A mighty fine bunch of films out this week. I want to see them all!
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THE TURNING……FILM OF THE WEEK
Australia | 178 minutes | Drama
Directors (and segments): Jonathan auf der Heide (“Fog”), Tony Ayres (“Cockleshell”), Jub Clerc (“Abbreviation”), Robert Connolly (“Aquifer”), Shaun Gladwell (“Family”), Rhys Graham (“Small Mercies”), Justin Kurzel (“Boner McPharlin’s Moll”), Yaron Lifschitz (“Immunity”), Anthony Lucas (“Damaged Goods”), Claire McCarthy (“The Turning”), Ian Meadows (“Defender”), Ashlee Page (“On Her Knees”), Stephen Page (“Sand”), Simon Stone (“Reunion”), Warwick Thornton (“Big World”), Marieka Walsh (“Ash Wednesday”), Mia Wasikowska (“Long, Clear View”), David Wenham (“Commission”)
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Richard Roxburgh, Rose Byrne, Hugo Weaving, Miranda Otto, Susie Porter
Based on novel from Australian writer Tim Winton, The Turning is a collection of overlapping short films from 17 Aussie filmmakers about the lives of people in a small coastal Australian town.
An ambitious effort that looks full of emotion, with powerful performances from some of Australia’s finest actors.
Distributor: Madman
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ROYAL OPERA HOUSE: TURANDOT
UK | 187 minutes | Live Performance
Directed by Andrei Serban
Cast: Raymond Aceto, Marco Berti, Lise Lindstrom, Eri Nakamura
Filmed live at Covent Garden, Puccini’s masterwork of royal romance in ancient China makes it to the big screen.
A stunning looking production which should thrill Puccini fans.
Distributor:
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THE BUTLER
USA | 132 minutes | Biography, Drama
Director: Lee Daniels (Precious)
Cast: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Vanessa Redgrave, Alan Rickman, Cuba Gooding Jr., James Marsden, Alex Pettyfer, John Cusack, Robin Williams, Jane Fonda, Melissa Leo, Terrence Howard, Mariah Carey, Liev Schreiber, Lenny Kravitz, Minka Kelly, Jesse Williams
The true life story of an African American butler at the White House who served eight Presidents, and witnessed some of the most dramatic moments in American history, from the civil rights movement to Vietnam – moments that deeply affect his life.
A tough call between this and The Turning for FOTW. And check out that supporting cast!
Distributor: Rialto
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THE COUNSELLOR
USA, UK | 117 minutes |
Director: Ridley Scott (Prometheus, Matchstick Men, Blade Runner, Alien)
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, Dean Norris, John Leguizamo, Penélope Cruz
Ridley returns to the crime genre with this tale of a respected lawyer who gets involved in drug trafficking…with disastrous results.
Decidedly mixed reviews…but it looks a lot of fun. Great cast too.
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
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THANKS FOR SHARING
USA | 112 minutes | Comedy, Drama
Director: Stuart Blumberg (debut feature)
Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim Robbins, Josh Gad, Carol Kane, Joely Richardson, Pink, Patrick Fugit, Emily Meade
It’s a slow road to recovery for three sex addicts…providing plenty of drama and laughs for the audience.
Looks funny and touching (no pun intended). Stunning cast.
Distributor: Transmission/Madman
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Touch choice hey?
