(The cast of Carnage)
As summer comes to a close, the raunchy comedies and action flicks that define the season start to drift toward the dollar theaters to make way for fall releases. The Venice Film Festival kicks off next Wednesday, Telluride two days later and Toronto the following Thursday, setting off the much anticipated fall film festival season and the eminent Oscar race to follow. As things get kicked off, I’d like to highlight a few of the titles coming out this fall that I’m most excited about seeing.
The Iron Lady
Directed by: Phyllida Lloyd; Starring Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent and Richard E. Grant
See the teaser trailer here.
It’s no shock to anyone who knows me that Meryl Streep is my favorite living actress. Whether she’s divorcing Kramer or wearing Prada, she is perfection… she could even play Batman! Bonus points if you know what that’s from, but I digress. Meryl’s next electric onscreen turn is as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. If there’s one thing I adore as much as Meryl, it’s British period dramas about historical figures (think The Queen). Although she might get some competition from Glenn Close in Albert Nobbs, I have a sense that Meryl is the one to beat in the Best Actress category this year.
Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy
Directed by: Tomas Alfredson; Starring Colin Firth, Gary Oldman and Tom Hardy
See the trailer here.
Even the first line in the trailer begins to build the suspense and mystery present in this upcoming release. If recent Oscar winner Colin First isn’t enough to draw you to see Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy, consider the excellent art direction, compelling score, strong supporting cast and source material from John le Carre, the same writer who provided the original idea for The Constant Gardener. This thriller follows the search to locate a Soviet mole within the British secret intelligence forces during the Cold War. From what little I know about this film, I already feel like it will be a strong contender come awards season. Time—and initial reactions at upcoming festivals—will tell.
Carnage
Directed by Roman Polansky; Starring Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, Jodie Foster and John. C Riley
View the trailer here.
Any fans of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe and other Tennessee Williams style character driven dramas will be excited about Carnage. The film is set around an informal conference between two sets of parents after their sons are involved in a schoolyard brawl. What starts off as civilized and cordial quickly intensifies as personalities clash and tempers go through the roof. I have no doubt this strong cast with translate Polansky’s script to the screen with hilarious precision.
My Week with Marilyn
Directed by Simon Curtis; Starring Michelle Williams
See a video of Michelle as Marilyn on set here.
Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe. Need I say more? I truly believe that Michelle Williams is one of the most talented and underrated actresses in Hollywood today. Her consistently strong performances in films like Brokeback Mountain and Blue Valentine wow me time and time again. Taking on such an iconic and illusive public persona like Marilyn Monroe is a bold task, but if anyone can do it, Michelle can.
The Artist
Directed by Michel Hazanavicius; Starring John Goodman, Malcolm McDowell and Missi Pyle
See the trailer here.
When I heard that the Weinsteins had picked up this nearly-silent film from Cannes this year, my interest was immediately sparked. Not only is it an old Hollywood film made in the modern era, but the story is centered around a silent film star fearful that talking pictures will throw him into oblivion—very reminiscent of classics like Sunset Blvd. This movie certainly isn’t for everyone, but I for one am thrilled to see it.
(Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady)
