Bradley cooper

A Look At This Year’s Oscar Nominees

February 19, 2019 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Most Metro!

I love good cinema. And for all of my college years and days in retail, Oscar season was a time for speculation and preparation for watching (and cheering and jeering) the event on the big night. But for most of the last 18 years, I have been so consumed with preparing for THE NEON’s Annual Oscar Party, I’ve hardly stopped to think who would win and who would lose. That is until Dayton Rotary stepped in. For the last four years, I’ve been asked to give a short presentation regarding the upcoming Academy Awards. This forces me to reflect on the year’s nominees and to think about who will take home Oscars. Below are some of my thoughts regarding this year’s big contenders.

Amy Adams – 6th Oscar nomination (5 supporting, 1 lead).

Marina de Tavira – 1st Oscar nomination, lots of accolades in Mexico.

Regina King – 1st Oscar nomination…lots of TV accolades.

Emma Stone – 3rd Oscar nomination…won for LA LA LAND.

Rachel Weisz – 2nd Oscar nomination…it’s been 13 years since nomination for CONSTANT GARDNER.

WHO WILL WIN? This year’s “Best Supporting Actress” Oscar will almost certainly go to Regina King. Her performance in IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK is heartbreakingly wonderful. I recently heard King speaking on NPR’s “On Point” about how she rarely watches her own work…but a friend convinced her she had to see this film on the big screen. Within the first five minutes, she knew this Barry Jenkins film was something special…and it turns out that I was just a few rows behind her at The Toronto International Film Festival. (If King doesn’t get it, Adams is a good second bet.)

Mahershala Ali – 2nd Oscar nomination…won for MOONLIGHT!

Adam Driver – 1st Oscar nomination…has won awards for GIRLS on TV.

Sam Elliot – 1st Oscar nomination EVER. Hard to Believe!!

Richard E. Grant – 1 Oscar nomination (though years of brilliant work).

Sam Rockwell – 2nd Oscar nomination…won for THREE BILLBOARDS…

WHO WILL WIN? Mahershala Ali appears to be the favorite at this time, but Sam Elliott could sneak in and get it. (That said, I’m rooting for Richar E. Grant.)

Yalitza Aparicio – 1st Oscar nomination, 1st film role ever!

Glenn Close – 7th Oscar nomination (4 leads, 3 supporting)

Olivia Colman – 1st Oscar nomination (lots of TV accolades and will be the Queen in next season of THE CROWN)

Lady Gaga – 1st Oscar nomination

Melissa McCarthy – 2nd Oscar nomination (1st was for BRIDESMAIDS)

WHO WILL WIN? It’s Glenn Close’s turn. The nominations show a diverse canon of work (DANGEROUS LIAISONS, FATAL ATTRACTION, ALBERT NOBBS, WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP, THE BIG CHILL)…but the brilliance doesn’t stop there – what about 101 DALMATIANS, PARADISE ROAD and more! The upset in this category would be Lady Gaga…who does have a lot of fans and support in the business (but I think it would be a posthumous “slap in the face” to Judy Garland – who did not win for her incredible work with this role).

Christian Bale – 4th Oscar nomination…won for THE FIGHTER

Bradley Cooper – 7th Oscar nomination (3 of these nominations are for this film)

Willem Dafoe – 4th Oscar nomination…recent nomination was for last year’s FLORIDA PROJECT, 1st nomination was in 1987 for PLATOON

Rami Malek – 1st Oscar nomination (lots of accolades for TV’s MR. ROBOT)

Viggo Mortensen – 3rd Oscar nomination

WHO WILL WIN? This is a tough one. Many folks are banking on Christian Bale (think of that range – from EMPIRE OF THE SUN as a kid to THE MACHINIST to BATMAN to Dick Cheney). The other big contender is Rami Malek – who has garnered a lot of love this award season. I’m going with Bale.

ROMA has one big thing going against it. Netflix! Will the Academy be kind to a film that has been released by a company that wants to completely change the way films are consumed by the public? Netflix knew they had to get this film into cinemas in order for it to get serious Oscar consideration…and we played it at THE NEON because I consider it the best film of the year. But Netflix rarely wants cinemas to play their films…they want consumers to subscribe to their service. They are not team players and the integrity of how a film is viewed is low on their list of priorities. Big corporate profits over artistic integrity seems to be the order of the day…even when filmmakers ask for their films to get more theatrical exposure. So we’ll see what happens…do members of the Academy care about all of this…or will they base their votes on the power of this film?

THE FAVOURITE divided our audience at THE NEON like no other film this year. We had people see it numerous times and we had people complain that the film was “pornographic” or “stupid” or “wasn’t funny at all.” It’s my opinion that this very dark comedy has a lot to say about the lengths people will go to gain power…and it also speaks about the disconnect by many of those in power and the people they represent. I think it’s a brilliant film (although one with a very grim worldview).

A STAR IS BORN – this is the 4th version of this story. The 1937 version won a special award for its use of color and also won a “Best Screenplay” Oscar. The 1954 Cukor version (with Garland) did not win any Oscars (and is the strongest version of this story). The 1976 version with Streisand won “Best Song”…and this latest version will also win Gaga an Oscar for “Best Song.”

One special note about the other nominees is that Hannah Beachler, a woman who grew up in Centerville and attended Wright State University for Motion Picture Production, is the first ever African American to be nominated for “Best Production Design.” BLACK PANTHER has broken a lot of barriers this season, and it’s exciting to see Beachler get such wonderful recognition (she’s had an incredible career – working on such wonderful films as FRUITVALE STATION, MOONLIGHT and many more…including Beyonce’s LEMONADE).

A couple quick notes:

It’s hard to believe that this is Spike Lee’s 1st Oscar nomination!

Alfonso Cuaron is nominated for 4 Oscars this year…not only did he write and direct ROMA, he also shot and produced it. All four of these roles have received recognition.

Foreign films have received a lot more love than usual this year. In addition to ROMA’s 10 nominations, COLD WAR received 3 nominations (WARNING…BIG PLUG AHEAD…COLD WAR is currently playing at THE NEON), NEVER LOOK AWAY has two nominations, and BORDER is nominated for “Best Makeup.” And speaking of foreign films (ANOTHER BIG PLUG), CAPERNAUM, one of my absolute favorites of 2018, opens this Friday at THE NEON.

WHO WILL WIN? The only way ROMA won’t win this year would be for “political” (aka Netflix) reasons. I feel pretty confident that it will win regardless. But if it doesn’t, the Oscar could go to GREEN BOOK – a film that despite some controversy, has received a lot of awards and admiration this season.

Neon Movies on Fifth Street. Photo by Lew Hann

As for our Oscar Screening Party...as always, it’s FREE! The Academy Awards will be screened in our large auditorium this Sunday, February 24 – and you could win awesome prizes throughout the night…including our grand prize from our friends at Square One Salon & Spa. Ballots are available in our lobby and must be turned in before the first award is presented. We hope you’ll join us! We’ll be seating as close as possible to 7:00pm for the pre-show.

Hope to see you soon at THE NEON,

Jonathan

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES and TRANCE at THE NEON!

April 8, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Everything Must Go! If you still need to see ON THE ROAD, THE GATEKEEPERS or 56 UP, Thursday will be your last chance to see them at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open 2 new films…both from directors who have had successful films at THE NEON in the past. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our official site: www.neonmovies.com.

On Friday, we will open Danny Boyle’s TRANCE (Boyle directed SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (our biggest hit ever), MILLIONS and 127 HOURS) and Derek Cianfrance’s THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES (Cianfrance directed BLUE VALENTINE – which also starred Ryan Gosling).

Synopsis for TRANCE: “Simon (James McAvoy), a fine art auctioneer, teams up with a criminal gang to steal a Goya painting worth millions of dollars, but after suffering a blow to the head during the heist he awakens to discover he has no memory of where he hid the painting. When physical threats and torture fail to produce answers, the gang’s leader Frank (Vincent Cassel) hires hypnotherapist Elizabeth Lamb (Rosario Dawson) to delve into the darkest recesses of Simon’s psyche. As Elizabeth begins to unravel Simon’s broken subconscious, the lines between truth, suggestion, and deceit begin to blur.” (taken from Fox Searchlight) Click this LINK to watch the official trailer.

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Synopsis for THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES: “The highly anticipated new drama from director Derek Cianfrance powerfully explores the consequences of motorcycle rider Luke’s (Academy Award nominee Ryan Gosling) fateful decision to commit a crime to support his child. The incident renders him targeted by policeman Avery (Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper), and the two men become locked on a tense collision course which will have a devastating impact on both of their families in the years following.” (taken from Focus Features) Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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On Tuesday, April 16 at 7:30, Five River Metroparks will host a screening of WHERE THE YELLOWSTONE GOES. The film “follows a 30-day drift boat journey down the longest ‘undammed’ river in the lower 48. Intimate portraits of locals in both booming cities and dusty, dwindling towns along the Yellowstone River illustrate the history and controversies surrounding this enigmatic watershed leading to questions about its future. Connect with colorful characters, get lost in the hypnotic cast of a fly rod, and experience silhouetted moments of fireside stories on this heartfelt river adventure.” (taken from press notes) Tickets will be $11 in advance ($10 plus $1 service fee) or $15 the day of the screening at the door (cash only). We will not be selling advanced tickets to this screening at THE NEON. Click this LINK to purchase advanced tickets. Visit the official site to learn more about the film.

Also on the horizon is The 13th Dayton Jewish International Film Festival. You can now visit our lobby to pick up a brochure for this year’s festival . To visit the website and purchase advanced tickets, click this LINK. 8 films from this festival will screen at THE NEON, and the line-up looks terrific! Here are the dates and times:
Thu, Apr 18 at 7:30 – THE OTHER SON (preceded by Opening Reception at 7pm)
Sun, Apr 21 at 3:00 – MY BEST ENEMY
Tue, Apr 23 at 7:15 – MELTING AWAY
Thu, Apr 25 at 7:15 – NICKY’S FAMILY
Tue, Apr 30 at 7:15 – NAOMI
Thu, May 2 at 7:15 – LEA & DARIA
Tue, May 7 at 10am – TORN
Thu, May 9 at 7:15 – A BOTTLE IN THE GAZA SEA

“In celebration of National Record Store Day, GHETTOBLASTER MAGAZINE in partnership with DAYTON MUSIC FEST have organized a free screening of Brendan Toller’s I NEED THAT RECORD! THE DEATH (OR POSSIBLE SURVIVAL) OF THE INDEPENDENT RECORD STORE on Saturday, April 20 at 10:15 pm. “Greedy record labels, media consolidation, homogenized radio, big box stores, Ecommerce and the digital revolution all pose threats on the very well being of our favorite record stores and the music industry at large. Will these stores die? Will they survive? Featuring interviews with THURSTON MOORE of Sonic Youth, Ian MacKaye of Fugazi/Minor Threat, activist/author NOAM CHOMSKY, MIKE WATT of the Minutemen, PAT CARNEY of the Black Keys and many indie record stores across the U.S. of A!” Bring your receipts from earlier that day from the many local businesses participating with special Record Store Day discounts and get entered to win one of two DAYTON INDIE BUSINESSES SHOPPING SPREES! This screening is FREE…first come, first serve. Sponsored by BLIND BOB’S, OMEGA MUSIC, THAI9, AND 5TH STREET WINE & DELI.” (taken from press notes) Watch the trailer HERE.

“The India Foundation celebrates One Hundred Years of Indian Cinema: 1913 – 2013 with a Tribute to Dada Saheb Phalke – Father of the Indian Cinema. The first Indian silent film produced, written and directed by Mr. Phalke was released in Bombay on May 3, 1913. A screening of selected clips entitled Silent Movies – Early Years will be presented on Saturday, May 4th at Noon (the collection includes digitized clips from Phalke’s RAJA HARISHCHANDRA and KALIYA MARDAN (1919) and clips from the only surviving Bengali silent film JAMAI BABU (Son-in-Law) by Kalipada Das). A reception preceding the screening will begin at 11:30a.m. Admission is only $5. The National Film Archives of India has graciously made the present collection possible.” (taken from press notes)

All the best,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. April 12 – Thur, April 18:

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES
(R) 2 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday: 1:45, 4:40, 7:45
Tuesday: 1:45, 4:40
Wednesday: 1:45, 4:40, 7:45
Thursday: 1:45, 4:40

TRANCE (R) 1 Hr 41 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20
Thursday: 3:00, 5:10

WHERE THE YELLOWSTONE GOES (NR) 1 Hr 28 Min
Tuesday: 7:30

THE OTHER SON (PG-13) 1 Hr 45 Min
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

April 19 – THE SAPPHIRES
April 26 – MUD
April 26 – THE COMPANY YOU KEEP
April 26 – STARBUCK
May ? – TO THE WONDER
May 24 – AT ANY PRICE
June 7 – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – FRANCES HA
TBD – IN THE HOUSE
TBD – NO

Amazing RUST AND BONE at THE NEON

January 30, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re very excited to open a film that is edgy yet accessible. It’s a love story with incredible performances, and I hope you’ll take my word and give it a chance. RUST AND BONE has not performed terribly well in other markets, so hurry down if you want to catch it. Marion Cotillard (who won the Oscar for portraying Edith Piaf in LA VIE EN ROSE) gives a performance that is absolutely brilliant! It’s been a while since I’ve given my own, personal endorsement for a film…both this (and the upcoming AMOUR) are films that I will eventually add to my personal library.

Synopsis for RUST AND BONE: “Ali finds himself with a five-year-old child on his hands – a son he hardly knows. Homeless, penniless and friendless, Ali takes refuge with his sister in the south of France. There things improve immediately. A man of formidable size and strength, Ali gets a job as a bouncer in a nightclub. He comes to the aid of Stephanie during a nightclub brawl. Aloof and beautiful, Stephanie seems unattainable, but in his frank manner Ali leaves her his phone number anyway. Stephanie trains orca whales at Marineland. When a performance ends in tragedy, a call in the night brings them together…Ali’s direct, unpitying physicality becomes Stephanie’s lifeline, but Ali too is transformed by Stephanie’s tough resilience. As their stories intersect and diverge, they navigate a world where strength, beauty, youth and blood are commodities-but where trust, truth, loyalty and love cannot be bought and sold, and courage comes in many forms.” (taken from Sony Classics)

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This Thursday at 7:30, Peace on Fifth will present a one-time screening of NOT MY LIFE. “January 1863 marked the first legal idea of freedom for slaves in the United States of America, but 150 years later there are more slaves and humans trafficked than ever before. Ohio is #5 in the nation for the most number of humans trafficked. With a reported 27 million people enslaved in the world, many US Americans may think this is a global problem that does not touch the shores of the US. In fact, who would ever think that Dayton is at risk or involved? The film covers five continents and shows multiple forms of trafficking/slavery. You will hear from victims, advocates and abolitionists that are on the ground living and fighting for freedom every day. Come out and see about modern day slavery and learn how you can change the world…right now!” (taken from press notes) Tickets at $10 at the door or $8.50 in advance at Peace on Fifth (located at 508 E Fifth Street). To learn more about Peace on Fifth, visit their official site.

By now, I’m sure you’re aware of our upcoming screening of the new documentary directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon – THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE. We’re set to play it thanks to your support of a new distribution model called GATHR. Because 25 people have already purchased tickets to the screening, the date and time are secure. We’ll play the film on Thursday, February. 7 at 7:30. Tickets are $9 each. Visit our box office or the Gathr site to purchase advanced tickets (this is the LINK to the gathr site).

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ThinkTV has once again offered to help us get a signal for our FREE Annual Oscar Party. Mark you calendars for Sunday, February 24. Ballots are now available in our lobby and prizes have started to arrive (though you must be present at the party in order to win prizes). 15 films that are nominated for Academy Awards have screened at (or are coming soon to) THE NEON. Between these 15 films, there are 34 nominations. We hope you’ll make plans to spend this fun night with us. We will begin seating for this party as close to 7pm as possible…which is when the Red-Carpet pre-show begins. (We will begin collecting ballots on Sunday, Feb. 24 at Noon…collected ballots (only one per person present) will result in our seating priority.)

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Feb. 1 – Thur, Feb. 7:

RUST AND BONE (R) 2 Hrs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:15, 4:15, 7:00, 9:30
Monday – Wednesday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Thursday: 2:30, 5:00

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (R) 2 Hr 02 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE (NR) 1 Hr 59
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Feb 8 – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Feb. 15 – AMOUR
Feb 15 – QUARTET
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Late Winter/Spring – NO
Late Winter/Spring – THE GATEKEEPERS
Spring – ON THE ROAD

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK at THE NEON Plus New Special Events

January 15, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We had another solid weekend…due especially to HYDE PARK ON HUDSON. Though that film will hold for another week, our other two films are in their last days. If you still need to see DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL or PROMISED LAND, Thursday will be your last chance to see them at THE NEON. On Friday, we will open a film that is up for 8 Academy Awards including “Best Picture” – SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK: “Life doesn’t always go according to plan…Pat Solitanohas lost everything — his house, his job, and his wife. He now finds himself living back with his mother and father after spending eight months in a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat’s parents want is for him to get back on his feet – and to share their family’s obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles football team. When Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he’ll do something very important for her in return…” (The Weinstein Company) Click this LINK to visit the official site.

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Have you heard of the new documentary directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon – THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE. We’re gonna play it thanks to your support of a new distribution model called GATHR. Here’s the synopsis of the film – “In 1989, five black and Latino teenagers were arrested and charged with brutally attacking and raping a white female jogger in Central Park. News media swarmed the case, calling them a ‘wolfpack.’ The five would spend years in prison for a crime they didn’t commit before the truth about what really happened became clear…this incendiary film tells the riveting tale of innocent young men scapegoated for a heinous crime, and serves as a mirror for our times.” This documentary was not slated to play in town…so we tried Gathr – which is an “on-demand” distribution model. Because 25 people have already purchased tickets to the screening…we can proceed. We’ll play the film on Thursday, February. 7 at 7:30. Tickets are $9 each. Visit the Gathr site to purchase your advanced tickets by clicking this LINK (enter “45402” for the zip code, and the information for THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE will appear). Please help us spread the word…we would love to bring even more smaller films to town, but we have to make certain there’s support for these titles.

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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 – which are $11 each. (We will not be selling advanced tickets for this event at our box office…they will only be available on the official site. If tickets are still available on the night of the screening, they will be $15 each.)

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“January 1863 marked the first legal idea of freedom for slaves in the United States of America, but 150 years later there are more slaves and humans trafficked than ever before. Ohio is #5 in the nation for the most number of humans trafficked. Peace on Fifth presents a one-time movie screening of NOT MY LIFE in honor of Human Trafficking Prevention Month and as a part of Start Freedom Dayton, a local human trafficking awareness campaign. With a reported 27 million people enslaved in the world, many US Americans may think this is a global problem that does not touch the shores of the US. In fact, who would ever think that Dayton is at risk or involved? The film covers five continents and shows multiple forms of trafficking/slavery. You will hear from victims, advocates and abolitionists that are on the ground living and fighting for freedom every day. Come out and see about modern day slavery and learn how you can change the world…right now! Tickets at $10 at the door or $8.50 in advance at Peace on Fifth (located at 508 E Fifth Street).”

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBlifdh911A’]

ThinkTV has once again offered to help us get a signal for our FREE Annual Oscar Party. Mark you calendars for Sunday, February 24. Ballots will soon be available in our lobby (but you must be present at the party in order to win prizes). More details will be available in next week’s newsletter…but we’re excited about seeing some of this year’s favorites on the ballot. 15 films that are nominated for Academy Awards have screened at (or are coming soon to) THE NEON. Between these 15 films, there are 34 nominations. We hope you’ll make plans to spend this fun night with us.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Jan. 18 – Thur, Jan. 24:

HYDE PARK ON HUDSON (R) 1 Hr 34 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:50
Tuesday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:50
Wednesday: 3:00, 5:15
Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:50

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (R) 2 Hr 02 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15, 9:45
Monday: 3:15, 5:45, 8:10
Tuesday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

REVEAL THE PATH(NR) 1 Hr 14 min
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Jan 25 – RUST AND BONE
Soon – A ROYAL AFFAIR
Feb. 15 – AMOUR
Feb ? – WEST OF MEMPHIS
Late February – QUARTET
Late Winter/Spring – NO
Late Winter/Spring – THE GATEKEEPERS
Spring – ON THE ROAD

Toronto Film Fest – Day #4

September 10, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello!

I’m gonna try and make this short and sweet…as it’s already late and I need to wake by 6am again tomorrow.

It was quite a day. 4 films…all (mostly) good.

First off, I saw David O. Russell’s SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK (Russell did I HEART HUCKABEES, FLIRTING WITH DISASTER and – starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert DeNiro. This dysfunctional family comedy about mental illness was full of laughs – mostly due to honest observations. I wish it had been a little shorter, but ultimately I think it will be crowd-pleaser. (editorial note – I think that the pairing of obsessing over sports paired mental illness issues is an interesting marriage)

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A ROYAL AFFAIR is a period drama about Queen Caroline of Denmark in the late 18th Century. She married into the monarchy, and her husband was a childish, self-absorbed man. Caroline had an affair with the royal physician, and they managed to make numerous changes to government. The photography and set/costume design of this film are delicious, and the lead actress – Alicia Vikander – is absolutely stunning (she’s also in ANNA KARENINA).

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This evening, I saw the film that will undoubtedly be dubbed “The Next Marigold Hotel.” QUARTET – Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut – stars Maggie Smith, Bill Connolly, Pauline Collins, and Tom Courtenay. This little film is an absolute delight! It’s about a retirement home for retired musicians…and in addition to the 4 lead actors, it stars numerous singers and musicians in their 70’s 80’s and 90’s (Hoffman wanted real musical artists to live in his scenes – not just actors playing musicians) . Tonight was it’s world premiere, and I must confess something…. I’ve seen people go insane for movie stars over the years. Johnny Depp. Brad Pitt. Angelina Jolie. People scream, the jump up and down, and sometimes they even cry. Tonight, when Maggie Smith was standing 10 feet away from me, tears streamed down my face. From THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE to ROOM WITH A VIEW…from THE V.I.P.s to DOWNTON ABBEY, I have loved Dame Maggie for decades, and it was a complete thrill to see her in person! The Q&A with the principal cast as well as Hoffman was a night to remember, and the film is going to be a hit with our audience.

Lastly, I saw LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED – the latest film from Sussane Bier (director of BROTHERS, IN A BETTER WORLD and OPEN HEARTS). (Interestingly, the original Danish title would be translated into THE BALD HAIRDRESSER.) This film is much lighter than Bier’s recent work. There are some serious subjects on the table – but there are also a lot of laughs. Bier, along with lead actress Trine Dyrholm (also in A ROYAL AFFAIR) and Pierce Brosnan, introduced the film and did a Q&A. Though I liked most of this film, I also thought it was a little too long given the subject/story. That said, Dyrholm is a joy to watch.