Foreign and indie films among fall theater gems
Fall is upon us at long last. The final months of the year always see the releases of films studios have been holding on to in hopes of holiday box office success or a shot at Oscar glory. While many of these films are welcomed gifts, some take their Oscarbaition way too seriously. Here are 10 intriguing films which should become critical successes and have a good shot to go home with the gold at the end of the year film awards.
Moneyball (Sept. 23)
Faced with a miniscule payroll, Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane had an idea. With the help of Peter Brand, Beane developed a statistical analysis system called sabermetrics to reassess the value of baseball players and build a successful team on a low budget. Based on the book by Michael Lewis, Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing”) penned this baseball drama starring Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Though the trailer makes the film look aimed more at the crowd of “The Blind Side,” the talent involved elevates this film to “The Social Network” for sports fans.
The Ides of March (Oct. 7)
Based on the stage play “Farrugut North,” this film follows a Howard Dean-esque presidential hopeful as seen through the eyes of a young campaign staffer (Ryan Gosling).
Featuring sneaky politics and an ensemble including Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Max Minghella, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood, writer-director-producer-star George “The Cloon” Clooney offers up another political drama in the shadow of his wonderful “Good Night and Good Luck.”
Margin Call (Oct. 21)
Here is another timely drama featuring a strong cast. “Margin Call” follows the 24-hour period leading up to the 2008 financial collapse and the individuals who saw it coming and chose to do nothing about it. Made on a miniscule budget, “Margin Call” could fall into the TV docudrama mold, but the script attracted the talents of Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons and Stanley Tucci, so it might be worth a look.
Martha Marcy May Marlene (Oct. 21)
This little-known indie drama has garnered buzz by word-of-mouth on the festival circuit. Writer-director Sean Durkin’s first feature film follows a woman’s attempt to reconnect with her family after a traumatizing experience with an abusive cult. While allegedly dark and disturbing in violent and sexual content, “Martha Marcy May Marlene” is said to center around a chilling supporting turn by John Hawkes, who garnered an Oscar nomination last year for his work in “Winter’s Bone.”
The Descendants (Nov. 23)
Another offering of The Cloon. Comedy genius Alexander Payne (“Sideways”) returns after a seven-year hiatus with this film about an estranged father who tries to connect with his two daughters after his wife dies in a boating accident. Early reviews suggest that this is the most vulnerable The Cloon has been after turns as the sly, but emotionally-damaged man in “Up in the Air,” and “Michael Clayton.” Directing comedy is no easy feat, and for Payne, comedy is no laughing matter.
The Artist (Nov. 23)
Bear with me on this one. A French filmmaker crafts an homage to Hollywood’s silent era. Oh, and it is a black and white silent comedy with no stars in the lead roles. “The Artist” was a hit at the Cannes Film Festival and has left audiences warm and delighted. Some are calling this Hollywood romance an Oscar front-runner. “The Artist” co-stars James Cromwell, John Goodman and Malcolm McDowell.
Carnage (Dec. 16)
Roman Polanski directs this hysterical drama based on the hit play “God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza. Its small cast and intimate setting recall Mike Nichols’ “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolfe?” The trailer promises moments of shouting in close quarters and sharp verbal exchanges from Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet. This dark comedy looks like a welcome change of tone for Polanski.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (Dec. 9)
This suave British thriller from director Tomas Alfredson is set in the Cold War era. George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is faced with that compelling “one more job before you retire” dilemma when word leaks that the Soviets have a mole in MI6. This movie features another strong ensemble, including Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Toby Jones, Ciaran Hinds, John Hurt, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch. “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” is a remake of the TV mini-series starring Alec Guiness. It is time for Gary Oldman to get the recognition he deserves for his vast acting talent.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Dec. 21)
Though Stieg Larsson enthusiasts and Swedish film loyalists cry afoul at this immediate remake of the best-selling novel, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” could be an action-packed, dark thriller. Starring Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer and Stellan Skarsgard, David Fincher directs the screenplay by Steven Zaillian (“Schindler’s List”). In interviews, Craig has promised an intense thriller for adults only. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” arrives just in time to be, as the trailer promises, “the feel-bad movie of Christmas.”
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (Dec. 25)
While I am not wild about Jonathan Safran Foer’s post-9/11 novel, director Stephen Daldry brings intrigue to this project. Daldry has received a Best Director Oscar nomination for each of his first three films. Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Viola Davis, James Gandolfini, Jeffrey Wright, Max von Sydow and John Goodman make up the cast in this drama about a nine-year-old boy who searches for the meaning of a key his father left behind before dying in the 9/11 attacks.
