FSLC announces the world premiere of Don Cheadle's MILES AHEAD as Closing Night for NYFF53

The Film Society of Lincoln Center has announced that Don Cheadle’s directorial debut Miles Ahead will make its World Premiere as the Closing Night selection of the upcoming 53rd New York Film Festival (September 25 – October 11). Cheadle, who co-wrote the script, stars as the legendary musician opposite Emayatzy Corinealdi and Ewan McGregor.

New York Film Festival Director and Selection Committee Chair Kent Jones said: “I admire Don’s film because of all the intelligent decisions he’s made about how to deal with Miles, but I was moved—deeply moved—by Miles Ahead for other reasons. Don knows, as an actor, a writer, a director, and a lover of Miles’ music, that intelligent decisions and well-planned strategies only get you so far, that finally it’s your own commitment and attention to every moment and every detail that brings a movie to life. ‘There is no longer much else but ourselves, in the place given us,’ wrote the poet Robert Creeley. ‘To make that present, and actual … is not an embarrassment, but love.’ That’s the core of art. Miles Davis knew it, and Don Cheadle knows it.”

Don Cheadle added: “I am happy that the selection committee saw fit to invite us to the dance. It’s very gratifying that all the hard work that went into the making of this film, from every person on the team, has brought us here. Miles’ music is all-encompassing, forward-leaning, and expansive. He changed the game time after time, and New York is really where it all took off for him. Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center... feels very ‘right place, right time.’ Very exciting.”

Miles Davis was one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. And how do you make a movie about him? You get to know the man inside and out and then you reveal him in full, which is exactly what Don Cheadle does as a director, a writer, and an actor with this remarkable portrait of Davis, refracted through his crazy days in the late-70s. Holed up in his Manhattan apartment, wracked with pain from a variety of ailments and fiending for the next check from his record company, dodging sycophants and industry executives, he is haunted by memories of old glories and humiliations and of his years with his great love Frances Taylor (Emayatzy Corinealdi). Every second of Cheadle’s cinematic mosaic is passionately engaged with its subject: this is, truly, one of the finest films ever made about the life of an artist. With Ewan McGregor as Dave Brill, the “reporter” who cons his way into Miles’ apartment. The film was produced by Don Cheadle, Pamela Hirsch, Lenore Zerman. Along with Daniel Wagner, Robert Barnum, Vince Willburn and Daryl Porter. 

The 17-day New York Film Festival highlights the best in world cinema, featuring top films from celebrated filmmakers as well as fresh new talent. The selection committee, chaired by Jones, also includes Dennis Lim, FSLC Director of Programming; Marian Masone, FSLC Senior Programming Advisor; Gavin Smith, Editor-in-Chief, Film Comment; and Amy Taubin, Contributing Editor, Film Comment and Sight & Sound.
 
NYFF previously announced Robert Zemeckis’s The Walk as the Opening Night selection and Luminous Intimacy: The Cinema of Nathaniel Dorsky and Jerome Hiler, the first-ever complete dual retrospective of the experimental filmmakers.
 
Tickets for the 53rd New York Film Festival will go on sale in early September. Becoming a Film Society Member at the Film Buff Level or above provides early ticket access to festival screenings and events ahead of the general public, along with the exclusive member ticket discount! To find out how to become a Film Society member, visit filmlinc.com/membership.

For even more access, VIP Passes and Subscription Packages give buyers one of the earliest opportunities to purchase tickets and secure seats at some of the festival's biggest events including Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Nights. VIP passes also provide access to many exciting events including the invitation-only Opening Night party, “ An Evening With…” Dinner, Filmmaker Brunch, and VIP Lounge. Benefits vary based on the pass or package type purchased. VIP Passes and Subscription Packages are on sale now.  For information about purchasing Subscription Packages and VIP Passes, go to filmlinc.com/NYFF. 

For more information, visit: www.filmlinc.com

The Magic Behind “I Am Chris Farley” (3/4)

I Am Chris Farley Official Trailer #1 (2015) Chris Farley Documentary Movie HD

When the people around, whether in your life or just passing by, all feel that same positive energy from you, that's when you know you're a genuinely good person; it's being Chris Farley. The Spike TV and Virgil Films production unveiled the many layers and dimensions of the SNL funny man turned movie star, and not only takes a look at his career hits, but his life's misses.

Growing up in what one would consider the picture perfect childhood of suburban Wisconsin, Farley never truly fit the mold of “normative”. He was a true outlier, but never an outcast. He captivated all who surrounded him because of his infectious personality. The documentary gathers the commentary of major players in the early SNL family, such as Mike Myers, David Spade, Adam Sandler, and Christina Appelgate, all reminiscing on moments working with him that changed a perspective in their careers. Even noted by Adam Sandler, Farley and Spade seemed to have a certain “chemistry”, or what one would consider a “bromance” that spoke to the audiences of the big screen when they starred in “Tommy Boy”.

The documentary highlights leading points in his life both in front of the camera and the most candid parts of his personal life, with the help of his brothers to commentate. Whether you are familiar with his work, or just hearing about him for the first time, “I Am Chris Farley” makes you feel as if you've known him for all your life. He's that person you've always wanted to be your best friend. With more highs than lows, the documentary celebrates a true comedic genius, and is a must see.

Note: These ratings and review are personal opinion of the author.

FSLC announces STEVE JOBS as centerpiece of the 53rd NYFF

The Film Society of Lincoln Center has announced the selection of Steve Jobs, written by Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network, Charlie Wilson’s War) and directed by Academy Award® winner Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours), as the Centerpiece of the upcoming 53rd New York Film Festival (September 25 – October 11), to screen on Saturday, October 3.

Boyle and Sorkin joined forces to create this film about the brilliant man at the epicenter of the digital revolution, working from Walter Isaacson’s best-selling biography. Steve Jobs stars Michael Fassbender in the title role, Kate Winslet as Joanna Hoffman, Seth Rogen as Steve Wozniak, Jeff Daniels as John Sculley, Michael Stuhlbarg as Andy Hertzfeld, and Katherine Waterston as Chrisann Brennan.

New York Film Festival Director and Selection Committee Chair Kent Jones said: “You hear that a bio of Steve Jobs is being produced, and of course you see multiple possible movies in your head . . . but not this one. Steve Jobs is dramatically concentrated, yet beautifully expansive; it’s extremely sharp; it’s wildly entertaining, and the actors just soar—you can feel their joy as they bite into their material.”

“I am honored that our film has been selected as the Centrepiece of this year's festival,” said Boyle. “And thrilled and terrified too, unlike the subject of our film, who would have taken the whole thing very much in his stride. Steve Jobs was a thoroughly contradictory and complex character who forged our digital age. He’s the kind of brilliant, flawed character that Shakespeare would have relished writing about, and storytellers of all kinds will be fashioning and re-fashioning the mythology of the digital revolution for generations to come. I hope that festivalgoers enjoy our take.”

Sorkin and Boyle have created a dynamically character-driven portrait of the co-founder of Apple, weaving the multiple threads of their protagonist’s life into three daringly extended backstage scenes, as Jobs prepares to launch the first Macintosh, the NeXT workstation, and the iMac. The film is a dazzlingly executed cross-hatched portrait of Jobs, set against the changing fortunes and circumstances of the home computer industry and the ascendancy of branding, of products, and of oneself.

Steve Jobs is directed by Danny Boyle and written by Aaron Sorkin working from Walter Isaacson’s best-selling biography of the Apple founder. The producers are Mark Gordon, Guymon Casady, Scott Rudin, Boyle, and Christian Colson.

Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures present—A Scott Rudin/Mark Gordon Company/Entertainment 360/Decibel Films/Cloud Eight Films production of a Danny Boyle film: Michael Fassbender in Steve Jobs, starring Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Katherine Waterston.  The music is by Daniel Pemberton, and the costume designer is Suttirat Larlarb.  The film’s editor is Elliot Graham, ACE, and its production designer is Guy Hendrix Dyas. Steve Jobs’ director of photography is Alwin Küchler, BSC, and its executive producer is Bernard Bellew.  The drama’s producers are Mark Gordon, Guymon Casady, Scott Rudin, Danny Boyle, Christian Colson, and it is based on the book by Walter Isaacson.  The film’s screenplay is by Aaron Sorkin, and it is directed by Danny Boyle.  ©2015 Universal Studios. www.stevejobsthefilm.com 
 
The 17-day New York Film Festival highlights the best in world cinema, featuring top films from celebrated filmmakers as well as fresh new talent. The selection committee, chaired by Jones, also includes Dennis Lim, FSLC Director of Programming; Marian Masone, FSLC Senior Programming Advisor; Gavin Smith, Editor-in-Chief, Film Comment; and Amy Taubin, Contributing Editor, Film Comment and Sight & Sound.
 
NYFF previously announced Robert Zemeckis’s The Walk as Opening Night, Don Cheadle’s Miles Ahead as Closing Night and Luminous Intimacy: The Cinema of Nathaniel Dorsky and Jerome Hiler, the first-ever complete dual retrospective of the experimental filmmakers.
 
Tickets for the 53rd New York Film Festival will go on sale in early September. Becoming a Film Society Member at the Film Buff Level or above provides early ticket access to festival screenings and events ahead of the general public, along with the exclusive member ticket discount! Join by August 7 to receive these NYFF benefits. Learn more at filmlinc.com/membership.

For even more access, VIP Passes and Subscription Packages give buyers one of the earliest opportunities to purchase tickets and secure seats at some of the festival's biggest events including Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Nights. VIP passes also provide access to many exciting events including the invitation-only Opening Night party, “ An Evening With…” Dinner, Filmmaker Brunch, and VIP Lounge. Benefits vary based on the pass or package type purchased. VIP Passes and Subscription Packages are on sale now.

For information about purchasing Subscription Packages and VIP Passes, go to filmlinc.com/NYFF.

For more information, visit www.filmlinc.com

Hannibal: Digestivo & The Red Dragon (4/4)

I may be late on the Hannibal bandwagon. Even though I have appreciated the movies (Sir Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter), I have never been a big fan. So I wasn't sure if I should care about the show. On top of that, the show go recently cancelled by NBC. But instead of deterring me, somehow that became a motivator to give show a chance. Thanks to internet and online viewing, I binge watched the 2.5 seasons in a month (which is probably considered slow for binge watchers). 

What can I say, I just loved the show. It's more than brilliant. The visuals, the sets, the casting, the performances, the writing, the story, everything is beyond wonderful. Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen & Luurence Fishburne are so brilliant that it seems like they were born to play these roles. From the pilot episode to the sub-finale 'Digestivo', it's been an amazing ride. From Will's empathy disorder and ability to reconstruct crime ("it's my design"), to Hannibal's well orchestrated plans & moves ("Hannibal's always in control"), to Jack Crawford's unintentional takes & mistakes; it's just an amazing journey through murders, tortures, cannibalism, crime, drama, suspense, horror and so much more. 

***spoilers***

Honestly, the Season 3 episodes so far were not so bright & sharp until Digestivo. This particular episode was a very impressive end to the main story arch with Hannibal Lecter not only saving the day (saving Will Graham and ending Mason Verger, who was a damn good villain to Hannibal) but finally surrendering. A lot happens, from Hannibal & Will getting tortured and almost killed, to Mason Verger's murder by the hands of Margo & Alana. Let's not forget the episode starts with Jack Crawford almost getting killed but saved by Chiyoh. Each and every scene is just intense and sharp. It's different from the first 2 seasons which were slower and big on visuals and imagery. But to put this much story in one episode, it had to be fast. And this was fast but very good.

The mid-season sub-premier of the new storyline in Hannibal saga is with the episode of The Red Dragon. This episode goes back to the roots, like the initial season, in terms of styling and storytelling. A new character and a new villain, a Francis Dolarhyde has emerged who wants to turn in to the Red Dragon. And he's on his killing spree which no one is able to stop or solve. This forces Jack  to reach out to now retired Will, to help in solving this mystery. And that forces Will to resort to his friend, foe and nemesis Hannibal Lecter.

***spoiler ends***

Where the story will go from here would be interesting to watch. Richard Armitage gives a very good start to the Tooth Fairy aka Francis aka Red Dragon. Dr Frederick and Alana Bloom are still cooking and keeping their parts interesting. It's weird to see Hannibal in Jail, but his mind can take him anywhere. He's still cooking, albeit without his favorite kinda meat. And Will is there to see him again. Let's see what happens next...

P.S. Like many others, I'm also upset that this show has been cancelled. And so far no one has shown interest in picking it even online. Hopefully someone comes to their sense and let these wonderful show continue.

Note: These ratings and review are personal opinion of the author.