What’s good for the weekend? I just landed a couple of hours ago in Los Angeles where I will be spending the better part of my weekend for business and pleasure. I have a friend that just moved here so we are probably going to hang out on Saturday night and get into some trouble. ;) I love L.A. I had some really great times here in the past and you never know what movie star or celebrity you’re going to run into. Have a good one, everyone. I’m leaving you with a short list of some film-related posts I came across the web this week…
About a month ago, I posted the trailer and discussed how much I liked 28 Hotel Rooms, an indie film starring Chris Messina and Marin Ireland that I saw at Sundance 2012. Whether you’re a fan of Messina (The Mindy Project, Devil, Ruby Sparks, Argo) or Ireland (Homeland, The Killing, off-Broadway's reasons to be pretty; read what she has to say about 28 Hotel Roomshere), this is a great little movie that explores an intimate relationship over time that is confined to hotel rooms. The film opened earlier this month in select theaters and has recently expanded (more cities playing the film can be found here). It is also currently available On Demand.
<– I am giving this film poster (approx 24 x 36) to one lucky LBF reader and another the film's soundtrack. Thanks to Tribeca Film for providing me with goods for this giveaway!
The music for 28 Hotel Rooms is scored by the Brooklyn-based electronic band Fall On Your Sword, lead by founding member of LCD Soundsystem Philip Mossman, which has composed the scores of recent indie films like Another Earth, Nobody Walks, and Lola Versus.
To win the poster or soundtrack, here’s what you have to do:
1. Like my blog on Facebook 2. Subscribe or follow my blog via tumblr or Bloglovin’ 3. Leave a comment below on which item you want and why.
You have to do all three to win. You have until December 3rd when the giveaway closes. Check back then to see who won. The winners will be contacted shortly after. Good luck!
Update: (12/4) Who won? No one! Check back for more giveaways in the future.
Anyone doing anything great this weekend? One of my friends is having a Pre-Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday with a bunch of people so I’m excited about that. It’s potluck so I still have to decided what I want to bring. Other than that I’ll be doing alot of writing. I have been contracted to work on some project in my freelance writing business. I’m very grateful to have work coming my way. Hope you have a good one, and here’s a short list of some film-related posts I have come across the web this week…
28 Hotel Rooms // If you are in the mood for something sensual, check out this Sundance 2012 film starring Chris Messina (Argo) and Marin Ireland (Homeland, The Killing) which is now On Demand. The film explores the relationship between two professionals, one a novelist (Messina) and one an accountant (Ireland), who meet one night in a hotel bar and begin a love term affair, only seeing each other on business trips. Through 28 tristes in hotel rooms across the country and over the course of years, what starts off as a casual affair, becomes much more, even when their lives back home continue.
I remember seeing this at Sundance and really loving the intimacy and cinematic foreplay that the filmmaker created within this film. These are two people who create a sort of world for themselves that they fight to protect no matter who it hurts. I felt that there was power to this and the story that unfolded from it. I remember a woman next to me expressing her outrage to the filmmaker in the post-screening Q&A on what she considered was his sympathy for marital infidelity as we never see the devastating effects it has one those cheated on but rather the attention is on these two characters. As he explained, which I agree with, infidelity is something that happens everyday and encompasses many situations; this was not a support of that but rather a commentary on how it also can negatively affect those engaged in the affair.
Why should I let everyone else have all the fun? I have been thinking about hosting my own blogathon for awhile so now I’m going for it. It’s called “ 6° of Separation”, playing off of that idea that everyone in the world is connect through six people or less. I’m taking that idea to actors and film. Of course I know that this idea for a blogathon may have been done before, but I wanted to put my own spin on it. I have to say that this is something I play to myself all the time, seeing how I can connect the most random actors together through some of my most liked films.
Interested in participating? Here what you have to do:
Pick one of the actors pairings (or more) below. I give you three to choose from. If you want, explain why you choose that particular one over the others or what drew you to those particular actors.
Connect the actors through film. In six steps or less connect the two actors in the paring. Not only must these be films you have SEEN but also LIKED. Discuss why you liked each (you can even link back to your reviews/posts) and how the actors you are highlighting relate each other in the movie. You can use any form of media (movie stills, video, trailers) to introduce each film. Be creative.
Post it on your blog and send me the link. I would appreciate it if you would use the banner above on your posts and link back to this post to spread the word on this blogathon. The blogathon will start Oct. 1st and run through the month of October. When you email me, make sure “Six Degrees” in the subject line and in the body of the email have the link and the acting pair you choose. The deadline is October 31st.
Check back here. The next day I will post all the links under each respective pairing. I will also choose my favorite from each pairing and give them special mention. Bonus points for using mostly or all independent films and paths that are unexpected. The bloggers of my three favorites will then have a chance to choose a new actor pairing each to be used in the next round.
Sound simple enough, right? Well here are the options for this round…
James Marsden -> Denzel Washington Andrew Garfield -> Claire Danes Kate Winslet -> Chris Pine
Need an example of how this works? Check out my (brief) example after the jump…
51. Maybe playing on the sympathies of those who rescue you from choking IS a good way to make some extra cash. [Choke]
52. Sometimes you just have to give someone a chance to step up, especially family. [You Can Count On Me] 53. Racial tensions have a way to always bubble to the surface with devastating consequences. [Do The Right Thing] 54. Leave idiots alone; they sometimes have the best intentions. [Our Idiot Brother] 55. I definitely wish I could control my dreams and live within my fantasies [The Good Night] 56. Life is a game show - with a little luck, love, and motivation, you can make it through [Slumdog Millionaire] 57. Four walls can contain a whole secret life. [28 Hotel Rooms]
58. Some people can be worthy of battling the world for. Oh, and yes, exs can be evil. [Scott Pilgrim vs. The World] 59. Straightforward sex can be anything but. [Young People Fucking (YPF)] 60. Everyone has trouble from their high school past they are better off facing. [The Education of Charlie Banks]
… or “How I got them in before I jumped on a plane”
Man, how I’ve been busy lately. Pretty much too busy to do much blogging with my regular day job, some new freelance projects on the side (starting a new business!), celebrating BDays (apparently everyone I know was born at the beginning of Aug) and, you know, alittle bit of sleep inbetween. To add to that, I just hopped on a plane to go to Shanghai (in route now! pictures to come!) But I always seem to be able to get some movies in somehow and someway. Here is what I squeezed in last week:
Ruby Sparks. This movie is one of those great ones that is even more than what you think it will get. The trailer sets you up for a whimsical, date-night appropriate indie romantic-comedy but by the end you discussing symbolism and relationship dynamics with anyone who would listen. The all too real cute romantic sequences between the real-life couple, Kazan and Dano do add the lovey factor needed to make you smile but it delves so much deeper. The film was a smart, perspective look at a man who is going to great lengths to avoid everything he can’t control in his life - his family, his genius, and the perception of himself by other people. What that leaves him with is a lonely existence in a stark white apartment with only his dog as his only friend. In steps Ruby Sparks, literally straight out of his imagination with her purple tight, bright dresses and messy life. She is something else he tries to control with disastrous and intriguing consequences.
The Bourne Legacy. I had been anticipating this film for awhile, mainly because the Bourne series is by far my favorite trilogy of all time (…the thinking man’s action movie for those like me who don’t like action movies) and also because I love me some Jeremy Renner. I had been alittle apprehensive of them continuing the series (sans Matt Damon), but I was open to it since I loved the idea of this one paralleling the events of The Bourne Ultimatum. I planned to watch a marathon of all the films before seeing this but wasn’t able to unfortunately. I have to say, I thought this was the weakest of all the movies, with the only thing really tying it to the original series being a couple of Jason Bourne name drops and some catch up time with some of the major Treadstone players. It had the backbone of the original but without the smartness and sharpness I have come to associate with the name Bourne. Also, what I loved most about Jason Bourne was that he was just a man that just so happen to be a highly skilled assassin. I think making Aaron Cross a lab experiment with superhuman abilities stemming from fringe science did the series an injustice. I did find Edward Norton great in this and thought his no nonsense character was the most interesting part of the movie; I’m glad to see him back in the spotlight in great form.
I’m going to Toronto, and I couldn’t be more excited! A friend and I are sightseeing in Montreal and then heading to Toronto of the first four days of TIFF. I have never been there so this should be a great experience. I already got our ticket package and booked my flight. Do we have a place to stay yet? Nope, but we will. It’ll be my third film festival of 2012 (check out some coverage of these festivals here). Except some reviews, pictures, and other info to come your way during and directly following my time there.
This week, the first crop of movies were announced. I have to say that I’m so impressed with the line-up. There are so many great ones I’ve been looking forward to that I may have to get more tickets. I think I picked a great year to go. Here are my top picks from the ones already announced:
Argo Directed by Ben Affleck
Synopsis: Academy Award® winner Ben Affleck directs and stars in this based-on-fact thriller about a CIA “exfiltration” expert who concocts an outlandish plan to get six stranded Americans out of Tehran after the 1979 invasion of the American embassy — by having them masquerade as a Hollywood film crew. Why I want to see it: I am more impressed with Ben Affleck, the director (The Town was especially great) so I’m really excited about Affleck’s third time behind the camera. The movie boosts a great supporting cast (Chris Messina! John Goodman! Kerry Bishe! Tate Donovan!), an very interesting true story, and the potential to be a black comedy, drama, and political film all in one. Check out the trailer and another movie still from the film here.
The Company You Keep Directed by Robert Redford
Synopsis: Robert Redford directs and stars in this gripping political thriller about a young journalist (Shia LaBeouf) who stumbles upon the story of his career when he uncovers the identity of a wanted ex-radical activist (Redford) who has been underground for five decades. Why I want to see this: Honestly, I’m just hoping to see a great performance from Shia as I think he’s really great when he really takes hold of great indie roles. Also, here’s hoping that Anna Kendrick does not annoy me as she has been lately. Recently, I just posted another picture from the film; check it out here.
Imogene Directed byRobert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman
Synopsis: Kristen Wiig, Annette Bening and Matt Dillon headline this hilarious comedy about a washed-up playwright who, after faking her own suicide as a ploy to get her ex-boyfriend’s attention, winds up remanded to the custody of her wackily dysfunctional family. Why I want to see this: Well, just like with alot of people, Kristen Wiig has become my current favorite female comedian-actress. Apparently 2012 has become the year to explore older woman-younger man relationships (see Hello, I Must Be Going) so I’m going with the trend. Okay, yeah, and I also and I want to see Darren Criss as I think he is adorable. I have high hopes for this one so I hope it doesn’t disappoint.
Looper (Opening Night Selection) Directed and written by Rian Johnson
Synopsis: A mob hitman (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is assigned to kill his own future self (Bruce Willis) in this mind-bending futuristic thriller. Why I want to see this: I am so itching to see this isn’t not funny. To know me is to know that I love Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It bodes well for the quality of the film that it was choosen for opening night. I have been continuously covering covering this film (trailer, photos) in anticipation of the release so read more on my thoughts there.
The Place Beyond the Pines Directed byDerek Cianfrance
Synopsis: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendes star in this multi-generational crime drama from director Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine), about a motorcycle stunt rider whose moonlighting a bank robber brings him into conflict with an ambitious young cop. Why I want to see it: Ryan Gosling can’t go wrong in my eyes. When in doubt, always go with one of his films.
To The Wonder Directed byTerrance Malick
Synopsis: Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck and Javier Bardem star in the new film from Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life), about a man who reconnects with a woman from his hometown after his marriage to a European woman falls apart. Why I want to see it: Uhh, why do I want to see it? Especially when I hated The Tree of Life, the only Malick film I’ve ever seen? Well, it all boils down to the fact that he peaks my curiousity. You never know what weird, off the wall thing he’s going to do next. It may also be because all his films are so shrouded in mystery, that you just have to see what he comes up with. Read more about his upcoming film projects he’re doing simultaneously here.
Twice Born Directed bySergio Castellitto
Synopsis: Actor-director Sergio Castellitto (Don’t Move) directs Penélope Cruz and Emile Hirsch in this vivid, full-throttle melodrama about an ill-starred romance set against the backdrop of the siege of Sarajevo. Why I want to see it: The romantic pairing of Hirsch and Cruz seems like it would be so great, I’m not sure why it wasn’t thought of before. I’m also interested in learning the history of Sarajevo through the eyes of the director. Read more about the film and see another movie still here.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower Directed and written byStephen Chbosky
Synopsis: In this witty and affecting coming-of-age story (adapted by writer-director Stephen Chbosky from his own novel), a shy teenager (Logan Lerman) with a dark family secret is coaxed out of his shell by a sympathetic teacher (Paul Rudd) and two wild, carefree new friends (Emma Watson and Ezra Miller). Why I want to see it: How great is it that one of my favorite books is being turned into a film written and directed by the author of that book? The book was so sweet and so touch and so wonderful and so sad that this movie is going to be great. See a photo of the cast which includes the great Mae Whitman here.
So many I want to see and it’s just the beginning of the being announced! If you’re interested, head over to the festival’s film programming for a complete listing.
Argo / I love this latest film directed by Ben Affleck already. I’m not one that is too into political films but this story really intrigues me. Part suspense drama, part comedy, the film focuses on the true events of the “Canadian caper”. During the 1979 Iranian hostage crises, a joint covert rescue by the Canadian government and the US CIA was conducted to retrieve six U.S. diplomats held hostage at their embassy in Iran. A CIA agent concocted a plan to convince Iran that the hostages were apart of a film crew sent there to film a sci-fi film called Argo. Sounds funny but its all so true. I think we are in for some great acting, a great story, and some great 70s fashion with this one. Watch the trailer for this film which also stars Kyle Chandlar, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, and Chris Messina:
Ruby Sparks / I will go ahead and say that we all wish we could write our dream boy (or girl) into existence. They would exist just as we want them to be. What if it actually happened? That is what Zoe Kazan (happythankyoumoreplease) explores in this upcoming romantic film she wrote and stars in with her real life boyfriend Paul Dano (Little Miss Sunshine). In the film, a struggling writer (Dano) finds new inspiration into a whimsical girl he accidental creates and falls in love with.
People across the country will get a unique pre-festival look at four films set to premiere at Tribeca 2012 via VOD. These films include the features The Giant Mechanical Man, Death of a Superhero, and Sleepless Night, all available April 17 as well as the documentary Booker’s Place: A Mississippi Story available on April 20. I love a good preview of Tribeca so I will take full advantage of this, and I hope you will to. Here is my pick of the four:
The Giant Mechanical Man Directed and written by Lee Kirk
Synopsis: Thirtysomethings Janice (Jenna Fischer) and Tim (Chris Messina) haven’t quite learned how to navigate adulthood. Tim is a street performer whose unique talents as a “living statue” don’t exactly pay the bills. Janice is out of work and under pressure by her sister (Malin Akerman) to date an egotistical self-help guru (Topher Grace). In this charming comedic romance, these two strangers help each other to realize that it only takes one person to make you feel important. Why I want to see it: Besides the fact that I think Chris Messina is one of the most under-appreciated, under-utilized actors around, I tend to gravitate toward off-beat rom-coms. Also, I’m curious to see Fischer’s husband directs her in a romantic role.
Read more about the additional Tribeca films you can see VOD here. You can also see my picks out of the entire catalog of 2012 TFF films - part 1, part 2
Launched in 2011 as an independent film blog, Life Between Films has evolved into my personal blog of style, travels, books and of course will continue to be where I discuss the artistic and humanistic aspects of movies, especially independent film.
I have traveled around attending some of the biggest and most prestigious film festivals (Sundance, Tribeca, Toronto), writing for some online film sites, collaborating with fellow film blogs, and meeting some of the top actors and film industry types.
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