anna karenina

SMASHED and Exciting Announcement at THE NEON

December 26, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

HITCHCOCK and ANNA KARENINA are still performing well for us, so we’re going to keep both…but we’ll also add a new film into the mix for one week. On Friday, we will open SMASHED – the new film which just earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

Synopsis for SMASHED: “A married couple whose bond is built on a mutual love of alcohol gets their relationship put to the test when the wife decides to get sober.” (taken from Sony Classics) Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul, Octavia Spencer and Megan Mullally. Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVZmINZyj-U’]

We’ve never announced anything like this before, but we thought that some of you might be interested…
THE NEON is excited to spread the word about an investment opportunity for people who love good, independent filmmaking. This Spring, a Dayton-native who currently lives and works in NYC will return to town in order to shoot a feature-length film. We’ve shown her work in the past, and we believe in her Dayton-centric screenplay and vision. If you’d like to find out more about the opportunity to invest in this project, please respond to me via e-mail or telephone. Someone associated with the film will contact you with more details. My contact info: [email protected] or (937)222-8452

If you were a fan of the one-night only screening of RIDE THE DIVIDE, mark your calendars now for January 23. We will host a one-night only screening of the new film REVEAL THE PATH. “REVEAL THE PATH is a genre-defying adventure film that contemplates what it means to live an inspired life using the bicycle as a mechanism to explore, dream and discover. Regions explored include Scotland’s lush valleys, Europe’s snow capped mountains, Morocco’s high desert landscapes, Nepal’s rural countryside and Alaska’s rugged coastal beaches…Meet the locals living modest yet seemingly fulfilling lives, leading us to question what it means to live an inspired life – however humble or extravagant. Join in as the creators of RIDE THE DIVIDE take you on an adventure that will leave you with an eager desire to chart your own course to far away lands or simply to discover with eyes wide open what’s right around the bend.” (taken from press notes) Check out the official site to find out more about the film and to purchase advanced tickets. (We will not be selling advanced tickets for this event at our box office…they will only be available on the official site.)

On January 4 we will open 2 new films – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON (with Bill Murray as FDR) and PROMISED LAND (starring Matt Damon, John Krasinski and Frances McDormand – directed by Gus Van Sant)! I think we’ll start the year off with some enthusiastic audiences…this also means that everything on this week’s playlist will leave on January 3. We hope you’ll hurry down.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
Just a reminder – we’re open 365 Days a Year!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Dec. 28 – Thur, Jan. 3:

ANNA KARENINA (R) 2 Hr 10 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:10
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

HITCHCOCK (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:50

SMASHED (R) 1 Hr 21 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Jan. 4 – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON
Jan. 4 – PROMISED LAND
Jan. 11 – DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL
Jan 25 – RUST AND BONE
Jan. ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Feb. 8 – ON THE ROAD
Feb. 15 – AMOUR
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS

ANNA KARENINA and HITCHCOCK are Hits At THE NEON!

December 19, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

HITCHCOCK and ANNA KARENINA are performing quite well for us, so we’ll hold both for another week!
I’m happy to announce that along with our upgrade to digital projection, we also installed hearing assisted devices. These headphones are available for check-out when you purchase your tickets, and the devices work for all titles. For select titles, “Audio Description” is available. This is a service for the blind and visually impaired…and HITCHCOCK makes use of this technology. (A person narrates the on-screen action via headphones.) Please let us know if you’d like to try these out…and please help us spread the word to people who might be interested in these services.

Check out this lovely featurette about ANNA KARENINA:

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSmPXiGVjnI’]

Check out this fun scene from HITCHCOCK…it’s all about editing and makes me nostalgic for our 35mm projectors (not to mention the way I learned to edit 16mm film at WSU).

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOTq6KYDTfI’]

Do you use Facebook? If so, we’ve got a fun contest going on that uses the HITCHCOCK photobooth in our lobby. Check out our Facebook page for details on how you could win a HITCHCOCK prize pack – which includes dvds of PSYCHO and NORTH BY NORTHWEST. Only a handful of people have entered, so your chances are very good! But hurry up – the contest ends on Dec. 23! Here’s our page – www.facebook.com/neonmovies

If you are in need of a fun stocking stuffer, we have day planners featuring The Rubi Girls in our lobby for $20 each or 2 for $30. The Rubi Girls are a comedic drag troupe here in Dayton who have now helped to raise over One Million Dollars for HIV Charities in Ohio. 100% of the price of the planner goes back to AIDS Resource Center Ohio. (These planners are intended for mature audiences.)

We just confirmed our line-up for the next few weeks. On December 28, we will open SMASHED for one week – featuring a fantastic performance by Mary Elizabeth Winstead (who was just nominated for an Independent Spirit Award). On January 4 we will open 2 new films – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON (with Bill Murray as FDR) and PROMISED LAND (starring Matt Damon, John Krasinski and Frances McDormand – directed by Gus Van Sant)! I think we’ll start the year off with some enthusiastic audiences.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBqPv6xO6es’]

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
Just a reminder – we’re open 365 Days a Year!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Dec. 21 – Thur, Dec. 27:

ANNA KARENINA (R) 2 Hr 10 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:10, 9:45
Monday: 2:30, 5:15
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

HITCHCOCK (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Monday: 3:00, 5:30
Tuesday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 7:50

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Dec. 28 – SMASHED
Jan. 4 – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON
Jan. 4 – PROMISED LAND
Jan. 11 – DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL
Jan 25 – RUST AND BONE
Jan. ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Feb. 8 – ON THE ROAD
Feb. 15 – AMOUR
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS

HITCHCOCK Now Playing At THE NEON

December 14, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

ANNA KARENINA is still going strong…and we’re opening a film today that I think will continue to keep us quite busy. HITCHCOCK – a film about the making of PSYCHO and the relationship between Alfred Hitchcock and his wife Alma Reville – is lots of fun. The performances are stellar and the story is great. Rex Reed of THE NEW YORK OBSERVER gave the film a 100% review. He wrote, “This is one of the best movies of 2012. With rich performances, a riveting and articulate screenplay, meticulous direction and enough grounded emotional intensity to keep your pulse pounding, Hitchcock grabs you by the lapels like a suspense classic by Hitch himself – a knockout from start to finish.”

Synopsis for HITCHCOCK: “Lurking behind Alfred Hitchcock, cinema’s ‘master of suspense’ — the extraordinary film icon known for orchestrating some of the most intense experiences of menace and intrigue audiences have ever seen, was a hidden side: his creatively explosive romance with his steadfast wife and filmmaking collaborator, Alma Reville. Now, for the first time, Sacha Gervasi’s HITCHCOCK lays bare their captivating and complex love story. It does so through the sly, shadowy lens of their most daring filmmaking adventure: the making of the spine-tingling 1960 thriller, PSYCHO, which would become the director’s most controversial and legendary film. When the tumultuous, against-the-odds production was over, nothing about movies would ever be the same – but few realized that it took two to pull it off.” (Fox Searchlight) Click this link to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rQuRLERl6A’]

Do you use Facebook? If so, we’ve got a fun contest going on that uses the HITCHCOCK photobooth in our lobby. Check out our Facebook page for details on how you could win a HITCHCOCK prize pack – which includes dvds of PSYCHO and NORTH BY NORTHWEST. Here’s our page – www.facebook.com/neonmovies

The Family Holiday Film Series picked up quite a bit this past weekend. Thanks to everyone who came out for IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE…the crowd was awesome. This Saturday marks the final film in the series. Many thanks to the Dayton Holiday Festival, DP&L, and Channel 99.9 for their sponsorship.
Here is the last film of this year’s line-up:
DEC. 15 at Noon – ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
This film is free for children 12 & under and only $2 for everyone else.

The holidays are upon us, and we hope you won’t forget that NEON gift certificates make great presents! Whether they’re for the film-lover in your life…or the person who still needs to discover THE NEON…we sell them at our box office in $5 and $10 denominations.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Dec. 14 – Thur, Dec. 20:

ANNA KARENINA (R) 2 Hr 10 Min
Friday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:10, 9:45
Saturday: 4:00, 7:10, 9:45
Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:10, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

HITCHCOCK (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 7:50

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (NR) 1 Hr 37 Min
Saturday: 12:00 (Noon)

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Dec. ? – SMASHED
Dec. ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Jan. 4 – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON
Jan ? – RUST AND BONE
Jan ? – ON THE ROAD
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Feb. ? – AMOUR
TBD – DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL

CHASING ICE & IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE at THE NEON

December 5, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’ve got a hit! ANNA KARENINA had a great opening weekend. Thanks to everyone who came out to support it. If you were at THE NEON over the weekend, you more than likely saw the trailer for CHASING ICE – the beautiful and scary documentary that will open this Friday. If you still need to see THE SESSIONS (one of my favorite films of the year) or THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (a great little film that has helped us find a younger audience at THE NEON), you only have until Thursday to see them at THE NEON.

CHASING ICE is only slated to play for one week! Hurry down!!

Synopsis for CHASING ICE: “In the spring of 2005, acclaimed environmental photographer James Balog headed to the Arctic on a tricky assignment for National Geographic: to capture images to help tell the story of the Earth’s changing climate. Even with a scientific upbringing, Balog had been a skeptic about climate change. But that first trip north opened his eyes to the biggest story in human history and sparked a challenge within him that would put his career and his very well-being at risk. Chasing Ice is the story of one man’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence of our changing planet.” (National Geographic Channel) Click this LINK to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIZTMVNBjc4′]

The Family Holiday Film Series was off to a slow start this past weekend, but there are still 2 films left. If you know someone who might be interested in these special holiday films, we hope you’ll help us spread the word. Many thanks to the Dayton Holiday Festival, DP&L, and Channel 99.9 for their sponsorship.
Here are the last 2 films of this year’s line-up:
DEC. 8 at Noon – IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
DEC. 15 at Noon – ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
These films are FREE for children 12 & under and only $2 for everyone else.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Dec. 7 – Thur, Dec. 13:

ANNA KARENINA (R) 2 Hr 10 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Wednesday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00
Thursday: 2:30, 8:00

CHASING ICE (PG-13) 1 Hr 16 Min
Friday: 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, 7:20, 9:30
Saturday: 3:15, 5:15, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:30, 5:30, 7:30
Thursday: 3:30, 7:30

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (NR) 2 Hr 10 Min
Saturday: 12:00 (Noon)

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Dec. 14 – HITCHCOCK
Dec. ? – SMASHED
Dec. ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Jan. 4 – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON
Jan ? – RUST AND BONE
Jan ? – ON THE ROAD
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Feb. ? – AMOUR
TBD – DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL

ANNA KARENINA Opens at THE NEON

November 28, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

If you haven’t had a chance to see A LATE QUARTET, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open Joe Wright’s gorgeous adaptation of ANNA KARENINA. We will also hold THE SESSIONS and THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER for one more week. (CHASING ICE – the stunningly incredible new documentary – is slated to open on Dec. 7…check out its website.) Showtimes for the remainder of this week can be found on our website.

Synopsis for ANNA KARENINA: “The third collaboration of Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley with acclaimed director Joe Wright, following the award-winning box office successes Pride & Prejudice and Atonement, is a bold, theatrical new vision of the epic story of love, adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s timeless novel by Academy Award winner Tom Stoppard. The story powerfully explores the capacity for love that surges through the human heart. As Anna (Ms. Knightley) questions her happiness and marriage, change comes to all around her.” (Focus Features) Also starring Jude Law, this is a stunningly conceptual film. I saw it at its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and though it took me a few moments to adjust to its technique, I was eventually consumed by it. Click this link to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPGLRO3fZnQ’]

On Saturday, we will kick off the return of the Family Holiday Film Series
– sponsored by The Dayton Holiday Festival, DP&L, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON. Here is this year’s line-up:
DEC. 1 at Noon – PRANCER
DEC. 8 at Noon – IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
DEC. 15 at Noon – ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
These films are free for children 12 & under and only $2 for everyone else.

If you were a fan of the one-night only screening of RIDE THE DIVIDE, mark your calendars now for January 23. We will host a one-night only screening of the new film REVEAL THE PATH. In the next couple weeks, I will provide more details…but if you just can’t wait, you can check out the official site to find out more about the film.

And don’t forget NEON gift certificates! Whether they’re for the film-lover in your life…or the person who still needs to discover THE NEON…our gift certificate make the perfect gift this holiday season. We sell them at our box office in $5 and $10 denominations.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Nov. 30 – Thur, Dec. 6:

THE SESSIONS (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday: 12:30, 2:45, 7:20
Saturday: 2:45, 7:20
Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:50

ANNA KARENINA (R) 2 Hr 10 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (PG-13) 1 Hr 42 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:50, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

PRANCER (G) 1 Hr 43 Min
Saturday: 12:00 (Noon)

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Dec. 7 – CHASING ICE
Dec. 14 – HITCHCOCK
Dec. ? – SMASHED
Dec. ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Jan. 4 – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON
Jan ? – RUST AND BONE
Jan ? – ON THE ROAD
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Feb. ? – AMOUR
TBD – DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL

THE NEON Opens THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

November 20, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

I’m sad to report that we had a rather abysmal weekend at THE NEON. THE SESSIONS (which is such a wonderful film) performed well below what we had hoped. A LATE QUARTET (which audiences are loving) absolutely tanked. Because we’ve got a big film opening on Nov. 30 (Joe Wright’s ANNA KARENINA), we needed to add something to the mix for just on week in order to help this weekend’s numbers. It’s a rarity for us to open a film that has already played in our market, but THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER is a film that I really loved at The Toronto International Film Festival – and I hope that there are several people who still need to see it. If you saw and loved SESSIONS or LATE QUARTET, please help us spread the word that they won’t be at THE NEON much longer.

Synopsis for THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER: “Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a modern classic that captures the dizzying highs and crushing lows of growing up. Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a moving tale of love, loss, fear and hope-and the unforgettable friends that help us through life.” (Summit Entertainment) Click HERE to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aog8680PVmU’]

The first three Saturdays at Noon in December will mark the return of the Family Holiday Film Series – sponsored by The Dayton Holiday Festival, DP&L, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON. Here is this year’s line-up:
DEC. 1 at Noon – PRANCER
DEC. 8 at Noon – IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
DEC. 15 at Noon – ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
These films are free for children 12 & under and only $2 for everyone else.

We’ve added some great titles to our line-up, so be sure to check out our list below.
And next time you’re in our lobby, make sure to take your picture in our HITCHCOCK Screaming Booth. We’ll soon have a contest on facebook where you’ll be able to post your picture and vote on your favorite scream! (HITCHCOCK – about the making of PSYCHO – is slated to start on December 14…and it’s lots of fun.)

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Nov. 23 – Thur, Nov. 29:

THE SESSIONS (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

A LATE QUARTET (R) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:40, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:50

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (PG-13) 1 Hr 42 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 5:00, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Nov. 30 – ANNA KARENINA
Nov. 30 or Dec. 7 – CHASING ICE
Dec. 14 – HITCHCOCK
Dec. ? – SMASHED
Dec. ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Jan. 4 – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON
Jan ? – RUST AND BONE
Jan ? – ON THE ROAD
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Feb. ? – AMOUR
TBD – DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL

THE SESSIONS + A LATE QUARTET Opening at THE NEON

November 14, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re opening 2 new films at this weekend, and we hope they’ll attract big crowds. This is a lucrative weekend/week at THE NEON. Thanksgiving business can often set the tone for the remaining weeks of the year…and we’re really hoping to end 2012 with a bang! Like many of the films we’ve played at this time, we think some Oscar nominations could arise from our selections. (Here are some films that we’ve played during Thanksgiving in past years: AMELIE, CAPOTE, THE QUEEN, BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS, 127 HOURS and THE DESCENDANTS.) If you need to see any of our current attractions, Thursday will be your last chance to see them at THE NEON (visit our website for current showtimes). On Friday, we will open THE SESSIONS and A LATE QUARTET.

Synopsis for THE SESSIONS: “The Sessions tells the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined at age 38 to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapists and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality.” (from Fox Searchlight) Starring the amazing John Hawkes and a fearless Helen Hunt, this film is certain to get Oscar attention this year! Click this link to visit the official site. I LOVE THIS FILM!

Synopsis for A LATE QUARTET: “When the beloved cellist of a world-renowned string quartet receives a life changing diagnosis, the group’s future suddenly hangs in the balance: suppressed emotions, competing egos, and uncontrollable passions threaten to derail years of friendship and collaboration. As they are about to play their 25th anniversary concert, quite possibly their last, only their intimate bond and the power of music can preserve their legacy. Inspired by and structured around Beethoven’s Opus 131 String Quartet in C-sharp minor, A LATE QUARTET pays homage to chamber music and the cultural world of New York.” (taken from rottentomatoes.com) Starring Catherine Keener, Christopher Walken, Mark Ivanir, and Philip Seymour Hoffman Click this link to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T7vqxwuWEM’]

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1VCyikozys’]

On Sunday, November 18 at 3:00, The Dayton International Peace Museum, Wright State Peace Lecture Committee, Pi Beta Phi at the University of Dayton and The Dayton Council on World Affairs will present a special, free screening of IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY.
“Dayton has made its place in history as the host city for the Dayton Peace Accords. A historic achievement in 1995, the Accords helped bring an end to the tragic civil war of the Former Yugoslavia. With the end in fighting, a horrific reality of ethnic cleaning and genocide was revealed, especially after the international community had pledged ‘No More’ after the end of the Holocaust in 1945. The Angelina Jolie-directed movie, IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY portrays a bittersweet love story during the war. It brings to light the tragic reality of war and its impact on our humanity. In the aftermath of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia, a major trial at the International Criminal Court at The Hague took place that led to
international recognition of rape as a weapon of war. At this screening, we will be commemorating the historic Dayton Peace Accords and how Dayton was instrumental in the process. There will also be a Q&A panel after the movie to discuss ongoing violence issues against women that sadly continue domestically and internationally. Please join us for this important movie and stimulating discussion on how we can contribute to peace and humanity in our world today.” (taken from press notes) Visit the film’s official site.

The first three Saturdays at Noon in December will mark the return of the Family Holiday Film Series – sponsored by The Dayton Holiday Festival, DP&L, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON. Here is this year’s line-up:
DEC. 1 at Noon – PRANCER
DEC. 8 at Noon – IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
DEC. 15 at Noon – ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
These films are free for children 12 & under and only $2 for everyone else.

Next time you’re in our lobby, make sure to take your picture in our HITCHCOCK Screaming Booth. We’ll soon have a contest on facebook where you’ll be able to post your picture and vote on your favorite scream! (HITCHCOCK – about the making of PSYCHO – is slated to start in December…and it’s lots of fun.)

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Nov. 16 – Thur, Nov. 22:

THE SESSIONS (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45

A LATE QUARTET (R) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 5:50, 8:00
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY (R) 2 Hr 7 Min
Sunday: 3:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Nov. 30 ANNA KARENINA
Dec. TBD – HITCHCOCK
Dec. ? – SMASHED
Dec. ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Jan. 4 – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON
Jan ? – RUST AND BONE
Jan ? – ON THE ROAD
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Feb. ? – AMOUR
TBD – DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL

True Nature | For A Good Time Call – at THE NEON

November 8, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

This should be a fun weekend. We have two new films – a big festival winner made right here in Dayton and a charmingly raunchy comedy from a director I love. TRUE NATURE, the supernatural thriller that has played in over 40 film festivals around the world, was made in Dayton by local filmmakers (keep reading for details about special Q&As). FOR A GOOD TIME, CALL was made by Jamie Travis – the maker of one of my favorite short films ever (THE SADDEST BOY IN THE WORLD).
We will hold SAMSARA and LIBERAL ARTS for one more week. On Nov. 15, we’ll clean house. On Nov. 16, we have 2 new films slated to open, and all other films will have to leave in order to make room. Hurry down if we have films you want to see!

Synopsis for TRUE NATURE: “The Pascal family has it all – wealth, power, privilege – but their picture perfect lives change forever when their college-athlete daughter Marianne disappears one night while running. She mysteriously returns a year later with no recollection of where she’s been. Haunted by violent visions, she begins to suspect that her family is hiding dark secrets and that the key to her disappearance may be linked to them. As the fragile web of lies unravels, she fears that her own life and sanity may be the price for discovering the truth.” (taken from press notes) Special Q&As with filmmakers Patrick Steele and Ann Rotolante will take place after the screening on Friday, Nov. 9 at 9:30 and on Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 10 & 11 following the 5:00 screenings. Visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWyMIfmBI6A’]

Synopsis for FOR A GOOD TIME, CALL…: “The reserved Lauren and the irrepressible Katie are polar opposites… and past enemies. But when both come up short on the funds needed to afford their dream New York City apartment a mutual friend re-introduces them and they reluctantly agree to room together. These apartment-mates have nothing in common – until Lauren discovers that Katie is working as a phone-sex operator, and recognizes a good business opportunity. But as their business partnership takes off, their newfound friendship finds unexpected challenges that may leave them both, as they say, hanging on the telephone.” (Focus Features) Visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qigVz5l8v9Q’]

The first three Saturdays at Noon in December will mark the return of the Family Holiday Film Series. In next week’s newsletter, I’ll announce the films…which are free for children 12 & under and only $2 for everyone else.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Nov. 9 – Thur, Nov. 15:

TRUE NATURE (NR) 1 Hr 32 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 5:00, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:00, 9:30

FOR A GOOD TIME, CALL… (R) 1 Hr 25 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 5:15, 7:30, 9:40

LIBERAL ARTS (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday – Thursday: 3:10

SAMSARA (PG-13) 1 Hr 42 Min
Friday – Wednesday: 2:50, 7:20
Thursday: 2:50

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Nov. 16 (2 weeks only) – A LATE QUARTET
Nov. 16 THE SESSIONS
Nov. 30 ANNA KARENINA
Dec. TBD – HITCHCOCK
Dec. ? – SMASHED
Dec. ? – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Jan. 4 – HYDE PARK ON HUDSON
Jan ? – RUST AND BONE
Jan ? – ON THE ROAD
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Feb. ? – AMOUR
TBD – DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL

KILLER JOE and LIBERAL ARTS at THE NEON!

October 24, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’ve got two new films opening this weekend. First off is a film with Ohio & Dayton connections. LIBERAL ARTS – directed by and starring Josh Radnor (an Ohio native) – was shot mostly at Kenyon College. In addition to Elizabeth Olsen, the film also stars Dayton’s own Allison Janney. Our second film is a darkly comic crime thriller directed by William Friedkin (director of THE EXORCIST and THE FRENCH CONNECTION) starring Matthew McConaughey – KILLER JOE. (KILLER JOE is rated NC-17 for graphic violence & sexuality…no one under 17 will be admitted.)

In addition to our two new films, we will hold SLEEPWALK WITH ME and SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN for limited screenings. Audiences are loving SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN. People who gave the film a chance (knowing nothing about the subject) are so glad they came! Many folks are coming out of the auditorium wondering if the music is available. It is! Omega Music, just a block from THE NEON, has the soundtrack on hand. If you’re interested in the music, we hope you’ll support another locally owned business (they even have the soundtrack available on vinyl)!

Synopsis for LIBERAL ARTS: “Newly single and uninspired by his job in college admissions, the introverted Jesse Fisher (Josh Radnor) lives with his head buried in a book. His deep nostalgia for his own alma mater in Ohio – the dining halls and dorm rooms, the parties and poetry seminars – makes him wonder if his best days are behind him. So when his favorite professor (Richard Jenkins) invites him back to campus to speak at his retirement dinner, Jesse jumps at the chance. Meeting Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen) – a precocious classical music-loving sophomore – awakens in Jesse long-dormant feelings of possibility and connection.” (IFC Films) Visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW4zsyuFhew’]

Synopsis for KILLER JOE: “When 22 year-old drug dealer Chris (Hirsch) has his stash of drugs stolen from him by his mother, he has to come up with six-thousand dollars quick, or he’s dead. Desperate, he goes to the trailer-park to see his father, Ansel (Hayden Church), and he lays out the plan. Chris’s mother, who everyone hates, has a life insurance policy that would clear up his debt and make them all rich. The problem is that Chris’ mother is very much alive. Enter Detective “Killer” Joe Cooper, a hired hit man with the manners of a Southern gentleman, who will do the job – for an upfront fee, that Chris and Ansel can’t pay. Just as Joe is about to leave, he spots Dottie (Temple), Chris’ innocent younger sister. Joe makes Chris an offer, he’ll keep Dottie as sexual collateral until the money is collected and his fee can be paid.” (Voltage Pictures) Visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9cnYXwGX4U’]

“Help support DATV and be inspired by short films that aim to make a difference in our lives. DATV presents the MEDIA THAT MATTERS SHORT FILM FESTIVAL on Thursday, November 8th at 7:30pm, at THE NEON in Downtown Dayton. The MEDIA THAT MATTERS SHORT FILM FESTIVAL is the premier national showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day. The films engagediverse audiences and inspires them to take action. The festival features 12 jury selected short films that tackle a broad range of social issues with humor, humanity and honesty in 12 minutes or less.” (provided by DATV) Tickets are $10 each, and we have a few available at our box office and on DATV’s site. For more details about the event and the films, visit the official site.

It’s unusual for me to talk about movies that aren’t playing at THE NEON…but I need to make an exception. SPARKLE, a new documentary made by NEON supporters and local filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar, will premiere next week at Dayton Art Institute. “The evening will be quite unusual – a night of dance and cinema. SPARKLE is the story of legendary dancer Sheri ‘Sparkle’ Williams, who at age 50 (!) is still dancing with the world renowned Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. Our film is the story of how Sheri faces a devastating injury, which actually happened on stage. The evening will include the movie premiere, plus the world premiere of a new dance work choreographed specifically for Sheri Williams by Rodney A. Brown, a rising star in the world of contemporary dance choreography. The evening will also include a performance by the entire DCDC ensemble, AND several surprise guests. It promises to be a memorable night. Friday, Nov. 2 at 7 PM at the Dayton Art Institute’s newly renovated Renaissance Auditorium. Tickets are available at Ticket Center Stage, 937-228-3630, or at http://www.dcdc.org/ .” (taken from press notes) You can also join the conversation on the official facebook page.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Oct. 26 – Thu. Nov. 1:

KILLER JOE (NC-17) 1 Hr 42 Min
Friday – Thursday: 5:00, 9:30

LIBERAL ARTS (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 7:20

SLEEPWALK WITH ME (NR) 1 Hrs 30 Min
Friday – Thursday: 5:15, 9:30

SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN (PG-13) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
Nov. 2 – SAMSARA
Nov. 9 – FOR A GOOD TIME, CALL
Nov. 16 (5 Days Only) – THE DETAILS
Nov. 16 (2 weeks only) – A LATE QUARTET
Nov. 21 – THE SESSIONS
Nov. 30 – ANNA KARENINA
Dec. TBD – HITCHCOCK

SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN & Digital News at THE NEON

October 17, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

All of us at THE NEON have been working long hours the past several days, and I hope you’re able to discern this newsletter – my eyelids are quite heavy as I type this note. As soon as the benefit was over on Sunday night, we began prepping our projection booth, auditoriums and lobby for some major changes and improvements. On Monday morning, the 35mm projection gear was removed, and new digital projectors (and servers and cases and lenses and cables and monitors and…) began to arrive that afternoon. While technicians have been preparing our new system, the staff has been busy painting, cleaning and painting some more. Our old carpet is being torn up right now, and the new carpet will be laid this afternoon.

Sunday’s benefit was a big success! Thanks so much to all of you who attended. We set our limit to 120 tickets…and we sold the 120th ticket just as the party was getting started. Additional thanks to everyone who made a donation to our cause! Our goal for fundraising was set at $25,000, and we’re currently at $22,160. That’s really wonderful!

On Friday, we will open with all new digital projection. While we will hold onto our last two titles – SLEEPWALK WITH ME and ARBITRAGE – we’ll also open a new documentary that has been a huge hit on the festival circuit. SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN is part mystery part historical document, and music lovers can’t get enough.

Synopsis for SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN: “Searching for Sugar Man tells the incredible true story of Rodriguez, the greatest ’70s rock icon who never was. Discovered in a Detroit bar in the late ’60s by two celebrated producers struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics, they recorded an album which they believed would secure his reputation as the greatest recording artist of his generation. In fact, the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide. But a bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, he became a phenomenon. The film follows the story of two South African fans who set out to find out what really happened to their hero. Their investigation leads them to a story more extraordinary than any of the existing myths about the artist known as Rodriguez.” (Sony Pictures Classics) Click this link to visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDw7OqVBT-w’]

Though we’ve got lots to still learn (training on the new projection equipment will begin this afternoon), this weekend marks the start of a new era for THE NEON – the culmination of months worth or research and preparation. We hope to see you soon.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!
All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Oct. 19 – Sun. Oct. 25:

ARBITRAGE (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

SLEEPWALK WITH ME (NR) 1 Hrs 30 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:30

SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN (PG-13) 1 Hr 26 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
very soon – KILLER JOE
very soon – LIBERAL ARTS
Nov. ? SAMSARA
Nov. 16 (2 weeks only) – A LATE QUARTET
Nov. 21 – THE SESSIONS
Nov. 30 – ANNA KARENINA

SLEEPWALK WITH ME at THE NEON + Big Benefit News!

October 9, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Huge changes are just around the corner for THE NEON. Before I get to the source of my anxiety, let’s talk movies. If you still want to see THE MASTER, Thursday will be your last chance to see it with us. On Friday, we will open a film that has had the most requests this year – SLEEPWALK WITH ME. ARBITRAGE had a solid opening weekend…so it will stick around.

Synopsis for SLEEPWALK WITH ME: From the producers of THIS AMERICAN LIFE, this is the film that Ira Glass has been talking about! “When an aspiring stand-up fails to express his true feelings about his girlfriend and his stalled career, his anxiety comes out in increasingly funny and dangerous sleepwalking incidents.” (IFC Films)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9tRN7bok4o’]

This weekend is the last chance to see movies via 35mm film at THE NEON. On Sunday evening, we will close our doors for 4 days as we make the transition to digital projection (the new industry standard). Our “Things To Do” list is jam-packed. Over the past 11 years, we’ve opened our doors for business every single day…while we’re closed, we’re going to take advantage of the opportunity and do some major cleaning, lay some new carpet and add some fresh paint to floors and walls.

And speaking of this weekend, Sunday marks the day for our big Digital Conversion Benefit featuring AMELIE. (If you missed Sunday’s nice article from Dayton Daily News, you can check it out here.) The festivities will start at 4:00 with delicious appetizers provided by Meadowlark, Roost and Coco’s Bistro. Around 5:00, everyone will head to the large auditorium for our “Dayton Meets Hollywood” auction (more details below) We’ll plan to begin our 35mm presentation of AMELIE by 5:30. Tickets are still available! 100% of the proceeds will go toward helping us make the switch to digital. They can be purchased at our box office or by visiting this link.

To check out all the items in our auction, we’ve listed each item (along with a picture below). Here’s the skinny:

If you’re unable to attend the benefit but would like to place a bid on one of the auction items, you can send me an email with your name, phone number, and your highest bid. I will need this e-mail by Saturday at noon. send to: [email protected] (If you’d like to see one of the items in person, you can schedule an appointment with me for this Saturday.)

We hope to see you this weekend.

Thanks so much for your ongoing support!

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Oct. 12 – Sun. Oct. 14:
(We will be closed Mon, Oct 15 – Thu, Oct 18)

ARBITRAGE (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:30, 8:30

SLEEPWALK WITH ME (NR) 1 Hrs 30 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 1:00, 8:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
Oct. 19 SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
Nov. ? SAMSARA
TBD LIBERAL ARTS
TBD THE SESSIONS
TBD KILLER JOE
TBD NEIL YOUNG JOURNEYS
TBD ANNA KARENINA
TBD HYDE PARK ON HUDSON

AUCTION ITEMS:

Screenplay from the Pilot episode of THE WEST WING – Signed by Martin Sheen & Allison Janney. Includes signed Martin Sheen Photograph. Starting Bid: $75

Screenplay for THE WEST WING, Season 1, Finale – Signed by Martin Sheen + Signed Photograph. Starting Bid: $50

THE WEST WING Lot of Call Sheets and Script Changes with Signed Martin Sheen Photograph. Starting Bid: $50.

THE BIG LEBOWSKI Storyboard Print. Hand-signed by The Coen Brothers’ storyboard artist and Oakwood resident J. Todd Anderson. Includes $25 gift certificate from Patterson Chase – perfect to use toward framing your storyboard. Starting Bid: $50.

3 DVDs from local filmmakers Julia Reichert, Steve Bognar & Jim Klein. Emmy-Winning A LION IN THE HOUSE, Oscar-Nominated THE LAST TRUCK and recently inducted into The National Film Registry – GROWING UP FEMAL. It’s incredible that all these award-winning films were born right here in the Miami Valley. These films will be personalized by the filmmakers for your collection. Starting Bid: $75.

THE RUBI GIRLS documentary on DVD & Poster (which will be kissed and signed by The Rubi Girls before THE NEON’s benefit). This award-winning documentary has played at numerous film festivals around the world…but has not yet been released on DVD. Starting Bid: $50.

2 Original Chairs from THE NEON. These chairs, with their original upholstery, are 27 years old. Though they have slight imperfections, they still are quite cozy and would make a perfect addition to you screening room. (As a note of caution, these chairs require being bolted to the ground.) Starting Bid: $50.

Naming Rights to our Small Auditorium. Our small auditorium seats 74 people. The name you chose (perhaps your name, your company name or the name of your favorite director) will be placed on a plaque above the door to the auditorium. (The name is subject to approval from THE NEON’s Board…vulgarity or insensitive language will not be permitted.) Starting Bid: $100.

ARBITRAGE Now Playing at THE NEON!

October 5, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Special thanks to everyone who came out and supported THE DOWNTOWN DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL. With enthusiastic crowds, 3 visiting directors, and 4 sold-out shows, this turned out to be the most successful festival in THE NEON’s history. I’m pleased to announce that the votes for our audience awards were very tight…which means that audiences were really liking several selections. Our “Audience Award – Best Feature” went to LOVE FREE OR DIE, and our “Audience Award – Best Short” went to SABBATICAL. Many congrats to those filmmakers!

We’ve moved forward this weekend at THE NEON. ROBOT AND FRANK just left, and today we opened the new thriller starring Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon – ARBITRAGE. If you still need to see THE MASTER, you have one more week.

Synopsis for ARBITRAGE: “When we first meet New York hedge-fund magnate Robert Miller on the eve of his 60th birthday, he appears the very portrait of success in American business and family life. But behind the gilded walls of his mansion, Miller is in over his head, desperately trying to complete the sale of his trading empire to a major bank before the depths of his fraud are revealed. Struggling to conceal his duplicity from loyal wife Ellen and brilliant daughter and heir-apparent Brooke, Miller’s also balancing an affair with French art-dealer Julie Cote. Just as he’s about to unload his troubled empire, an unexpected bloody error forces him to juggle family, business, and crime with the aid of Jimmy Grant, a face from Miller’s past.” (Roadside Attractions) Click this LINK to visit the official site for ARBITRAGE.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmJSV9ePx7c’]

We’re less than 2 weeks away from our big benefit…and I’ve got some new details for you (if you didn’t read the e-mail I sent out a few weeks ago, you can check it out here). Tickets can now be purchased at our box office and on-line via paypal. WDTN recently did a story about our conversion and benefit…if you didn’t catch it, you can see the video by visiting their site. I also stopped by LIVING DAYTON last week…to see that piece, visit their site. The items for our auction are rolling in. J Todd Anderson of Oakwood – well-known for being the storyboard artist to The Coen Brothers – has donated a hand-signed print of a storyboard from THE BIG LEBOWSKI. Martin Sheen has donated 2, autographed screenplays from THE WEST WING (we even sent the pilot to Allison Janney and had her sign it, too). Local filmmakers Julia Reichert, Steve Bognar and Jim Klein have added an exciting package of award-winning films – A LION IN THE HOUSE, THE LAST TRUCK and GROWING UP FEMALE. I’m supplying a copy of THE RUBI GIRLS documentary (which has yet to be released on DVD) as well as an autographed poster of the Girls. And lastly, THE NEON will auction off naming rights to the small auditorium. Stay tuned to next week’s newsletter for your chance to submit a bid if you’re unable to attend the benefit. Click the AMELIE picture below to visit the benefit website – where you can purchase tickets or make a donation to our campaign.

SLEEPWALK WITH ME – a film that many people have been asking about (due to Ira Glass urging his listeners) – is set to open October 12!

All the best.
I hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Oct. 5 – Thu. Oct. 11:

ARBITRAGE (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Tuesday: 2:50, 5:10
Wednesday & Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

THE MASTER (R) 2 Hrs 17 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear
Oct. 12 SLEEPWALK WITH ME
Oct. 19 SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN
Nov. ? SAMSARA
TBD LIBERAL ARTS
TBD THE SESSIONS
TBD KILLER JOE
TBD NEIL YOUNG JOURNEYS
TBD ANNA KARENINA
TBD HYDE PARK ON HUDSON

Toronto Film Fest – Day #2

September 8, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Another full day.

After my ticket line-up this morning, I went to see the Claude Miller’s final film starring Audrey Tautou – THERESE DESQUEYROUX. It’s a quiet costume drama with rising currents of tension throughout. I’m a big fan of Merchant Ivory films like HOWARDS END, MAURICE and REMAINS OF THE DAY – and though this film doesn’t deal as much with class as those films, and the score is very understated (by comparison to Richard Robbins’ Merchant Ivory scores) – I think the approach to design, period accuracy and dedication is similar. This is the story of a woman who unhappily marries because she thinks it’s what was meant to do…even though she thinks emancipated thoughts. Though many might find the pace too slow, I really fell inside the frame and thought it was a wonderful story of struggle for freedom – with no 100% likable character within reach. Below is a clip…as there is no trailer yet.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c0gUNddZD0′]

Next I saw THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER – a wonderful little film that proves that Emma Watson will easily make the transition from the child star of the HARRY POTTER franchise to serious actress. This high school story might seem like traditional, angsty material, but it’s handled very well, and the script is great. Ezra Miller (from WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN) has a wonderful supporting role, and lead – Logan Lerman – is really someone to watch…subtle & focused. I’m not sure how Summit (the distributor) will handle this film – while at first glance it appears to be modern John Hughes…but I actually think it’s more thoughtful, honest & serious.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aog8680PVmU’]

And then came ANNA KARENINA – the new film by Joe Wright (ATONEMENT), starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law with a screenplay by Tom Stoppard. I was excited about this film. Though it eventually paid off, it took me 15-20 minutes to “get used” to/become invested in this highly stylized adaptation. 80% of the film takes place in a theatre — on a stage, in the wings, in the lobby, in the rafters, etc. (the other material is shot outdoors). It’s a rather experimental film. I call it equal parts Derek Jarman’s EDWARD II and Baz Luhrman’s MOULIN ROUGE. It has exquisite costuming, set design, score, and screenplay…and the actors are doing some great work. That said, even with this cast, it’s not a film meant for the multiplexes…we’ll see how Focus handles it this fall. Joe Wright, Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Olivia Williams were there. When Knightley was asked if playing the part of Anna was intimidating (since it’s been played by some great actresses in the past), she responded, “I think every role is intimidating. But Elizabeth Bennet was more so. Women want to be Elizabeth Bennet…people don’t tend to want to be Anna Karenina.” Just watching this clip below makes me want to see the film again from the beginning. There are some key issues that take place in the beginning…and I need to see it with fresh eyes.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhGxs7cipDo’]

The most thoughtful Q&A of the day came after the screening of Sally Potter’s GINGER & ROSA. I think this is Potter’s most “traditional” film in regards to storytelling style. It’s set in the 60’s, and it’s the story of 2 best friends who are growing up in the age of the nuclear threat and the Cuban Missile Crisis. It’s a coming-of-age story, and Elle Fanning does some incredible work. This was the first time many people involved with the film had seen it. Potter, Fanning, Christina Hendricks, Alice Englert, and Alesandro Nivola were all there…and it is a beautifully told story. (I’m hoping that the Q&A surfaces on youtube sometime soon…Potter, Fanning and Nivola all had wonderful things to say.)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD_pJgNRj9s’]

It was a great day…and now it’s time for bed.

Thanks for reading!!

Jonathan

Toronto Film Fest – PreFest

September 5, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

After numerous delays (due to heavy fog in Dayton and Detroit), I’m back on schedule.

I took a taxi from the airport to the Hyatt Regency on King Street West just in time to get my accreditation before they closed for the evening. I was also able to get a couple tickets for public screenings tomorrow and Friday. In addition to numerous press and industry screenings, I’ll see RUST AND BONE on Thursday (starring Marion Cotillard, directed by Jacques Audiard (A PROPHET)) and ANNA KARENINA on Friday (starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law, directed by Joe Wright (ATONEMENT)).

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRQyuzcg_Pk’]

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPGLRO3fZnQ’]

I’ll average 3+ films a day over the next 8.5 days, and I’ve got a list of films I can’t wait to see…but I’m also anxious to see films that aren’t being talked about yet.

Check back for daily updates. I’m off to read my catalog and started picking out more titles…then to bed before midnight (which won’t happen again during this trip).

All the best,

Jonathan