After the pomp and ceremony of Britain's Got Talent ITV makes a welcome return to scripted drama this week. Starring Dougray Scott and written by the late Emmy-award winning Prime Suspect co-writer Frank Deasy, Father & Son has potential, but is it any good? Father & Son concerns itself with the brutality and nihilism of gang culture and the impact it has on a particular Manchester estate.
- 6/4/2010
- Sky TV
Stevie Wonder hits the UK, Toy Story goes 3D, and it's the last ever Big Brother – our critics pick the unmissable events of the season
Pop
Stevie Wonder
Anyone who can't face braving Glastonbury to see the Motown legend's Sunday-night set can head to London's Hyde Park for this headlining show. It's likely to be heavy on the hits, but a little too heavy on the audience participation, if complaints from disgruntled punters at Wonder's recent shows are anything to go by. And be warned: Jamiroquai seems to have been enticed out of retirement to provide support. Hyde Park, London W2, 26 June. Box office: 020-7009 3484.
T in the Park
This beloved Scottish festival is prized as much for its atmosphere as its lineup. And they're certainly wheeling out the big hitters this year: Eminem, Muse, Kasabian, Jay-z, Black Eyed Peas, Florence and the Machine, La Roux, Dizzee Rascal and Paolo Nutini,...
Pop
Stevie Wonder
Anyone who can't face braving Glastonbury to see the Motown legend's Sunday-night set can head to London's Hyde Park for this headlining show. It's likely to be heavy on the hits, but a little too heavy on the audience participation, if complaints from disgruntled punters at Wonder's recent shows are anything to go by. And be warned: Jamiroquai seems to have been enticed out of retirement to provide support. Hyde Park, London W2, 26 June. Box office: 020-7009 3484.
T in the Park
This beloved Scottish festival is prized as much for its atmosphere as its lineup. And they're certainly wheeling out the big hitters this year: Eminem, Muse, Kasabian, Jay-z, Black Eyed Peas, Florence and the Machine, La Roux, Dizzee Rascal and Paolo Nutini,...
- 5/24/2010
- The Guardian - Film News
Scriptwriters Enda Walsh and Frank Deasy were amongst the recipients of the 2009 ZeBBies – which were announced last night (Thursday, 26th November) in Dublin. Ifta Nominee Enda Walsh was selected in the Film Script category for 'Hunger'. Lance Daly's 'Kisses' and Mark Doherty's 'A Film With Me In It' were also shortlisted. Emmy winner and BAFTA nominee Frank Deasy's script for the first episode of 'Father and Son' received the honours in the category of TV Script. Deasy's script had been up against Lisa McGee for her work on the second episode of 'Raw' and Peter McKenna's script for first episode of the sixth series of 'The Clinic'.
- 11/30/2009
- IFTN
The short-list for the Irish Playwrights and Screenwriters Guild 2009 ZeBBies has been announced. Created by the and named in honour of 'Grapes of Wrath' actor O. Z. Whitehead, the accolade acknowledges script(s) written by Irish playwrights and screenwriters during the previous year. This year sees the following scriptwriters being nominated in the category of Television; Frank Deasy for episode 1 of 'Father and Son'; Lisa McGee for the second episode of 'Raw' and Peter McKenna for the first episode of the sixth series of 'The Clinic'.
- 11/5/2009
- IFTN
'Father & Son', Rte One's latest summer drama will premiere Monday June 29 at 9.30pm. A co-production between Rte and ITV, this four part drama which has a formidable cast of actors including Dougray Scott, Stephen Rea and Sophie Okonedo, is tipped to be rich, compelling and highly entertaining. Director of the project was Brian Kirk (My Boy Jack, Middletown), whilst producer was Micheal Casey (My Boy Jack, Middletown), the script was written by Emmy award winning Irish writer Frank Deasy (Prime Suspect: The Final Act) and Dop wasRuairi O'Brien (Running Mate). These talents coupled with an all star cast including Dougray Scott (Mission Impossible II), Stephen Rea (The Crying Game), Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda), John Kavanagh (The Tudors) and Flora Montgomery (When Brendan Met Trudy) guarantees that audiences are in for a treat with this four part series. Iftn caught up with the series producer Michael Casey to talk about the scale of the series,...
- 6/25/2009
- IFTN
ITV has commissioned Father & Son, a four-part crime drama from Prime Suspect's Frank Deasy. Deasy's story takes place in Ireland and Manchester and centres on ex-con Michael O'Connor as he returns to the UK to save his teenage son from falling into a life of crime. Dougray Scott, Sophie Okonedo, Stephen Rea and Ian Hart have been cast in the series, to be directed by Brian Kirk (My Boy Jack). Left (more)...
- 10/8/2008
- by By Simon Reynolds
- Digital Spy
LONDON -- An adaptation of the best-selling novel series "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," from Anthony Minghella and Richard Curtis, will serve as the showpiece of pubcaster BBC1's new winter schedule, acting channel controller Roly Keating said Tuesday.
Based on the best-selling novel series by Alexander McCall Smith, "Detective Agency" chronicles the adventures of Precious Ramotswe, the proprietor of the only female-owned detective agency in Botswana. It will star singer-actress Jill Scott as Precious and will be directed and written by Anthony Minghella and co-written by Richard Curtis.
"Filmed entirely on location in Botswana, it's an entertaining and optimistic story, offering a very different insight to Africa than we are used to seeing in the news," said Keating, who described the film as an "epic treat."
In another schedule highlight, "The Passion" will tell the story of Jesus Christ from three points of view and run over the course of a week, just before Easter. The project will be penned by Emmy winner Frank Deasy ("Prime Suspect 7") and developed by Nigel Stafford-Clark ("Bleak House)." It will star Joseph Mawle as Jesus and James Nesbitt as Pontius Pilate.
Based on the best-selling novel series by Alexander McCall Smith, "Detective Agency" chronicles the adventures of Precious Ramotswe, the proprietor of the only female-owned detective agency in Botswana. It will star singer-actress Jill Scott as Precious and will be directed and written by Anthony Minghella and co-written by Richard Curtis.
"Filmed entirely on location in Botswana, it's an entertaining and optimistic story, offering a very different insight to Africa than we are used to seeing in the news," said Keating, who described the film as an "epic treat."
In another schedule highlight, "The Passion" will tell the story of Jesus Christ from three points of view and run over the course of a week, just before Easter. The project will be penned by Emmy winner Frank Deasy ("Prime Suspect 7") and developed by Nigel Stafford-Clark ("Bleak House)." It will star Joseph Mawle as Jesus and James Nesbitt as Pontius Pilate.
- 12/5/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If there were any doubts that Christina Ricci is one of the most interesting, resourceful and hugely watchable young actresses of her generation, then "Prozac Nation" ends them.
Her performance as a Harvard undergrad battling clinical depression compels your attention every moment she is on screen. It's not easy to make an audience want to watch an impossible personality. She's Jekyll and she's Hyde all the time, and it's tearing her apart.
The movie is standard-issue woman-under-the-influence material, better than "Girl, Interrupted", less graphic than "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden" and made with genuine concern about this area of mental illness. The film will engage mainly female audiences in North America and many overseas venues. Critical reaction and possible awards for Ricci certainly will help sell a movie that is, after all, no walk in the park.
Based on Elizabeth Wurtzel's memoir, director Erik Skjoldbjaerg and writers Galt Niederhoffer, Alex Orlovsky and Frank Deasy lay things out with crystal clarity. Lizzie (Ricci) might have been prone to depression anyway, but with her early family life she never stands a chance.
A chain-smoking, neurotically self-obsessed mother (Jessica Lange in a truly scary performance) raises her in New York after her father (Nicholas Campbell) -- an even more self-centered character, if that's possible -- all but deserts the family.
Lizzie's writing carries her far -- all the way to a Harvard scholarship and published pieces in Rolling Stone. But at the university, her life falls apart. Understandably terrified of rejection, she nonetheless alienates everyone close to her: an admiring roommate (Michelle Williams), who really "gets" her; her first lover Jonathan Rhys Meyers), who turns her on to recreational drugs; and a caring fellow student (Jason Biggs), whom she anoints her "savior."
Seemingly, Lizzie can connect only with Lou Reed -- the rocker puts in an appearance at an underground music venue. Those closest to her put her in panic mode. Her therapist (an icy Anne Heche) realizes that only by remaining aloof can she reach a soul in such turmoil. Eventually, she prescribes Prozac -- the cure-all drug of the 1980s -- to help Lizzie get "a perspective" and rebuild her identity.
Ricci has mesmerizing eyes and a face that is open one moment and opaque the next. In this role, she uses her eyes and face to reflect not only the emotional turmoil but also the anger at her self-destructive actions. Ricci makes you realize how tough it is for Lizzie to be Lizzie. She doesn't like herself much but nevertheless clings to life.
The movie, though, is perhaps too Crystal Clear. The other actors are very good at establishing exactly what kind of people their characters are and how they will respond in all circumstances. Consequently, there are few surprises. No one can step out of character to lend Lizzie a helping hand. In fact, the movie is practically a commercial for medication over human compassion, which is unfortunate though possibly true in many cases.
Skjoldbjaerg's attempts to visualize Lizzie's moods through speeded-up action and fuzzy double images remind you of bad student films of the '70s and '80s. Otherwise, he directs with intelligence and is smart enough to realize that with Ricci as his star, the less fuss the better.
Cinematographer Erling Thurmann-Andersen goes for somber, dark tones, while editor James Lyons moves things along at a crisp pace.
PROZAC NATION
Millennium Films
in association with Cinerenta
A Given production
Producers:Galt Niederhoffer, Brad Weston, R. Paul Miller
Director:Erik Skjoldbjaerg
Screenwriters:Galt Niederhoffer, Alex Orlovsky, Frank Deasy
Based on the book by:Elizabeth Wurtzel
Executive producers:Willi Baer, Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short, John Thompson
Director of photography:Erling Thurmann-Andersen
Production designer:Clay A. Griffith
Costume designer:Terry Dresbach
Editor:James Lyons
Color/stereo
Cast:
Lizzie:Christina Ricci
Sarah:Jessica Lange
Dr. Diana Sterling:Anne Heche
Rafe:Jason Biggs
Ruby:Michelle Williams
Noah:Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Donald:Nicholas Campbell
Running time -- 98 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Her performance as a Harvard undergrad battling clinical depression compels your attention every moment she is on screen. It's not easy to make an audience want to watch an impossible personality. She's Jekyll and she's Hyde all the time, and it's tearing her apart.
The movie is standard-issue woman-under-the-influence material, better than "Girl, Interrupted", less graphic than "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden" and made with genuine concern about this area of mental illness. The film will engage mainly female audiences in North America and many overseas venues. Critical reaction and possible awards for Ricci certainly will help sell a movie that is, after all, no walk in the park.
Based on Elizabeth Wurtzel's memoir, director Erik Skjoldbjaerg and writers Galt Niederhoffer, Alex Orlovsky and Frank Deasy lay things out with crystal clarity. Lizzie (Ricci) might have been prone to depression anyway, but with her early family life she never stands a chance.
A chain-smoking, neurotically self-obsessed mother (Jessica Lange in a truly scary performance) raises her in New York after her father (Nicholas Campbell) -- an even more self-centered character, if that's possible -- all but deserts the family.
Lizzie's writing carries her far -- all the way to a Harvard scholarship and published pieces in Rolling Stone. But at the university, her life falls apart. Understandably terrified of rejection, she nonetheless alienates everyone close to her: an admiring roommate (Michelle Williams), who really "gets" her; her first lover Jonathan Rhys Meyers), who turns her on to recreational drugs; and a caring fellow student (Jason Biggs), whom she anoints her "savior."
Seemingly, Lizzie can connect only with Lou Reed -- the rocker puts in an appearance at an underground music venue. Those closest to her put her in panic mode. Her therapist (an icy Anne Heche) realizes that only by remaining aloof can she reach a soul in such turmoil. Eventually, she prescribes Prozac -- the cure-all drug of the 1980s -- to help Lizzie get "a perspective" and rebuild her identity.
Ricci has mesmerizing eyes and a face that is open one moment and opaque the next. In this role, she uses her eyes and face to reflect not only the emotional turmoil but also the anger at her self-destructive actions. Ricci makes you realize how tough it is for Lizzie to be Lizzie. She doesn't like herself much but nevertheless clings to life.
The movie, though, is perhaps too Crystal Clear. The other actors are very good at establishing exactly what kind of people their characters are and how they will respond in all circumstances. Consequently, there are few surprises. No one can step out of character to lend Lizzie a helping hand. In fact, the movie is practically a commercial for medication over human compassion, which is unfortunate though possibly true in many cases.
Skjoldbjaerg's attempts to visualize Lizzie's moods through speeded-up action and fuzzy double images remind you of bad student films of the '70s and '80s. Otherwise, he directs with intelligence and is smart enough to realize that with Ricci as his star, the less fuss the better.
Cinematographer Erling Thurmann-Andersen goes for somber, dark tones, while editor James Lyons moves things along at a crisp pace.
PROZAC NATION
Millennium Films
in association with Cinerenta
A Given production
Producers:Galt Niederhoffer, Brad Weston, R. Paul Miller
Director:Erik Skjoldbjaerg
Screenwriters:Galt Niederhoffer, Alex Orlovsky, Frank Deasy
Based on the book by:Elizabeth Wurtzel
Executive producers:Willi Baer, Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short, John Thompson
Director of photography:Erling Thurmann-Andersen
Production designer:Clay A. Griffith
Costume designer:Terry Dresbach
Editor:James Lyons
Color/stereo
Cast:
Lizzie:Christina Ricci
Sarah:Jessica Lange
Dr. Diana Sterling:Anne Heche
Rafe:Jason Biggs
Ruby:Michelle Williams
Noah:Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Donald:Nicholas Campbell
Running time -- 98 minutes
No MPAA rating...
If there were any doubts that Christina Ricci is one of the most interesting, resourceful and hugely watchable young actresses of her generation, then "Prozac Nation" ends them.
Her performance as a Harvard undergrad battling clinical depression compels your attention every moment she is on screen. It's not easy to make an audience want to watch an impossible personality. She's Jekyll and she's Hyde all the time, and it's tearing her apart.
The movie is standard-issue woman-under-the-influence material, better than "Girl, Interrupted", less graphic than "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden" and made with genuine concern about this area of mental illness. The film will engage mainly female audiences in North America and many overseas venues. Critical reaction and possible awards for Ricci certainly will help sell a movie that is, after all, no walk in the park.
Based on Elizabeth Wurtzel's memoir, director Erik Skjoldbjaerg and writers Galt Niederhoffer, Alex Orlovsky and Frank Deasy lay things out with crystal clarity. Lizzie (Ricci) might have been prone to depression anyway, but with her early family life she never stands a chance.
A chain-smoking, neurotically self-obsessed mother (Jessica Lange in a truly scary performance) raises her in New York after her father (Nicholas Campbell) -- an even more self-centered character, if that's possible -- all but deserts the family.
Lizzie's writing carries her far -- all the way to a Harvard scholarship and published pieces in Rolling Stone. But at the university, her life falls apart. Understandably terrified of rejection, she nonetheless alienates everyone close to her: an admiring roommate (Michelle Williams), who really "gets" her; her first lover Jonathan Rhys Meyers), who turns her on to recreational drugs; and a caring fellow student (Jason Biggs), whom she anoints her "savior."
Seemingly, Lizzie can connect only with Lou Reed -- the rocker puts in an appearance at an underground music venue. Those closest to her put her in panic mode. Her therapist (an icy Anne Heche) realizes that only by remaining aloof can she reach a soul in such turmoil. Eventually, she prescribes Prozac -- the cure-all drug of the 1980s -- to help Lizzie get "a perspective" and rebuild her identity.
Ricci has mesmerizing eyes and a face that is open one moment and opaque the next. In this role, she uses her eyes and face to reflect not only the emotional turmoil but also the anger at her self-destructive actions. Ricci makes you realize how tough it is for Lizzie to be Lizzie. She doesn't like herself much but nevertheless clings to life.
The movie, though, is perhaps too crystal clear. The other actors are very good at establishing exactly what kind of people their characters are and how they will respond in all circumstances. Consequently, there are few surprises. No one can step out of character to lend Lizzie a helping hand. In fact, the movie is practically a commercial for medication over human compassion, which is unfortunate though possibly true in many cases.
Skjoldbjaerg's attempts to visualize Lizzie's moods through speeded-up action and fuzzy double images remind you of bad student films of the '70s and '80s. Otherwise, he directs with intelligence and is smart enough to realize that with Ricci as his star, the less fuss the better.
Cinematographer Erling Thurmann-Andersen goes for somber, dark tones, while editor James Lyons moves things along at a crisp pace.
PROZAC NATION
Millennium Films
in association with Cinerenta
A Given production
Producers:Galt Niederhoffer, Brad Weston, R. Paul Miller
Director:Erik Skjoldbjaerg
Screenwriters:Galt Niederhoffer, Alex Orlovsky, Frank Deasy
Based on the book by:Elizabeth Wurtzel
Executive producers:Willi Baer, Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short, John Thompson
Director of photography:Erling Thurmann-Andersen
Production designer:Clay A. Griffith
Costume designer:Terry Dresbach
Editor:James Lyons
Color/stereo
Cast:
Lizzie:Christina Ricci
Sarah:Jessica Lange
Dr. Diana Sterling:Anne Heche
Rafe:Jason Biggs
Ruby:Michelle Williams
Noah:Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Donald:Nicholas Campbell
Running time -- 98 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Her performance as a Harvard undergrad battling clinical depression compels your attention every moment she is on screen. It's not easy to make an audience want to watch an impossible personality. She's Jekyll and she's Hyde all the time, and it's tearing her apart.
The movie is standard-issue woman-under-the-influence material, better than "Girl, Interrupted", less graphic than "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden" and made with genuine concern about this area of mental illness. The film will engage mainly female audiences in North America and many overseas venues. Critical reaction and possible awards for Ricci certainly will help sell a movie that is, after all, no walk in the park.
Based on Elizabeth Wurtzel's memoir, director Erik Skjoldbjaerg and writers Galt Niederhoffer, Alex Orlovsky and Frank Deasy lay things out with crystal clarity. Lizzie (Ricci) might have been prone to depression anyway, but with her early family life she never stands a chance.
A chain-smoking, neurotically self-obsessed mother (Jessica Lange in a truly scary performance) raises her in New York after her father (Nicholas Campbell) -- an even more self-centered character, if that's possible -- all but deserts the family.
Lizzie's writing carries her far -- all the way to a Harvard scholarship and published pieces in Rolling Stone. But at the university, her life falls apart. Understandably terrified of rejection, she nonetheless alienates everyone close to her: an admiring roommate (Michelle Williams), who really "gets" her; her first lover Jonathan Rhys Meyers), who turns her on to recreational drugs; and a caring fellow student (Jason Biggs), whom she anoints her "savior."
Seemingly, Lizzie can connect only with Lou Reed -- the rocker puts in an appearance at an underground music venue. Those closest to her put her in panic mode. Her therapist (an icy Anne Heche) realizes that only by remaining aloof can she reach a soul in such turmoil. Eventually, she prescribes Prozac -- the cure-all drug of the 1980s -- to help Lizzie get "a perspective" and rebuild her identity.
Ricci has mesmerizing eyes and a face that is open one moment and opaque the next. In this role, she uses her eyes and face to reflect not only the emotional turmoil but also the anger at her self-destructive actions. Ricci makes you realize how tough it is for Lizzie to be Lizzie. She doesn't like herself much but nevertheless clings to life.
The movie, though, is perhaps too crystal clear. The other actors are very good at establishing exactly what kind of people their characters are and how they will respond in all circumstances. Consequently, there are few surprises. No one can step out of character to lend Lizzie a helping hand. In fact, the movie is practically a commercial for medication over human compassion, which is unfortunate though possibly true in many cases.
Skjoldbjaerg's attempts to visualize Lizzie's moods through speeded-up action and fuzzy double images remind you of bad student films of the '70s and '80s. Otherwise, he directs with intelligence and is smart enough to realize that with Ricci as his star, the less fuss the better.
Cinematographer Erling Thurmann-Andersen goes for somber, dark tones, while editor James Lyons moves things along at a crisp pace.
PROZAC NATION
Millennium Films
in association with Cinerenta
A Given production
Producers:Galt Niederhoffer, Brad Weston, R. Paul Miller
Director:Erik Skjoldbjaerg
Screenwriters:Galt Niederhoffer, Alex Orlovsky, Frank Deasy
Based on the book by:Elizabeth Wurtzel
Executive producers:Willi Baer, Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short, John Thompson
Director of photography:Erling Thurmann-Andersen
Production designer:Clay A. Griffith
Costume designer:Terry Dresbach
Editor:James Lyons
Color/stereo
Cast:
Lizzie:Christina Ricci
Sarah:Jessica Lange
Dr. Diana Sterling:Anne Heche
Rafe:Jason Biggs
Ruby:Michelle Williams
Noah:Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Donald:Nicholas Campbell
Running time -- 98 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 9/10/2001
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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