Colombian auteur Ana Maria Hermida (“The Firefly”) is directing an all-star cast in Catalyst Studios’ “Alix.”
The film introduces Cristal Aparcio (“Enfermeras”) to international audiences in the title role of Alix. Based on Hermida’s script, the film also stars Natalia Reyes (“Terminator Dark Fate”), Roberto Urbina (“Snowpiercer”), Carlos Bardem (“El Cid”) and Carolina Guerra (“Animal Kingdom”). Principal photography has begun in the jungles of Rio Claro, Colombia.
A redemptive coming-of-age tale about the discovery of inner strength and new beginnings, the film is a magic realist tale that tells the story of Conejo (Urbina), a skilled soldier, and a young girl, Alix (Aparicio), who he recruits to be a child soldier in the Colombian jungle under the command of the charismatic Ramon (Bardem). Alix, innocent and optimistic, deals with the trauma of her hard circumstances by letting her imagination journey to a magical realm.
“Alix” is produced by Lemore Syvan,...
The film introduces Cristal Aparcio (“Enfermeras”) to international audiences in the title role of Alix. Based on Hermida’s script, the film also stars Natalia Reyes (“Terminator Dark Fate”), Roberto Urbina (“Snowpiercer”), Carlos Bardem (“El Cid”) and Carolina Guerra (“Animal Kingdom”). Principal photography has begun in the jungles of Rio Claro, Colombia.
A redemptive coming-of-age tale about the discovery of inner strength and new beginnings, the film is a magic realist tale that tells the story of Conejo (Urbina), a skilled soldier, and a young girl, Alix (Aparicio), who he recruits to be a child soldier in the Colombian jungle under the command of the charismatic Ramon (Bardem). Alix, innocent and optimistic, deals with the trauma of her hard circumstances by letting her imagination journey to a magical realm.
“Alix” is produced by Lemore Syvan,...
- 3/7/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: U.S. production company Catalyst Studios is launching with a slate of female-fronted projects that will be repped for sales by Highland Film Group.
Attorney Holly Levow (Imprisoned) has partnered with Mark Pennell (Storm Warning) and Paul Kampf (Imprisoned) to form Catalyst which will have a focus on feature films from emerging talent and with diverse storytelling. The company says its mission is to invest in new filmmakers with multi-picture deals.
The company’s initial slate will include six features directed, produced by and centered on female protagonists. The firm is a joint venture between Levow’s and Kampf’s Equitas Entertainment, and Beacon Pictures, where Pennell serves as Head of Special Projects and New Business.
The first film on the docket will be Alix, described as a “redemptive coming-of-age fantasy”. Written and directed by Ana Maria Hermida (The Firefly), the film charts the subject of sex trafficking in the jungles of Colombia.
Attorney Holly Levow (Imprisoned) has partnered with Mark Pennell (Storm Warning) and Paul Kampf (Imprisoned) to form Catalyst which will have a focus on feature films from emerging talent and with diverse storytelling. The company says its mission is to invest in new filmmakers with multi-picture deals.
The company’s initial slate will include six features directed, produced by and centered on female protagonists. The firm is a joint venture between Levow’s and Kampf’s Equitas Entertainment, and Beacon Pictures, where Pennell serves as Head of Special Projects and New Business.
The first film on the docket will be Alix, described as a “redemptive coming-of-age fantasy”. Written and directed by Ana Maria Hermida (The Firefly), the film charts the subject of sex trafficking in the jungles of Colombia.
- 5/3/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Gary Dourdan, Serinda Swan, Andy Garcia, Brice Bexter, Ernie Hudson, Martin Donovan, Robert Knepper, Samy Naceri, Don B Gig, Joey Footlik, Lilia Hajji, Joe Drago | Written by Sam Chouia, Hicham Hajji, Lemore Syvan | Directed by Hicham Hajji
When the love of his life is kidnapped and held for ransom by terrorists, war hero Brad Paxton (Gary Dourdan) races against the clock to rescue her in a daring and deadly operation that pits him against terrorists and clandestine powerful forces.
Yes, you’ve guessed it. Redemption Day is Taken in the desert… Well it would be if this film actually featured more than 10 minutes of action in its entire running time! For Redemption Day does that most heinous of crimes – be an action movie with no action.
Of course many will say this Isn’T an action movie, more a political drama about the current tension in the Middle East – throwing in Isis,...
When the love of his life is kidnapped and held for ransom by terrorists, war hero Brad Paxton (Gary Dourdan) races against the clock to rescue her in a daring and deadly operation that pits him against terrorists and clandestine powerful forces.
Yes, you’ve guessed it. Redemption Day is Taken in the desert… Well it would be if this film actually featured more than 10 minutes of action in its entire running time! For Redemption Day does that most heinous of crimes – be an action movie with no action.
Of course many will say this Isn’T an action movie, more a political drama about the current tension in the Middle East – throwing in Isis,...
- 1/22/2021
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
If “Redemption Day” were any more generic, the first thing you’d see on screen would be a bar code in place of the opening credits. It’s the handiwork of first-time feature filmmaker Hicham Hajji, making his directorial debut after years of assistant-directing gigs for Hollywood and homegrown productions in his native Morocco. And the best thing to say to say about it is, it’s certainly no worse than most other run-of-the-mill, run-and-gun action-adventures that used to proliferate on Blockbuster store shelves and which now feed the seemingly insatiable demand for VOD fare. Trouble is, it’s no better, either.
Gary Dourdan of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” fame offers the requisite displays of formidable physicality and authoritative intensity in the lead role of Brad Paxton, a U.S. Marine captain who’s hailed as a hero for his courage under fire during a roadside attack on a humanitarian mission in Syria,...
Gary Dourdan of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” fame offers the requisite displays of formidable physicality and authoritative intensity in the lead role of Brad Paxton, a U.S. Marine captain who’s hailed as a hero for his courage under fire during a roadside attack on a humanitarian mission in Syria,...
- 1/8/2021
- by Joe Leydon
- Variety Film + TV
Redemption Day Trailer — Hicham Hajji‘s Redemption Day (2021) movie trailer has been released by Saban Films and stars Gary Dourdan, Serinda Swan, Andy Garcia, Ernie Hudson, Martin Donovan, Samy Naceri, Brice Bexter, Joe Drago, Brahim Rachiki, Jay Footlik, and Robert Knepper. Crew Sam Chouia, Hicham Hajji, and Lemore Syvan wrote the screenplay for Redemption Day. [...]
Continue reading: Redemption Day (2021) Movie Trailer: U.S. Marine Captain Gary Dourdan travels to Morocco to Rescue His Wife...
Continue reading: Redemption Day (2021) Movie Trailer: U.S. Marine Captain Gary Dourdan travels to Morocco to Rescue His Wife...
- 11/30/2020
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
The Motion Picture Association will host film-makers and representatives from the American and Chinese film industries in Los Angeles for the third China International Co-Production Film Screenings.
Created in 2009 in partnership with China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film & Television (Sapprft), the week-long event is designed to foster a greater exchange of ideas and demonstrate the growing bond between the film industries of both nations.
The third China International Co-Production Film Screenings programme will kick off with a gala event on November 4 at the Universal Studios lot featuring a special screening of Keanu Reeves’ feature directorial debut Man Of Tai Chi.
MPAA chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd will welcome special guests Jiao Hongfen, vice-chairman of the China Film Group of the Sapprft, Lemore Syvan, producer of Man Of Tai Chi, and the film’s lead actor Tiger Chen.
“China’s film industry is growing at an incredible pace, having become...
Created in 2009 in partnership with China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film & Television (Sapprft), the week-long event is designed to foster a greater exchange of ideas and demonstrate the growing bond between the film industries of both nations.
The third China International Co-Production Film Screenings programme will kick off with a gala event on November 4 at the Universal Studios lot featuring a special screening of Keanu Reeves’ feature directorial debut Man Of Tai Chi.
MPAA chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd will welcome special guests Jiao Hongfen, vice-chairman of the China Film Group of the Sapprft, Lemore Syvan, producer of Man Of Tai Chi, and the film’s lead actor Tiger Chen.
“China’s film industry is growing at an incredible pace, having become...
- 11/4/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Motion Picture Association will host film-makers and representatives from the American and Chinese film industries in Los Angeles for the third China International Co-Production Film Screenings.
Created in 2009 in partnership with China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film & Television (Sapprft), the week-long event is designed to foster a greater exchange of ideas and demonstrate the growing bond between the film industries of both nations.
The third China International Co-Production Film Screenings programme will kick off with a gala event on November 4 at the Universal Studios lot featuring a special screening of Keanu Reeves’ feature directorial debut Man Of Tai Chi.
MPAA chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd will welcome special guests Jiao Hongfen, vice-chairman of the China Film Group of the Sapprft, Lemore Syvan, producer of Man Of Tai Chi, and the film’s lead actor Tiger Chen.
“China’s film industry is growing at an incredible pace, having become...
Created in 2009 in partnership with China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film & Television (Sapprft), the week-long event is designed to foster a greater exchange of ideas and demonstrate the growing bond between the film industries of both nations.
The third China International Co-Production Film Screenings programme will kick off with a gala event on November 4 at the Universal Studios lot featuring a special screening of Keanu Reeves’ feature directorial debut Man Of Tai Chi.
MPAA chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd will welcome special guests Jiao Hongfen, vice-chairman of the China Film Group of the Sapprft, Lemore Syvan, producer of Man Of Tai Chi, and the film’s lead actor Tiger Chen.
“China’s film industry is growing at an incredible pace, having become...
- 11/4/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Motion Picture Association will host film-makers and representatives from the American and Chinese film industries in Los Angeles for the third China International Co-Production Film Screenings.
Created in 2009 in partnership with China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film & Television (Sapprft), the week-long event is designed to foster a greater exchange of ideas and demonstrate the growing bond between the film industries of both nations.
The third China International Co-Production Film Screenings programme will kick off with a gala event on November 4 at the Universal Studios lot featuring a special screening of Keanu Reeves’ feature directorial debut Man Of Tai Chi.
MPAA chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd will welcome special guests Jiao Hongfen, vice-chairman of the China Film Group of the Sapprft, Lemore Syvan, producer of Man Of Tai Chi, and the film’s lead actor Tiger Chen.
“China’s film industry is growing at an incredible pace, having become...
Created in 2009 in partnership with China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film & Television (Sapprft), the week-long event is designed to foster a greater exchange of ideas and demonstrate the growing bond between the film industries of both nations.
The third China International Co-Production Film Screenings programme will kick off with a gala event on November 4 at the Universal Studios lot featuring a special screening of Keanu Reeves’ feature directorial debut Man Of Tai Chi.
MPAA chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd will welcome special guests Jiao Hongfen, vice-chairman of the China Film Group of the Sapprft, Lemore Syvan, producer of Man Of Tai Chi, and the film’s lead actor Tiger Chen.
“China’s film industry is growing at an incredible pace, having become...
- 11/4/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Keanu Reeves, Johnnie To and Tatsumi “Tom” Yoda will be among participants at the Toronto International Film Festival’s second Asian Film Summit on Sept 10.
Reeves will join producer Lemore Syvan and Tom Quinn from distributor RADiUS-twc in the panel discussion Case Study: Man Of Tai Chi, offering insights into the festival’s special presentation screening.
In another anticipated event, Michael Lake, CEO of Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios, Reliance Big Pictures (Mumbai) CEO Sanjeev Lamba and Canadian producer Shan Tam (Finding Mr. Right) discuss their experiences working cross-culturally.
Rome Film Festival artistic director Marco Mueller will take part in a one-on-one conversation with To, while confirmed panelists includes Yoda and producer Niv Fichman of Rhombus Media.
“The Asian Film Summit is the product of many years’ work and a natural outgrowth of the Festival’s role showcasing the best of global cinema,” said Tiff director and CEO Piers Handling. “Building on the momentum and excitement of our...
Reeves will join producer Lemore Syvan and Tom Quinn from distributor RADiUS-twc in the panel discussion Case Study: Man Of Tai Chi, offering insights into the festival’s special presentation screening.
In another anticipated event, Michael Lake, CEO of Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios, Reliance Big Pictures (Mumbai) CEO Sanjeev Lamba and Canadian producer Shan Tam (Finding Mr. Right) discuss their experiences working cross-culturally.
Rome Film Festival artistic director Marco Mueller will take part in a one-on-one conversation with To, while confirmed panelists includes Yoda and producer Niv Fichman of Rhombus Media.
“The Asian Film Summit is the product of many years’ work and a natural outgrowth of the Festival’s role showcasing the best of global cinema,” said Tiff director and CEO Piers Handling. “Building on the momentum and excitement of our...
- 8/1/2013
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: In its second significant deal at Cannes, Radius-TWC acquired North American rights to Keanu Reeves’ directorial debut Man Of Tai Chi in a low seven-figure minimum guarantee. The film is set in modern Beijing and follows the spiritual journey of a young martial artist (Tiger Hu Chen) whose unparalleled Tai Chi skills land him in a highly lucrative underworld fight club. As the fights grow tougher, he must compromise his own beliefs in order to survive. This is the second deal for Radius, which on Saturday acquired the Directors Fornight film Blue Ruin. TWC-Radius also has the Nicolas Winding Refn-directed Only God Forgives playing here at Cannes, with Ryan Gosling and Kristin Scott Thomas starring. Reeves, who also stars in the film, met Chen during The Matrix, where Chen was a stuntman and a trainer for Reeves. It’s Chen’s first lead role, and the film also...
- 5/22/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Catch the trailer for Phase4 Films' Generation Um..., starring Keanu Reeves, Adelaide Clemens, Bojana Novakovic and Daniel Sunjata. Mark L. Mann directs as well as writing the film produced by Caroline Kaplan, Lemore Syvan and Alison Palmer Bourke. Also in the cast of the drama are Jake Hoffman, Johnny Orsini and Sarita Choudhury. Generation Um...opens on May 3rd. The world is downtown New York City, present day - from the point of view of a driver for an escort service. John (Keanu Reeves), a quietly sexy withdrawn guy, is finally ageing out of his young, trendy neighborhood, dealing with the beginnings of the next chapter of his life.
- 3/12/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Catch the trailer for Phase4 Films' Generation Um..., starring Keanu Reeves, Adelaide Clemens, Bojana Novakovic and Daniel Sunjata. Mark L. Mann directs as well as writing the film produced by Caroline Kaplan, Lemore Syvan and Alison Palmer Bourke. Also in the cast of the drama are Jake Hoffman, Johnny Orsini and Sarita Choudhury. Generation Um...opens on May 3rd. The world is downtown New York City, present day - from the point of view of a driver for an escort service. John (Keanu Reeves), a quietly sexy withdrawn guy, is finally ageing out of his young, trendy neighborhood, dealing with the beginnings of the next chapter of his life.
- 3/12/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Phase 4 Films has acquired all U.S. and Canadian rights to writer-director Mark L Mann’s "generation Um...," which stars Keanu Reeves. The specialty distributor plans a theatrical release in the spring. Bojana Novakovic and Adelaide Clemens co-star in "generation Um…," a day-in the-life portrait of three people trying to make sense of their lives and relationships in the city. Alison Palmer, Caroline Kaplan and Lemore Syvan produced; Nicolas Chartier, Cassian Elwes, Zev Foreman and Jared Goldman are executive producers. Read More: Phase 4 Films to Distribute Alex Gibney's Hockey Doc 'The Last Gladiators' "We are excited to be working with Mark on his first film and to be collaborating with Keanu and the cast to share their edgy, socially relevant drama with audiences," said Phase 4 president and CEO Berry Meyerowitz. Reeves is currently on-screen as producer and host of the documentary "Side By Side,"...
- 9/28/2012
- by Jay A. Fernandez
- Indiewire
Phase 4 Films acquired all U.S. and Canadian rights to director Mark L Mann’s generation Um… Mann also wrote the screenplay for the film, with Alison Palmer, Caroline Kaplan, and Lemore Syvan producing. The film stars Keanu Reeves, Bojana Novakovic, and Adelaide Clemens and was executive produced by Nicolas Chartier, Cassian Elwes, Zev Foreman, and Jared Goldman. Phase 4 plans to release the film theatrically in spring 2013.
- 9/28/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
The Toronto International Film Festival revealed more details about its planned Asian Summit, which takes place on Monday, September 10th, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Toronto. It was no secret that the guests of honour would include internationally renowned actor, director and producer Jackie Chan, and it was revealed today that Harvey Weinstein, co-Chairman of The Weinstein Company, will act as the Mc for the summit’s closing banquet.
The aim of the Asian summit is to provide programming that explores the relationship between East and West, by bringing together industry experts and specialists. “In a year when our Opening Night Gala Looper is a Us-China co-production, we’re pleased to provide a platform in Toronto for industry leaders in both Asia and the West to get to know one another better. It will be an honour to be in the room as people like Senator Dodd, Ashok Amritraj, Bill Kong,...
The aim of the Asian summit is to provide programming that explores the relationship between East and West, by bringing together industry experts and specialists. “In a year when our Opening Night Gala Looper is a Us-China co-production, we’re pleased to provide a platform in Toronto for industry leaders in both Asia and the West to get to know one another better. It will be an honour to be in the room as people like Senator Dodd, Ashok Amritraj, Bill Kong,...
- 8/13/2012
- by Katherine Matthews
- Bollyspice
Indonesian thesp Iko Uwais ("The Raid") has joined the cast of Keanu Reeves' action drama directorial debut "Man of Tai Chi" for Village Roadshow Pictures Asia, China Film Group and Wanda Media Group says Variety.
Set in modern Beijing, Tiger Chen plays a young martial artist on a spiritual quest whose skills present him with both exciting opportunities and painful choices.
Uwais will fight Chen in one of the last scenes of the film, which is being shot in Beijing, Hong Kong and Macau. Reeves also co-stars.
Michael G. Cooney penned the script while Lemore Syvan will produce.
Set in modern Beijing, Tiger Chen plays a young martial artist on a spiritual quest whose skills present him with both exciting opportunities and painful choices.
Uwais will fight Chen in one of the last scenes of the film, which is being shot in Beijing, Hong Kong and Macau. Reeves also co-stars.
Michael G. Cooney penned the script while Lemore Syvan will produce.
- 7/13/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
By Elliot V. Kotek
(from Moving Pictures, spring issue, 2011)
Keanu Reeves has embodied popular culture like few other actors, yet he’s retained a level of privacy that has enabled the media to label him “mysterious.” What is a mystery is how Reeves has managed to maintain an element of anonymity in a 24/7 world that denies even minor celebrities their time in the shade.
When I caught up with Reeves for a chat just prior to the U.S. opening of his latest film “Henry’s Crime,” it became clear this is a guy who is all about the work, about applying himself first and foremost to his role, and about ensuring that everyone on set is similarly geared.
By not declaring favorites just as keenly as not revealing others’ secrets — and by being open to all forms of artistic media — Reeves has become one of the most likable (and bankable) stars on the planet.
(from Moving Pictures, spring issue, 2011)
Keanu Reeves has embodied popular culture like few other actors, yet he’s retained a level of privacy that has enabled the media to label him “mysterious.” What is a mystery is how Reeves has managed to maintain an element of anonymity in a 24/7 world that denies even minor celebrities their time in the shade.
When I caught up with Reeves for a chat just prior to the U.S. opening of his latest film “Henry’s Crime,” it became clear this is a guy who is all about the work, about applying himself first and foremost to his role, and about ensuring that everyone on set is similarly geared.
By not declaring favorites just as keenly as not revealing others’ secrets — and by being open to all forms of artistic media — Reeves has become one of the most likable (and bankable) stars on the planet.
- 4/4/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
By Elliot V. Kotek
(from Moving Pictures, spring issue, 2011)
Keanu Reeves has embodied popular culture like few other actors, yet he’s retained a level of privacy that has enabled the media to label him “mysterious.” What is a mystery is how Reeves has managed to maintain an element of anonymity in a 24/7 world that denies even minor celebrities their time in the shade.
When I caught up with Reeves for a chat just prior to the U.S. opening of his latest film “Henry’s Crime,” it became clear this is a guy who is all about the work, about applying himself first and foremost to his role, and about ensuring that everyone on set is similarly geared.
By not declaring favorites just as keenly as not revealing others’ secrets — and by being open to all forms of artistic media — Reeves has become one of the most likable (and bankable) stars on the planet.
(from Moving Pictures, spring issue, 2011)
Keanu Reeves has embodied popular culture like few other actors, yet he’s retained a level of privacy that has enabled the media to label him “mysterious.” What is a mystery is how Reeves has managed to maintain an element of anonymity in a 24/7 world that denies even minor celebrities their time in the shade.
When I caught up with Reeves for a chat just prior to the U.S. opening of his latest film “Henry’s Crime,” it became clear this is a guy who is all about the work, about applying himself first and foremost to his role, and about ensuring that everyone on set is similarly geared.
By not declaring favorites just as keenly as not revealing others’ secrets — and by being open to all forms of artistic media — Reeves has become one of the most likable (and bankable) stars on the planet.
- 4/4/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Director Gary Winick has died. He was 49 years-old. Mr. Winick died of complications stemming from brain cancer, and his manager Rosalie Swedlin spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about his passing: "He was suffering from brain cancer for quite some time, and it ultimately metastasized throughout his body." It was first announced Sunday, February 27, by filmmaker Matt Dentler on Twitter. Gary Winick also co-founded InDigEnt, a New York-based independent production company. In 2003, Mr. Winick won the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award for his film, "Personal Velocity: Three Portraits." Mr. Winick shared that award with Rebecca Miller (director/writer), Alexis Alexanian (producer), Lemore Syvan (producer) according to IMDb.com. The smallscreen also saw Mr. Winick direct some episodes of...
- 2/28/2011
- by April MacIntyre
- Monsters and Critics
Keanu Reeves (lately known as World’s Saddest Superstar) is back!
And this time, he has signed on to star in Mark L. Mann’s indie-drama titled Generation Um.
Reeves is set to star alongside Bojana Novakovic (Edge of Darkness) and Adelaide Clemens (Mad Max: Fury Road) in the story that will follow:
“…a day in the life of Reeves’ character and his two cohorts as they live life on the fringe, immersed in sex, drugs and indecision.
As they navigate their daily routine of bars and crowds, they embark on a path of self-discovery.”
Mark L. Mann is directing Generation Um from his own script, and the movie will be shooting in New York.
Alison Palmer Bourke, who helped develop the script with Mann, is producing with Lemore Syvan and Caroline Kaplan.
At the end, little reminder for all Reeves fans out there, he next stars in Henry’s Crime,...
And this time, he has signed on to star in Mark L. Mann’s indie-drama titled Generation Um.
Reeves is set to star alongside Bojana Novakovic (Edge of Darkness) and Adelaide Clemens (Mad Max: Fury Road) in the story that will follow:
“…a day in the life of Reeves’ character and his two cohorts as they live life on the fringe, immersed in sex, drugs and indecision.
As they navigate their daily routine of bars and crowds, they embark on a path of self-discovery.”
Mark L. Mann is directing Generation Um from his own script, and the movie will be shooting in New York.
Alison Palmer Bourke, who helped develop the script with Mann, is producing with Lemore Syvan and Caroline Kaplan.
At the end, little reminder for all Reeves fans out there, he next stars in Henry’s Crime,...
- 9/13/2010
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
Keanu Reeves will star in the independent drama "Generation Um." According to Variety, Mark L. Mann ("Finishing Heaven") will direct from his own script with shooting set to start Thursday in New York City.The cast includes Bojana Novakovic and Adelaide Clemens.The film follows a day in the life of Reeves' character and his two friends as they embark on a path of self-discovery after drifting through life in a haze of sex, drugs and indecision. Alison Palmer ("Henry's Crime") is producing for Company Films. Palmer also helped develop the script with Mann. Lemore Syvan ("Henry's Crime," "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee") and Caroline Kaplan ("Letters to Juliet") will also produce. Reeves stars in the upcoming "Henry's Crime," which will...
- 9/10/2010
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Keanu Reeves, Bojana Novakovic and Adelaide Clemens have joined the indie drama "Generation Um..." reports Variety.
The story follows Reeves' character and his two cohorts "as they live life on the fringe, immersed in sex, drugs and indecision. As they navigate their daily routine of bars and crowds, they embark on a path of self-discovery".
Mark L. Mann ("Finishing Heaven") directs from his own script while Alison Palmer, Lemore Syvan and Caroline Kaplan will produce. Shooting kicks off Thursday in New York City.
The story follows Reeves' character and his two cohorts "as they live life on the fringe, immersed in sex, drugs and indecision. As they navigate their daily routine of bars and crowds, they embark on a path of self-discovery".
Mark L. Mann ("Finishing Heaven") directs from his own script while Alison Palmer, Lemore Syvan and Caroline Kaplan will produce. Shooting kicks off Thursday in New York City.
- 9/9/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Vera Farmiga and James Caan are joining Keanu Reeves in “Henry’s Crime.”
The movie is a romantic comedy that will be directed by Malcolm Venville (44 Inch Chest).
The script was written by Sacha Gervasi (Anvil! The Story of Anvil).
In the film, Reeves plays a big-hearted man who is falsely accused of pulling a robbery on a bank in Buffalo. Farmiga will play the love interest of Reeves’ character.
It isn’t clear what role James Caan will have.
The movie will begin production in New York in late 2009.
Farmiga will next be seen with George Clooney in the Jason Reitman-directed “Up in the Air.” She also stars in the Niki Caro-directed “The Vintner’s Luck.”
Reeves is producing with Mimran, Schur, Hamel and Lemore Syvan (”The Private Lives of Pippa Lee“). Scott Fischer will be executive producer.
The movie is a romantic comedy that will be directed by Malcolm Venville (44 Inch Chest).
The script was written by Sacha Gervasi (Anvil! The Story of Anvil).
In the film, Reeves plays a big-hearted man who is falsely accused of pulling a robbery on a bank in Buffalo. Farmiga will play the love interest of Reeves’ character.
It isn’t clear what role James Caan will have.
The movie will begin production in New York in late 2009.
Farmiga will next be seen with George Clooney in the Jason Reitman-directed “Up in the Air.” She also stars in the Niki Caro-directed “The Vintner’s Luck.”
Reeves is producing with Mimran, Schur, Hamel and Lemore Syvan (”The Private Lives of Pippa Lee“). Scott Fischer will be executive producer.
- 10/30/2009
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
Vera Farmiga and James Caan will star opposite Keanu Reeves in the romantic comedy "Henry's Crime." The film will be directed by Malcolm Venville ("44 Inch Chest"). Sacha Gervasi ("Anvil! The Story of Anvil") wrote the script.According to Variety, David Mimran and Jordan Schur of Mimran Schur Pictures will co-finance and produce. Reeves plays a big-hearted man who is falsely accused of robbing a bank in Buffalo, and the film is set to begin production in upstate New York later this year. Reeves is producing with his Company Films partner Stephen Hamel, Mimran, Schur, and Lemore Syvan ("The Private Lives of Pippa Lee"). Scott Fischer will be executive producer.Farmiga will play the romantic interest of Reeves' character.
- 10/29/2009
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Keanu Reeves will star in and produce "Henry's Crime," a romantic comedy to be directed by Malcolm Venville that begins production in November in Buffalo.According to Variety, the project will be the first picture in production for Company Films, the production company Reeves runs with Stephen Hamel.Reeves and Hamel will produce with Lemore Syvan. Scott Fischer, who put up development money for the project, will be executive producer through his First Star Films production company.In the light-hearted romantic comedy written by Sacha Gervasi, Reeves will play a loving man who is wrongfully accused of robbing a bank in Buffalo.
- 9/1/2009
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Keanu Reeves is trying his hand at his first comedy since 2003 with "Henry's Crime," which will also be the first film the actor will produce under his Company Films banner. According to Variety, the "Capra-esque" romantic comedy was penned by Sacha Gervasi ("Anvil The Story of Anvil"); it will be co-produced by Reeves' Company Films partner Stephen Hamel and Lemore Syvan, with Scott Fisher as executive producer. The story stars a loveable Reeves, who is wrongly blamed for robbing a bank in Buffalo, N.Y. His last comedic role was 2003's "Something's Gotta Give" and he recently played Chris Nadeau...
- 9/1/2009
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
Keanu Reeves will star in and produce Henry's Crime , a Malcolm Venville-directed romantic comedy that will begin production in November in Buffalo, reports Variety . The project is poised to become the first picture in production for Company Films, the company Reeves runs with Stephen Hamel. Reeves and Hamel will produce with Lemore Syvan. Scott Fischer will be executive producer through his First Star Films. In the Capraesque romantic comedy written by Sacha Gervasi, Reeves will play a bighearted man who is falsely accused of robbing a bank in Buffalo.
- 9/1/2009
- Comingsoon.net
Romantic comedy "Henry's Crime" will be another feature film getting on Keanu Reeves' sleeves. While he is still attached to upcoming projects, "Jekyll" and "Cowboy Bebop", the Klaatu of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" has been brought aboard the project as leading actor and producer.
Taking the role of a bighearted man who is falsely accused of robbing a bank in Buffalo, Reeves is expected to join the principal photography when the production is kicked off in November in Buffalo. This will be his first comedy movie after starring alongside Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson in 2003's "Something's Gotta Give".
The 44-year-old actor will produce the movie along with Lemore Syvan and his Company Films' partner Stephen Hamel. The feature project is set to be the first picture in production under the banner the lead actor of "The Lake House" runs with Hamel.
"Henry's Crime" will be...
Taking the role of a bighearted man who is falsely accused of robbing a bank in Buffalo, Reeves is expected to join the principal photography when the production is kicked off in November in Buffalo. This will be his first comedy movie after starring alongside Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson in 2003's "Something's Gotta Give".
The 44-year-old actor will produce the movie along with Lemore Syvan and his Company Films' partner Stephen Hamel. The feature project is set to be the first picture in production under the banner the lead actor of "The Lake House" runs with Hamel.
"Henry's Crime" will be...
- 9/1/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Keanu Reeves will be busy filming a new romantic comedy this fall called Henry's Crime. Written by Sacha Gervasi (The Terminal) and to be directed by Malcolm Venville, the film will be the first to come from the actor's new production company, Company Films.
Keanu will also receive a producing credit on the film along with his co-partner at Company Films, Stephen Hamel. So too will Lemore Syvan, the producer of a film called The Private Lives of Pippa Lee that Reeves also stars in.
In the movie Reeves will play an ordinary man with a big heart who is mistakenly identified as a bank robber. Variety tells us that Gervasi's story has a Frank Capra-esque feel to it.
The Pippa Lee movie that Keanu stars in (along with Robin Wright Penn, Alan Arkin and Winona Ryder) opens in limited release in October. Henry's Crime will roll in front of cameras this November.
Keanu will also receive a producing credit on the film along with his co-partner at Company Films, Stephen Hamel. So too will Lemore Syvan, the producer of a film called The Private Lives of Pippa Lee that Reeves also stars in.
In the movie Reeves will play an ordinary man with a big heart who is mistakenly identified as a bank robber. Variety tells us that Gervasi's story has a Frank Capra-esque feel to it.
The Pippa Lee movie that Keanu stars in (along with Robin Wright Penn, Alan Arkin and Winona Ryder) opens in limited release in October. Henry's Crime will roll in front of cameras this November.
- 9/1/2009
- by Patrick Sauriol
- Corona's Coming Attractions
Film, written and directed by Rebecca Miller, will be released in October.
By Michael Speier
Screen Media Films has acquired U.S. rights to "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee," starring Robin Wright Penn and Alan Arkin.
The film, written and directed by Rebecca Miller and based on her novel, had its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival and will be released in October.
Dramatic comedy, based on Miller's book, revolves around a woman whose life changes after moving to a Connecticut retirement community with her husband.
Dede Gardner and Lemore Syvan are producers on the project, and it was executive produced by ...
By Michael Speier
Screen Media Films has acquired U.S. rights to "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee," starring Robin Wright Penn and Alan Arkin.
The film, written and directed by Rebecca Miller and based on her novel, had its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival and will be released in October.
Dramatic comedy, based on Miller's book, revolves around a woman whose life changes after moving to a Connecticut retirement community with her husband.
Dede Gardner and Lemore Syvan are producers on the project, and it was executive produced by ...
- 7/7/2009
- by Michael Speier
- The Wrap
Robin Wright Penn is set to star in Rebecca Miller's "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee" for Elevation Filmworks and Plan B Entertainment.
Wright Penn will play Pippa Lee, with Julianne Moore and Winona Ryder co-starring.
London-based Lumina Films is co-producing the film and handling worldwide sales, with CAA partnering on the sale of domestic distribution rights. Lumina plans to introduce the film to buyers at AFM.
Adapted from Miller's novel, the film takes an adventurous trip through Pippa Lee's past and present, as a methamphetamine-addicted mother whose husband leaves her for a younger woman. Pippa indulges in an array of erotic adventures while heading toward a quiet nervous breakdown.
Principal photography is set to start in April in Connecticut.
"To have this incredible cast come together is an amazing credit to the story and vision Rebecca has presented us with," said Elevation's Lemore Syvan, who negotiated the deal with Lumina's Samantha Horley and Cyril Megret and CAA.
Wright Penn and Moore are represented by CAA.
Wright Penn will play Pippa Lee, with Julianne Moore and Winona Ryder co-starring.
London-based Lumina Films is co-producing the film and handling worldwide sales, with CAA partnering on the sale of domestic distribution rights. Lumina plans to introduce the film to buyers at AFM.
Adapted from Miller's novel, the film takes an adventurous trip through Pippa Lee's past and present, as a methamphetamine-addicted mother whose husband leaves her for a younger woman. Pippa indulges in an array of erotic adventures while heading toward a quiet nervous breakdown.
Principal photography is set to start in April in Connecticut.
"To have this incredible cast come together is an amazing credit to the story and vision Rebecca has presented us with," said Elevation's Lemore Syvan, who negotiated the deal with Lumina's Samantha Horley and Cyril Megret and CAA.
Wright Penn and Moore are represented by CAA.
- 10/30/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- The Woodstock Film Festival, which runs Oct. 11-15, unveiled a program Monday boasting top indie films and industry heavyweights -- from the East Coast premiere of Douglas McGrath's Infamous to awards for IFC Entertainment president Jonathan Sehring and documentarian Barbara Kopple. Notable panelists at the upstate New York festival include Steven C. Beer, Arianna Bocco, Andrew P. Hurwitz, Timothy Hutton, Jason Kliot, Bingham Ray, John Sloss, David Strathairn, Lemore Syvan, Joana Vicente and Diane Weyermann. Infamous opens the fest along with Rachid Bouchareb's Days of Glory (Indigenes). Susanne Bier's After the Wedding takes the fest's centerpiece slot, and Kopple's documentary Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing closes the event. Kopple will take home the Maverick Award for her decades of documentary filmmaking. Sehring will accept the Maverick Award for his part in founding the Independent Film Channel, IFC Prods., IFC Films and IFC First Take along with IFC's co-founding of the digital production company InDigEnt with partners Gary Winick and John Sloss.
- 9/18/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Picturehouse has acquired North American rights to Gracie, director Davis Guggenheim's follow-up movie to An Inconvenient Truth. The movie stars Elisabeth Shue, Carly Schroeder and Shue's brother, Andrew Shue. Set in 1978 and inspired by the Shue family's real-life events, Gracie centers on a 16-year-old girl, who, after a family tragedy changed her life, fought for and won the right for girls everywhere to play competitive soccer. Andrew Shue, Lemore Syvan of Elevation Filmworks, Elisabeth Shue and Guggenheim, who is Shue's husband, will serve as producers. Graham King is executive producing.
- 5/23/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
HBO Video has secured DVD rights to Matt Mulhern's comic drama Duane Hopwood, starring David Schwimmer as an Atlantic City casino worker in danger of losing visitation rights to his daughters after a drunk driving charge. IFC Entertainment, which is releasing the $1 million-range film theatrically Friday in Philadelphia in a slow urban rollout via IFC Films, nabbed second-window pay TV rights, and producers Lemore Syvan of Elevation Filmworks and Marc Turtletaub of Big Beach are finalizing a deal with Showtime for the first window.
- 11/10/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Venice & Toronto International Film Festivals
In "Casa de los Babys", writer-director John Sayles once more burrows into the emotional terrain of a community, probing his characters' lives for their strengths and weaknesses and surveying the social landscape in which that community exists.
This time the community is a temporary one. We are in the midst of six American women holed up in a comfortable hotel in an unnamed Latin American country, waiting out the bureaucratic paper-shuffling that will allow each to adopt a baby. The situation allows Sayles to explore not only their different personalities but the pros and cons of foreign adoptions, cultural differences between these women and their host country and the motivations that drive people to adopt children.
That Sayles has a keen eye for details and the savvy to create intriguing character studies on a broad canvas have been amply demonstrated by films such as "Sunshine State" and "Lone Star". But "Casa" feels like a miss. The digging into each of these women's lives stays shallow and seldom uncovers anything unexpected. Costing slightly more than $1 million, "Casa" should enjoy modest success in specialty venues for IFC Films.
Originally a short story writer and novelist, Sayles is unique among American filmmakers in that he approaches movie writing, directing and editing -- the three jobs he performs on all his films -- novelistically. He craves a wide canvas with multiple characters and subplots. Ideas trump images as he tackles complex stories and themes that force audiences to think. The milieu of his story is important to him, and he feels no need to bring every subplot to a neat and tidy conclusion.
But he also fails to acknowledge cinema's need for economy of expression and focus. "Casa" all too often meanders from his main story. Scenes feel written rather than lived. What may have looked and sounded good on the page comes off as stilted, even a little pretentious, when played by actors.
The guests in the Casa de los Babys include Nan Marcia Gay Harden), an opinionated and demanding woman with issues involving her own childhood that make her an unlikely mother. She is wary of the others, especially Skipper (Daryl Hannah), a health and fitness fanatic who is always exercising. Leslie (Lili Taylor), who has given up on men, gives as good as she gets from Nan but loves to dish with Jennifer (Maggie Gyllenhall), a wealthy woman apparently going through a difficult patch in her marriage.
Eileen (Susan Lynch), of Irish-Boston heritage, counts her money and skips meals to stay within a meager budget, while Gayle (Mary Steenburgen) tries to keep her emotional footing as a recovered alcoholic and born-again Christian. The hotel is run by pragmatic Senora Munoz (Rita Moreno), whose son is on probation due to his anarchistic tendencies.
Sayles juggles these women's stories with those of several locals: A pregnant teen meekly submits to her mother's choice to go to Miami for an abortion, a homeless street kid scrounges for money, an unemployed man scrounges for work, and a maid wonders what became of her own adopted child. While these flimsy passages suit Sayles' thematic needs, they sabotage his dramatic ones. Mostly, they distract from his main stories and never really pay off except in contrast to the lives and desires of the Yankee women.
Revelations about the women, when they arrive, feel pat and perfunctory. Characters burst into monologues at preordained moments that come off as contrived. Sayles' cinematic style is somewhat perfunctory too as he fails to exploit the exotic setting -- the film was shot in Acapulco -- and its natural beauty. At 95 minutes, "Casa" is actually one of Sayles' shorter films, but it feels long because the editing is much too leisurely. The soundtrack is nicely understated and contains a number of fine Latin songs.
CASA DE LOS BABYS
IFC Films
A Syvan/Springall production
Credits:
Writer-director-editor: John Sayles
Producers: Lemore Syvan, Alejandro Springall
Executive producers: Jonathan Sehring, Caroline Kaplan
Director of photography: Mauricio Rubinstein
Production designer: Filipe Fernandez del Paso
Music: Mason Daring
Costume designer: Mayes C. Rubeo
Cast:
Leslie: Lili Taylor
Gayle: Mary Steenburgen
Nan: Marcia Gay Harden
Jennifer: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Skipper: Daryl Hannah
Eileen: Susan Lynch
Senora Munoz: Rita Moreno
Running time -- 95 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
In "Casa de los Babys", writer-director John Sayles once more burrows into the emotional terrain of a community, probing his characters' lives for their strengths and weaknesses and surveying the social landscape in which that community exists.
This time the community is a temporary one. We are in the midst of six American women holed up in a comfortable hotel in an unnamed Latin American country, waiting out the bureaucratic paper-shuffling that will allow each to adopt a baby. The situation allows Sayles to explore not only their different personalities but the pros and cons of foreign adoptions, cultural differences between these women and their host country and the motivations that drive people to adopt children.
That Sayles has a keen eye for details and the savvy to create intriguing character studies on a broad canvas have been amply demonstrated by films such as "Sunshine State" and "Lone Star". But "Casa" feels like a miss. The digging into each of these women's lives stays shallow and seldom uncovers anything unexpected. Costing slightly more than $1 million, "Casa" should enjoy modest success in specialty venues for IFC Films.
Originally a short story writer and novelist, Sayles is unique among American filmmakers in that he approaches movie writing, directing and editing -- the three jobs he performs on all his films -- novelistically. He craves a wide canvas with multiple characters and subplots. Ideas trump images as he tackles complex stories and themes that force audiences to think. The milieu of his story is important to him, and he feels no need to bring every subplot to a neat and tidy conclusion.
But he also fails to acknowledge cinema's need for economy of expression and focus. "Casa" all too often meanders from his main story. Scenes feel written rather than lived. What may have looked and sounded good on the page comes off as stilted, even a little pretentious, when played by actors.
The guests in the Casa de los Babys include Nan Marcia Gay Harden), an opinionated and demanding woman with issues involving her own childhood that make her an unlikely mother. She is wary of the others, especially Skipper (Daryl Hannah), a health and fitness fanatic who is always exercising. Leslie (Lili Taylor), who has given up on men, gives as good as she gets from Nan but loves to dish with Jennifer (Maggie Gyllenhall), a wealthy woman apparently going through a difficult patch in her marriage.
Eileen (Susan Lynch), of Irish-Boston heritage, counts her money and skips meals to stay within a meager budget, while Gayle (Mary Steenburgen) tries to keep her emotional footing as a recovered alcoholic and born-again Christian. The hotel is run by pragmatic Senora Munoz (Rita Moreno), whose son is on probation due to his anarchistic tendencies.
Sayles juggles these women's stories with those of several locals: A pregnant teen meekly submits to her mother's choice to go to Miami for an abortion, a homeless street kid scrounges for money, an unemployed man scrounges for work, and a maid wonders what became of her own adopted child. While these flimsy passages suit Sayles' thematic needs, they sabotage his dramatic ones. Mostly, they distract from his main stories and never really pay off except in contrast to the lives and desires of the Yankee women.
Revelations about the women, when they arrive, feel pat and perfunctory. Characters burst into monologues at preordained moments that come off as contrived. Sayles' cinematic style is somewhat perfunctory too as he fails to exploit the exotic setting -- the film was shot in Acapulco -- and its natural beauty. At 95 minutes, "Casa" is actually one of Sayles' shorter films, but it feels long because the editing is much too leisurely. The soundtrack is nicely understated and contains a number of fine Latin songs.
CASA DE LOS BABYS
IFC Films
A Syvan/Springall production
Credits:
Writer-director-editor: John Sayles
Producers: Lemore Syvan, Alejandro Springall
Executive producers: Jonathan Sehring, Caroline Kaplan
Director of photography: Mauricio Rubinstein
Production designer: Filipe Fernandez del Paso
Music: Mason Daring
Costume designer: Mayes C. Rubeo
Cast:
Leslie: Lili Taylor
Gayle: Mary Steenburgen
Nan: Marcia Gay Harden
Jennifer: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Skipper: Daryl Hannah
Eileen: Susan Lynch
Senora Munoz: Rita Moreno
Running time -- 95 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 9/29/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Catherine Keener will star opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in IFC Films' Rose and the Snake for writer-director Rebecca Miller. Production begins in the summer. The project sees Day-Lewis star as a dying, widowed father to a 16-year-old girl named Rose. They live on an abandoned commune, where Rose has been largely sheltered from the world. When the father's new love, a single mom named Kathleen (Keener), and her two teenage boys come to live with them, Rose undergoes a sexual awakening with both liberating and devastating consequences. Initial Entertainment Group is handling foreign distribution on the project, which is being produced by Lemore Syvan. IFC's Jonathan Sehring and Caroline Kaplan and Initial's Graham King are executive producing. Keener, repped by the Gersh Agency, was nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar for her performance in 1999's Being John Malkovich. She was most recently seen in such films as Adaptation, Simone, Full Frontal and Lovely & Amazing.
Catherine Keener will star opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in IFC Films' Rose and the Snake for writer-director Rebecca Miller. Production begins in the summer. The project sees Day-Lewis star as a dying, widowed father to a 16-year-old girl named Rose. They live on an abandoned commune, where Rose has been largely sheltered from the world. When the father's new love, a single mom named Kathleen (Keener), and her two teenage boys come to live with them, Rose undergoes a sexual awakening with both liberating and devastating consequences. Initial Entertainment Group is handling foreign distribution on the project, which is being produced by Lemore Syvan. IFC's Jonathan Sehring and Caroline Kaplan and Initial's Graham King are executive producing. Keener, repped by the Gersh Agency, was nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar for her performance in 1999's Being John Malkovich. She was most recently seen in such films as Adaptation, Simone, Full Frontal and Lovely & Amazing.
Stage director Daniel Sullivan's feature debut is a competent adaptation of Jon Robin Baitz's 1989 play about a Holocaust survivor grown into a hard-headed publisher and hard-hearted father. "The Substance of Fire", an upcoming Miramax release, premiered locally Saturday at the AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival.
Lauded for his performances in the theatrical version, Ron Rifkin reprises the role of Isaac Geldhart, seen in a new opening as a child observing a book-burning during the war. The scene quickly shifts to current times, with Isaac in New York and a heap of problems about to ignite.
Having lost his family and wife and grown stony in the face of criticism for printing only narrow-interest works on the war, Isaac rebuffs his more practical son, Aaron (Tony Goldwyn). The latter is having no luck attracting investors and seeks to publish a potential best seller.
Isaac believes in high standards of craftsmanship and Old World integrity. A struggle ensues for control of the company, with Isaac losing his grip over Aaron's weak older brother (Timothy Hutton) and insurgent sister, Sarah Sarah Jessica Parker). All have equal shares, and Isaac is conspired against.
Meanwhile, Ronny Graham as a cranky author and loyal friend of Isaac lends support as Rifkin, with assured moves, takes us through the lead's mounting crises. Elizabeth Franz is another welcome presence as Isaac's won't-go-down-with-the-ship secretary.
Goldwyn, Hutton and Parker, however, are anything but inspiring. One develops little interest in their characters' problems when the spotlight shines so harshly on Isaac. Rifkin is commanding, but one grows weary waiting for his armor to crack.
One does learn a few things about paper stock and binding in Sullivan's latching onto cinematic possibilities, but the drama is still stagy while lacking the energy and urgency of a live performance.
THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE
Miramax Films
Goldheart Films
Director Daniel Sullivan
Writer Jon Robin Baitz
Producers Jon Robin Baitz, Randy Finch,
Ron Kastner
Co-producer Lemore Syvan
Director of photography Robert Yeoman
Production designer John Lee Beatty
Editor Pamela Martin
Costume designer Jess Goldstein
Casting Meg Simon
Cast:
Isaac Geldhart Ron Rifkin
Aaron Geldhart Tony Goldwyn
Martin Geldhart Timothy Hutton
Sarah Geldhart Sarah Jessica Parker
Miss Barzakian Elizabeth Franz
Val Chenard Gil Bellows
Louis Foukold Ronny Graham
Running time -- 101 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Lauded for his performances in the theatrical version, Ron Rifkin reprises the role of Isaac Geldhart, seen in a new opening as a child observing a book-burning during the war. The scene quickly shifts to current times, with Isaac in New York and a heap of problems about to ignite.
Having lost his family and wife and grown stony in the face of criticism for printing only narrow-interest works on the war, Isaac rebuffs his more practical son, Aaron (Tony Goldwyn). The latter is having no luck attracting investors and seeks to publish a potential best seller.
Isaac believes in high standards of craftsmanship and Old World integrity. A struggle ensues for control of the company, with Isaac losing his grip over Aaron's weak older brother (Timothy Hutton) and insurgent sister, Sarah Sarah Jessica Parker). All have equal shares, and Isaac is conspired against.
Meanwhile, Ronny Graham as a cranky author and loyal friend of Isaac lends support as Rifkin, with assured moves, takes us through the lead's mounting crises. Elizabeth Franz is another welcome presence as Isaac's won't-go-down-with-the-ship secretary.
Goldwyn, Hutton and Parker, however, are anything but inspiring. One develops little interest in their characters' problems when the spotlight shines so harshly on Isaac. Rifkin is commanding, but one grows weary waiting for his armor to crack.
One does learn a few things about paper stock and binding in Sullivan's latching onto cinematic possibilities, but the drama is still stagy while lacking the energy and urgency of a live performance.
THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE
Miramax Films
Goldheart Films
Director Daniel Sullivan
Writer Jon Robin Baitz
Producers Jon Robin Baitz, Randy Finch,
Ron Kastner
Co-producer Lemore Syvan
Director of photography Robert Yeoman
Production designer John Lee Beatty
Editor Pamela Martin
Costume designer Jess Goldstein
Casting Meg Simon
Cast:
Isaac Geldhart Ron Rifkin
Aaron Geldhart Tony Goldwyn
Martin Geldhart Timothy Hutton
Sarah Geldhart Sarah Jessica Parker
Miss Barzakian Elizabeth Franz
Val Chenard Gil Bellows
Louis Foukold Ronny Graham
Running time -- 101 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 10/28/1996
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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