playwright whose latest opus is a pale shadow of his previous work and who has left his wife (Melissa Auf der Maur) and child back in New York to...
- 7/10/2012
- by Nick Dawson
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Actor Martin Donovan has starred in films such as “Trust,” “Amateur,” “The Portrait of a Lady,” “The Opposite of Sex,” “Living Out Loud,” “Insomnia,” “The Sentinel,” “The Haunting in Connecticut” and “Unthinkable,” and TV series such as “Wonderland,” “Weeds” and “Boss.” His first film as a writer-director, the Tribeca Film hostage tragi-comedy “Collaborator,” in which he stars with David Morse, is available now via cable VOD, iTunes, Amazon and Vudu, and opens theatrically in New York July 6 and in L.A. July 20. (You can follow the film on Facebook or Twitter, @DonovanWord.) After a few decades of toiling in the trenches as an actor, the Red Sea finally parted and I was given the chance to direct my own film, “Collaborator.” This miraculous event gave me the opportunity to test what I’ve learned about the...
- 7/5/2012
- by Martin Donovan
- Indiewire
Martin Donovan has long been a staple of the independent cinema scene. He first emerged on-screen in the films of esteemed director Hal Hartley, starring in Trust, Simple Men, Amateur, and others projects from the auteur. Since then, he's appeared in films such as The Opposite of Sex, Insomnia, and The Portrait of a Lady, in addition to recurring roles on television shows like 'Boss' and 'Weeds.' Clearly not one to limit himself, Donovan recently fulfilled his lifelong ambition to write and direct a feature: the result is Collaborator. The indie film veteran flawlessly transitions between writer, director, and actor to create this enthralling tragi-comedy. Collaborator follows famous playwright Robert Longfellow (Donovan), whose most recent works have been widely panned by critics and fans alike. Discouraged and unhappy with his marriage, Robert retreats to his childhood home in California to look in on his elderly mother. As...
- 7/3/2012
- TribecaFilm.com
Indie audiences first came to know and love actor Martin Donovan through his symbiotic partnership with director Hal Hartley in a series of films in the early 90s, which included Trust, Simple Men, and Amateur. Since then, Donovan has become a staple of film - The Opposite of Sex, Insomnia, Saved! - and television (Weeds, Boss), where he can be counted on to deliver deadpan performances rife with prickly, world-weary humor and simmering intelligence. It's no wonder that Donovan's writing and directing debut reflects the qualities he's honed and absorbed for so long. Collaborator sets the stage for a culture clash ripe for our times. Robert Longfellow (Donovan) is a successful, highbrow playwright visiting his childhood home in Reseda, California - aka 'the Valley' - when he runs into his longtime neighbor Gus (David Morse), an angry man who loves his country but hates what it's become; he is,...
- 6/19/2012
- TribecaFilm.com
Despite having passed away far too young in 1995, promising writer-director Joseph B. Vasquez is getting another film before cameras. The late filmmaker’s screenplay, “The House That Jack Built,” has just begun production in New York under the direction of Henry Barrial, whose “Some Body” played in the Sundance competition in 2001. In 1991, Vasquez's debut film “Hangin’ With the Homeboys” played at the Sundance Film Festival in competition with Richard Linklater’s “Slacker,” Hal Hartley’s “Trust” and Todd Haynes’ grand jury prize-winning “Poison.” Vasquez shared the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award with Hartley and was considered a talent to watch until mental illness derailed his career and AIDS took his life. He only made one more film, the 1995 romance “Manhattan Merengue.” “The House That Jack Built” stars E.J. Bonilla (“Guiding...
- 5/29/2012
- by Jay A. Fernandez
- Indiewire
Martin Donovan, the actor you may recognize from TV's Boss and Weeds or indie films like Saved!, The Opposite of Sex or Trust, is gearing up to make his directorial debut with Collaborator, in which he also stars as a New York playwright who thinks bad reviews are the worst thing that can happen. until he winds up caught in a hostage crisis. If that all sounds a little dramatic to you, then check out the exclusive trailer for the film that we're premiering below-- if you think a hostage crisis is all about high drama and tears, you clearly haven't seen a guy be forced to drink a beer at gunpoint with his captor. Take a look below. You probably also recognize the hostage taker, David Morse, who has popped up in everything from Drive Angry to The Hurt Locker to Dancer in the Dark. And of course the...
- 5/2/2012
- cinemablend.com
One of the preeminent voices in American independent film’s nascent boom years during the H.W. Bush and Clinton administrations, Hal Hartley’s visibility has waned as his stylistic preoccupations have diverged from American arthouse audiences’ tastes, but his trademark sensibility is in fine form in his most recent film "Meanwhile," which, after bowing at last year’s Era New Horizons Film Festival in Poland, had its American premiere last night at the IFC Center in New York (more screenings of his films are playing with Hartley in attendance up until until April 4).
Focusing on a middle-aged, down on his luck jack-of-all-trades man who seems to be pathologically incapable of not helping people -- even when displaying his myriad talents on someone else’s behalf hinders his own struggles to get his novel published, find a new band to drum for, create a green tech start-up involving German windows and...
Focusing on a middle-aged, down on his luck jack-of-all-trades man who seems to be pathologically incapable of not helping people -- even when displaying his myriad talents on someone else’s behalf hinders his own struggles to get his novel published, find a new band to drum for, create a green tech start-up involving German windows and...
- 3/1/2012
- by Brandon Harris
- The Playlist
Imagine if Woody Allen, Whit Stillman, Kevin Smith and the Sundance Institute had a love child. This ungainly creature, speaking in witty, heightened, unnaturalistic sentences, and ambling, sometimes shambling between comedy, tragedy and pretension, might very well go on to make films that greatly resemble those of Hal Hartley.
Hartley is the man behind such beloved (at least by some) ‘90s indie films as “The Unbelievable Truth” and “Trust.” But to put him into proper context, we find ourselves casting around for parallels: he simply never made enough of a dent in mainstream sensibilities to be able to describe his work to a neophyte without reference to other, more overtly successful filmmakers. Or musicians, perhaps – if we play the equivalents game with the alt-rock explosion of the ‘90s, we get Quentin Tarantino as Nirvana, Jim Jarmusch as Sonic Youth and Kevin Smith as, maybe, Smashing Pumpkins (revered early on, but...
Hartley is the man behind such beloved (at least by some) ‘90s indie films as “The Unbelievable Truth” and “Trust.” But to put him into proper context, we find ourselves casting around for parallels: he simply never made enough of a dent in mainstream sensibilities to be able to describe his work to a neophyte without reference to other, more overtly successful filmmakers. Or musicians, perhaps – if we play the equivalents game with the alt-rock explosion of the ‘90s, we get Quentin Tarantino as Nirvana, Jim Jarmusch as Sonic Youth and Kevin Smith as, maybe, Smashing Pumpkins (revered early on, but...
- 2/29/2012
- by The Playlist
- The Playlist
Tribeca Film is thrilled to announce it has acquired the multiple platform U.S distribution rights to Collaborator, the writer/directorial debut of actor Martin Donovan, starring David Morse, Olivia Williams and Donovan himself. Courtesy of Tribeca Film The riveting and insightful comedic drama Collaborator follows Robert Longfellow (Martin Donovan, Insomnia, Trust) a famous playwright who has seen better days. His recent Broadway play landed with a thud and his marriage is being tested by the reemergence of an old flame (Olivia Williams, The Ghost Writer, Rushmore). But all of that pales in comparison to what happens when he crosses paths with a childhood neighbor, Gus (David Morse, The Green Mile, Dancer in the Dark). A right-wing ex-con who still lives with his mother, Gus is Robert's polar opposite in every way. The unlikely reunion quickly spirals out of control as Robert finds himself held hostage at gunpoint in his childhood home.
- 2/27/2012
- TribecaFilm.com
When I first saw the Apple listing for a trailer for Trust, I got excited that Hal Hartley's deadpan 1990 family drama [1] might be getting a rerelease. (It isn't on DVD, but is streaming on Netflix [2].) Instead, this is a trailer for David Schwimmer's second directorial effort, in which a 14-year old girl (Liana Liberato) develops an online relationship with a boy who (shocker) turns out to be not quite what he pretended to be online. The film premiered at Tiff last year, and there was an early trailer cut at the opening of the fall. Now check out this more final trailer, after the break. This trailer gets dangerously close to fearmongering. Some of it, especially the intertitles, looks like a montage that could be cut into Dateline expose, or an episode of To Catch a Predator. Online interaction is bad! (It isn't, but for kids emerging into...
- 2/8/2011
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
For his debut theatrical feature film as director, David Schwimmer went across the pond for the British comedy Run, Fatboy, Run. It was kind of saccharine, but it had its moments, especially thanks to great talents like Simon Pegg and the highly underrated Dylan Moran. For his next directorial effort, Schwimmer had the benefit of working with terrific actors like Clive Owen, Catherine Keener and Viola Davis. The result is as far from broad British comedy as possible, as evidenced in the chilling new trailer for Trust, which is most definitely not a remake of the Hal Hartley classic. Though coincidentally, like Hartley's film before it, this Trust is also premiering at the Toronto Film Festival (next month).
The drama concerns one of every parent's biggest fears since the Internet came along: his or her child being the victim of a sexual predator. Owen and Keener are the parents to...
The drama concerns one of every parent's biggest fears since the Internet came along: his or her child being the victim of a sexual predator. Owen and Keener are the parents to...
- 8/2/2010
- by Christopher Campbell
- Cinematical
Courtesy of Showtime
Jackie’s in way over her head in season two!
Hey, BFFs! We hope you’re all caught up on Nurse Jackie, because it’s coming back at 10 p.m. tonight on Showtime — and trust us, you won’t want to miss it. If you remember, last May’s season finale left Jackie (Edie Falco) laying on the hospital floor in a drug-induced state, and while tonight’s premiere doesn’t pick up exactly where the finale left off, it does set up plenty of new troubles for our favorite pill-popping nurse.
For one thing, now that Jackie’s secret boyfriend Eddie (Paul Schulze) knows she has a husband, Jackie is really on edge. Trust us — you’ll be feeling her anxiety right through the TV screen when she first sees Eddie in tonight’s premiere. And as daughter Grace’s (Ruby Jerins) own anxiety issues become...
Jackie’s in way over her head in season two!
Hey, BFFs! We hope you’re all caught up on Nurse Jackie, because it’s coming back at 10 p.m. tonight on Showtime — and trust us, you won’t want to miss it. If you remember, last May’s season finale left Jackie (Edie Falco) laying on the hospital floor in a drug-induced state, and while tonight’s premiere doesn’t pick up exactly where the finale left off, it does set up plenty of new troubles for our favorite pill-popping nurse.
For one thing, now that Jackie’s secret boyfriend Eddie (Paul Schulze) knows she has a husband, Jackie is really on edge. Trust us — you’ll be feeling her anxiety right through the TV screen when she first sees Eddie in tonight’s premiere. And as daughter Grace’s (Ruby Jerins) own anxiety issues become...
- 3/22/2010
- by Andy Swift
- HollywoodLife
Short but certainly not sweet, this 84-minute black comedy probably wouldn't make good date-night viewing, unless a break-up was on the agenda as well. It's a mean-spirited meditation on marriage gone wrong, but worse than that, it's simply a bad film and a poor legacy for its talented screenwriter.
Hal Hartley favorite Adrienne Shelly was killed in 2006, just months before the release of her directorial debut, Waitress, which she also wrote. The script for Serious Moonlight was left behind after her death, and her husband, Andy Ostroy, sought to bring the project to the screen. Shelly's Waitress co-star Cheryl Hines makes her own directorial debut, but even her solid cast can't save this film from feeling unpolished and unfinished.
Meg Ryan (The Women) stars as Louise, a high-powered attorney who takes a break from her busy city life to relax at her country home with her husband, Ian (Timothy Hutton,...
Hal Hartley favorite Adrienne Shelly was killed in 2006, just months before the release of her directorial debut, Waitress, which she also wrote. The script for Serious Moonlight was left behind after her death, and her husband, Andy Ostroy, sought to bring the project to the screen. Shelly's Waitress co-star Cheryl Hines makes her own directorial debut, but even her solid cast can't save this film from feeling unpolished and unfinished.
Meg Ryan (The Women) stars as Louise, a high-powered attorney who takes a break from her busy city life to relax at her country home with her husband, Ian (Timothy Hutton,...
- 12/22/2009
- CinemaSpy
The 16th annual Austin Film Festival opened with a true screenwriting gem, Serious Moonlight. Penned by the late Adrienne Shelley around the same time she created Waitress – Shelley was murdered shortly after wrapping Waitress, before she had the opportunity to direct Serious Moonlight. I loved Waitress, and have been a fan of Adrienne Shelley since seeing her act in Hal Hartley’s The Unbelievable Truth and Trust. Serious Moonlight | Review "...the script is chock-full of clever Hitchcockian twists along with a impeccably strong (and mysterious) conclusion. Serious Moonlight is very conservatively directed by first-timer Cheryl Hines (who acted in Waitress with Shelley)." ____________________________________________________ I have long been curious about C.D. Payne’s 1993 epistolary novel Youth in Revolt: The Journals of Nick Twisp, and unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to read it prior to the Aff screening of Miguel Arteta’s film. Nonetheless, into the Paramount I went… I must...
- 11/17/2009
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Director: Cheryl Hines Writer(s): Adrienne Shelly Starring: Meg Ryan, Timothy Hutton, Kristin Bell, Justin Long Serious Moonlight begins with Ian (Timothy Hutton) as he travels to a quaint vacation home in the country. Where Ian is going, people leave items for sale alone by the side of the road with the unwavering trust that their customers will leave the proper cash on the table in exchange for the goods; and the inhabitants of the town leave their doors unlocked even when they are not home. (Other than in the movies, do places like this still exist?) Ian purposefully arrives a day earlier than his wife, Louise (Meg Ryan), in order to rendezvous with his youthful mistress Sara (Kristen Bell) for a trip to Paris. Ian plans on being halfway to Paris before Louise arrives – he intends to leave a note behind for Louise to break off their marriage.
- 11/16/2009
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Thought I'd goof around with a little b-day series. In case it's yours! Could be shortlived. Or maybe it'll go on forever. You never know.
Hal Hartley , Paprika Steen and Charles Bronson
Today's Birthdays, November 3rd ...some of them at any rate. For those who are prone to celebrating the lives of the filmic and famous. And if you aren't, you're not having enough fun.
1921 Charles Bronson had a Death Wish, five of them actually, and he had them before "franchise" was a daily spoken word in movie discussions.1930 Lois Smith, sweet character actress, is now 79 years old. I once saw her in a train station. It's true. Weren't you shocked when she died on the first season of True Blood? I sure was.
1931 Monica Vitti, breathtaking Italian goddess
1953 Kate Capshaw aka Mrs. Spielberg. Did she sing or was she dubbed for that awesome "Anything Goes" opening number in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom...
Hal Hartley , Paprika Steen and Charles Bronson
Today's Birthdays, November 3rd ...some of them at any rate. For those who are prone to celebrating the lives of the filmic and famous. And if you aren't, you're not having enough fun.
1921 Charles Bronson had a Death Wish, five of them actually, and he had them before "franchise" was a daily spoken word in movie discussions.1930 Lois Smith, sweet character actress, is now 79 years old. I once saw her in a train station. It's true. Weren't you shocked when she died on the first season of True Blood? I sure was.
1931 Monica Vitti, breathtaking Italian goddess
1953 Kate Capshaw aka Mrs. Spielberg. Did she sing or was she dubbed for that awesome "Anything Goes" opening number in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom...
- 11/4/2009
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
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