Hello NEON Community!
Today’s early films had an Ohio focus!
My first movie of the day was THE LUCKIEST MAN IN AMERICA, dir Samir Oliveros (USA) “Featuring Paul Walter Hauser (Richard Jewell), Walton Goggins, and David Strathairn, this stranger-than-fiction drama resurrects a hugely popular 1980s game show and the ‘luckiest man in America’ who broke it.” (taken from TIFF catalog) Based on a true story about how a man memorized and beat the “random” lights on PRESS YOUR LUCK, the protagonist from this scandal was from Lebanon, Ohio! This funny, tense, and upsetting film works on so many levels. From it’s vintage-looking credits and camera work to the crazy set-up, this movie is a lot of fun. Though the ending was slightly unsatisfying, I think this film ultimately works.
Shot largely in Wilmington, Ohio, my next film was NUTCRACKERS, dir David Gordon Green (USA) “Ben Stiller stars as a city slicker forced to look after a quartet of mischievous rural orphans in this fish-out-of-water comedy that speaks to the hidden talents in each of us just waiting for a chance to shine.” (taken from TIFF catalog) This film has a giant heart…and despite its formula-driven script (with some cringe-worthy moments) and its overly predictable turns, the film lands exactly where it wants to – and I think it will work well with audiences. The 4 boys (real-life siblings from Ohio) are pretty great, and you’ll likely recognize some settings (and maybe even some locals).
My next film was my first public screening of the festival (meaning it wasn’t just industry folks – but open to the general public)…and the director & cast were there! (Due to last year’s strikes, hardly any films had casts in attendance…so this will be a nice change this year.) THE LAST SHOWGIRL, dir Gia Coppola (USA) “A seasoned performer must plan for her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run. Starring Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Dave Bautista.” From a good script written by Kate Gersten – someone who “was there” when the last big, old-fashion Vegas show closed (known as Jubilee! – which Gersten said was referred to as “the last of the tits and feathers shows” ) – this story seemed quite authentic, and Pamela Anderson said she had been “getting ready my whole life for this role.” Touching and full of melancholy, Anderson and Curtis are great in this film. And I love when there’s a moment in a film that evokes the crowd to burst into applause. A solid film from Gia Coppola
My first documentary of the festival was MISTRESS DISPELLER, dir Elizabeth Lo (China, USA) “Sure to be a conversation starter and filmed with an astonishing emotional intimacy, Mistress Dispeller follows the work of a Chinese woman who practices unorthodox techniques to repair marital infidelity.” From the director of STRAY – a doc we played at THE NEON about a dog living on the streets of Istanbul – this film had a very intriguing set-up. The lines of documentary ethics seemed to be blurred in order to get the material…but so was the story of the protagonist who is called in to make extramarital affairs disappear. I loved a lot of this film, and the last 8-10 minutes were very satisfying. The post-screening discussion was very enlightening and answered my questions…but I think there’s a much stronger 40-60 minute film here instead of a feature.
There’s no trailer for this film…but here’s a clip:
My 9th film for the festival and fifth film for today is a winner! WE LIVE IN TIME, dir John Crowley (United Kingdom, France) “Featuring gorgeously detailed performances from Oscar nominees Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, this inventively structured romance explores the question of how to make the most of our time in this world.” (taken from TIFF catalog) The energy was high when I arrived at the Visa Screening Room. Hundreds of fans were cheering for Andrew Garfield…and he was just a few feet away when I was checking in. When I got to my nosebleed seat (about 5 stories up), the crowd on the street was chanting “Florence. Florence.” This town is so ready to welcome big stars again!
This gorgeous, nonlinear film did not disappoint. With three different timelines playing against each other, the title resonates even stronger as we get to know a couple who are dealing with pregnancy, cancer and the day-to-day act of living. It’s a beautiful story, and these two actors are at the top of their crafts…and having them talk about how they worked on this project has been the highlight of the festival so far.
Thanks so much for reading.
Tomorrow is Almodovar Day!
More soon,
Jonathan
