Hello Everyone,
I’m starting to slow down. A bit exhausted and a little sore (eyes, butt, etc.), it was time to scale back to four screenings today. Tomorrow will be my last day, and I’ll see even fewer because I have a big event on the books. Dayton-based producer Karri O’Reilly (who has worked on numerous feature-length films around the world including BLUE CAR and CAROL) has a film premiering tomorrow night – MY DAYS OF MERCY (which shot in Cincinnati) – and she has invited me to be part of the festivities. You’ll get all the latest before I head out of town on Saturday afternoon.
My first film for today was FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL, directed by Paul McGuigan. Starring Annette Bening and Jamie Bell, this is the story of movie star Gloria Grahame and the last of her May-December romances. At first, I found Bening’s accent and whispy delivery a little hard to take, but I eventually accepted it and fell for the chemistry of her and Jamie Bell (who is absolutely darling in this film). The film has a jumpy structure, and I fear that some of our regulars (who prefer linear storylines) might get a little confused regarding the timeline. Regardless, I think this is a film that could do well for us – especially if Bening gets an Oscar nomination.
MUDBOUND, directed by Dee Rees (PARIAH), was my second film of the day. This film will get a very limited release (NYC and LA) and then go straight to streaming service on Netflix…which is too bad – because it works really well on a big screen. That said, I think it will still be a big award contender this year. With multiple protagonists/narrators, this is the story of two families in the deep South during World War II. The racial tensions are heavy, and the stories are so well developed – a white family and a black family are trying to do the best they can for their families as they farm their land and try to encourage their children to excel. This film, though set 80 years ago, is very timely…and it will break your heart.
DARKEST HOUR, directed by Joe Wright, has a lot of Oscar buzz for Gary Oldman playing Winston Churchill. This is a film about the weeks leading up to Dunkirk…which has been a very popular theme this year (CHURCHILL, THEIR FINEST, DUNKIRK, and some television too). This film is very polished and has some really wonderful moments, but I don’t completely agree with the Oscar buzz. Is it a complete transformation? Absolutely! But I think his performance borders on camp – as some of his choices are very hammy and singsongy. So I’m guessing I’ll be in the minority on this one.
MARROWBONE, directed by Sergio Sanchez (THE ORPHANAGE), was my final film of the day. This ghost story/thriller is in the vein of THE OTHERS and SIXTH SENSE – but is clearly made for a more tweenage crowd. It’s the story of a group of kids who lock themselves away from the world after the death of their mother. With lovely photography and successful moments intended to make your jump, it works on a certain level…but the story too conveniently leaves out important plot points so it can reveal them later – which feels like cheating. I also felt like some of the revelations were trite while others were genuinely fresh.
Only one day of screenings left. In some respects, those first movies I saw exactly a week ago seem so far away…but it also seems like I just got here yesterday.
I’m going to try and get a good night of sleep so I don’t scare people with bloodshot eyes tomorrow.
Thanks for reading,
Jonathan
Hello Everyone,
Today was another day with 5 films…and it was an impressive day of films. That said, I’m not quite certain how/why I’m still standing.
LEAN ON PETE, the new film from Andrew Haigh (WEEKEND, 45 YEARS) was my first film of the day. This is a touching story about a teenage boy who is mostly left to fend for himself – his mother abandoned the family and his father works a lot and is consumed with a new relationship. While on a morning run, the boy stumbles across a race track stable and is taken with the idea of getting to know how to tend horses. Lean on Pete is an older quarter horse with whom the boy becomes enamored, and a slow, eloquent, sad story follows. This film won’t be for everyone…and though I didn’t like every turn it took, I ultimately think this film is a gem. (there is no trailer yet for this film)
A FANTASTIC WOMAN, the second film in the festival directed by Sebastian Lelio, was my next film for the day. It is brilliant! When her boyfriend wakes up not feeling well and dies due to complications of an aneurysm, Marina notifies the family…and trouble ensues. Marina is a trans woman, and the family doesn’t want her to be a part of the man’s wake. Sad and inspiring and with a couple fantastical moments, this movie will end up as one of my favorites of the festival.
PROFESSOR MARSTON AND THE WONDER WOMEN, directed by Angela Robinson, is the story of William Marston’s polyamorous relationship and the creation of the Wonder Woman comics. The story focuses heavily on the controversy of the early days of the comic that included lesbianism and BDSM. Though beautifully shot and containing some wonderful performances, there were some details that kept me from fully embracing this story. The script seemed contrived and too easy at moments, and the framing device of a hearing with Child Study Association of America could easily have been a powerful scene instead of a recurring element that ultimately weakens as the film progresses. This film will find an audience, but its rough edges will keep it from going too far.
FACES PLACES, the new documentary from Agnes Varda and JR, is a cinematic, magical gift. I adore so much of Varda’s work, and this film was just the warm and joyful and insightful film I needed. If you have a chance to see it on the big screen, don’t miss it! Check out the trailer below for a taste. (added note: JR was in Dayton several years ago with his mobile photo printing truck! You might remember large scale photos pasted to the Dayton Art Institute and the former Chin’s building.)
LOVING PABLO, directed by Fernando Leon de Aranoa was my last film of the day. This is the story of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar as told by one of his lovers – famed journalist Virginia Vallejo. This engaging story has two great central performances from Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz. And though I was fully engaged and admired many of the filmmaker’s choices, I found some of it hard to take. When rampant killing sprees are backed by celebratory-like rock music, it seems as though the filmmaker is elevating the crimes to “rock star” proportions. Almost as though they should be admired (which doesn’t sit well for me). Overall, I liked the film…but I doubt I’ll revisit it.
Thanks so much for reading. Only two days left for my festival experience.
More soon,
Jonathan
Hello Everyone,
Today was a busy day. I considered seeing 6 films, but I was backed up with NEON obligations (the weekly newsletter, emails, etc.), so I only saw 5…and then met a friend for a quick drink at a little gay industry soiree. (I’m exhausted.)
My first film of the day was THE WIFE, directed Bjorn Runge and starring Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce. This film opens with a husband and wife preparing for bed and awaiting big news. Within the first few minutes, we find out that he has just been awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, and the couple are off to Stockholm to receive the award. Close’s reactions seem supportive but with reservation. It’s clear that something more is simmering under the surface. Though well done, this film is pretty simple. The handful of flashback scenes almost do the film a disservice – as they aren’t particularly well done (and performances don’t live up to Close’s). I think this film will find an audience, but its slow pace and somber tone will mean a limited reception.
I, TONYA, directed by Craig Gillespie, was my second film of the day. This film is based on actual interviews about Tonya Harding and the assault of Nancy Kerrigan. The film is a mix of colorful characters, and on the surface it seems like fun. That said, there are moments when characters break the fourth wall…and those moments made me feel that they were making light of the domestic violence in the film – and that was hard to stomach. Overall, it’s a good film with an absolute standout performance by one of Dayton’s own – Allison Janney (people are buzzing about a supporting Oscar nomination). I think many people will love this film, but I have some major reservations. The film made headlines a couple days ago when it got picked up for distributional after a festival screening.
BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE), a narrative feature about ACT UP PARIS, directed by Robin Campillo, was my third film of the day. This tender and engaging film about a group of activists during the height of the AIDS epidemic had me rather emotional. There tactics were rather non-traditional and a bit aggressive, but they were clearly responsible for the government taking notice. Though there are a couple narrative arcs in the story, it’s the one about the young couple (one positive and the other negative) that will break your heart.
A much-hyped film that made its premiere at Sundance – THE DISASTER ARTIST, directed by James Franco – was my next to last film of the day. This film is about the making of THE ROOM – a film that is regarded as one of the worst films ever made. Franco plays Tommy Wiseau – the director of the terrible film…and his brother James plays Greg Sister – Wiseau’s friend, co-star and collaborator. This movie works without knowing anything about the film on which it is based…but it helps. Franco’s performance seems so weird and out-of-control – but it’s truly based on a terribly odd man. This film is destined for cult status – much like THE ROOM itself.
My final film of the day was a documentary called SCOTTY AND THE SECRET HISTORY OF HOLLYWOOD, directed by Matt Tyrnauer. This is the story of a former Marine who opened a gas station in L.A. and catered to the sexual desires (either by himself or by finding and providing specific requests) of numerous Hollywood legends from the late 40’s to early 80’s. Based in part on Scotty Bowers’ tell-all book about his time and clients at the gas station, this films starts off like a gossipy recount. But then it turns into so much more. Unapologetic and full of stories, Scotty is quite a character and the film is both hysterical and terribly sad.
I have 5 films slated for tomorrow, too.
Thanks for reading!
Jonathan
Hello NEON Friends,
Today was a long one. I saw 4 films that had me buzzing to three different venues around town – so there wasn’t much time for food and other such nonsense.
First off was DISOBEDIENCE by director Sebastian Lelio. This quietly stirring film from the UK stars Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams, and the story centers around a woman who is returning to her Orthodox Jewish home after the death of her father. It’s immediately clear that she is now an outsider, but even more tension seems to exist between her and two old friends. The way in which this film reveals itself is quite lovely, but I feel like the pace might be a bit too slow for many who might initially be attracted to casting alone.
Next up was UNICORN STORE – the feature-length directorial debut from Brie Larson. Larson introduced the film and she is one of the most gracious and sincere artists I’ve encountered (she thanked the projectionists, the sound people and everyone behind the scenes). Because her mother couldn’t attend the screening, she took a picture of the audience (and I captured this sweet moment below). The film is about a young woman who doesn’t make it at art school and moves back in with her parents. She suffers from a certain woman-child issues…still wanting everything sprinkled with glitter and painted with rainbows. When she finally lands a job, she receives an invitation to come to a secret store where a man offers her the ability to buy a unicorn. This film certainly had fans in the audience…and it is very competently done (cinematography is nice, editing is solid, etc.) – but the story is relatively hokey and I couldn’t buy into it. The sentiment of continuing to believe in magic and resisting to fit the mold is sweet, but I just couldn’t help but think “grow up.”
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI, the new film from Martin McDonagh (IN BRUGES) was my next film. Frances McDormand is incredible in the rather rough film about a woman who is trying to get the police to get more involved in finding the person(s) who raped and murdered her daughter. With a tone not unlike some Coen Brothers material, this script is excellent (though many of these unlikable Southern characters use language that really makes me wince) and I think audiences will really embrace this film. McDonagh, McDormand and Sam Rockwell were in attendance, and the Q&A was superb.
My final film for the day was one of the best films I’ve seen so far – THE SHAPE OF WATER from director Guillermo del Toro. This fairy tale for adults will almost certainly receive a lot of Award Recognition this year. Set in the 60’s, the story follows a mute cleaning lady who stumbles upon a government secret – an underwater creature with whom she begins to feel an attachment. This really wonderful film is almost of hybrid of CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON and AMELIE…a fantastical romance that is very much for adults. There are a couple scenes in the movie that are set in an old cinema…and the setting was actually the the old theatre where I saw the film. The crowd went nuts – it was a magical moment. Del Toro, Sally Hawkins Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins and Michael Shannon were all there for a Q&A that was incredibly special. Hawkins is sheer magic – and should certainly be nominated for her performance.
It ended up being a very late night, and I’ve got at least 5 films scheduled for tomorrow.
Thanks so much for reading,
Jonathan
Hello Everyone.
I just got in from a very full day. I left the condo at 7:45am and returned at 1:45am. I saw 4 films and countless celebrities…ranging from Emma Stone and Steve Carell to Judi Dench…and then several folks at a Fox Searchlight party including Nicholas Hoult, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, Sarah Silverman, James McAvoy, and more.
The first film I saw today was a highly anticipated film (in some circles) from auteur Darren Aronofsky (director of BLACK SWAN). It’s called MOTHER!, and I absolutely loathed it. Though Aronofsky is a master craftsman, I’m simply not interested in his stories. I often find his metaphors rather obtuse, and in the case of this film, the violence and brutality in the third act is just too much. This is on the bottom of the list for me so far this year.
I cleansed the palette with JANE, a new documentary about Jane Goodall directed by Brett Morgen (director of THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE). This new film is largely constructed from footage that was recently discovered (thought to have been lost) that was shot in the 1960’s by renowned National Geographic photographer Hugo van Lawick. With a tremendous score by Philip Glass, the film is a love story and a gorgeous portrait of Goodall’s early monumental work with chimpanzees. To make it extra special, Goodall was in attendance, and seeing her speak has been a highlight of the festival. She’s so inspiring and commands attention through her passion, grace and eloquence. When she was approached to be a part of this documentary, she said “Not again,” but agreed nonetheless – and she said it’s been one of the best experiences of recounting her work. (below is a photo I took…there is no trailer available yet for this documentary)
VICTORIA & ABDUL, the new film by Stephen Frears, was next on the list. And it didn’t disappoint. (Fears has had an incredible career. From MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDERETTE to DANGEROUS LIAISONS to THE GRIFTERS to MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS to PHILOMENA – many of his films are quite special to me.) This elegant period piece is not at all stuffy or staid, it’s actually quite funny and charming, and the chemistry between Dench and Fazel is magic. This is a story about Queen Victoria’s later years and how she befriended an Indian man who was initially only intended to present her with a special gift from India. This true story, which was supposed to have been wiped from the history books by Victoria’s son – King Edward VII, was discovered several years ago by author Shrabani Basu. I know that our audiences are going to love this film when it opens on October 6. Extra special…Dench and many others were in attendance for a Q&A.
BATTLE OF THE SEXES was my final film of the day (though the after-party was something special too). Directed by Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris (directors of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE), this film is so much more than the shenanigans of Steve Carell featured in the trailer. Based on the true story of Billie Jean King and her famous match with Bobby Riggs, we actually end up getting a lot of King’s personal struggle to live her own truth. With a strong screenplay and strong performances across the board, I think we’ll do well with this film when it opens on Sept. 29 (this date just got bumped up over the weekend). Extra special…Billie Jean King, Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Sarah Silverman, the directors and many others were in attendance for a Q&A.
After my final screening, I went to Fox Searchlight’s party that was held to celebrate the three films playing at the festival – BATTLE OF THE SEXES, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS. This was the party to be at last night. The cocktails and food were spectacular, and everywhere you turned, stars were everywhere – from Stone and Silverman to Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins, Rachel Weisz and Nicholas Hoult. What a night!
Thanks for reading!
Jonathan
Hello Everyone.
I had a couple nice surprises today. Though I have liked some of Alexander Payne’s work (I adored his short in PARIS J’TAIME and I liked DESCENDANTS and NEBRASKA and ABOUT SCHMIDT), I wasn’t terribly excited about seeing DOWNSIZING. It’s a satirical allegory about a man who decides to partake in a new government subsidized program that shrinks you – thus taking up less space, consuming less food, etc…it also allows you to live a potentially more lavish lifestyle – because your dollars go further when you need less of everything. I wasn’t prepared for just how funny this film was going to be…yet still provide a mirror to contemporary injustices. Critical response has been mixed, but I was engaged from beginning to end and liked what this film had to say.
Next up was the world premiere of THE CHILDREN ACT, directed by Richard Eyre (director of IRIS and NOTES ON A SCANDAL). Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci star in this British film about a family court judge who must determine difficult cases – i.e. should a set of conjoined twins be separated if one will certainly die even though they’ll both die if left conjoined. The screenplay is so smart, and Thompson is in top form. There is no trailer yet for this film, and it has not been picked up for distribution…but I’m certain it will. Thompson and others were there to introduce the film and then answers questions after the film. It was a wonderful Q&A and I did manage to get a couple pictures. (there is no trailer yet for this film)
My last film of the day was the terribly dark and disturbing film THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. (This film was shot in Cincinnati!) Starring Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell, this film will is about a teenage boy who forms a relationship with the doctor who he believes is responsible for the death of his father. After he befriends the entire family, he begins to terrorize them. With parallels and similarities to Greek tragedy (and in my opinion – Michael Haneke), this film is a in a category of its own. The performances are intentionally a bit stifled and peculiar, but everyone is 100% invested in the off-kilter world that Lanthimos has created. The sound design and score are an eerie and terrifying addition, and many audience members didn’t know what to make of this film. (Which is kind of what happened with the diretor’s most recent film THE LOBSTER.) Though I applaud the craft and was entirely absorbed during the screening of this film, it’s one that I have no intention to see again. In my opinion, DOGTOOTH is still this director’s masterpiece. (my pic from the Q&A is below)
Thanks for reading!
Jonathan
Hello Everyone.
Today was my 2nd day of screenings for the festival, and the first film I saw was ON CHESIL BEACH, directed by Dominic Cooke – based on the novel by Ian McEwan (McEwan wrote the screenplay too and was part of the Q&A). This very British film has an incredible central performance by Saoirse Ronan. Set mostly in the 1960s, the film is about two newlyweds who are having trouble consummating their relationship while on their beachside honeymoon. A series of flashbacks help us understand their backstories and courtship, and the story is beautifully told. The film might be described as a bit staid by some, but I think it’s quite eloquent…though it could use one more cut. There are a couple scenes that are absolutely brilliant, and I think this film will eventually find distribution.
GRACE JONES: BLOODLIGHT AND BAMI was the second film I saw today. Directed by Sophie Fiennes, this documentary was funded by folks in Ireland and the UK. Though Ms. Jones is an exceptional and striking performance artist, this film is entirely too long given the footage on display. It makes sense that the director attempted to make an unconventional doc given her subject, but the grainy (VHS-looking) quality of the footage does a disservice to the material – especially the concert footage. There are a lot of gems in this film, but an hour-long version would be much stronger. (And I’d still love to see a documentary that contextualizes Ms. Jones and her artistic process in the fabric of the music scene.)
LADY BIRD, Greta Gerwig’s feature-length directorial debut, was the winner for today. Saoirse Ronan stars as a high school senior living in Sacramento, California who really wants to get out of town, and her parents are expertly played by Laurie Metcalf and Tracy Letts. This quirky comedy seems to have flavors of so many people with whom Gerwig has worked. It’s a little bit Baumbach, a little bit Stillman…but still a whole lot of Gerwig. This film is a treat. (Timothee Chalamet also has a small part in this film. This officially makes Saoirse and Timothee two of the “It” gang for the season. Both have incredible ranges and are a joy to watch on screen.) During the Q&A (check out the photo I took below), Gerwig said that the film is about realizing how much you love something as you’re preparing to leave. When she came to the stage to a standing ovation, she was in tears. This personal film is certainly worth celebrating, and it’s clear that the film is coming from someone with a sincere, lovely attachment to the material.
During the Q&A, Gerwig also noted that the casting of Saoirse Ronan was born at TIFF in 2015. The two both had films at the festival that year (BROOKLYN and MAGGIE’S PLAN) – and that’s when they met and read the script together in Ronan’s hotel room (Ronan read the lead and Gerwig read all the other parts). Gerwig knew that Ronan was perfect for the role, and she pushed back production by 6 months to make certain it would work for everyone’s schedule.
I capped off the night at a fun party hosted by IFC with a couple friends who I met in Dayton over the years. My friend Glenn works at Dolby and was a guest of the Dayton LGBT Film Festival several years ago (we’ll see several films together over the next few days), and Charlie is a publicist (representing a great roster of films this year) who regularly visits Dayton with his partner who grew up in Miamisburg. It’s been great catching up with both of them.
Thanks for reading!
Jonathan
Hello NEON Supporters,
Yesterday was a super easy day of travel. Though there was one minor delay with a flight, we made up for it in the air…and customs was a breeze. I was on a bus en route to the subway within 15 minutes of landing (perhaps an all-time record). After about 40 minutes of travel to get to the central hub for Press & Industry folks, I got my credentials and first round of tickets, and I was feeling good.
Though my check-in with my airbnb was rather frustrating, I managed to get a lot of work done for the LGBT Film Fest while I awaited the key to my room…so yesterday was productive (albeit in a rather corporate setting and not on the streets of Toronto).
Today was my first day of screenings…and I’m off to a good start.
My first film this morning was LOVELESS – directed by Andrey Zvyagintsey (director of LEVIATHAN – nominated for “Best Foreign Film” a couple years ago…and won the Golden Globe). This Russian film won the Jury Prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. It’s a film about a marriage that’s on the verge of divorce…and how the couple has become so consumed by themselves that they “abandon” their young son. They don’t even immediately notice when he goes missing. The film is a slow, slow burn, and I think some editors (or distributors…you know who I mean) would be inclined to chop a good 30 minutes out. But this is all part of the point. There’s a stillness in its lonely composition and a desire to hold a frame longer than usual…as though the director is provoking you to search for clues within the frame. Overall, I think it’s a hard sell, but I’m glad I was along for the ride.
IN THE FADE was my next film – directed by Fatih Akin (director of EDGE OF HEAVEN – a lovely film we featured at the Dayton LGBT Film Fest several years ago.) This German film stars Diane Kruger – who won “Best Actress” for her role in this film at the Cannes Film Festival. It’s the story of a German woman who loses her husband (of Turkish descent) and son in an explosion…and soon finds out that the explosion was set by Neo-Nazis with the intent to kill foreigners. This film turns from a courtroom drama into a tale of revenge on a dime (the original German title is “Aus Dem Nichts” – aka “Out Of Nowhere”), and the tension builds pretty quickly and effectively – until it becomes a little too absurd. I liked it, but a few major eye rolls kept me really liking it more.
Regarding my third and final film of the day, I have to make a confession. I had already seen it! Sony Classics screened this and several other films for exhibitors in our market over the past several weeks…but this is one that I had to see again (there are 4 other films playing at the festival that I have already seen – but I won’t see any of them for a second time). CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, directed by Luca Guadagnino (director of I AM LOVE – one of my absolute favorite films of the past decade) – is an Italian film that’s mostly in English. Based on one of the best novels I’ve read in quite some time (with a screenplay by James Ivory), this is the story of a teenage boy and his sexual awakening during the summer of 1983. This film is absolutely one of the best films of the year, and the central performance by Timothy Chalamet is unbelievable. The film is sensual in so many ways, and the soundtrack is one that I’ll own as soon as it’s available. Checkout the trailer below…it’s only a small, delicious taste of what’s in store for you. **Director Luca Gaudaanino and actors Armie Hammer and Timothee Chalamet did a brief and insightful Q&A after the screening.**
Thanks for checking in with me today.
I only have three films scheduled for tomorrow…and then it gets crazy after that.
All the best,
Jonathan
Hello Everyone,
My bags are mostly packed, a third draft of my “Must See” list has been deciphered from my scribbled notes, and I can hardly contain my excitement as I prepare to embark on my 13th Toronto International Film Festival.
Over the past several years of attending TIFF, I’ve seen almost everything I set out to see. I had a rhythm (which involved very little sleep), and I knew how early I needed to wake every morning in order to be one of the first dozen people in line (which helped to secure the really hot tickets). But this year, they’ve mixed it up. Instead of waiting in queue every day, I’ll have two small windows of opportunity to get on-line and request the tickets I desire for the entire festival…thus luck will have more to do with it than gumption. My fingers are crossed.
I’ll be keeping a daily log of all the films I see (and stars I encounter). Though I wish I could do all the festivals – like Berlin and Cannes and Sundance and NYFF and Telluride – I’m actually quite happy that TIFF is the one that fits so well with my schedule. I’ve loved going to the festival over the years, and I love being able to report my findings to all of you.
Here are a few films that I’m quite anxious to see:
SHAPE OF WATER – Sally Hawkins is divine. Here’s the trailer:
LEAN ON PETE – from the director of WEEKEND and 45 YEARS (and creator of HBO’s LOOKING). Here’s a clip:
CALL ME BY YOUR NAME – from the director of I AM LOVE (one of my favorite films of the past decade). Here’s a trailer:
FACES AND PLACES – from the incomparable Agnes Varda and JR. (I’m pretty certain that JR. has been to Dayton!)
Stay tuned. I start screening movies Thursday morning!
Thanks for reading,
Jonathan
Hello Everyone!
We opened a new film yesterday that many people have been asking about – AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER. In addition to this powerful new film, we’re holding LANDLINE and THE BIG SICK (this winner just keeps going and going) for one more week. (Details about a special screening of AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL followed by a panel discussion can be found at the end of this newsletter.) Next week, we plan to open MAUDIE.
Synopsis for AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL – TRUTH TO POWER: “Former Vice President Al Gore continues his tireless fight, traveling around the world to train an army of activists and influence international climate policy. Cameras follow him behind the scenes — in moments both private and public, funny and poignant — as he pursues the inspirational idea that while the stakes have never been higher, the perils of climate change can be overcome with human ingenuity and passion.” (Paramount Pictures) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.
Due to local demand, THE NEON is excited to explore bringing a bit of Broadway to our screens. Buy your tickets now, and let’s see if we can make this one-night-only screening of FALSETTOS a success! “Nominated for five 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical, Falsettos is a hilarious and poignant look at a modern family revolving around the life of a gay man Marvin, his wife, his lover, his soon-to-be-bar-mitzvahed son, their psychiatrist, and the lesbians next door. Originally created under the specter of the AIDS crisis, this timely musical about middle-class family dynamics manages to remain buoyant and satirically perceptive even as it moves towards its heartbreaking conclusion. Lincoln Center Theater’s production stars Christian Borle, Stephanie J. Block, Andrew Rannells, and Brandon Uranowitz, all of whom received Tony nominations for their respective performances.” FALSETTOS will screen Wednesday, August 16 at 7:30. Tickets are $12 each and are currently available on-line via this LINK. They are also available at THE NEON’s box office.
Dayton Writers Movement is gearing up for the premiere of UNWRITTEN – SEASON 2 on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 5:30. “UNWRITTEN is a serialized audio drama podcas – think radio play – written, acted and produced locally here in Dayton. The first season, which was up for several AudioVerse Podcast Awards, has reached 54+ countries and more than 1,600 cities with its dramatic storytelling and comedic timing. In Season 2, the podcast series continues the journey with a group of friends as they deal with the events of season 1 and wrangle mature social issues, uncover a mystery, and tackle their inner demons. The group will be premiering the first episode of Season 2 with a live talk back afterward. Advanced tickets are available for $6 each by clicking this Official Link. One Time Only Public Showing! (Explicit, mature content) For more information about the podcast, visit unwrittenpodcast.com” Tickets not sold on-line, if available, will be available at our box office starting 1 hour before the event.
This year’s Dayton LGBT Film Fest is shaping up, and we’re almost ready to start rolling out details. Mark your calendars for Oct. 13-15, it’s going to be a great weekend-long fest! And speaking of film festivals, The Toronto International Film Festival has begun releasing titles from this year’s line-up…I’m getting pretty excited about several of them!
Some local organizations are very excited about our engagement of AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL and the opportunity to continue local discussions about our climate with you. After Tuesday August 15’s 7:30 screening, representatives from Citizens Climate Lobby, Sierra Club Miami Group, The Climate Mobilization, and Move To Amend will hold a panel discussion. In addition, there will be other opportunities to engage with members from these organizations at various locations at different times around town. We’ll have flyers in our lobby this weekend that outline all the opportunities, and you can also find the flyer on our Facebook page by following this LINK.
Thanks so much for your continued support.
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan
SHOWTIMES for Saturday, Aug. 12 – Thursday, Aug. 17:
THE BIG SICK (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Saturday (Aug 12): 4:50, 9:30
Sunday (Aug 13): 4:50
Monday – Thursday (Aug 14-17): 5:15
LANDLINE (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Saturday, Sunday (Aug 12-13): 12:30, 2:40, 7:20
Monday & Tuesday (Aug 14 & 15): 3:00, 7:45
Wednesday (Aug 16): 3:00
Thursday (Aug 17): 3:00, 7:45
AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER (PG) 1 Hr 38 Min
Saturday (Aug 12): 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday (Aug 13): 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Monday-Thursday (Aug 14-17): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
FALSETTOS (NR) 2 Hrs 22 Min
Wednesday (Aug 16): 7:30
COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
Aug. 18 – MAUDIE
Aug. 18 – THE LITTLE HOURS
TBD – LADY MACBETH
Aug 30 – PATTI CAKE$
Oct 6 – VICTORIA AND ABDUL
Oct 13-15 – DAYTON LGBT FILM FEST
Hello Everyone,
My first film of my final day of screenings was PLANETARIUM – directed by Rebecca Zlotwoski and starring Natalie Portman and Lily-Rose Depp. This is the story of two sisters who are mediums living in France and their relationship with a film producer. Though the concept is intriguing (“sometimes you have to turn off the lights to see something” was an early quote that had promise) and I liked moments of the film, this was the biggest mess I saw at TIFF. I don’t know what happened, but about an hour in, I felt like there were several films happening at once – and not in a good way. There were also a couple moments where Portman let out laughs that seemed like she was becoming completely unhinged…not her character, but Portman herself. Attempts at “kinda sexy/kinda creepy” were in full swing – but the results were mostly just on the creepy end of the spectrum, and I eventually couldn’t wait for it to end. Here’s a trailer…but you’ll have no idea what’s in store.
THE SECRET SCRIPTURE, directed by Jim Sheridan, was my second film of the day. It was also Rooney Mara’s third film in this year’s festival. Though Rooney was the star of the film, it was Vanessa Redgrave who shined. This is the story of an older woman in a mental institution who has keep a journal in between the lines and in the margins of her Bible. One of the first quotes we get from her journal is “I did not kill my child.” Through a series of flashbacks, we see her as a younger woman in the 1940’s. A true beauty, she turns heads everywhere she goes, and people in the town are quick to call her a whore…including the town’s priest who is clearly infatuated with her. Though I felt the story got a little muddled, it’s ultimately beautifully told and will easily find fans. The Q&A with Jim Sheridan was a treat. With Irish accent seemed to forgive all of his foul-mouthed responses, and the stories of working with actors (Vanessa Redgrave and the children from IN AMERICA in particular) were fantastic and full of insight. There’s no trailer for this film yet, but here’s a still.
My last film of the fest was THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM, directed by Juan Carlos Medina and starring Bill Nighy & Olivia Cooke (ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL). In Victorian-era London, a detective has been given his first murder case – a case that has the city on edge as a serial killer is performing more and more heinous acts. This beautifully styled period piece is a far cry from what you’d expect given the costumes and set-pieces. With lots of blood and gory details of the crimes, it’s at times unsettling but ultimately rather predictable. There are some moments that should be big…but the materials isn’t there…so the decision was to over-score them – which actually ends up detracting from the scenes in question. I wanted to like this film more, but I came out feeling it was really quite average. There’s no trailer for this film yet, so here’s a still. (Upon looking for images from the film, I found out that Alan Rickman was originally supposed to play the part of the detective – which would have added a different level of eeriness.)
And so my screenings have come to an end.
I saw 30 films (not counting the two I walked out of), I met several great folks in the industry, I saw numerous big stars and directors, and I ate a lot of poutine. In all, it was an incredible trip.
So here’s the wrap-up. (All categories have films listed in the order in which I saw them.) My 3 favorites were: MOONLIGHT, NOCTURNAL ANIMALS and LA LA LAND. Close behind were JULIETA, LOVING and SOUVENIR (BIRTH OF A NATION would be on this list, but I actually saw it several weeks ago and not at TIFF). Some really good films that are 100% worth viewing but didn’t make it to the very top of my list are MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, FRANTZ, LION, A UNITED KINGDOM, THEIR FINEST, MAUDIE, PATERSON, JACKIE, and UNKNOWN GIRL. For the other 15 films and how I felt about them, you’ll have to back-track through my blog.
Thanks so much for reading, and I appreciate your continued interest in THE NEON.
All the best,
Jonathan
Hello Loyal TIFF Followers,
Unfortunately, MostMetro has been experiencing quite a bit of trouble with their website…and that’s why you haven’t heard from me for a couple days. They’re working hard to iron out all the kinks, and I appreciate you coming back for more (some of you with multiple attempts).
My first film on Thursday was John Butler’s HANDSOME DEVIL. Though a little light, there’s certainly an audience for this crowd-pleasing film about an outcast with bright red hair at a boarding school in Ireland. The unlikely friendship he strikes up with his handsome roommate has them eventually entered in a talent night where they’ll sing and play guitar together…and it’s really charming. However, the focus at this school is rugby, and the behaviors of the new guy don’t fit in with the agenda of his rugby coach. DEAD POETS’ SOCIETY meets SCHOOL TIES meets SING STREET. If it doesn’t get released sooner, you can certainly look for this film at next year’s PRIDE screening in June. There is no trailer for this film, so you only get a still at this time.
Next up was THE UNKOWN GIRL – a film by the Dardenne Brothers (KID WITH A BIKE, TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT). The Dardennes are known for this social-realist style of filmmaking. Always commenting on class as well as economic and social justice, this film still fills that role…but goes in a bit of different direction. This is the story of a doctor who doesn’t answer the buzzer at her office door. It’s after hours, and she figures a person would buzz multiple times if it was an emergency. The next day, she finds out that the girl who buzzed has been found dead across the street…she was a prostitute who buzzed the door in a panic – looking for help. Driven by guilt, the doctor begins her own investigation to find the name of the unknown girl. Without any scoring to trigger emotions, this mystery feels all the more real. Though not embraced by critics like their previous two films, I found it very satisfying.
SOUVENIR, starring Isabelle Huppert and directed by Babo Defurne, this is the story of a woman who works in a pate factory. She used to be a famous singer, but her star faded early after coming in 2nd place during a televised European singing contest (ABBA took home first place that year). The opening titles for the film are beautiful bubbles floating through water. Bubbles, bubbles, more bubbles. It’s pretty and hypnotizing. It’s light, it’s airy, it’s effervescent…it’s alka-seltzer. Thus we get a joke right from the opening credits. This French gem – which becomes a December/May romance, won’t be embraced by everyone. But I really like it! There’s no trailer for this film, but here’s a clip.
After my three films, I met up with an old friend for dinner. Then I met up with a few more friends (film programmers, PR folks, etc.) for cocktails. This was by far the latest I stayed out…and I paid for it the next morning. (But it was worth it.)
Thanks for reading,
Jonathan
Hello Everyone,
Thanks for coming back! Today was my last day during this trip when I have to wake up before 6am! I saw three more films (which takes me to 24 total), and I had a nice dinner. Though there was an invitation to meet up for late drinks, I had to turn it down. I’m simply too tired and getting more than 4 hours of sleep sounds much better.
My first film of the day was PATERSON, by Jim Jarmusch – who has a cult-like following. This film stars Adam Driver as “a working-class poet in a small New Jersey town who practices his craft amidst the quiet magic of everyday life.” (TIFF on-line catalog) As always, Jarmusch finds both humor and pathos in the idiosyncrasies and mundane routines of his characters. That said, I think this film is his most accessible. And though not a lot “happens,” I was engaged and liked peeking in on these rather charming characters. (There is not trailer available, but here’s a clip.)
JACKIE, the new film about Jackie O’ starring Natalie Portman, was next on my list. Directed by Pablo Larrain (who also has a film about Pablo Neruda at the festival), this film takes a look at the assassination of JFK through the point of view of Jackie. The film opens with Jackie greeting a journalist just a few days after the assassination. As she answers questions, we get her version of the story – both anecdotes about the making of the TV special when she led press through the White House as well as her account of what happened in Texas and preparing for the funeral. She is very candid, but she also makes quite clear that she’ll have the final edit on the piece that is written. When the journalist says that he just wants the truth, it is finally said that “I will settle for a story that’s believable.” That sentiment is the film in a nutshell. It took me a little while to buy Portman as Jackie, but eventually she won me over. Fox Searchlight picked up this film within the last 48 hours, and they plan to have it released in time for Oscar season.
My final film of the day was UNA – a new film based on the play BLACKBIRD, directed by Benedict Andrews and starring Rooney Mara & Ben Mendelsohn. This is the story of a young woman in her mid-20’s confronting a middle-aged man at his place of work. It’s been 12 years since they’ve seen each other…and that was when she was 13 and he sexually abused her. It’s my understanding that the play is just two characters…and adapting it for the screen seemed a bit forced to me. From ducking behind boxes and into bathroom stalls to hide from other workers, it seemed a bit of a stretch to buy the actions of the characters. I ultimately had really mixed feelings. The material is intriguing and bold, but I didn’t buy the set-up (trouble with the man’s position at work is a tangent that seems oddly tacked on). In addition, I feel like the material didn’t ring with honesty. SPOILER ALERT…don’t read more if you don’t want to know too much! The director spoke of each character having “unfinished desire” for one another. I’d be anxious to hear a true feminist read of this material/adaptation. By the end, I didn’t hate it, but I also can’t recommend it. There is no trailer for this film, but here’s a clip:
I’ve got three films tomorrow and I get to sleep in until 7:30! I also plan to meet an old friend for dinner – someone I met in line for Almodovar’s TALK TO HER back at the festival in 2002.
Thanks for reading,
Jonathan
Hello!
Today’s schedule had me down for 5 films…and though I got into the fifth, I just wasn’t loving it enough to stick around (thus I won’t review it). Instead, I’ll go over the four films I screened in their entirety.
THEIR FINEST was my first screening at 9:30am, and it was packed in one of Scotiabank’s biggest venues. Lone Scherfig (AN EDUCATION) delivers a very solid film about the film industry in England during WWII. The story centers around a female writer who is initially hired to help write and flesh out the female voices just as the industry is also realizing that they need to make a picture that boosts morale on the homefront. Bill Nighy, who plays an egotistical old pro actor, is a scene-stealer…and the film will be an crowd-pleaser. Full of nostalgic winks and nods as well as colorful characters, this is an “acquisition title,” and I believe it will get picked up. There’s no trailer yet for THEIR FINEST…so a photo will have to do at this point.
MAUDIE, a biopic about Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis, was next on my list. With an outstanding performance by Sally Hawkins which is touching, physically demanding and full of hysterical funny moments that make Maud all the more endearing, the film is about Lewis’s relationship with her husband (played by Ethan Hawke) and her rise to fame in the art world. Challenged by childhood rheumatoid arthritis, everything from daily chores to even holding a brush look painful for Maud – but we fall in love with her desire to paint on just about any stationary object. Directed by Aisling Walsh (she’s done a lot of television work including FINGERSMITH with Hawkins), this is a slower character piece – but I think it could easily find an audience with Neon patrons. There’s no trailer for this film yet, but here’s a clip.
Once in a while at TIFF, I let myself see a big, splashy Hollywood movie. One that clearly won’t be coming to THE NEON, but one that’s receiving some critical buzz. A couple years ago, it was GRAVITY…this year, it was another sci-fi film – ARRIVAL, directed by Denis Villeneuve. Though I can rattle off a handful of sci-fi films that I greatly admire, this isn’t a genre that usually attracts my attention, and this alien film intrigued me because it wasn’t going to be full of explosions and battle scenes. Amy Adams plays a linguist who is hired by the government to attempt communicating with aliens who have landed 12 ships around the world. There’s some really lovely work happening in this film – from the central performance to terrific special effects. But there’s also some clunky ideas (especially in the third act) that keep me from embracing the film. I realize that many, many people will love this one…but it’s not for me.
My last full film of the day was THE SALESMAN, directed by Asghar Farhadi (A SEPARATION and THE PAST). The film opens with people needing to evacuate their building as it is beginning to crack and may soon crash. We follow a young theatrical couple (who are mounting a production of DEATH OF A SALESMAN) as they are displaced and soon find a new apartment that was formerly inhabited by a prostitute (though they don’t know that immediately). An incident in the new place leaves the couple forever changed, and the film then becomes a subtle thriller. With narrative elements and themes that I greatly admire, this film is well-done and solid – though not quite up to par with his previous two films due to a somewhat strained final act. There is no trailer yet for this film, but here’s a clip:
I wrapped up the night by attending a low-key party for lgbt industry folks. I was glad to meet a few new people, and I’m crawling into bed before 2:00…so glad tomorrow is the last day I have to get up before 7:00.
Thanks for reading,
Jonathan
Hello Everyone.
Thanks for coming back to my blog. I had intended to see more films today, but I got turned away from a screening of JACKIE (along with 200+ other people) because the demand was too big and being 25 minutes early wasn’t enough. That said, there will be another screening Wednesday, so I will know to be extra early.
My first screening of the day was the latest by the prolific (especially for being quite young) Xavier Dolan – IT’S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD. This is essentially a chamber piece about a gay man who comes to visit his family and tell them he’s dying…he hasn’t been home for 12 years…and it’s quickly evident why he’s been away so long. Though I clearly understand what he’s doing, and the film is ultimately well done (though I do have some complaints about several of his choices), this is a film that’s hard to stomach. The cast is exceptional (I love Marion & Gaspard), but shouting matches, unlikable/annoying characters…it’s not something I can highly recommend.
LOVING, the new film by Jeff Nichols (TAKE SHELTER, MUD), was next on my list. It’s also a film I’ve been looking forward to, and I’m happy to say that it didn’t disappoint. This quiet and eloquent film is about the an interracial couple in Virginia whose illegal marriage and subsequent punishment (they went to D.C. to get married, but it wasn’t recognized in Virginia) eventually caught the attention of the ACLU…and eventually went to the Supreme Court to overturn miscegenation laws. For a film that’s largely about court battles, we only spend a few minutes in court rooms…and that’s refreshing. Instead, we spend lots of time with this Mildred & Richard (stunningly and lovingly played by Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton) – and watching a couple who are so clearly in love with each other makes such a strong case for marriage equality on many levels.
My final film of the day was LA LA LAND, directed by Damien Chazelle (WHIPLASH). This splashy, colorful, song-and-dance musical harkens memories of a bygone era of the Hollywood studio system. But even more, its influence is from one of my favorite musical directors – Jacques Demy. The opening scene, shot on an L.A. highway, will blow your mind and immediately had me scribble YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT in my notes. Starring Emma Stone (who will clearly be nominated for an Oscar) and Ryan Gosling, this film had me on my feet immediately as the “The End” appeared on screen. For the rest of the night, melodies swirled in my head and merely walking down the street was accompanied by the film’s infectious score. I can’t wait to obtain the soundtrack and see the film again!
Tomorrow is an extra busy day. Hoping I’ll be able to stay awake for all of it.
Thanks for reading,
Jonathan