Indie Movie Preview: November 2014

It may be because awards season is starting to peek out from around the corner, but the movies are kicking it into high gear this month. For the first time in awhile, I’ve gone through the roster of upcoming releases and not only been amazed at the sheer number of them, but have found something genuinely compelling about each one and have wanted to include everything here.

But since that would defeat the purpose of making this a curated list, I’m picking the handful that stood out most (note that while I am bouncing off the walls in anticipation for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I, releasing November 21, it will not be a part of this roundup in the interest of keeping things slightly off the commercial path. It’s clearly doing well enough for itself in the promotions department anyway). It’s going to be a good November at the theaters.

Elsa & Fred

Release Date: November 7

Director: Michael Radford

Starring: Christopher Plummer, Shirley MacLaine, Marcia Gay Harden

What’s the story? The remake of a 2005 Argentinian film. Fred is a soft-spoken widower who has lost direction after the death of his wife. But when he meets the spunky Elsa, a hopeless romantic who dreams of her own Fellini-esque love story of La Dolce Vita proportions, they both learn that life—even in its twilight years—can be full of surprises.

My take: I highly doubt this film is going to come with some profound message we haven’t heard before. But who said every movie has to be a cerebral mind-twister to be considered good? And it’s Captain Von Trapp, you guys! Aside from the fact that no film he does will make me think of him as anyone other than the pitch-perfect patriarch, I have faith that he and Maclaine can at least take it back to old fashioned romance here, rather than the melodramatic teenage stuff we’ve been subject to of late.* I’m pegging it as this month’s feel-good factor.

Rosewater

Release Date: November 14

Director: Jon Stewart

Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Claire Foy

What’s the story? Television host, modern muckraker, and all-around funnyman Jon Stewart turns writer/director with his debut feature, an adaptation of Iranian journalist Maziar Bahari’s book retelling his own arrest, interrogation, and 118-day imprisonment while covering the nation’s 2009 presidential elections.

My take: Stewart’s passion for both comedy and politics collide in this at-times lighthearted, at-times intense portrait of one man’s solitary confinement—and according to feedback, his unique blend of satirical reporting is both the film’s strength and it’s flaw.  While audience and critic responses have been inconsistent, Rosewater nonetheless seems like an earnest endeavor to celebrate the spirit of honest journalism, and to highlight the volatile energy of Iran’s changing social landscape. Plus, I never have to be arm-twisted into seeing anything Stewart or Bernal do. Team them up, and they’re sure to be worth a watch.

Foxcatcher

Release Date: November 14

Director: Bennet Miller

Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo

What’s the story? The biography of Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz, whose desire to break out from under his older brother’s athletic shadow leads him to pursue training under multi-millionaire coach John Du Pont, with harrowing and irreversible consequences.

My take: I know, I know. A film that includes three A-listers can hardly be considered “off the beaten path.” But the buzz around this movie has been deafening for months, and it would be plain foolish to brush of a film that nabbed Miller the Best Director award at Cannes and was a nominee for the zenithal Palme d’Or honor simply because of its blingy starcast. Stories based on real-life sports figures are seldom unwatchable, the best of them tapping into to the corners of our psyche where competitiveness and morality converge. I’m not just intrigued to witness Steve Carell’s embodying of a downright disturbing character, but also legitimately excited to see how Tatum takes on the part of a young sportsman careening down a spiral of misplaced ambition–without a doubt, his most demanding, substantial role to date (no, a striptease to the tune of “It’s Raining Men” did not count).

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

Release Date: November 21

Director: Ana Lily Amirpour

Starring: Sheila Vand, Arash Marandi, Marshall Manesh

What’s the story? Director Ana Lily Amirpour’s feature debut centers on the dark and dismal ghost town of Bad City in Iran, in which residents are unknowingly being stalked by a vampire.

My take: Given my previous experience with the genre, never in a million years did I think I’d ever go around actually recommending a vampire romance. But favorable reviews for it across the board have me thinking that this one may just be different; not least because of the director’s apparent focus not so much on plot as on auras and aesthetics (if that sounds too loopy for you, I don’t blame you—but give it a shot anyway). Throw in the fact that it’s set in Iran, and is (very randomly) produced by Elijah Wood, and there are just too many unlikely elements coming together here to not be curious.

The Imitation Game

Release Date: November 28

Director: Morten Tyldum

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley

What’s the story? Another cinematic take on a biography, this time with a computer scientist rather than a wrestler at its center. The Imitation Game reflects on the life and achievements Alan Turing leading up to and throughout his critical involvement in the decrypting of Nazi Germany’s Enigma code during World War II, as well as the prosecutions that followed surrounding his homosexuality.

My take: Two words: Benedict Cumberbatch. I should think that’s explanation enough, but for those of you who aren’t quite as captivated by the inimitable specimen that he is, there are other reasons to look forward to The Imitation Game, whether its Keira Knightley marking her promising return to her comfort zone of period films, or writer Graham Moore’s exalted, four-years-in-the-making screenplay. The combination of British talent, a wartime setting, and a hero who is an intellectual genius but a social underdog tend to work with viewers (most recent case in point: The King’s Speech), an assumption further validated by the seven Audience Choice awards its swept up during its festival circuit. There’s no reason not to believe the hype.

Before I Disappear

Release Date: November 28

Director: Shawn Christensen

Starring: Emmy Rossum, Ron Perlman, Paul Wesley, Fatima Ptacek

What’s the story? Troubled 20-something Richie is minutes away from attempting suicide when his sister calls, desperate for him to look after her pre-teen daughter that evening. The babysitting job turns into a wild nighttime ride as Richie and his niece traverse from one end of Manhattan to the other, creating unexpected bonds through their unlikely shared experiences.

My take: The feature-length version of Christensen’s Oscar-winning short, “Curfew,” Before I Disappear seems to be more of what its 2012 precursor offered, and from the praise I’ve heard so far, that’s not entirely a bad thing. Admittedly, suicide isn’t the most uplifting of topics, but I’m keen to see how Christensen has developed Richie’s emotional journey, especially with an eleven-year-old girl beside him. Apparently, in between shots set in quintessential New York locations, we can expect glimpses of magical realism and even a choreographed dance sequence (and yet, it’s not Bollywood!). Sounds like something I can get on board with.

*Fully aware of how ancient that sentence makes me sound, but I’ve long since made peace with many of my medieval traits.

Indie Movie Preview: August 2014

So far so good with my promise to keep up with my monthly movie preview series! (Let’s just ignore the minor detail that that means pretty much nothing, considering that this is only the second one).  We’re heading into the prime of the “dog days of summer;” and while there aren’t a whole lot of options at the theater this August to help beat the heat, I’m looking forward to five releases that may provide some respite. Here are the indies* lighting up the marquees this month!

First time here? Check out my July 2014 preview for an introduction to this series, wherein I also clarify what I consider to be “indie.”

What If

Release Date: August 1

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, Adam Driver, Rafe Spall

What’s the story? The Boy Who Lived becomes the Man Who Loved as Daniel Radcliffe swoops into straight-up romcom territory in this story of a fellow who falls for his best friend, though she happens to be seeing someone else.

My take:  If the plot sounds predictable to you, I can’t disagree. But I’m looking forward to Radcliffe taking on a more “normal” post-Potter role in which he’s not blinding horses or being accused of murder. After graduating from the wizarding world of Harry Potter, he has stripped on stage in Equus, sprouted Satanic prongs in Horns, and dabbled in hipster-era debauchery in Kill Your Darlings; in short, he’s (only partly successfully) done everything in his power to render his wand-wielding days a distant memory. If you’re anything like me, you still find it challenging to see him as anyone other than Harry, even three years after the final film. But along with the character, the loyalty he inspired from me in that beloved series has also carried over since he said goodbye to Hogwarts. And so, whether I’m convinced by his performance in this film or not, I’ll be watching and rooting for it anyway.

The Trip to Italy

Release Date: August 15

Starring: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon, Rosie Fellner

What’s the story? Four years ago, Steve invited Rob to join him on a journey through northern England to review the country’s finest dining establishments. This time, they’re taking their volatile bromance on the road again, driving and dining their way from Liguria to Tuscany in an exploration of Italy’s culinary and cultural treasures. 

My take: I haven’t yet seen The Trip, the much-loved 2010 precursor to this movie—though I’ve had it on my Netflix queue for the last two years, so my intentions are good! Yet, from the looks of it, that isn’t a prerequisite for enjoying the leading duo’s second excursion. Films focused on travel, food and friendship never really fail that miserably to begin with, and anything involving Steven Coogan (last seen in the extremely likeable Philomena) is probably worth watching. Couple that with his natural chemistry with Brydon, their shared gift for comedic timing, and the promise of many close-up shots of pasta, and I’m guessing The Trip to Italy will be one to remember.  

Frank

Release Date: August 22

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Domhnall Gleeson

What’s the story? Aspiring musician Jon thinks he’s on his way to stardom when he joins a pop band. When he realizes that the group’s lead singer is a man who insists on permanently wearing an oversized, paper mache head, he begins having second thoughts. But at that point, he may be way too in over his own head to back out.

My take: The last time I saw Michael Fassbender on screen, he was ruthlessly whipping slaves into bloody submission as plantation owner Edwin Epps in 12 Years a Slave. I think it’s safe to say that Frank, with its kooky plot and deadpan humor, is a bit of a departure from that. Most intriguing is how, with that giant mask obstructing his facial expressions—which I would think are essential to effective acting— Fassbender might use other tools to deliver a convincing performance. If he can pull this off, it’ll be yet more proof of his limitless talent.  And from the film’s positive reception at this year’s Sundance and SXSW festivals, it looks like he can rest his case on that point. I’ve got to see this.

Love is Strange
Release Date: August 22

Starring: John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei

What’s the story? After over 40 years together, Ben and George finally get married. But their plans for happily ever are quickly botched after George loses his job; the couple is forced to sell their apartment and live separately until they can find a new home, all the while struggling with the adjustments of their host families and the woes of being apart.

My take:  Be it the ever-so-relatable “unforgiving New York real estate” angle, the unique handling of concepts like long-distance love and intergenerational family dynamics, or the rare focus on an elderly gay couple, there are plenty of reasons to be taken by the looks of this film. Known for stories that are less plot-driven than they are character sketches, director Ira Sachs has ably handled subjects like the hardships of marriage and homosexuality in previous films such as Married Life and Keep the Lights On. He therefore seems firmly in his comfort zone here, while seasoned actors like Lithgow, Molina and Tomei look poised to do those characters justice. From where I stand, this looks like a sensitive, reflective, and gently humorous look at love story gone slightly askew.

The Congress

Release Date: August 29

Starring: Robin Wright, Paul Giamatti, Harvey Keitel, Jon Hamm

What’s the story? A has-been actress, on the verge of becoming completely obsolete agrees to do one last job, but things become way more complicated than she anticipated when the project presents life-altering repercussions.

My take: My desire to see The Congress comes, more than anything, from the fact that I am utterly baffled by it. The trailer comprises a bewildering amalgamation of nostalgic references, futuristic effects, post-apocalyptic worlds, a dash of inexplicable animation, and some very blurred lines between fantasy and real-life. I wish I had a more cohesive explanation for it all. Considering that this movie is made by Ari Folman, the same man who gave us 2008’s Oscar-nominated documentary Waltz With Bashir, I’ll just trust that there’s surely a greater meaning behind all the enigmatic madness. The curiosity to discover it is enough reason to watch the film—well, that, and the fact that Jon Hamm is supposed to be lurking around somewhere in there.

Bobby Jasoos

“Female-centric films” are Bollywood buzzwords these days, and July 3rd saw the release of the latest of the ever-growing bunch, as the Vidya Balan-starring/Dia Mirza-produced Bobby Jasoos hit theaters.

Here, Vidya is Bilquis “Bobby” Ahmed—a jovial if not somewhat bumbling small-town girl with an ardent hunger to be the best crime-busting, crook-catching, puzzle-solving private eye around. Sure, she has no degree and zero field experience (unless catching a couple mid-make-out session in a secluded alleyway counts), but what she lacks in credentials she makes up for in spades with ambition.

Indeed, Bobby’s espionage dreams are much larger than the parameters that her traditional family or conservative Moghalpura society will allow for; her father, ashamed at his daughter’s impending spiral into spinsterhood, refuses to speak to her.  And while she’s got a steady stream of locals requesting her services for petty assignments in exchange for equally petty cash, Bobby isn't satisfied with digging up community gossip. So when the mysterious Anees Khan (Kiran Kumar) offers her lofty compensation to find a string of young women, Bobby will stop at nothing—not even silent treatment from dad—to emerge as Hyderabad’s #1 hardboiled detective. But the more lucrative her cases get, the more ambiguous their morality becomes, until Bobby fears that taking them on may have been a huge mistake.

The film starts off promisingly enough, with plenty of laugh-out-loud opportunities. Without a legitimate background in detective work, Bobby uses unconventional yet effective tactics to carry out her investigations: a collection of low-budget disguises, from a bearded and turbaned beggar to a buck-toothed palm reader, and a motley crew of bungling assistants providing some giggle-worthy exchanges, including her melodramatic gay sidekick Shetty and pal-cum-potential-love-interest Tussavur (Ali Fazal). A gaggle of supporting actresses, headed by Tanvi Azmi as Bobby’s aunt, provide an additional boost of both heart and humor. The first half also establishes some genuinely compelling set-ups for suspense, as Khan’s character and motives get increasingly murky.

That initial potential endures until the intermission, after which director Samar Shaikh appears to gradually lose grasp of the many lines he has cast as subplots. At some moments a love story, at some a thriller, at others a family drama, and at still others a comedy, the various genres being juggled simultaneously never find a way to coexist, rendering the film to become a whole lot of nothing much.  

There is an excess of irritating and illogical plot points that make Bobby Jasoos’s otherwise amusing script seem careless: for instance, despite being an aspiring detective, Bobby fails to inquire why, in the first place, she is being asked to find the girls Aneez Khan is looking for. We have no idea in which direction Bobby’s life is headed upon the film’s last frame. The climax is feeble; the denouement feels forced.

Vidya Balan can’t save the story’s seams from unraveling, but she is its saving grace as the equally headstrong and vulnerable Bobby. The film is a chance for her to boast her impeccable comic timing and prove that it takes not just talent, but an actress for whom vanity is a distant afterthought, to pull off the crazy costumes and expressions that she does with confidence.

Best of all, Balan is truly the film’s hero, taking on the actions and the personality traits that most Bollywood actors would: she’s swathed in salwar kameez, but strides the streets in orange sneakers. She hurtles through chase sequences, seeks out heated confrontations, dishes out verbal dhamkis, and teaches the meek Tassuvar to act more like a “tiger;” in fact, Fazal’s character is largely useless without Bobby around. While their chemistry isn’t quite convincing—the romantic subplot seems generally displaced and superfluous given there’s plenty else going on—the dynamic between Fazal and Balan when they banter is hilarious, making Bobby Jasoos one of those rare films necessitating the actress to boost the substance of her male counterparts.

Alas, not even Balan’s badassery can rescue the film from slipping through the narrative cracks. Well-intentioned but with way too many loose knots left at the end, Bobby Jasoos is a mystery all right--just not in the sense that the filmmakers probably intended.