Sundance 2010 – Films To Watch
 | Author: Jauretsi | Posted: December 10th, 2009 | Filed under: Film, Film Festivals | | Comments Off |
Greetings readers. If you can believe it, its time to do another roundup of Sundance “must watch” films that have just been announced to play at the next film festival (January 2010). Below is an “intelligence report” from our 2 editorial bookers, Greg Krelenstein and Marni Golden who comb through all the data, slush through all the Utah snow, absorb all the films, and socialize in all the high altitudes, in order to make an informed opinion when booking talent for our several magazine clients.
P.S. Their forecasting is always ace!
————————————
Greg Krelenstein Picks for Sundance 2010
Top Sundance Picks 2010
(The Real Runaways. Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning)
The Runaways
(Director and screenwriter: Floria Sigismondi). In 1970s LA, a tough teenager named Joan Jett connects with an eccentric producer to form an all-girl band that would launch her career and make rock history. Cast: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Scout Taylor-Compton, Michael Shannon, Alia Shawkat, Tatum O’Neal. World Premiere
Nowhere Boy
(Director: Sam Taylor Wood; Screenwriters: Julia Baird and Matt Greenhalgh). A teenage John Lennon confronts wrenching family secrets and finds his musical voice in late 1950s Liverpool. Cast: Aaron Johnson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Thomas Sangster, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey. International Premiere
Blue Valentine
(Director: Derek Cianfrance; Screenwriters: Derek Cianfrance, Cami Delavigne and Joey Curtis). A complex portrait of an American marriage, Blue Valentine charts the evolution of a relationship over time. Cast: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Mike Vogel, John Doman.
Hesher
(Director: Spencer Susser; Screenwriters: Spencer Susser and David Michod; Story by Brian Charles Frank) A mysterious, anarchical trickster descends on the lives of a family struggling to deal with a painful loss. Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Natalie Portman, Rainn Wilson, Devin Brochu, Piper Laurie, John Carroll Lynch.
The Extra Man
(Directors: Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini; Screenwriters: Robert Pulcini,
Jonathan Ames and Shari Springer Berman). A down-and-out playwright who escorts wealthy widows in Manhattan’s Upper East Side takes a young aspiring writer under his wing. Cast: Katie Holmes, John C. Reilly, Paul Dano, Kevin Kline, Alicia Goranson. World Premiere
Twelve
(Director: Joel Schumacher; Screenwriter: Jordan Melamed). A chronicle of the highs and lows of privileged kids on Manhattan’s Upper East Side involving sex, drugs and murder. Cast: Chace Crawford, Emma Roberts, Kiefer Sutherland, 50 Cent, Zoë Kravitz. World Premiere
The Mormon Proposition
(Director: Reed Cowan). An examination of the relationship between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the promotion and passage of California’s Proposition 8 denying marriage rights for Gay and Lesbian couples. World Premiere
Holy Rollers
(Director: Kevin Tyler Asch; Screenwriter: Antonio Macia). A young Hasidic man, seduced by money, power and opportunity, becomes an international Ecstasy smuggler. Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Danny A. Abeckaser, Ari Graynor, Jason Fuchs.
Howl
(Directors and Screenwriters: Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman). A nonfiction drama about the young Allen Ginsberg finding his voice, the creation of his groundbreaking poem HOWL, and the landmark obscenity trial that followed. Cast: James Franco, David Strathairn, Jon Hamm, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeff Daniels.
Welcome to the Rileys
(Director: Jake Scott). On a business trip to New Orleans, a damaged man seeks salvation by caring for a wayward young woman. Cast: James Gandolfini, Kristen Stewart, Melissa Leo.
————————————–
Marni Golden Top Picks for Sundance 2010
Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
Directed by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, a forthright glimpse into the life and comedic process of the veteran comedian. A doc about Joan Rivers?? Sold.
Holy Rollers
Directed by Kevin Tyler Asch, written by Antonio Macia, concerning a young Hasidic man in the throes of money, power and opportunity who becomes an international Ecstasy smuggler. With Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Bartha, Danny A. Abeckaser, Ari Graynor, Jason Fuchs. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this cast. This film should be a lot of laughs.
Sympathy for Delicious
Directed by Mark Ruffalo and written by Christopher Thornton, which centers on a newly paralyzed DJ who gets more than he bargained for when he seeks out the world of faith healing. Stars Orlando Bloom, Mark Ruffalo, Juliette Lewis, Laura Linney, John Carroll Lynch. I’m excited to see Ruffalo’s directorial debut – sounds like a modern, cool film with a solid cast to match.
Nowhere Boy / United Kingdom
Director: Sam Taylor Wood; Screenwriters: Julia Baird and Matt Greenhalgh. A teenage John Lennon confronts wrenching family secrets and finds his musical voice in late 1950s Liverpool. Cast: Aaron Johnson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Thomas Sangster, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey. International Premiere.
Louis C.K.: Hilarious / USA
Director: Louis C.K. Sharp-tongued comedian Louis C.K. pulls no punches in this visceral concert experience. World Premiere
Untitled Duplass Brothers Project / USA
Directors and screenwriters: Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass. A recently divorced guy meets a new lady. Then he meets her son who is, well…interesting. Cast: John C. Reilly, Marisa Tomei, Jonah Hill, Catherine Keener. World Premiere. I loved Humpday!
(Josh Radnor)
Happythankyoumoreplease
Directed and written by Josh Radnor, about six New Yorkers negotiating love, friendship and gratitude when they’re too old to be precocious and not yet fully adults. Stars Malin Akerman, Radnor, Kate Mara, Zoe Kazan, Tony Hale, Pablo Schreiber, Michael Algieri. I think I’m developing a crush on Josh Radnor. He reminds me of a new John Krasinksi, transitioning from TV to film to directing. Also, I’m a sucker for New York twenty-something ensembles.
