UK director Mike Leigh will receive a lifetime achievement award at Malta’s second annual Mediterrane Film Festival (June 22-30).
The seven-time Oscar nominee will also host a masterclass and participate in an in conversation with Adrian Wootton, CEO at the British Film Commission, with whom the festival has a partnership.
Leigh began his career in theatre and TV with work including Abigail’s Party in 1977. He focused on features throughout the 1990s, winning acclaim for films such as High Hopes, Life Is Sweet, Naked and Secrets And Lies. The latter won the Palme d’Or in 1996.
His following films included Topsy-Turvy,...
The seven-time Oscar nominee will also host a masterclass and participate in an in conversation with Adrian Wootton, CEO at the British Film Commission, with whom the festival has a partnership.
Leigh began his career in theatre and TV with work including Abigail’s Party in 1977. He focused on features throughout the 1990s, winning acclaim for films such as High Hopes, Life Is Sweet, Naked and Secrets And Lies. The latter won the Palme d’Or in 1996.
His following films included Topsy-Turvy,...
- 4/29/2024
- ScreenDaily
Malta’s Mediterrane Film Festival will honor BAFTA-winning writer-director Mike Leigh (Vera Drake, Another Year, Happy-Go-Lucky) with its inaugural career achievement Golden Bee Award this year.
The honor is awarded “in recognition of a lifetime achievement in film,” organizers said Monday. “Leigh, who has received seven Academy Award nominations across his career, will also host a master class in the upcoming second edition of the festival,” which will take place June 22-30 in Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta.
Palme d’Or-winning director Leigh will be in conversation with Adrian Wootton, who previously served as acting director of the British Film Institute and is currently CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission.
Last year, StudioCanal acquired U.K. rights to Leigh‘s secretive project Hard Truths, starring Secrets & Lies star Marianne Jean-Baptiste, marking the first time the distributor has worked with the iconic director. Bleecker...
The honor is awarded “in recognition of a lifetime achievement in film,” organizers said Monday. “Leigh, who has received seven Academy Award nominations across his career, will also host a master class in the upcoming second edition of the festival,” which will take place June 22-30 in Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta.
Palme d’Or-winning director Leigh will be in conversation with Adrian Wootton, who previously served as acting director of the British Film Institute and is currently CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission.
Last year, StudioCanal acquired U.K. rights to Leigh‘s secretive project Hard Truths, starring Secrets & Lies star Marianne Jean-Baptiste, marking the first time the distributor has worked with the iconic director. Bleecker...
- 4/29/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It has been known for a while that the new West End production of William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, will be returning to the Duke of York’s Theatre from May 11 through August 3, with Jamie Lloyd directing. But, more importantly for some fans, it has been confirmed that Spider-Man star Tom Holland will be playing Romeo in the play, with Bad Education star Francesca Amewudah-Rivers co-starring as Juliet. And while all of this seems fine and dandy to us, some people are dissatisfied with the fact that Juliet will be played by a black actress and have taken to the Internet to express their anger in the most deplorable way.
The young actress has, thus, been the target of significant racial slander and abuse recently, which is an act that has to be condemned immediately. The producers, as well as some of Rivers’ colleagues, were quick to react,...
The young actress has, thus, been the target of significant racial slander and abuse recently, which is an act that has to be condemned immediately. The producers, as well as some of Rivers’ colleagues, were quick to react,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Rarely do we make note of single-digit seconds’ footage, but when it’s two films that ranked among our 50 most-anticipated films of 2024––one landing very high on that list––exceptions can be made. Just to say Bleecker Street Films have posted a celebration of their 10-year anniversary that includes previews of this year’s slate––among which are Guy Maddin’s Rumours, starring Cate Blanchett and Alicia Vikander, and Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths, starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
We’ve already learned the former concerns “the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest liberal democracies at the annual G7 summit after they become lost in the woods and face increasing peril while attempting to draft a provisional statement regarding a global crisis”; from the latter we’ve only seen a single image, and still have no notable updates. However, with Cannes’ lineup announced in a matter of days, we may have...
We’ve already learned the former concerns “the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest liberal democracies at the annual G7 summit after they become lost in the woods and face increasing peril while attempting to draft a provisional statement regarding a global crisis”; from the latter we’ve only seen a single image, and still have no notable updates. However, with Cannes’ lineup announced in a matter of days, we may have...
- 4/10/2024
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Bleecker Street has unveiled a reel showcasing both where the company has been and where it’s headed, unveiling never-before-seen footage from numerous upcoming titles.
Titles nearest on the horizon that are teased include Nathan and David Zellner’s acclaimed Sundance pic Sasquatch Sunset, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough, which opens in select theaters April 12, and Tony Goldwyn’s family dramedy Ezra, out May 31. Others include Julia von Heinz’s Treasure (June 14), starring Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry; Jocelyn Moorhouse’s comedy The Fabulous Four (July 26), starring Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler, Megan Mullally and Sheryl Lee Ralph; Mikael Håfström’s sci-fi pic Slingshot (August 23), starring Casey Affleck, Laurence Fishbourne and Emily Beecham; and Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths (October 18), starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
Then, there’s Uberto Pasolini’s The Return, starring Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche and Charlie Plummer, and the film Rumours with Cate Blanchett,...
Titles nearest on the horizon that are teased include Nathan and David Zellner’s acclaimed Sundance pic Sasquatch Sunset, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough, which opens in select theaters April 12, and Tony Goldwyn’s family dramedy Ezra, out May 31. Others include Julia von Heinz’s Treasure (June 14), starring Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry; Jocelyn Moorhouse’s comedy The Fabulous Four (July 26), starring Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler, Megan Mullally and Sheryl Lee Ralph; Mikael Håfström’s sci-fi pic Slingshot (August 23), starring Casey Affleck, Laurence Fishbourne and Emily Beecham; and Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths (October 18), starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
Then, there’s Uberto Pasolini’s The Return, starring Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche and Charlie Plummer, and the film Rumours with Cate Blanchett,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
More than 800 Black women — including Lashana Lynch and Sheila Atim — and non-binary actors signed an open letter in support of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, who has been the target of online racial abuse following the announcement of her casting as Juliet in a London West End production of Romeo & Juliet. She is set to star alongside Tom Holland’s Romeo in the play.
The letter, which The Guardian published on Wednesday, was spearheaded by Enola Holmes actor Susan Wokoma and Crowning Glory playwright Somalia Nonyé Seaton. It begins: “When news of...
The letter, which The Guardian published on Wednesday, was spearheaded by Enola Holmes actor Susan Wokoma and Crowning Glory playwright Somalia Nonyé Seaton. It begins: “When news of...
- 4/10/2024
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Prominent Black actors including No Time to Die star Lashana Lynch and Enola Holmes’ Susan Wokoma have signed an open letter decrying the abuse faced by Francesca Amewudah-Rivers after she was cast in a West End theatre production of Romeo & Juliet.
The Jamie Lloyd Company announced last month that Amewudah-Rivers will play Juliet alongside Tom Holland’s Romeo in the staging of William Shakespeare’s tragedy, which opens at the Duke of York’s Theatre on May 23.
More than 880 people have signed the open letter, which was organized by Wokoma and writer Somalia Nonyé Seaton. Signatories include Sheila Atim (The Woman King), Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Secrets & Lies), Lolly Adefope (Ghosts), Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who), Wunmi Mosaku, and Tamara Lawrance (Time).
“Too many times, Black performers – particularly Black actresses – are left to face the storm of online abuse after committing the crime of getting a job on their own,...
The Jamie Lloyd Company announced last month that Amewudah-Rivers will play Juliet alongside Tom Holland’s Romeo in the staging of William Shakespeare’s tragedy, which opens at the Duke of York’s Theatre on May 23.
More than 880 people have signed the open letter, which was organized by Wokoma and writer Somalia Nonyé Seaton. Signatories include Sheila Atim (The Woman King), Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Secrets & Lies), Lolly Adefope (Ghosts), Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who), Wunmi Mosaku, and Tamara Lawrance (Time).
“Too many times, Black performers – particularly Black actresses – are left to face the storm of online abuse after committing the crime of getting a job on their own,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. For regular updates, sign up for our weekly email newsletter and follow us @NotebookMUBI.NEWSHard Truths.Mike Leigh’s forthcoming Hard Truths will reunite him with Marianne Jean-Baptiste, star of Secrets and Lies (1996). It will be the British director’s first film set in the present day since Another Year (2010).Jia Zhangke has divulged some details of We Shall Be All, now in the early stages of post-production. In production off and on since 2001, the film will be his first feature since Ash Is Purest White (2018). “I travelled with actors and a cameraman to shoot, without a script, without any obvious story,” the director told Variety. “This is a work of fiction, but I have applied many documentary methods.”Robert Bresson’s rarely seen Four Nights of a Dreamer is being restored by MK2 Films, set for a spring release.
- 2/28/2024
- MUBI
Actor, writer and director Aml Ameen is plotting a sequel to festive film Boxing Day, as well as thriller project Night And Day, here are the details.
While Britain has produced a number of films that grew into festive favourites like Scrooge, Love, Actually and Arthur Christmas, there are a number of festive films that flew under the radar, like Eddie Izzard’s Lost Christmas.
One such film is Boxing Day, which was released in 2019. Notable as being the first British Christmas film with an almost entirely black cast. It came from actor and writer Aml Ameen, who directed the film and co-wrote the script with Bruce Purnell.
He also starred as Melvin Mackenzie, a successful author who returns home to confront his chaotic family and his past. Aja Naomi King played Lisa, a Hollywood casting director who accompanies Ameen’s Melvin home to face Georgia, his chart-topping pop-star ex,...
While Britain has produced a number of films that grew into festive favourites like Scrooge, Love, Actually and Arthur Christmas, there are a number of festive films that flew under the radar, like Eddie Izzard’s Lost Christmas.
One such film is Boxing Day, which was released in 2019. Notable as being the first British Christmas film with an almost entirely black cast. It came from actor and writer Aml Ameen, who directed the film and co-wrote the script with Bruce Purnell.
He also starred as Melvin Mackenzie, a successful author who returns home to confront his chaotic family and his past. Aja Naomi King played Lisa, a Hollywood casting director who accompanies Ameen’s Melvin home to face Georgia, his chart-topping pop-star ex,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Exclusive: Aml Ameen, who portrays Dr.Martin Luther King in Rustin, reveals that he’s in talks with Film4 and the BFI to direct and star in the sequel to holiday romance Boxing Day, his feature directorial debut — and he has a second film, a crime saga called Night and Day that he wants to make soon.
That’s not all, because the L.A.-based Brit is in London prepping to play a “transformative” lead role in an as-yet-unannounced film.
The hush-hush part in the secret film requires him to “shut down my entire life because” of the life-changing nature of the character he’ll be playing.
While Ameen’s shooting that film, he’ll pop up as a lawyer alongside Jeff Daniels in the six-part Netflix drama A Man in Full, an the adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s novel written by David E. Kelley and directed by Regina King,...
That’s not all, because the L.A.-based Brit is in London prepping to play a “transformative” lead role in an as-yet-unannounced film.
The hush-hush part in the secret film requires him to “shut down my entire life because” of the life-changing nature of the character he’ll be playing.
While Ameen’s shooting that film, he’ll pop up as a lawyer alongside Jeff Daniels in the six-part Netflix drama A Man in Full, an the adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s novel written by David E. Kelley and directed by Regina King,...
- 2/23/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
One month ago, heading into the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, the most anticipated title for buyers was not necessarily the action-adventure anthology with Pedro Pascal (Freaky Tales) or the Kristen Stewart-fronted post-apocalyptic love story (Love Me). It was Dídi, a coming-of-age film about a 13-year-old in the Bay Area from a first-time feature director with no notable U.S. stars. It quickly landed a deal with Focus Features, while films with shinier stars and higher concepts are still in negotiations for deals.
The U.S. has long been known as the great arbiter of “bigger is better.” But being risk-averse, given current economic conditions and industry trends back home (Disney, Paramount Global, Amazon MGM, and others are currently undergoing layoffs), may, says one U.S. buyer, “no longer mean getting a massive star or big director — it means costing less.” Yet, internationally, the mandate seems to be business as usual,...
The U.S. has long been known as the great arbiter of “bigger is better.” But being risk-averse, given current economic conditions and industry trends back home (Disney, Paramount Global, Amazon MGM, and others are currently undergoing layoffs), may, says one U.S. buyer, “no longer mean getting a massive star or big director — it means costing less.” Yet, internationally, the mandate seems to be business as usual,...
- 2/18/2024
- by Scott Roxborough and Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Details of Mike Leigh’s new film are beginning to emerge. The title, Hard Truths, and the leading cast have been confirmed.
Mike Leigh’s new film Hard Truths will be his first new release in five years. Mike Leigh’s films have been more sporadic in recent years, but it’s very much a case of quality over quantity, from Timothy Spall’s astonishing turn as Mr Turner in 2014 to 2018’s epic historical drama Peterloo.
Known for his improvisational method of creating characters, there is no script, in fact there us often no basic idea of what the plot will be when his actors are cast. Leigh begins by having private conversations with his actors about people they know in real life followed by an in-depth period of inprovisation. Actors are then introduced to each other and over an intensive couple of weeks, even months, the characters are developed.
Mike Leigh’s new film Hard Truths will be his first new release in five years. Mike Leigh’s films have been more sporadic in recent years, but it’s very much a case of quality over quantity, from Timothy Spall’s astonishing turn as Mr Turner in 2014 to 2018’s epic historical drama Peterloo.
Known for his improvisational method of creating characters, there is no script, in fact there us often no basic idea of what the plot will be when his actors are cast. Leigh begins by having private conversations with his actors about people they know in real life followed by an in-depth period of inprovisation. Actors are then introduced to each other and over an intensive couple of weeks, even months, the characters are developed.
- 2/16/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
With Covid lockdowns and shuttered cinemas and the dual wallop of the writers’ and actors’ strikes, it’s been a rough few years for independent movies. But the end of strike action last November has triggered a rebound in the indie market. After a strong showing in Sundance, buyers and sellers are looking to Berlin’s European Film Market to provide proof this recovery has legs.
Early signs are promising, with a flood of new projects across all budgets and genres. CAA Media Finance alone has half a dozen finished films on sale and around 20 big packages, including sci-fi actioner Afterburn with Dave Bautista and Samuel L. Jackson attached, selling together with Black Bear; the drama A Big Bold Beautiful Journey from After Yang and Pachinko director Kogonada, featuring Colin Farrell and a post-Barbie Margot Robbie, that 30West and Neon International are jointly handling, and the Michelle Yeoh action thriller The Mother alongside AGC International.
Early signs are promising, with a flood of new projects across all budgets and genres. CAA Media Finance alone has half a dozen finished films on sale and around 20 big packages, including sci-fi actioner Afterburn with Dave Bautista and Samuel L. Jackson attached, selling together with Black Bear; the drama A Big Bold Beautiful Journey from After Yang and Pachinko director Kogonada, featuring Colin Farrell and a post-Barbie Margot Robbie, that 30West and Neon International are jointly handling, and the Michelle Yeoh action thriller The Mother alongside AGC International.
- 2/16/2024
- by Scott Roxborough and Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Following 2018’s Peterloo, Mike Leigh has openly discussed how difficult it was to finance his next feature. Thankfully, he recently amassed the resources and quietly began production last year on his 23rd film, with the backing of Thin Man Films, The Mediapro Studio, co-financed by Film4 in association with Creativity Media, with Bleecker Street releasing the film in the US later this year, Studiocanal releasing in the UK, and Cornerstone Films handling international sales.
Titled Hard Truths, nothing was known about the project, but now Bleecker Street have unveiled the first image and details. Led by Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who worked with Leigh on his 1996 feature Secrets & Lies and received an Oscar nomination for her performance, the film marks Leigh’s “return to the contemporary world with a tough but compassionate intimate study of family life.” The London-set film also stars Michele Austin.
Leigh was joined behind the camera by...
Titled Hard Truths, nothing was known about the project, but now Bleecker Street have unveiled the first image and details. Led by Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who worked with Leigh on his 1996 feature Secrets & Lies and received an Oscar nomination for her performance, the film marks Leigh’s “return to the contemporary world with a tough but compassionate intimate study of family life.” The London-set film also stars Michele Austin.
Leigh was joined behind the camera by...
- 2/14/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The cast of “Hard Truths,” the 23rd film from legendary British director Mike Leigh, has been unveiled, along with a first look image.
The feature, which like most Leigh projects has remained under a veil of secrecy, has reunited the filmmaker with Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who received an Oscar nomination for his 1996 drama “Secrets & Lies.” Michele Austin, another frequent Leigh collaborator, also stars.
“Hard Truths” was shot in London in 2023 and, following his historical epics “Mr. Turner” and “Peterloo,” sees Leigh return to the contemporary world. However, plot details are still scarce, the film’s only description being that it’s a “tough but compassionate intimate study of family life”.
Leigh was joined behind the camera by his regular crew members, including producer Georgina Lowe, cinematographer Dick Pope, costume designer Jacqueline Durran (who recently earned her 9th Oscar nomination for her work on “Barbie”), production designer Suzie Davis, composer Gary Yershon...
The feature, which like most Leigh projects has remained under a veil of secrecy, has reunited the filmmaker with Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who received an Oscar nomination for his 1996 drama “Secrets & Lies.” Michele Austin, another frequent Leigh collaborator, also stars.
“Hard Truths” was shot in London in 2023 and, following his historical epics “Mr. Turner” and “Peterloo,” sees Leigh return to the contemporary world. However, plot details are still scarce, the film’s only description being that it’s a “tough but compassionate intimate study of family life”.
Leigh was joined behind the camera by his regular crew members, including producer Georgina Lowe, cinematographer Dick Pope, costume designer Jacqueline Durran (who recently earned her 9th Oscar nomination for her work on “Barbie”), production designer Suzie Davis, composer Gary Yershon...
- 2/14/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
UK sales outfit Cornerstone Films has revealed details of Mike Leigh’s 23rd feature Hard Truths which reunites the auteur with star Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who was Oscar nominated for her role in Leigh’s 1996 film Secrets & Lies.
Hard Truths also stars Michele Austin, another star of Secrets & Lies, and shot in London in 2023. Following his historical films Mr.Turner and Peterloo, Hard Truths sees Leigh return to the contemporary world with a tough but compassionate intimate study of family life.
It is a Thin Man Films and The Mediapro Studio co-production, co-financed by Film4 in association with Creativity Media.
Hard Truths also stars Michele Austin, another star of Secrets & Lies, and shot in London in 2023. Following his historical films Mr.Turner and Peterloo, Hard Truths sees Leigh return to the contemporary world with a tough but compassionate intimate study of family life.
It is a Thin Man Films and The Mediapro Studio co-production, co-financed by Film4 in association with Creativity Media.
- 2/14/2024
- ScreenDaily
Mike Leigh has unveiled the first look at what will be the “Another Year” and “Secrets & Lies” director’s 23rd feature film, a new project called “Hard Truths.”
“Hard Truths” reunites Leigh with actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who starred in 1996’s “Secrets & Lies” and was Oscar-nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category for her performance in the film. You can see her looking concerned and harried while talking on the phone in the first look photo of the film above.
After last directing “Mr. Turner” and “Peterloo,” both of which were historical dramas, Leigh is back in a contemporary setting for “Hard Truths.” Specific plot details are still being kept under wraps, but the film is described as a “tough but compassionate and intimate study of family life.” Michele Austin, another of Leigh’s frequent collaborators, also stars.
Any details about “Hard Truths” were largely secret (it’s not...
“Hard Truths” reunites Leigh with actress Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who starred in 1996’s “Secrets & Lies” and was Oscar-nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category for her performance in the film. You can see her looking concerned and harried while talking on the phone in the first look photo of the film above.
After last directing “Mr. Turner” and “Peterloo,” both of which were historical dramas, Leigh is back in a contemporary setting for “Hard Truths.” Specific plot details are still being kept under wraps, but the film is described as a “tough but compassionate and intimate study of family life.” Michele Austin, another of Leigh’s frequent collaborators, also stars.
Any details about “Hard Truths” were largely secret (it’s not...
- 2/14/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Mike Leigh’s hotly-anticipated, but super-secretive, new film will see the iconoclastic British director reunite with his Secrets & Lies star Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
Hard Truths is Leigh’s first film since 2018’s Peterloo and will co-star frequent Leigh collaborator Michele Austin (Another Year, Secrets & Lies). After Peterloo and 2014’s Mr. Turner, both period dramas, Hard Truths will see Leigh return to the modern day, with a drama described as “a tough but compassionate intimate study of family life.”
Other Leigh regulars returning for Hard Truths include producer Georgina Lowe, cinematographer Dick Pope, costume designer Jacqueline Durran, production designer Suzie Davis, composer Gary Yershon and casting director Nina Gold.
Secrets & Lies, which premiered in Cannes in 1996, winning the Palme d’Or, featured Jean-Baptiste as a well-off Black professional who seeks out her biological mother, a poor white factory worker living in East London, played by Brenda Blethyn. Jean-Baptiste was Oscar-nominated for her performance,...
Hard Truths is Leigh’s first film since 2018’s Peterloo and will co-star frequent Leigh collaborator Michele Austin (Another Year, Secrets & Lies). After Peterloo and 2014’s Mr. Turner, both period dramas, Hard Truths will see Leigh return to the modern day, with a drama described as “a tough but compassionate intimate study of family life.”
Other Leigh regulars returning for Hard Truths include producer Georgina Lowe, cinematographer Dick Pope, costume designer Jacqueline Durran, production designer Suzie Davis, composer Gary Yershon and casting director Nina Gold.
Secrets & Lies, which premiered in Cannes in 1996, winning the Palme d’Or, featured Jean-Baptiste as a well-off Black professional who seeks out her biological mother, a poor white factory worker living in East London, played by Brenda Blethyn. Jean-Baptiste was Oscar-nominated for her performance,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Seven-time Oscar nominee Mike Leigh has reteamed with British actor Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who led his 1996 Oscar-nominated Secrets & Lies, on his latest feature, Hard Truths. We can share a first look at the feature above.
We first broke news of the project, which was shot in London, last May. Hard Truths is described as a movie set in the “contemporary world” with a plot said to be a “tough but compassionate intimate study of family life.”
The film also stars Michele Austin and is a Thin Man Films and The Mediapro Studio co-production, co-financed by Film4 in association with Creativity Media. Bleecker Street will release the film theatrically in the US later this year, with Studiocanal releasing in the UK and Cornerstone Films handling international sales. The film will be part of the company’s upcoming European Film Market slate.
Leigh was joined behind the camera by regular crew members,...
We first broke news of the project, which was shot in London, last May. Hard Truths is described as a movie set in the “contemporary world” with a plot said to be a “tough but compassionate intimate study of family life.”
The film also stars Michele Austin and is a Thin Man Films and The Mediapro Studio co-production, co-financed by Film4 in association with Creativity Media. Bleecker Street will release the film theatrically in the US later this year, with Studiocanal releasing in the UK and Cornerstone Films handling international sales. The film will be part of the company’s upcoming European Film Market slate.
Leigh was joined behind the camera by regular crew members,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Jeymes Samuel’s biblical epic was slated to be released tomorrow (19th January), but the film has disappeared from the UK release schedule.
Jeymes Samuel’s biblical dramedy The Book Of Clarence has been quietly removed from the UK release calendar – mere hours before it was supposed to appear in cinemas. The film was originally slated to come out tomorrow, 19th January.
Samuel’s film received its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival last October. Reviews were lukewarm, but all of its promotional materials mentioned that aforementioned release date.
Deadline also reports that Sony and Legendary, which apparently requested the move, are now planning a March release for the film instead.
The Book Of Clarence stars Lakeith Stanfield as the titular character, who tries to capitalise on the rise of Jesus Christ and fakes being a Messiah, spinning an impressive web of lies.
The large ensemble cast also includes Benedict Cumberbatch,...
Jeymes Samuel’s biblical dramedy The Book Of Clarence has been quietly removed from the UK release calendar – mere hours before it was supposed to appear in cinemas. The film was originally slated to come out tomorrow, 19th January.
Samuel’s film received its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival last October. Reviews were lukewarm, but all of its promotional materials mentioned that aforementioned release date.
Deadline also reports that Sony and Legendary, which apparently requested the move, are now planning a March release for the film instead.
The Book Of Clarence stars Lakeith Stanfield as the titular character, who tries to capitalise on the rise of Jesus Christ and fakes being a Messiah, spinning an impressive web of lies.
The large ensemble cast also includes Benedict Cumberbatch,...
- 1/18/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
Exclusive: The Book of Clarence, the Legendary and Jay Z-produced adventure-comedy, won’t be released in UK cinemas this week as planned.
The biblical epic has quietly dropped off the UK release schedule at the eleventh hour after initially being lined up for a January 19 release by Sony. UK exhibitors were set for a January 19 launch — the film has been listed on multiple cinema sites as opening this week — and marketing materials were deployed with a January 19 listing.
We understand a March release is now more likely. Sony is handling UK distribution, but we understand the decision to push back the release came from Legendary, which produced and financed the film.
News of the calendar switch comes after the pic recently opened stateside, taking just $3M over the 4-day MLK Jr. holiday weekend, giving the film a ninth-place debut on the charts. We hear that a later UK date...
The biblical epic has quietly dropped off the UK release schedule at the eleventh hour after initially being lined up for a January 19 release by Sony. UK exhibitors were set for a January 19 launch — the film has been listed on multiple cinema sites as opening this week — and marketing materials were deployed with a January 19 listing.
We understand a March release is now more likely. Sony is handling UK distribution, but we understand the decision to push back the release came from Legendary, which produced and financed the film.
News of the calendar switch comes after the pic recently opened stateside, taking just $3M over the 4-day MLK Jr. holiday weekend, giving the film a ninth-place debut on the charts. We hear that a later UK date...
- 1/18/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Mean Girls, Masters of the Air, True Detective, Echo and The Curse.
The Book of Clarence premiere
Director Jeymes Samuel and producer Jay-Z joined stars Lakeith Stanfield, James McAvoy, David Oyelowo, Alfre Woodard, Caleb McLaughlin and Rj Cyler at their film’s Los Angeles premiere on Jan. 5.
Micheal Ward, Anna Diop, Nicholas Pinnock, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, David Oyelowo, Lakeith Stanfield, Jeymes Samuel aka The Bullitts, Rj Cyler, Alfre Woodard, Babs Olusanmokun and Caleb McLaughlin Jeymes Samuel and Jay-Z
Mean Girls premiere
Lindsay Lohan made a surprise appearance at the Mean Girls musical movie premiere in NYC on Monday, joining Tina Fey, Lorne Michaels and new stars Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auli’i Cravalho, Jaquel Spivey, Avantika, Bebe Wood and Christopher Briney.
Reneé Rapp, Lorne Michaels, Tina Fey and Lindsay Lohan Auli’i Cravalho,...
The Book of Clarence premiere
Director Jeymes Samuel and producer Jay-Z joined stars Lakeith Stanfield, James McAvoy, David Oyelowo, Alfre Woodard, Caleb McLaughlin and Rj Cyler at their film’s Los Angeles premiere on Jan. 5.
Micheal Ward, Anna Diop, Nicholas Pinnock, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, David Oyelowo, Lakeith Stanfield, Jeymes Samuel aka The Bullitts, Rj Cyler, Alfre Woodard, Babs Olusanmokun and Caleb McLaughlin Jeymes Samuel and Jay-Z
Mean Girls premiere
Lindsay Lohan made a surprise appearance at the Mean Girls musical movie premiere in NYC on Monday, joining Tina Fey, Lorne Michaels and new stars Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auli’i Cravalho, Jaquel Spivey, Avantika, Bebe Wood and Christopher Briney.
Reneé Rapp, Lorne Michaels, Tina Fey and Lindsay Lohan Auli’i Cravalho,...
- 1/12/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pontius Pilate (James McAvoy) and Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) in The Book Of Clarence. Courtesy of Sony
Director/writer Jeymes Samuel seems to have been inspired by those Hollywood’s long tradition of epic Biblical movies, like Ben Hur and The Robe to try his own version of those big-screen extravaganzas mixing Bible stories with adventure and action for The Book Of Clarence – but with a big comic twist. With a plenty of humor, some social commentary and with a mostly Black cast playing the Jewish population of “Lower Jerusalem” in 33 A.D., Jeymes Samuel aimed to create a new, entertaining version of this venerable movie genre. The result is a movie with one foot in something like Ben Hur crossed with Monty Python’s Life Of Brian, with a touch of Mel Brooks’ History Of The World Part 1. The Book Of Clarence is a cinematic creation that teeters precariously and...
Director/writer Jeymes Samuel seems to have been inspired by those Hollywood’s long tradition of epic Biblical movies, like Ben Hur and The Robe to try his own version of those big-screen extravaganzas mixing Bible stories with adventure and action for The Book Of Clarence – but with a big comic twist. With a plenty of humor, some social commentary and with a mostly Black cast playing the Jewish population of “Lower Jerusalem” in 33 A.D., Jeymes Samuel aimed to create a new, entertaining version of this venerable movie genre. The result is a movie with one foot in something like Ben Hur crossed with Monty Python’s Life Of Brian, with a touch of Mel Brooks’ History Of The World Part 1. The Book Of Clarence is a cinematic creation that teeters precariously and...
- 1/12/2024
- by Cate Marquis
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It’s just another day on the mean streets of Judea circa 33 A.D., where people hang out on sunbaked corners talking smack, working-class stiffs scramble to get by, and Roman centurions — the LAPD of their day — stop and frisk anyone who they feel matches the description of a suspect. (As in: anyone that does not look like a white Roman centurion.) If you’re lucky, you might get to see a chariot street race already in progress, like the one between Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) and Mary Magdalene (Teyana Taylor...
- 1/12/2024
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
Lakeith Stanfield in The Book Of ClarencePhoto: Moris Puccio/Legendary Entertainment
In The Book Of Clarence, writer and director Jeymes Samuel (The Harder They Fall) imagines a 13th apostle who lies his way into being a disciple of Jesus. Set in Jerusalem in the year 33, the film follows a charming...
In The Book Of Clarence, writer and director Jeymes Samuel (The Harder They Fall) imagines a 13th apostle who lies his way into being a disciple of Jesus. Set in Jerusalem in the year 33, the film follows a charming...
- 1/11/2024
- by Murtada Elfadl
- avclub.com
In The Book of Clarence, Jeymes Samuel applies his jocular style — anachronistic music, rapid-fire banter and winking asides — to a Biblical epic that ends up strangely self-conscious when it comes to its comic ambitions. The director’s latest venture whisks audiences off to ancient Jerusalem, where locals grumble about the Romans and circulate news of a Messiah. Rumor has it he calls himself the son of God (something about an Immaculate Conception) and can turn water into wine. He leads a flock of apostles, 12 men devoted to spreading his gospel (they believe all men are born equal). Few people have seen this Jesus, but his existence excites them.
Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield), a peddler whose cocksure attitude shrouds the softer parts of his heart, doesn’t buy it. The claims made on behalf of Jesus are strong. (Walking on water? Really?) God doesn’t exist and you can’t raise the dead,...
Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield), a peddler whose cocksure attitude shrouds the softer parts of his heart, doesn’t buy it. The claims made on behalf of Jesus are strong. (Walking on water? Really?) God doesn’t exist and you can’t raise the dead,...
- 1/10/2024
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeymes Samuel, aka The Bullitts, directed a Western in 2021 called "The Harder They Fall," which took the names of real post-Civil War cowboys and gunslingers and put them into a highly stylized, highly fictionalized adventure story that was exhilarating to watch and refreshingly complex. What Samuel seemed to be doing was reclaiming the Western genre from the hands of boors like John Wayne and his associated "white savior" stories that, for many Hollywood generations, deliberately ignored the Black experience.
Samuel now takes a similar approach to the Hollywood Biblical epic with "The Book of Clarence," an exciting, ambitious, sloppy, but somewhat excellent New Testament remix, replete with a mishmash of tones, anachronisms, and interesting ideas. "Clarence" sees Jerusalem in Ad 33 as the setting of a modern crime drama, wherein the title character (Lakeith Stanfield) interacts with a slap-happy John the Baptist (David Oyelowo), his own bitter twin brother Thomas the...
Samuel now takes a similar approach to the Hollywood Biblical epic with "The Book of Clarence," an exciting, ambitious, sloppy, but somewhat excellent New Testament remix, replete with a mishmash of tones, anachronisms, and interesting ideas. "Clarence" sees Jerusalem in Ad 33 as the setting of a modern crime drama, wherein the title character (Lakeith Stanfield) interacts with a slap-happy John the Baptist (David Oyelowo), his own bitter twin brother Thomas the...
- 1/9/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The Bible being written about a region populated by brown people should be a matter of empirical fact for anyone trying to make a visual representation of the Old Testament. And yet, by and large, it’s just one of those facts that few creatives really run with, often settling for a Jerusalem awash in swarthy white guys, and to the embarrassment of all.
With that in mind, Jeymes Samuel gets points just for the sheer audacity of making, with The Book of Clarence, a big, beautiful, Biblical epic where, with only one exception, the only pale faces involved are Romans. It really, really shouldn’t feel like a big swing, but it is.
It’s likely with that sense of risk in mind that The Book of Clarence feels breathless, desperate as it is to cram every version of what a Black Bible story could look like into one film.
With that in mind, Jeymes Samuel gets points just for the sheer audacity of making, with The Book of Clarence, a big, beautiful, Biblical epic where, with only one exception, the only pale faces involved are Romans. It really, really shouldn’t feel like a big swing, but it is.
It’s likely with that sense of risk in mind that The Book of Clarence feels breathless, desperate as it is to cram every version of what a Black Bible story could look like into one film.
- 1/9/2024
- by Justin Clark
- Slant Magazine
Happy New Year! The first month of the year begins next week, and January means a few things in the world of movies: First off, there’s the Sundance Film Festival, where new movies and talent will be discovered that the rest of the world will have a chance to see over the rest of the year. There are also the Oscar nominations on January 23 which will become the focus of movie lovers for the next few weeks. There’s also the notorious myth that studios save all of their bad movies for January, which isn’t necessarily true, but one probably shouldn’t expect too many mega-blockbusters in the coming month. Read on for Gold Derby’s January 2024 box office preview.
“Mean Girls” (Paramount – Jan. 12)
Twenty years after Tina Fey made her jump into movies with the high school comedy on which this musical is based, people are still trying to make “fetch” happen.
“Mean Girls” (Paramount – Jan. 12)
Twenty years after Tina Fey made her jump into movies with the high school comedy on which this musical is based, people are still trying to make “fetch” happen.
- 12/29/2023
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Enter this contest by following the link at the bottom of this page for your chance to win a pair of passes to attend an advance screening of The Book Of Clarence on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 7:00pm at the Emagine Royal Oak!
Synopsis: From visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, The Book of Clarence is a bold new take on the timeless Hollywood era Biblical epic. Streetwise but struggling, Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge. The Book of Clarence Official Soundtrack features new music by Jeymes Samuel, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne,...
Synopsis: From visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, The Book of Clarence is a bold new take on the timeless Hollywood era Biblical epic. Streetwise but struggling, Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge. The Book of Clarence Official Soundtrack features new music by Jeymes Samuel, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne,...
- 12/29/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
From visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, The Book of Clarence is a bold new take on the timeless Hollywood era Biblical epic. Streetwise but struggling, Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge. The Book of Clarence Official Soundtrack features new music by Jeymes Samuel, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi and more.
The film stars Lakeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, Anna Diop, Rj Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste with James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch.
https://www.thebookofclarence.movie/
The St. Louis advance screening is Thursday,...
The film stars Lakeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, Anna Diop, Rj Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste with James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch.
https://www.thebookofclarence.movie/
The St. Louis advance screening is Thursday,...
- 12/27/2023
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Cliffhanger producer and The Legend of Hercules director Renny Harlin is back with another hard-hitting action film that aims to hit you like a ton of bricks. Hailing from Vertical, The Bricklayer stars Aaron Eckhart and revolves around a rogue insurgent blackmailing the CIA by assassinating foreign journalists and making it appear the agency is responsible. As other nations turn against the U.S., the CIA must lure Steve Vail (Eckhart) – their most brilliant and rebellious operative – out of retirement. With an elite and deadly skill set, Vail is tasked with helping clear the agency’s name, forcing him to confront his checkered past while unraveling an international conspiracy.
Bringing pain alongside Steve to those who deserve it most is Nina Dobrev’s Kate, a young, no-nonsense agent with a penchant for violence and a mean trigger finger. Clifton Collins Jr., Tim Blake Nelson, and Ilfenesh Hadera also star as primary cast members.
Bringing pain alongside Steve to those who deserve it most is Nina Dobrev’s Kate, a young, no-nonsense agent with a penchant for violence and a mean trigger finger. Clifton Collins Jr., Tim Blake Nelson, and Ilfenesh Hadera also star as primary cast members.
- 12/14/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Sony Pictures has launched a new trailer for Jeymes Samuel’s new take on a Biblical epic ‘The Book of Clarence.’
Streetwise but down on his luck, Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) is struggling to find a better life for his family, while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out.
Written and Directed by Jeymes Samuel, the cast includes Lakeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, Anna Diop, Rj Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, with James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch.
The film features new music by Jeymes Samuel, Jay-Z, and more.
Also in trailers – “You were meant for cuddling…” Trailer sweeps in for ‘Teddy’s Christmas...
Streetwise but down on his luck, Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) is struggling to find a better life for his family, while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out.
Written and Directed by Jeymes Samuel, the cast includes Lakeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, Anna Diop, Rj Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, with James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch.
The film features new music by Jeymes Samuel, Jay-Z, and more.
Also in trailers – “You were meant for cuddling…” Trailer sweeps in for ‘Teddy’s Christmas...
- 11/29/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Is there anything more sacrilegious than pretending to be Jesus Christ? Lakeith Stanfield is about to find out in "The Book of Clarence," the new movie from "The Harder They Fall" director Jeymes Samuel. Set back during the time of Jesus Christ, the story follows a down on his luck man named Clarence who is trying to help his mother, impress a woman he loves, and generally prove that he's not a nobody. Since everyone seems to be smitten with the miracles of a certain prophet, Clarence comes up with a plan to make a name for himself by pretending he has the same abilities as Jesus.
As you can see in the new trailer for "The Book of Clarence" above, even though this is a Biblical tale, it has a modern filmmaking style, complete with a hip hop fueled soundtrack provided by the likes of Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi,...
As you can see in the new trailer for "The Book of Clarence" above, even though this is a Biblical tale, it has a modern filmmaking style, complete with a hip hop fueled soundtrack provided by the likes of Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi,...
- 11/28/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
The Book of Clarence: New trailer shows how far Clarence is willing to go to prove he’s not a nobody
The new trailer for The Book of Clarence has been released. While the previous trailer showcased a soulful, satirical tone, this new one brings the gladiator action as Clarence is now shown to be confronted by James McAvoy’s Roman character, who proposes a challenge for our blasphemous character.
The outrageous mind of Jeymes Samuel, who last brought us Netflix‘s The Harder They Fall, is tackling complex themes in his new biblical satire from TriStar Pictures and Legendary. The Book of Clarence sees Lakeith Stanfield doing the unthinkable — posing as humanity’s next lord and savior. Stanfield is joined by an all-star cast that features the acting talents of Omar Sy, Rj Cyler, Benedict Cumberbatch, James McAvoy, Anna Diop, Teyana Taylor, David Oyelowo, Alfre Woodard, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Additionally, the cast also includes Caleb McLaughlin, Babs Olusanmokun, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Nicholas Pinnock, Micheal Ward, Chase Dillon, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor.
The outrageous mind of Jeymes Samuel, who last brought us Netflix‘s The Harder They Fall, is tackling complex themes in his new biblical satire from TriStar Pictures and Legendary. The Book of Clarence sees Lakeith Stanfield doing the unthinkable — posing as humanity’s next lord and savior. Stanfield is joined by an all-star cast that features the acting talents of Omar Sy, Rj Cyler, Benedict Cumberbatch, James McAvoy, Anna Diop, Teyana Taylor, David Oyelowo, Alfre Woodard, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Additionally, the cast also includes Caleb McLaughlin, Babs Olusanmokun, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Nicholas Pinnock, Micheal Ward, Chase Dillon, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor.
- 11/28/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
"How far would you go to prove you're not a nobody?" Sony Pictures has revealed the full official trailer for The Book of Clarence, the new film from filmmaker Jeymes Samuel - who last made the slick Black western The Harder They Fall (great film). This time he's bringing us a biblical musical epic called The Book of Clarence, a clever story set during the times of Jesus. A down on his luck Jerusalemite embarks on a misguided attempt to capitalize on the rise of celebrity and influence the Messiah for his own personal gain. The journey leads him on an exploration of faith and an unexpected path. Lakeith Stanfield stars in this film as Clarence, a streetwise but down-on-his-luck guy who decides to start his own religion; with a full cast including Omar Sy, Anna Diop, Rj Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa,...
- 11/28/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Jeymes Samuel was intent on putting a “hood” vibe into his Biblical epic The Book of Clarence starring Lakeith Stanfield as the eponymous Clarence, a local lad in the Holy Land who gets by dealing weed and holding chariot races against a no-nonsense Mary Magdalene. Clarence soon sees an opening to make some bucks in the Messiah business but then he realizes that miracles can happen when you least expect them. The Book of Clarence, which also features Rj Cyler, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Omar Sy, David Oyelowo, Teyana Taylor, Anna Diop and Michael Ward, follows the director’s debut feature, The Harder They Fall, which spiced up the Western genre.
Deadline: All praise to you because I usually run so fast from Biblical movies, but this one answered my prayers.
Jeymes Samuel: Yeah, we know we’re just in a place and time that we’ve never been. I think...
Deadline: All praise to you because I usually run so fast from Biblical movies, but this one answered my prayers.
Jeymes Samuel: Yeah, we know we’re just in a place and time that we’ve never been. I think...
- 11/27/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Rumble Through the Dark is an action thriller series directed by Parker and Graham Phillips from a screenplay by Michael Farris Smith. The film is based on a novel by Farris Smith named The Fighter. The film revolves around a desperate, bare-knuckle cage fighter as he fights against increasingly dangerous opponents to save his family home. Rumble Through the Dark stars Aaron Eckhart, Bella Thorne, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Ritchie Coster. So, if you love the action thriller film here are some similar movies you could watch next.
Warrior (Starz & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – Lionsgate Movies
Synopsis: Haunted by a tragic past, Marine Tommy Conlon (Hardy) returns home for the first time in fourteen years to enlist the help of his father (Nick Nolte) to train for Sparta, the biggest winner-takes-all event in mixed martial arts history. A former wrestling prodigy, Tommy blazes a path toward the championship while his brother,...
Warrior (Starz & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – Lionsgate Movies
Synopsis: Haunted by a tragic past, Marine Tommy Conlon (Hardy) returns home for the first time in fourteen years to enlist the help of his father (Nick Nolte) to train for Sparta, the biggest winner-takes-all event in mixed martial arts history. A former wrestling prodigy, Tommy blazes a path toward the championship while his brother,...
- 11/14/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
After watching Eron Eckhart’s Muzzle, I thought the actor was done and wouldn’t get any good movies like he used to get in his prime. However, after watching Rumble Through the Dark, I fell in love with his craft again. Eckhart had done action movies, but nothing came even close to his latest film. The film is raw and convincing, and you can’t help but feel his pain and the things he’s going through. Eckhart stepped into the shoes of Jack Boucher, a man drowning in debt. Jack did whatever odd jobs he could find to earn some extra green. When he wasn’t earning, you could find him in the casino, trying to double whatever he had walked in with. As already established, Jack owed a huge sum to the bank, which, if not paid in time, would risk the foreclosure of his house. However,...
- 11/12/2023
- by Rishabh Shandilya
- Film Fugitives
Editor’s note: This review was originally published at the 2023 London Film Festival. Sony releases the film in theaters on Friday, January 12.
Presenting the story of a struggling “nobody” whose exploits run parallel with those of Jesus of Nazareth in AD33, “The Book of Clarence” is less “Life of Brian” and more a fan-fiction version of the gospels, though the eponymous star of Jeymes Samuel’s latest film (played by Lakeith Stanfield) does share the Monty Python protagonist’s co-living situation with his mother (Marianne Jean-Baptiste). And, much like Brian, he’s a “very naughty boy,” at least early on.
Unlike “Life of Brian” or Martin Scorsese’s “The Last Temptation of Christ,” Samuel’s New Testament reworking is unlikely to offend anyone of Christian faith, outside of outright racists or people who strongly object to use of the term “motherfucker.” Giving the final days of Christ a contemporary, allegorical spin,...
Presenting the story of a struggling “nobody” whose exploits run parallel with those of Jesus of Nazareth in AD33, “The Book of Clarence” is less “Life of Brian” and more a fan-fiction version of the gospels, though the eponymous star of Jeymes Samuel’s latest film (played by Lakeith Stanfield) does share the Monty Python protagonist’s co-living situation with his mother (Marianne Jean-Baptiste). And, much like Brian, he’s a “very naughty boy,” at least early on.
Unlike “Life of Brian” or Martin Scorsese’s “The Last Temptation of Christ,” Samuel’s New Testament reworking is unlikely to offend anyone of Christian faith, outside of outright racists or people who strongly object to use of the term “motherfucker.” Giving the final days of Christ a contemporary, allegorical spin,...
- 10/12/2023
- by Josh Slater-Williams
- Indiewire
“I wanted to tell a story about the environment that I grew up in but based in the biblical era and merge the two,” Jeymes Samuel told Deadline’s Baz Bamigboye of the idea behind his latest pic, The Book of Clarence, at London Contenders.
Starring Lakeith Stanfield, David Oyelowo, and Benedict Cumberbatch, The Book of Clarence tells the story of Stanfield’s streetwise but down-on-his-luck Clarence, who is struggling to find a better life for his family while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his path to divine life and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out.
The film’s cast is rounded out by Omar Sy, Rj Cyler, James McAvoy, Anna Diop, Teyana Taylor, Alfre Woodard, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Caleb McLaughlin, Babs Olusanmokun, Eric Kofi-Abrefa,...
Starring Lakeith Stanfield, David Oyelowo, and Benedict Cumberbatch, The Book of Clarence tells the story of Stanfield’s streetwise but down-on-his-luck Clarence, who is struggling to find a better life for his family while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his path to divine life and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out.
The film’s cast is rounded out by Omar Sy, Rj Cyler, James McAvoy, Anna Diop, Teyana Taylor, Alfre Woodard, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Caleb McLaughlin, Babs Olusanmokun, Eric Kofi-Abrefa,...
- 10/7/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
"You still fight?" Lionsgate has unveiled the official trailer for an action thriller called Rumble Through the Dark, another of these direct-to-vod releases coming up this fall. It's getting a one week run before being available to watch at home in November. Adapted from the novel titled The Fighter by Michael Farris Smith (but of course that movie title was taken by the Christian Bale boxing movie The Fighter from 2010). In the dark landscape of the Mississippi Delta, a bare knuckle cage fighter seeks to repay his debts in a final, desperate attempt to salvage the family home of his dying foster mother. Starring Aaron Eckhart as Jack Boucher, with Bella Thorne, Ritchie Coster, Amanda Saunders, Joe Hursley, Mike McColl, Derek Russo, Christopher Winchester, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. This looks stylish and brutal, though not that memorable, the same story we've seen in so many other fighting films. At least Eckhart looks good.
- 10/4/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies Isn’t Based on a True Story but There’s Truth in it
This article contains spoilers for all episodes of The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies.
In the world of true crime, scammers are the new murderers, so audiences may well lap up the latest BBC 1 drama The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies. In it, Alistair Petrie’s sleazebag serial scammer, Robert, engages in a game of cat and mouse with Alice (Rebekah Staton), the abandoned ex-wife who thought he was dead, and Cheryl (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) the successful fantasy author who he is currently attempting to extort money from.
The show begins with a chance encounter where Alice happens to spot Robert on the streets of Oxford. Not in fact dead, Robert has restyled himself as Dr Robert Chance (not his name and he’s not a doctor), an Oxford educated explorer who runs a climate change foundation out of Greenland. Needless to say he has not attended Oxford,...
In the world of true crime, scammers are the new murderers, so audiences may well lap up the latest BBC 1 drama The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies. In it, Alistair Petrie’s sleazebag serial scammer, Robert, engages in a game of cat and mouse with Alice (Rebekah Staton), the abandoned ex-wife who thought he was dead, and Cheryl (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) the successful fantasy author who he is currently attempting to extort money from.
The show begins with a chance encounter where Alice happens to spot Robert on the streets of Oxford. Not in fact dead, Robert has restyled himself as Dr Robert Chance (not his name and he’s not a doctor), an Oxford educated explorer who runs a climate change foundation out of Greenland. Needless to say he has not attended Oxford,...
- 8/30/2023
- by Rosie Fletcher
- Den of Geek
Sony Pictures has launched a teaser trailer for Jeymes Samuel’s new take on a Biblical-epic ‘The Book of Clarence.’
Streetwise but down on his luck, Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) is struggling to find a better life for his family, while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out.
Written and Directed by Jeymes Samuel, the cast includes Lakeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, Anna Diop, Rj Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, with James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch.
The film features new music by Jeymes Samuel, Jay-Z, and more.
Also in trailers – “Make sure you’re there…” Teaser trailer drops for Netflix’ ‘Rustin’
The post “I am your new Messiah…...
Streetwise but down on his luck, Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) is struggling to find a better life for his family, while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out.
Written and Directed by Jeymes Samuel, the cast includes Lakeith Stanfield, Omar Sy, Anna Diop, Rj Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, with James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch.
The film features new music by Jeymes Samuel, Jay-Z, and more.
Also in trailers – “Make sure you’re there…” Teaser trailer drops for Netflix’ ‘Rustin’
The post “I am your new Messiah…...
- 8/30/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
In 2021, Jeymes Samuel unleashed “The Harder They Fall,” a revisionist Black Western with an All-Star cast and an equally impressive soundtrack. He turned the genre on its head, while still celebrating everything that he loved about Westerns of the past. And he looks to be doing the same thing with his new biblical epic “The Book of Clarence,” due out at the beginning of next year from TriStar Pictures and Legendary. And you can watch the brand-new trailer for it above.
“The Book of Clarence” stars Lakeith Stanfield as a man living in Jerusalem at the same time as Jesus. Inspired by Jesus’ rise, he “risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out” (according to the official synopsis). The movie also stars Omar Sy, Anna Diop, Rj Cyler, David Oyelowo (rocking a...
“The Book of Clarence” stars Lakeith Stanfield as a man living in Jerusalem at the same time as Jesus. Inspired by Jesus’ rise, he “risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out” (according to the official synopsis). The movie also stars Omar Sy, Anna Diop, Rj Cyler, David Oyelowo (rocking a...
- 8/29/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
"Knowledge is stronger than belief!" Sony Pictures has unveiled the glorious first look teaser trailer for The Book of Clarence, the new film from filmmaker Jeymes Samuel - who last made the slick Black western The Harder They Fall (big fan of this one). This time he's bringing us a biblical musical epic called The Book of Clarence, a clever story set during the times of Jesus. A down on his luck Jerusalemite embarks on a misguided attempt to capitalize on the rise of celebrity and influence the Messiah for his own personal gain. The journey leads him on an exploration of faith and an unexpected path. Lakeith Stanfield stars in this film as Clarence, streetwise but down-on-his-luck guy who decides to start his own religion; with a full cast including Omar Sy, Anna Diop, Rj Cyler, David Oyelowo, Micheal Ward, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Marianne Jean-Baptiste,...
- 8/29/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The outrageous mind of Jeymes Samuel, who last brought us Netflix’s The Harder They Fall, is tackling blasphemous themes in his new biblical satire from TriStar Pictures and Legendary. The Book of Clarence sees Lakeith Stanfield doing the unthinkable — posing as humanity’s next lord and savior. Stanfield is joined by an all-star cast that features the acting talents of Omar Sy, Rj Cyler, Benedict Cumberbatch, James McAvoy, Anna Diop, Teyana Taylor, David Oyelowo, Alfre Woodard, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Additionally, the cast also includes Caleb McLaughlin, Babs Olusanmokun, Eric Kofi-Abrefa, Nicholas Pinnock, Micheal Ward, Chase Dillon, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor.
The synopsis reads, “Inspired by classic Hollywood epics set in biblical times, Legendary’s The Book of Clarence tells the tale of Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield), a down-on-his-luck denizen of Jerusalem embarking on a misguided attempt to capitalize on the rise of celebrity and influence of the Messiah for his own personal gain.
The synopsis reads, “Inspired by classic Hollywood epics set in biblical times, Legendary’s The Book of Clarence tells the tale of Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield), a down-on-his-luck denizen of Jerusalem embarking on a misguided attempt to capitalize on the rise of celebrity and influence of the Messiah for his own personal gain.
- 8/29/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Oscar nominee Lakeith Stanfield reunites with “The Harder They Fall” filmmaker Jeymes Samuel for the biblical epic “The Book of Clarence,” which Sony is set to debut in theaters early next year. The studio debuted the project’s first trailer on Tuesday.
“From visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, ‘The Book of Clarence’ is a bold new take on the timeless biblical-era epic,” read a synopsis provided by Sony. “Streetwise but down-on-his-luck, Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) is struggling to find a better life for his family, while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out. The film features new music by Jeymes Samuel, Jay-Z, and more.”
“Clarence is a person that doesn’t believe in...
“From visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, ‘The Book of Clarence’ is a bold new take on the timeless biblical-era epic,” read a synopsis provided by Sony. “Streetwise but down-on-his-luck, Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) is struggling to find a better life for his family, while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, and ultimately discovers that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out. The film features new music by Jeymes Samuel, Jay-Z, and more.”
“Clarence is a person that doesn’t believe in...
- 8/29/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Why settle for worshipping the Messiah when you could just be your own Personal Jesus (in the wise words of Depeche Mode)? So reasons Clarence (Lakeith Stanfield) in the newly-released trailer for "The Book of Clarence," the upcoming old-school Biblical epic written and directed by "The Harder They Fall" filmmaker Jeymes Samuel.
Much like his feature debut, which /Film's own Ben Pearson declared his top film of 2021 (calling it "a much-needed infusion of new blood" for the Western genre), "The Book of Clarence" sees Samuel and a talented cast composed primarily of Black actors working in a historically white genre. Citing his admiration of swords-and-sandals classics like "The Ten Commandments" as the reason he wanted to make the period piece in the first place, Samuel admitted to Ebony, "[But] as much as we love these films, there are no Black people in there. What happens when we, people of color and powerful women,...
Much like his feature debut, which /Film's own Ben Pearson declared his top film of 2021 (calling it "a much-needed infusion of new blood" for the Western genre), "The Book of Clarence" sees Samuel and a talented cast composed primarily of Black actors working in a historically white genre. Citing his admiration of swords-and-sandals classics like "The Ten Commandments" as the reason he wanted to make the period piece in the first place, Samuel admitted to Ebony, "[But] as much as we love these films, there are no Black people in there. What happens when we, people of color and powerful women,...
- 8/29/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
El Muerto undated for now; Dumb Money moves up to September.
Jeymes Samuel’s The Book Of Clarence has been pushed back from September 22 to January 12 2024 as Sony Pictures announced several schedule changes on Wednesday (June 21).
The Legendary Pictures feature – Samuel’s follow-up to his 2021 western and BFI London Film Festival world premiere The Harder They Fall – stars Lakeith Stanfield in the title role, alongside Omar Sy, Rj Cyler, Benedict Cumberbatch, James McAvoy and Anna Diop.
The story is inspired by the classic Hollywood epics set in biblical times and tells of a down-on-his-luck Jerusalem man who embarks on a...
Jeymes Samuel’s The Book Of Clarence has been pushed back from September 22 to January 12 2024 as Sony Pictures announced several schedule changes on Wednesday (June 21).
The Legendary Pictures feature – Samuel’s follow-up to his 2021 western and BFI London Film Festival world premiere The Harder They Fall – stars Lakeith Stanfield in the title role, alongside Omar Sy, Rj Cyler, Benedict Cumberbatch, James McAvoy and Anna Diop.
The story is inspired by the classic Hollywood epics set in biblical times and tells of a down-on-his-luck Jerusalem man who embarks on a...
- 6/21/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
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