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.