Thursday, December 11, 2008

What, When, Where this Weekend - Wendy and Lucy, Gran Torino, Doubt, The Day the Earth Stood Still

What, When, Where is a weekly guide to select screenings, discussions and events in the NYC-area of interest to screenwriters.

- Kelly Reichardt is at Film Forum talking about Wendy and Lucy tonight and Friday...

- Fellini's classic Amarcord is wrapping up its run at Film Forum...

- ...while Bergman's five-plus hour masterpiece Fanny and Alexander is opening for a limited time at the IFC Center. Each half requires a ticket, but it's well worth it just to see this on the big screen.

- Read the Black List yet?

Opening this week...

WENDY AND LUCY, written by Jonathan Raymond and Kelly Reichardt, dir. by Kelly Reichardt


Premise: A woman's life is derailed en route to a potentially lucrative summer job. When her car breaks down, and her dog is taken to the pound, the thin fabric of her financial situation comes apart, and she is led through a series of increasingly dire economic decisions.

Playing: Film Forum

I've been hyped about this one for months - still hyped. See me shaking with excitement here and here.

DOUBT, written and directed by John Patrick Shanley

Premise: Set in 1964, Doubt centers on a nun who confronts a priest after suspecting him abusing a black student. He denies the charges, and much of the play's quick-fire dialogue tackles themes of religion, morality and authority.


GRAN TORINO, written by Nick Schenk and Dave Johannson, dir. by Clint Eastwood

Premise: Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino.

Playing: All over.

This could possibly be Eastwood's last film as an actor? That's hard to imagine. Either way, I'll stand by his directing work. Film School Rejects has their review over here.


THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, written by David Scarpa, dir. by Scott Derrickson

Premise: A remake of the 1951 classic sci-fi film about an alien visitor and his giant robot counterpart who visit Earth.

Playing: All over.

6 comments:

Onyx said...

If I saw just one somewhat positive review for The Day The Earth Stood Still I would have gone to see it today, but apparently I'm better off watching the original. Shucks.

Zombie said...

I hate movies that haven't already been made at least once!

Whenever I hear about a new, original movie coming out... I just shudder.

Alex Segura said...

It makes me cry blood tears.

Cake Man said...

Let's re-write sequels to remakes!

Zombie said...

Cake - can we somehow get Eddie Murphy to star?

Alex Segura said...

Ca Brett Ratner direct?