Not all films are tested with audiences, but when the process is effective, it can help filmmakers clarify and hone a movie’s message. That was the case with Tom McCarthy’s “Stillwater,” which utilized audience feedback to help editor Tom McArdle shape the opening moments of the drama, which opens July 30 in theaters.
Matt Damon plays Bill Baker, a construction worker from Oklahoma, who is first shown, in quick succession, surveying a wrecked construction site post-hurricane, applying for a new job and eating dinner with his mother. Then, suddenly, he’s packing his bags and heading to Marseille, France. He’s not there for a vacation; he’s trying to free his daughter from prison for a crime she says she didn’t commit.
Through the test screenings, McCarthy and McArdle found that audiences began to connect with Baker when he visits Allison (Abigail Breslin) in her prison cell.
Matt Damon plays Bill Baker, a construction worker from Oklahoma, who is first shown, in quick succession, surveying a wrecked construction site post-hurricane, applying for a new job and eating dinner with his mother. Then, suddenly, he’s packing his bags and heading to Marseille, France. He’s not there for a vacation; he’s trying to free his daughter from prison for a crime she says she didn’t commit.
Through the test screenings, McCarthy and McArdle found that audiences began to connect with Baker when he visits Allison (Abigail Breslin) in her prison cell.
- 7/30/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Yay! My favorite film of 2015 was the big winner at the recently concluded Film Independent Spirit Awards taking home the best feature, director (Tom McCarthy), screenplay, and editing. It was previously announced that the film was the winner of the prestigious Robert Altman Award (ensemble) as well.
Oh and kudos to the Film Independent Spirit Awards for bestowing their Best Supporting Actress Award to Mya Taylor for "Tangerine!" Taylor becomes the first transgender performer to receive major acting award! See her acceptance speech right here.
Let's see if this will continue with tonight's Oscars. See my full Oscar predictions right here.
Here's the complete list of winners of the Film Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature
Award given to the Producer; Executive Producers are not awarded.
"Anomalisa"
"Beasts of No Nation"
"Carol"
*** "Spotlight" (Winner)
"Tangerine"
Best Director
Cary Joji Fukunaga, "Beasts of No Nation"
Charlie Kaufman & Duke Johnson, "Anomalisa"
David Robert Mitchell,...
Oh and kudos to the Film Independent Spirit Awards for bestowing their Best Supporting Actress Award to Mya Taylor for "Tangerine!" Taylor becomes the first transgender performer to receive major acting award! See her acceptance speech right here.
Let's see if this will continue with tonight's Oscars. See my full Oscar predictions right here.
Here's the complete list of winners of the Film Independent Spirit Awards:
Best Feature
Award given to the Producer; Executive Producers are not awarded.
"Anomalisa"
"Beasts of No Nation"
"Carol"
*** "Spotlight" (Winner)
"Tangerine"
Best Director
Cary Joji Fukunaga, "Beasts of No Nation"
Charlie Kaufman & Duke Johnson, "Anomalisa"
David Robert Mitchell,...
- 2/28/2016
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
"Spotlight" took home five wins at the Spirit Awards Saturday, the annual indie alternative to the Oscars voted on by members of Film Independent. "Spotlight" won Best Feature, Director (Tom McCarthy), Screenplay (McCarthy & Josh Singer), Editing (Tom McArdle, his fifth film with McCarthy) and Ensemble. This feat is unlikely to be repeated on Oscar night, where the movie is in the running for Best Picture in a hotly contested race and Original Screenplay, which it is favored to win. So it was a sweet win for the filmmakers and backers Participant Media, Anonymous Content producers Steve Golin and Michael Sugar, and indie distributor Open Road, which has shown Hollywood it can muster a robust awards campaign. In one of several acceptance speeches, McCarthy said that the industry needs indie companies like Open Road, which back risky movies like "Spotlight"—without knowing what...
- 2/28/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The 31st Independent Spirt Awards took place this Saturday, February 27 with the fiendishly talented and hilarious Kate McKinnon & Kumail Nanjiani co-hosting the event. Take a look at their parody of one of this year’s best films Room below. The show, as in years past, aligned with the Academy Awards in some moments, but also served to do what the Oscars can’t, or won’t in others. Perhaps that’s just as it should be. Brie Larson won for Best Female Lead for Room, and is very likely to win the Academy Award for Best Actress tomorrow night. However, Spotlight, which won Best Feature, Director, and Screenplay at the Spirit Awards is in a three way race with The Revenant and The Big Short for the top prize at the Oscars. Though it’s likely to take Best Screenplay there as well. Typically, the Academy favors flashier films, so...
- 2/28/2016
- by Roth Cornet
- Hitfix
The Catholic Church sex abuse drama earned five awards on Saturday including best film in a great night for Participant Media that saw Film Independent voters slap the Academy in the face and hand its two male acting prizes to Beasts Of No Nation.
Open Road/Participant Media’s Spotlight also landed best director for Tom McCarthy at the 31st Film Independent Spirit Awards held in a tent on Santa Monica beach, as well as screenplay for Josh Singer and McCarthy, editing for Tom McArdle and the previously announced Robert Altman Award for best ensemble.
Voting members honoured Abraham Attah with best male lead and Idris Elba with best supporting male for their roles in Netflix/Participant Media/Red Crown’s child soldier drama Beasts Of No Nation.
The pair were popular winners and their triumph offered perhaps some redemption after the Academy triggered the #OscarsSoWhite backlash when it omitted them – and other non-white actors – from its Oscar...
Open Road/Participant Media’s Spotlight also landed best director for Tom McCarthy at the 31st Film Independent Spirit Awards held in a tent on Santa Monica beach, as well as screenplay for Josh Singer and McCarthy, editing for Tom McArdle and the previously announced Robert Altman Award for best ensemble.
Voting members honoured Abraham Attah with best male lead and Idris Elba with best supporting male for their roles in Netflix/Participant Media/Red Crown’s child soldier drama Beasts Of No Nation.
The pair were popular winners and their triumph offered perhaps some redemption after the Academy triggered the #OscarsSoWhite backlash when it omitted them – and other non-white actors – from its Oscar...
- 2/27/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Best Feature Spotlight Best Director Tom McCarthy, Spotlight Best Female Lead Brie Larson, Room Best Male Lead Abraham Attah, Beasts of No Nation!! Best Supporting Female Mya Taylor, Tangerine!! Best Supporting Male Idris Elba,...
- 2/27/2016
- by Ryan Adams
- AwardsDaily.com
The riveting true story of the dedicated investigative team that blew the lid off a monumental cover up, Spotlight is now available on Digital HD, and comes to Blu-ray combo pack, DVD and On Demand on February 23, 2016, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Directed by Academy Award nominee Tom McCarthy (Up, The Station Agent), this taut drama goes behind the scenes of one of the most notorious scandals in recent history as a small group of intrepid journalists take on a seemingly unbeatable opponent — and win. “A tour de force” (Variety), Spotlight on Blu-ray and DVD features an insightful “making-of” documentary and revealing conversations with the filmmakers.
“A masterpiece” according to Brian Truitt, USA Today, Spotlight is one of the most important and critically acclaimed films of the year, nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Additionally, the...
“A masterpiece” according to Brian Truitt, USA Today, Spotlight is one of the most important and critically acclaimed films of the year, nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Additionally, the...
- 2/23/2016
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
One of the best pictures of 2015 is an accurate and relevant movie about a truly difficult subject. Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Brian d'Arcy James, John Slattery and Stanley Tucci lead an impressive ensemble; I don't think I've ever seen such a complicated story told with such clarity, and so entertainingly. Spotlight Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD Universal Studios Home Entertainment 2015 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 129 min. / Street Date February 23, 2016 / 34.98 Starring Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Brian d'Arcy James, Stanley Tucci, Paul Guilfoyle, Len Cariou, Jamey Sheridan. Cinematography Masanobu Takayanagi Film Editor Tom McArdle Original Music Howard Shore Written by Josh Singer & Tom McCarthy Produced by Blye Pagon Faust, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin, Michael Sugar Directed by Tom McCarthy
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
They say that The Revenant and The Big Short have a leg up on this year's Oscars, but my vote still goes to Tom McCarthy's Spotlight,...
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
They say that The Revenant and The Big Short have a leg up on this year's Oscars, but my vote still goes to Tom McCarthy's Spotlight,...
- 2/21/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
More than 150 Oscar nominees came together at noon on Monday at the Beverly Hilton as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored this year’s Oscar contenders at its annual Nominees Luncheon.
From Left to Right:
Seated: Adam Benzine, Paul Massey, Michael Standish, Chris Jenkins, Randy Thom, Jason Smith, Josh Cooley, Maryann Brandon, Richard Williams, Patrick Vollrath, Ed Lachman, Mary Parent, David Acord, Anders Langland, Henry Hughes, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Tom Yellin
First Row: Rosa Tran, Jacqueline West, Ed Guiney, Evgeny Afineevsky, Matthew Shumway, Amy Hobby, Jonas Rivera, Gregg Rudloff, Signe Byrge Sorensen, Love Larson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Courtney Marsh, Nomi Talisman, Mark Ruffalo, Diane Warren, Paco Delgado, Bryan Cranston, Jistin Wilkes, Blye Pagon Faust, Roger Guyett, Basil Khalil, Drew Kunin, Sian Grigg, Andrea Berloff,
Second Row:Adam Stockhausen, Tom McArdle, Keith Redmon, Damian Martin, Ale Abreu, Matthew Heineman, Matt Damon, Bernhard Henrich, Cameron Waldbauer, Alan Robert Murray,...
From Left to Right:
Seated: Adam Benzine, Paul Massey, Michael Standish, Chris Jenkins, Randy Thom, Jason Smith, Josh Cooley, Maryann Brandon, Richard Williams, Patrick Vollrath, Ed Lachman, Mary Parent, David Acord, Anders Langland, Henry Hughes, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Tom Yellin
First Row: Rosa Tran, Jacqueline West, Ed Guiney, Evgeny Afineevsky, Matthew Shumway, Amy Hobby, Jonas Rivera, Gregg Rudloff, Signe Byrge Sorensen, Love Larson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Courtney Marsh, Nomi Talisman, Mark Ruffalo, Diane Warren, Paco Delgado, Bryan Cranston, Jistin Wilkes, Blye Pagon Faust, Roger Guyett, Basil Khalil, Drew Kunin, Sian Grigg, Andrea Berloff,
Second Row:Adam Stockhausen, Tom McArdle, Keith Redmon, Damian Martin, Ale Abreu, Matthew Heineman, Matt Damon, Bernhard Henrich, Cameron Waldbauer, Alan Robert Murray,...
- 2/9/2016
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Editors Margaret Sixel ("Mad Max: Fury Road") and Hank Corwin ("The Big Short") were the big Ace winners Friday night at the Beverly Hilton thanks to the split between drama and comedy. Meanwhile, "Inside Out" (edited by Kevin Nolting) and "Amy” (edited by Chris King) took animation and doc, respectively. This means"The Revenant" lost another opportunity for bragging rights for editor Stephen Mirrione. In terms of the bigger Oscar picture, Corwin becomes the frontrunner because of the surging momentum for "The Big Short," which took the PGA, although he'll have additional competition from Tom McArdle ("Spotlight"), who wasn't nominated by Ace but was nominated by the Academy for his less showy but very well crafted work on the Best Picture frontrunner. And Saturday's Screen Actors Guild Feature Ensemble Award showdown between "The Big Short" and "Spotlight" should further...
- 1/30/2016
- by Bill Desowitz
- Thompson on Hollywood
Winners of the 66th annual edition of the Golden Eddie Awards bestowed by the American Cinema Editors were announced Friday. These kudos, honoring the best cutting in film and television, were handed out in a ceremony at the Beverly Hilton. Gold Derby contributor Matt Noble attended and recaps the awardsfest above. -Break- Subscribe to Gold Derby Breaking News Alerts & Experts’ Latest Oscar Predictions Two of the Oscar nominees for Best Film Editing -- Margaret Sixel ("Mad Max: Fury Road") and Hank Corwin ("The Big Short") -- picked up the drama and comedy awards. Sixel edged out two of her other rivals at the Oscars -- "The Revenant" and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" -- as well as "The Martian" and "Sicario." Corwin prevailed over "Ant-Man," "Joy," "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" and "Trainwreck." The fifth Oscar nominee -- Tom McArdle (&...
- 1/30/2016
- Gold Derby
Spotlight's Neal Huff on Phil Saviano: "He asked me to talk to Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
From Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel, through Kimberly Levin's Runoff, hosted by Robert Kennedy Jr. and Philippe de Montebello, to starring with Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Brian d'Arcy James with Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Billy Crudup, Stanley Tucci and Len Cariou, Neal Huff has a pivotal role in Tom McCarthy's Spotlight (co-written with Josh Singer).
Neal Huff as Phil Saviano in Spotlight
The opening scene at a police precinct, Boston, 1976, sets the tone for Tom McCarthy's astutely paced newsroom thriller, edited rigorously by longtime collaborator Tom McArdle. Fast forward to 2001 and The Boston Globe Spotlight team headed by Walter 'Robby' Robinson (Keaton) with Mike Rezendes (Ruffalo), Sacha Pfeiffer (McAdams) and Matt Carroll (d'Arcy James) are appointed by new executive...
From Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel, through Kimberly Levin's Runoff, hosted by Robert Kennedy Jr. and Philippe de Montebello, to starring with Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Brian d'Arcy James with Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Billy Crudup, Stanley Tucci and Len Cariou, Neal Huff has a pivotal role in Tom McCarthy's Spotlight (co-written with Josh Singer).
Neal Huff as Phil Saviano in Spotlight
The opening scene at a police precinct, Boston, 1976, sets the tone for Tom McCarthy's astutely paced newsroom thriller, edited rigorously by longtime collaborator Tom McArdle. Fast forward to 2001 and The Boston Globe Spotlight team headed by Walter 'Robby' Robinson (Keaton) with Mike Rezendes (Ruffalo), Sacha Pfeiffer (McAdams) and Matt Carroll (d'Arcy James) are appointed by new executive...
- 1/29/2016
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
After many months of speculation, the full list of this year's Oscar nominees have been announced - just minutes after the reveal of the death of beloved thespian Alan Rickman.
"The Revenant" led the field with twelve nominations followed by "Mad Max: Fury Road" with ten and "The Martian" with seven. Next were "Spotlight" and "Carol" with six nominations; "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "The Big Short" and "Bridge Of Spies" got five; "Room" and "The Danish Girl" nabbed four; "Sicario," "Brooklyn" and "The Hateful Eight" scored three; and "Steve Jobs" and "Ex Machina" nabbed two.
Surprises? "Creed" and "Joy" scored only one nomination each for Stallone's and Lawrence's performances respectively. No Ridley Scott for director, Quentin Tarantino or Aaron Sorkin for screenplay, Charlize Theron for best actress, "Carol" for best picture, "See You Again" for best song, and of course - the distinct lack of racial diversity. Here's the list in full.
"The Revenant" led the field with twelve nominations followed by "Mad Max: Fury Road" with ten and "The Martian" with seven. Next were "Spotlight" and "Carol" with six nominations; "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "The Big Short" and "Bridge Of Spies" got five; "Room" and "The Danish Girl" nabbed four; "Sicario," "Brooklyn" and "The Hateful Eight" scored three; and "Steve Jobs" and "Ex Machina" nabbed two.
Surprises? "Creed" and "Joy" scored only one nomination each for Stallone's and Lawrence's performances respectively. No Ridley Scott for director, Quentin Tarantino or Aaron Sorkin for screenplay, Charlize Theron for best actress, "Carol" for best picture, "See You Again" for best song, and of course - the distinct lack of racial diversity. Here's the list in full.
- 1/14/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
“There is one night, we all dream in Gold.”
The Academy has unveiled the new posters and TV spots for the 88th Oscars (Feb. 28, 2016).
The 2016 Oscar campaign illustrates the emotional power of movies and their ability to inspire all of us to achieve our dreams. Movies remind us that imagination is limitless. The Oscar is, at once, a representation of excellence in film and a tangible symbol that dreams can–and do–come true.
“The Dream campaign embodies what people love about the Oscars—the range of emotions and excitement that comes with those unforgettable moments in a live show,” said Christina Kounelias, Academy Cmo. “Fans also look for the comedy and the unexpected, and that’s what they’ll get with our host, Chris Rock. His comedic perspective will be a great complement to the more dramatic moments.”
The deadline for AMPAS voters to have their ballots into the...
The Academy has unveiled the new posters and TV spots for the 88th Oscars (Feb. 28, 2016).
The 2016 Oscar campaign illustrates the emotional power of movies and their ability to inspire all of us to achieve our dreams. Movies remind us that imagination is limitless. The Oscar is, at once, a representation of excellence in film and a tangible symbol that dreams can–and do–come true.
“The Dream campaign embodies what people love about the Oscars—the range of emotions and excitement that comes with those unforgettable moments in a live show,” said Christina Kounelias, Academy Cmo. “Fans also look for the comedy and the unexpected, and that’s what they’ll get with our host, Chris Rock. His comedic perspective will be a great complement to the more dramatic moments.”
The deadline for AMPAS voters to have their ballots into the...
- 1/13/2016
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Update 01.12.16:
And the winners are…
Awfj Best Of Awards
These awards are presented to women and/or men without gender consideration.
Best Film: Spotlight
Best Director: Tom McCarthy – Spotlight
Best Screenplay, Original: Spotlight – Josh Singer, Tom McCarthy
Best Screenplay, Adapted: Carol – Phyllis Nagy
Best Documentary: Amy
Best Animated Film: Inside Out
Best Actress: Charlotte Rampling – 45 Years
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Kristin Stewart – Clouds of Sils Maria
Best Actor: Leonardo Di Caprio – The Revenant
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Paul Dano – Love & Mercy
Best Ensemble Cast: Spotlight and Straight Outta Compton (Tie)
Best Editing: Mad Max: Fury Road – Margaret Sixel
Best Cinematography: Carol – Edward Lachman
Best Film Music or Score: The Hateful Eight – Ennio Morricone
Best Non-English-Language Film: Son of Saul
Eda Female Focus Awards
These awards honor women only.
Best Woman Director: Marielle Heller – The Diary of a Teenage Girl
Best Woman Screenwriter: Emma Donoghue...
And the winners are…
Awfj Best Of Awards
These awards are presented to women and/or men without gender consideration.
Best Film: Spotlight
Best Director: Tom McCarthy – Spotlight
Best Screenplay, Original: Spotlight – Josh Singer, Tom McCarthy
Best Screenplay, Adapted: Carol – Phyllis Nagy
Best Documentary: Amy
Best Animated Film: Inside Out
Best Actress: Charlotte Rampling – 45 Years
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Kristin Stewart – Clouds of Sils Maria
Best Actor: Leonardo Di Caprio – The Revenant
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Paul Dano – Love & Mercy
Best Ensemble Cast: Spotlight and Straight Outta Compton (Tie)
Best Editing: Mad Max: Fury Road – Margaret Sixel
Best Cinematography: Carol – Edward Lachman
Best Film Music or Score: The Hateful Eight – Ennio Morricone
Best Non-English-Language Film: Son of Saul
Eda Female Focus Awards
These awards honor women only.
Best Woman Director: Marielle Heller – The Diary of a Teenage Girl
Best Woman Screenwriter: Emma Donoghue...
- 1/12/2016
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
The Alliance of Women Film Journalists has announced the nominees for their 2015 Eda Awards recognizing the amazing work done by and about women -- both in front and behind the camera. According to their site, "the EDAs are named in honor of Awfj founder Jennifer Merin.s mother, Eda Reiss Merin, a stage, film and television actress whose career spanned more than 60 years. A dedicated foot soldier in the industry, Eda was one of the founders of AFTRA and a long-standing Member of AMPAS."
Todd Haynes' "Carol" led the pack with nine nominations, followed by "Mad Max: Fury Road" with six, "Room" and "Spotlight" with five each, and "The Martian" with four.
I wish I can vote for the Eda Awards because their Special Mention Awards are just too darn fun with categories like "Best Nudity," and "Actress Most In Need of a New Agent!"
Winners of the 2015 Eda...
Todd Haynes' "Carol" led the pack with nine nominations, followed by "Mad Max: Fury Road" with six, "Room" and "Spotlight" with five each, and "The Martian" with four.
I wish I can vote for the Eda Awards because their Special Mention Awards are just too darn fun with categories like "Best Nudity," and "Actress Most In Need of a New Agent!"
Winners of the 2015 Eda...
- 1/5/2016
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Spotlight director Tom McCarthy, star Brian d'Arcy James, screenwriter Josh Singer Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Tom McCarthy's astutely paced newsroom thriller stars Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo and Brian d'Arcy James as The Boston Globe Spotlight team, with Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Billy Crudup, Stanley Tucci, Len Cariou, Neal Huff, Jamey Sheridan, Michael Cyril Creighton and Jimmy LeBlanc. Spotlight is edited rigorously by longtime collaborator Tom McArdle (The Station Agent, The Visitor and Win Win), while Josh Singer wrote the script. Wendy Chuck, Alexander Payne's costume designer for Nebraska, The Descendants, Sideways, About Schmidt and Election, was added to the mix.
Liev Schreiber as Marty Baron: "You have someone with an objective eye ..."
McCarthy told me of the role producers Nicole Rocklin and Blye Pagon Faust played, what motivated Marty Baron, and dressing for Spotlight at the dinner organised by Peggy Siegal.
The opening scene of Spotlight sets the tone.
Tom McCarthy's astutely paced newsroom thriller stars Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo and Brian d'Arcy James as The Boston Globe Spotlight team, with Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Billy Crudup, Stanley Tucci, Len Cariou, Neal Huff, Jamey Sheridan, Michael Cyril Creighton and Jimmy LeBlanc. Spotlight is edited rigorously by longtime collaborator Tom McArdle (The Station Agent, The Visitor and Win Win), while Josh Singer wrote the script. Wendy Chuck, Alexander Payne's costume designer for Nebraska, The Descendants, Sideways, About Schmidt and Election, was added to the mix.
Liev Schreiber as Marty Baron: "You have someone with an objective eye ..."
McCarthy told me of the role producers Nicole Rocklin and Blye Pagon Faust played, what motivated Marty Baron, and dressing for Spotlight at the dinner organised by Peggy Siegal.
The opening scene of Spotlight sets the tone.
- 12/30/2015
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
The Alliance of Women Film Journalists has announced the nominees for the 2015 Eda Awards.
Carol leads this year’s nominations with nine, followed by Mad Max: Fury Road with six, Room and Spotlight with five each, and The Martian with four.
The Awfj is an association of professional female movie critics, reporters and feature writers working in print, broadcast and online media, dedicated to supporting work by and about women – both in front of and behind the cameras.
The Eda Award winners will be announced on January 12, 2016.
Awfj Best Of Awards
These awards are presented to women and/or men without gender consideration.
Best Film
Carol
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
Room
Spotlight
Best Director
Lenny Abramson – Room
Todd Haynes – Carol
Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu – The Revenant
Tom McCarthy – Spotlight
George Miller – Mad Max Fury Road
Ridley Scott – The Martian
Best Screenplay, Original
Ex Machina – Alex Garland
Inside Out – Pete Docter,...
Carol leads this year’s nominations with nine, followed by Mad Max: Fury Road with six, Room and Spotlight with five each, and The Martian with four.
The Awfj is an association of professional female movie critics, reporters and feature writers working in print, broadcast and online media, dedicated to supporting work by and about women – both in front of and behind the cameras.
The Eda Award winners will be announced on January 12, 2016.
Awfj Best Of Awards
These awards are presented to women and/or men without gender consideration.
Best Film
Carol
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
Room
Spotlight
Best Director
Lenny Abramson – Room
Todd Haynes – Carol
Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu – The Revenant
Tom McCarthy – Spotlight
George Miller – Mad Max Fury Road
Ridley Scott – The Martian
Best Screenplay, Original
Ex Machina – Alex Garland
Inside Out – Pete Docter,...
- 12/28/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Vinyl star Bobby Cannavale on Spotlight: "I'm a huge fan of the movie." Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
At the dinner he co-hosted with Laura Linney, Kelli O’Hara and Christian Borle for Spotlight, which stars Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Brian d'Arcy James, Liev Schreiber and John Slattery, Bobby Cannavale spoke with me about Tom McCarthy's latest film and Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho when I brought up Kent Jones' take on Hitchcock/Truffaut. He is starring in The Wolf Of Wall Street screenwriter, Terence Winter's, Vinyl with Olivia Wilde, cinematography by Reed Morano, produced by Mick Jagger and Martin Scorsese. Cannavale worked with McCarthy in The Station Agent with Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson and Michelle Williams and Win Win with Amy Ryan and Paul Giamatti.
Bobby Cannavale at the Woody Allen Blue Jasmine lunch honoring Cate Blanchett Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Tom McCarthy's astutely paced newsroom thriller,...
At the dinner he co-hosted with Laura Linney, Kelli O’Hara and Christian Borle for Spotlight, which stars Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Brian d'Arcy James, Liev Schreiber and John Slattery, Bobby Cannavale spoke with me about Tom McCarthy's latest film and Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho when I brought up Kent Jones' take on Hitchcock/Truffaut. He is starring in The Wolf Of Wall Street screenwriter, Terence Winter's, Vinyl with Olivia Wilde, cinematography by Reed Morano, produced by Mick Jagger and Martin Scorsese. Cannavale worked with McCarthy in The Station Agent with Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson and Michelle Williams and Win Win with Amy Ryan and Paul Giamatti.
Bobby Cannavale at the Woody Allen Blue Jasmine lunch honoring Cate Blanchett Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze
Tom McCarthy's astutely paced newsroom thriller,...
- 12/27/2015
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
With so many characters and moving elements, the narrative of a film like “Spotlight” could easily be lost. But as editor Tom McArdle tells us during a recent webcam chat (watch below), piecing together this intricate puzzle meant following a very simple principle: “We tried to track how people were following the information. We had a lot of screenings, every three weeks or so, and we would ask people afterwards, ‘Were you following this, were you following that?’" -Break- Subscribe to Gold Derby Breaking News Alerts & Experts’ Latest Oscar Predictions And, as he admits, "You know, it’s funny, when you hear the same thing from a bunch of people over a few screenings, you know you sort of have to do something to fix it.” McArdle also collaborated with "Spotlight" director Tom McCarthy on his first four films ("The Station Agent," &l...
- 12/18/2015
- Gold Derby
George Miller's "Mad Max: Fury Road" blazed across the Chicago Film Critics Association nomination announced this morning. The action tale received seven nominations including best picture! Todd Haynes' "Carol" came next with 5 nods.
Winners will be announced Wednesday!
Here's the complete list of the Chicago Film Critics Association nominations:
Best Picture
Carol
Inside Out
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
Spotlight
Best Director
Todd Haynes, Carol
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, The Revenant
Tom McCarthy, Spotlight
Adam McKay, The Big Short
George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Actor
Christopher Abbott, James White
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl
Jason Segel, The End of the Tour
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett, Carol
Brie Larson, Room
Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn
Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Supporting Actor
Benicio Del Toro, Sicario
Sam Elliott, Grandma
Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies
Michael Shannon,...
Winners will be announced Wednesday!
Here's the complete list of the Chicago Film Critics Association nominations:
Best Picture
Carol
Inside Out
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
Spotlight
Best Director
Todd Haynes, Carol
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, The Revenant
Tom McCarthy, Spotlight
Adam McKay, The Big Short
George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Actor
Christopher Abbott, James White
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl
Jason Segel, The End of the Tour
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett, Carol
Brie Larson, Room
Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn
Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Supporting Actor
Benicio Del Toro, Sicario
Sam Elliott, Grandma
Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies
Michael Shannon,...
- 12/14/2015
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Awards show season is off and running, and the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association just announced their nominees for the 2016 Critics' Choice Awards.
On top of the film heap with a whopping 13 nods is “Mad Max: Fury Road,” while the television leader, “Fargo,” has an impressive eight mentions overall.
The 2016 Critics’ Choice Awards is slated to air on the A&E Network on January 17th. Here’s the complete list of nominees-
Movies
Best Picture
The Big Short
Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn
Carol
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Room
Sicario
Spotlight
Best Actor
Bryan Cranston, Trumbo
Matt Damon, The Martian
Johnny Depp, Black Mass
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett, Carol
Brie Larson, Room
Jennifer Lawrence, Joy
Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn
Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Supporting Actor
Paul Dano,...
On top of the film heap with a whopping 13 nods is “Mad Max: Fury Road,” while the television leader, “Fargo,” has an impressive eight mentions overall.
The 2016 Critics’ Choice Awards is slated to air on the A&E Network on January 17th. Here’s the complete list of nominees-
Movies
Best Picture
The Big Short
Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn
Carol
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Room
Sicario
Spotlight
Best Actor
Bryan Cranston, Trumbo
Matt Damon, The Martian
Johnny Depp, Black Mass
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett, Carol
Brie Larson, Room
Jennifer Lawrence, Joy
Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn
Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Supporting Actor
Paul Dano,...
- 12/14/2015
- GossipCenter
Critics Choice Awards Best Actress nominee Cate Blanchett in 'Carol.' Television Best Reality Show, Competition Chopped. Face Off. MasterChef Junior. Survivor. The Amazing Race. The Voice. Best Reality Show Host Ted Allen, Chopped. Phil Keoghan, The Amazing Race. James Lipton, Inside the Actors Studio. Jane Lynch, Hollywood Game Night. Jeff Probst, Survivor. Gordon Ramsay, Hell's Kitchen. Best Structured Reality Show Antiques Roadshow. Inside The Actors Studio. MythBusters. Project Greenlight. Shark Tank. Undercover Boss. Best Talk Show Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The Graham Norton Show. The Late Late Show with James Corden. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Best Unstructured Reality Show Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Cops. Deadliest Catch. Intervention. Naked and Afraid. Pawn Stars. Best Actor In A Comedy Series Anthony Anderson, Black-ish. Aziz Ansari, Master of None. Will Forte, The Last Man on Earth. Randall Park,...
- 12/14/2015
- by Mont. Steve
- Alt Film Guide
The Broadcast Film Critics Association, of which I'm a proud voting member, has announced the nominations for the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards. We're doing something different this year, we're combining both the movie and TV categories for one spectacular night of celebrating the visual art -- cinema and television. And we're going back to our original name and simply presenting the 21st annual Critics. Choice Awards gala.
This year, and after racking our brains trying to figure out who to nominate (our deadline was last Friday at 11 p.m.), George Miller's "Mad Max: Fury Road" led the movie pack with 13 nominations including best picture!
I'll be attending our gala on January 17th and I'll make sure to keep you posted on the winners! For now, here is the full list of nominees for the 21st Critics' Choice Awards:
Movie
Best Picture
The Big Short
Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn...
This year, and after racking our brains trying to figure out who to nominate (our deadline was last Friday at 11 p.m.), George Miller's "Mad Max: Fury Road" led the movie pack with 13 nominations including best picture!
I'll be attending our gala on January 17th and I'll make sure to keep you posted on the winners! For now, here is the full list of nominees for the 21st Critics' Choice Awards:
Movie
Best Picture
The Big Short
Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn...
- 12/14/2015
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Chicago – The adrenalin-fueled “Mad Max: Fury Road” topped the Chicago Film Critics Association nominations list for 2015, announced on Monday, December 14th. Other notable multi-category nominees included “Carol,” “The Revenant” and “Inside Out.” Jennifer Jason Leigh scored a double nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category for “The Hateful Eight” and “Anomalisa,” and Amy Schumer got a nod for Most Promising Performer with “Trainwreck.”
’Mad Max: Fury Road’ Received Seven Nominations from the Chicago Film Critics Association
Photo credit: Warner Bros.
The Chicago Film Critics Association is an organization that oversees many events in the Chicagoland area, including the Chicago Film Critics Awards, the Chicago Critics Film Festival and various film discussions and events around the city and surrounding suburbs. The nominees for the Cfca best of 2015 films are…
Best Picture
Carol
Inside Out
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
Spotlight
Best Director
Todd Haynes—Carol
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu—The Revenant...
’Mad Max: Fury Road’ Received Seven Nominations from the Chicago Film Critics Association
Photo credit: Warner Bros.
The Chicago Film Critics Association is an organization that oversees many events in the Chicagoland area, including the Chicago Film Critics Awards, the Chicago Critics Film Festival and various film discussions and events around the city and surrounding suburbs. The nominees for the Cfca best of 2015 films are…
Best Picture
Carol
Inside Out
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
Spotlight
Best Director
Todd Haynes—Carol
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu—The Revenant...
- 12/14/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Charlotte Rampling in '45 Years.' Charlotte Rampling, Kristen Stewart winners: Boston Society of Film Critics Awards 2015 Those following the movies' awards season will enjoy a smorgasbord of winners, runners-up, and WTFs/How could they? today, Dec. 6, '15. The Boston Society of Film Critics, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the New York Film Critics Online, and the British Independent Film Awards are all announcing their winners (and, by extension, non-winners). But not to worry, in case your favorite is not to be found on their lists, there's always next year. The Boston Film Critics named their winners and runners-up at the Brattle Theater in Cambridge. On Sunday morning, they tweeted: “We're here! There's coffee! Dues paid! Wifi working! Pizza ordered! Let the debating begin!” 'Studio tactic' leads to voting woes There was quite a bit of debating, it seems, as two hours later they had announced only a handful of winners.
- 12/6/2015
- by Steve Montgomery
- Alt Film Guide
Todd Haynes is in the running for best director and both Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara are in contention for best female lead alongside Room’s Brie Larson as Carol earned six 2016 Film Independent Spirit Award nominations in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Close behind were Spotlight and Beasts Of No Nation on five apiece, followed by indie darling Tangerine and Anomalisa on four each.
Not even a glitch that saw the list of nominees temporarily appear on the Film Independent website prior to the official announcement could spoil what turned out by and large to be a recognition of independent film in its myriad forms.
Besides the more predictable contenders like Carol, Spotlight and Room, there was plenty of love for Tangerine, shot on an iPhone, and Beasts Of No Nation from Netflix, whose day-and-date release (and what that portends) infuriated large swathes of the exhibition sector but has clearly impressed critics.
Magnolia Pictures earned...
Close behind were Spotlight and Beasts Of No Nation on five apiece, followed by indie darling Tangerine and Anomalisa on four each.
Not even a glitch that saw the list of nominees temporarily appear on the Film Independent website prior to the official announcement could spoil what turned out by and large to be a recognition of independent film in its myriad forms.
Besides the more predictable contenders like Carol, Spotlight and Room, there was plenty of love for Tangerine, shot on an iPhone, and Beasts Of No Nation from Netflix, whose day-and-date release (and what that portends) infuriated large swathes of the exhibition sector but has clearly impressed critics.
Magnolia Pictures earned...
- 11/24/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the La Film Festival and Film Independent at Lacma, announced nominations for the 2016 Spirit Awards this morning. Film Independent President Josh Welsh presided over the press conference held at W Hollywood, with actors John Boyega and Elizabeth Olsen presenting the nominations.
Nominees for Best Feature included Anomalisa, Beasts of No Nation, Carol, Spotlight and Tangerine.
“This year’s nominees are a testament to the strength, vitality and diversity of independent, artist-driven filmmaking,” said Film Independent President Josh Welsh. “It’s an astonishingly strong group of films and performances this year and we look forward to celebrating them all at the Spirit Awards.”
Spotlight was selected to receive the Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast. The Altman Award was created in 2008 in honor of legendary director Robert Altman...
Nominees for Best Feature included Anomalisa, Beasts of No Nation, Carol, Spotlight and Tangerine.
“This year’s nominees are a testament to the strength, vitality and diversity of independent, artist-driven filmmaking,” said Film Independent President Josh Welsh. “It’s an astonishingly strong group of films and performances this year and we look forward to celebrating them all at the Spirit Awards.”
Spotlight was selected to receive the Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast. The Altman Award was created in 2008 in honor of legendary director Robert Altman...
- 11/24/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Todd Haynes' "Carol" is shaping up to be the movie to beat this awards season. Based on Patricia Highsmith's The Price of Salt, the romantic drama stars Cate Blanchett as an older, married woman who is developing some strong feelings towards a seasonal shopgirl played by Rooney Mara. And the actresses may have to prepare their acceptance speeches! "Carol" leads the pack of nominees for the 31st Independent Spirit Awards!
I'm also very happy that "Tangerine" by Sean Baker received 4 nods for Best Feature, Director, Female Lead (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), and Supporting Female for Mya Taylor. shot mostly on iPhone, this small-budget wonder is truly what the Independent Spirit is all about!
Some of my few gripes are not a whole lot of love for the fantastic "Room" (just screenplay, female lead for Brie Larson, and editing -- what about the awesome child actor Jason Tremblay?), and that...
I'm also very happy that "Tangerine" by Sean Baker received 4 nods for Best Feature, Director, Female Lead (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), and Supporting Female for Mya Taylor. shot mostly on iPhone, this small-budget wonder is truly what the Independent Spirit is all about!
Some of my few gripes are not a whole lot of love for the fantastic "Room" (just screenplay, female lead for Brie Larson, and editing -- what about the awesome child actor Jason Tremblay?), and that...
- 11/24/2015
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
In its 31st year, the Film Independent Spirt Awards showcase the best that modest (and, occasionally, lower budget) filmmaking has to offer annually. This year, it’s little surprise the the stellar Carol is leading the pack with six nominations, while Spotlight and Beasts of No Nation are close behind with five each. On the actual smaller scale of productions, the iPhone-shot drama Tangerine picked up a heft four nominations, a film that, alongside Anomalisa and the aforementioned titles, rounds out their Best Feature category.
Ahead of a ceremony on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 5Pm Est, check out the full list of nominations below, which also recognize It Follows, Bone Tomahawk, The End of the Tour, Room, The Mend, James White, The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Heaven Knows What, and more.
Best Feature
Award given to the Producer; Executive Producers are not awarded.
“Anomalisa”
“Beasts of No Nation”
“Carol”
“Spotlight...
Ahead of a ceremony on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 5Pm Est, check out the full list of nominations below, which also recognize It Follows, Bone Tomahawk, The End of the Tour, Room, The Mend, James White, The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Heaven Knows What, and more.
Best Feature
Award given to the Producer; Executive Producers are not awarded.
“Anomalisa”
“Beasts of No Nation”
“Carol”
“Spotlight...
- 11/24/2015
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Tom McCarthy certainly made the right decision to make the buzzy Oscar contender "Spotlight" a procedural. It turned out to be the most authentic and involving way to explore the Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the Catholic sex abuse scandal by the Boston Globe's special investigative unit. But such structural complexity required clarity to navigate the web of conflict and deception. That's where Tom McArdle's invaluable editing skills elevated "Spotlight," the duo's fifth collaboration. "We tried to stay focused on the investigation," McArdle recalled. "We felt it was important to keep the film moving, to keep the scenes tight, and to make sure things were clear for the audience. We had screenings every three weeks and tried to track what information people were following and what they were missing. We would then make adjustments to the cut to help with clarity. Read More: "Director Tom McCarthy Puts...
- 11/20/2015
- by Bill Desowitz
- Thompson on Hollywood
By Terence Johnson
Managing Editor
Not all of the films at the Sundance Film Festival can be winners. God’s Pocket, the feature film directorial debut of Mad Men‘s John Slattery, is a mildly competent film that outside of a few visual gags and famous actors, doesn’t manage to do anything of note or really impresses at any turn.
God’s Pocket is a movie about a blue-collar town filled with crazy characters whose lives can’t help but intersect after Leon Scarpato (Caleb Landry Jones) is killed in a construction “accident.” Mickey (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) just wants to bury his son, but financial troubles and his wife’s (Christina Hendricks) insistence that the death wasn’t an accident force him to address much of his circumstance and deal with his crumbling life. In addition to this, he has to deal with a friend (John Turturro) who has...
Managing Editor
Not all of the films at the Sundance Film Festival can be winners. God’s Pocket, the feature film directorial debut of Mad Men‘s John Slattery, is a mildly competent film that outside of a few visual gags and famous actors, doesn’t manage to do anything of note or really impresses at any turn.
God’s Pocket is a movie about a blue-collar town filled with crazy characters whose lives can’t help but intersect after Leon Scarpato (Caleb Landry Jones) is killed in a construction “accident.” Mickey (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) just wants to bury his son, but financial troubles and his wife’s (Christina Hendricks) insistence that the death wasn’t an accident force him to address much of his circumstance and deal with his crumbling life. In addition to this, he has to deal with a friend (John Turturro) who has...
- 1/18/2014
- by Terence Johnson
- Scott Feinberg
For anyone who has ever wondered why there's often no evidence of human life next to those phantom "Maps to Stars' Homes" signs, first-time feature writer-director Miguel Arteta has come up with an intriguing explanation.
His "Star Maps" puts forth the theory that one such Hollywood operation is actually a front for prostitution; that the signs often serve as helpful markers for those seeking the companionship of young Latino men.
Beyond the original premise, however, the rest of Arteta's film is sabotaged by weak, arch writing and some shaky performances.
The provocative, controversial plot line combined with a little Sundance festival buzz will no doubt point the way to some art house business, but it's unlikely "Star Maps" will emerge as the breakthrough hit Fox Searchlight is banking on.
Fresh-faced Douglas Spain, in his feature debut, plays Carlos, an 18-year-old Antonio Banderas wannabe who arrives in Los Angeles from Mexico to join his dysfunctional family and to follow his dreams.
A few obstacles become readily apparent as we discover Carlos' older sister Maria (Lysa Flores) has her hands full with a lazy goofball of a brother (Vincent Chandler) and a mother (Martha Velez) who's making an uncertain recovery from a nervous breakdown. Worse, Carlos is being pimped by his bullying father, Pepe (Efrain Figueroa), who adds the young man to his ring of young male hustlers.
Among his numerous male and female encounters, Carlos meets up with the insatiable Jennifer (Kandeyce Jorden), a popular but bored TV actress who promises him a part on her nighttime soap. As Carlos becomes drawn into her world, his relationship with his abusive father worsens, leading to predictable results.
Arteta serves up an awkward blend of fantasy, dark humor and melodrama that seldom transmits the intended tone. The written characterizations, meanwhile, are cut from stock cloth, and the lack of acting experience of many of the leads doesn't help matters. The notable exceptions are veteran actress-singer Velez as the family's eccentric but ineffectual mother and busy actor Figueroa as the nasty dad, both of whom manage to inject some much-needed shading into the parts.
Flores, meanwhile, who doubles as the picture's musical director, demonstrates an affecting honesty in her acting debut as Carlos' benevolent sister.
On the more satisfying tech end, leading Mexican cinematographer Chuy Chavez does some vivid work on his first U.S. feature, while Flores oversees a generous sampling of rock en Espanol that helps keep the pace percolating.
STAR MAPS
Fox Searchlight
Director-screenwriter:Miguel Arteta
Producer:Matthew Greenfield
Story:Miguel Arteta, Matthew Greenfield
Executive producers:Esther Shapiro, Chris Iovenko, Scott King, Mitchell Kelly, Beth Colt
Director of photography:Chuy Chavez
Editors:Jeff Betancourt, Tom McArdle, Tony Selzer
Production designer:Carol Strober
Musical director:Lysa Flores
Casting:Belinda Gardea
Color/stereo
Cast:
Carlos:Douglas Spain
Pepe:Efrain Figueroa
Jennifer:Kandeyce Jorden
Teresa:Martha Velez
Maria:Lysa Flores
Letti:Annette Murphy
Running time -- 95 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
His "Star Maps" puts forth the theory that one such Hollywood operation is actually a front for prostitution; that the signs often serve as helpful markers for those seeking the companionship of young Latino men.
Beyond the original premise, however, the rest of Arteta's film is sabotaged by weak, arch writing and some shaky performances.
The provocative, controversial plot line combined with a little Sundance festival buzz will no doubt point the way to some art house business, but it's unlikely "Star Maps" will emerge as the breakthrough hit Fox Searchlight is banking on.
Fresh-faced Douglas Spain, in his feature debut, plays Carlos, an 18-year-old Antonio Banderas wannabe who arrives in Los Angeles from Mexico to join his dysfunctional family and to follow his dreams.
A few obstacles become readily apparent as we discover Carlos' older sister Maria (Lysa Flores) has her hands full with a lazy goofball of a brother (Vincent Chandler) and a mother (Martha Velez) who's making an uncertain recovery from a nervous breakdown. Worse, Carlos is being pimped by his bullying father, Pepe (Efrain Figueroa), who adds the young man to his ring of young male hustlers.
Among his numerous male and female encounters, Carlos meets up with the insatiable Jennifer (Kandeyce Jorden), a popular but bored TV actress who promises him a part on her nighttime soap. As Carlos becomes drawn into her world, his relationship with his abusive father worsens, leading to predictable results.
Arteta serves up an awkward blend of fantasy, dark humor and melodrama that seldom transmits the intended tone. The written characterizations, meanwhile, are cut from stock cloth, and the lack of acting experience of many of the leads doesn't help matters. The notable exceptions are veteran actress-singer Velez as the family's eccentric but ineffectual mother and busy actor Figueroa as the nasty dad, both of whom manage to inject some much-needed shading into the parts.
Flores, meanwhile, who doubles as the picture's musical director, demonstrates an affecting honesty in her acting debut as Carlos' benevolent sister.
On the more satisfying tech end, leading Mexican cinematographer Chuy Chavez does some vivid work on his first U.S. feature, while Flores oversees a generous sampling of rock en Espanol that helps keep the pace percolating.
STAR MAPS
Fox Searchlight
Director-screenwriter:Miguel Arteta
Producer:Matthew Greenfield
Story:Miguel Arteta, Matthew Greenfield
Executive producers:Esther Shapiro, Chris Iovenko, Scott King, Mitchell Kelly, Beth Colt
Director of photography:Chuy Chavez
Editors:Jeff Betancourt, Tom McArdle, Tony Selzer
Production designer:Carol Strober
Musical director:Lysa Flores
Casting:Belinda Gardea
Color/stereo
Cast:
Carlos:Douglas Spain
Pepe:Efrain Figueroa
Jennifer:Kandeyce Jorden
Teresa:Martha Velez
Maria:Lysa Flores
Letti:Annette Murphy
Running time -- 95 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 7/23/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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