Exclusive: Apple’s Invasion is rounding out its Season 3 cast with Ashton Sanders and Eric Lange who will tackle major recurring roles.
As Deadline revealed this week, Erika Alexander will appear as a series regular in the Simon Kinberg and David Weil-created series. In addition to Alexander, the ensemble also includes Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Tara Moayedi, Enver Gjokaj and Shane Zaza.
Invasion follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. Details regarding the Season 3 storyline and who Sanders and Lange will play are under wraps. The first and second seasons are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.
Produced for Apple TV+ by Boat Rocker, the series is created by Kinberg and Weil, who serve as executive producers alongside Audrey Chon, David Witz, Alik Sakharov, Andrew Baldwin, Dan Dietz and Katie O’Connell Marsh.
As Deadline revealed this week, Erika Alexander will appear as a series regular in the Simon Kinberg and David Weil-created series. In addition to Alexander, the ensemble also includes Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Tara Moayedi, Enver Gjokaj and Shane Zaza.
Invasion follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. Details regarding the Season 3 storyline and who Sanders and Lange will play are under wraps. The first and second seasons are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.
Produced for Apple TV+ by Boat Rocker, the series is created by Kinberg and Weil, who serve as executive producers alongside Audrey Chon, David Witz, Alik Sakharov, Andrew Baldwin, Dan Dietz and Katie O’Connell Marsh.
- 3/29/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
‘American Fiction’ Star Erika Alexander Lands Series Regular Role In Apple’s ‘Invasion’ For Season 3
Exclusive: Coming off a busy award season, Erika Alexander has landed a series regular role in Apple’s Invasion for Season 3. Production is currently underway on the Simon Kinberg and David Weil-created series.
Alexander joins the ensemble cast that includes Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Tara Moayedi, Enver Gjokaj and Shane Zaza.
Invasion follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. Details regarding the Season 3 storyline and who Alexander will play are under wraps. The first and second seasons are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.
Produced for Apple TV+ by Boat Rocker, the series is created by Kinberg and Weil, who also serve as executive producers alongside Audrey Chon, David Witz, Alik Sakharov, Andrew Baldwin, Dan Dietz and Katie O’Connell Marsh. Nick Nantell serves as executive producer for Boat Rocker; Grace Gilroy serves as producer.
Alexander joins the ensemble cast that includes Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Tara Moayedi, Enver Gjokaj and Shane Zaza.
Invasion follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. Details regarding the Season 3 storyline and who Alexander will play are under wraps. The first and second seasons are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.
Produced for Apple TV+ by Boat Rocker, the series is created by Kinberg and Weil, who also serve as executive producers alongside Audrey Chon, David Witz, Alik Sakharov, Andrew Baldwin, Dan Dietz and Katie O’Connell Marsh. Nick Nantell serves as executive producer for Boat Rocker; Grace Gilroy serves as producer.
- 3/27/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Cache Vanderpuye, India Brown and Louis Toghill in ‘Invasion’ season 2 (Photo credit: Apple TV+)
Apple TV+ wants more of the sci-fi thriller Invasion and has picked up the series from Simon Kinberg (the Deadpool films) and David Weil (Hunters) for a third season.
Commenting on the third season renewal order, creator/executive producer Kinberg stated: “I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to do with our first two seasons of the show with our partners at Apple TV+ and our cast and crew. This new season will continue to build on the scale, stakes, and propulsion of the Invasion, while keeping our characters front and center, bringing them together in ways that will hopefully surprise and most importantly move our audience, who have been so incredibly supportive and inspiring since day one.”
Season one premiered in October 2021, followed by season two in August 2023. Season three is expected...
Apple TV+ wants more of the sci-fi thriller Invasion and has picked up the series from Simon Kinberg (the Deadpool films) and David Weil (Hunters) for a third season.
Commenting on the third season renewal order, creator/executive producer Kinberg stated: “I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to do with our first two seasons of the show with our partners at Apple TV+ and our cast and crew. This new season will continue to build on the scale, stakes, and propulsion of the Invasion, while keeping our characters front and center, bringing them together in ways that will hopefully surprise and most importantly move our audience, who have been so incredibly supportive and inspiring since day one.”
Season one premiered in October 2021, followed by season two in August 2023. Season three is expected...
- 2/13/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
The premiere season of the Apple TV+ series Invasion (read our review Here) started airing in October of 2021 and wrapped up its ten episode run in December of that year. The same week the season finale aired, it was announced that a second season of the show had been ordered. Invasion season 2 finally made its way to the screen in August of 2023 and wrapped up in October. It’s taken them a while, but Apple TV+ has now officially confirmed that they’ve renewed Invasion for season 3. The new batch of episodes are expected to begin filming later this month.
Created by Simon Kinberg and David Weil, Invasion is set across multiple continents and is described as a sweeping, character-driven science fiction drama series that follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. Season 2 picked up 121 days after the invasion started.
The cast includes Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna,...
Created by Simon Kinberg and David Weil, Invasion is set across multiple continents and is described as a sweeping, character-driven science fiction drama series that follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. Season 2 picked up 121 days after the invasion started.
The cast includes Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The Invasion will continue at Apple TV+, which has officially renewed the sprawling sci-fi drama for Season 3, TVLine has learned. Production on the new episodes is slated to begin later this month.
Co-created and executive-produced by Simon Kinberg (of the X-Men and Deadpool films, and The Martian) and David Weil (Hunters, Citadel), the series follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world.
More from TVLineSurvival of the Thickest Renewed for Season 2 at NetflixThe New Look's Ben Mendelsohn Talks Christian Dior's 'Ferocious Ambition' in Apple TV+ WWII Drama - WatchGoosebumps Renewed for Season 2 at Disney+ With a New...
Co-created and executive-produced by Simon Kinberg (of the X-Men and Deadpool films, and The Martian) and David Weil (Hunters, Citadel), the series follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world.
More from TVLineSurvival of the Thickest Renewed for Season 2 at NetflixThe New Look's Ben Mendelsohn Talks Christian Dior's 'Ferocious Ambition' in Apple TV+ WWII Drama - WatchGoosebumps Renewed for Season 2 at Disney+ With a New...
- 2/13/2024
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Season two of Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed sci-fi drama Invasion kicks off on August 23, 2023 with an episode that finds humans doing whatever’s necessary to fight the alien invaders. In this new clip from episode one, it’s revealed that aliens can be killed with fire.
Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Paddy Holland, and Tara Moayedi reprise their roles for season two. Enver Gjokaj, Nedra Marie Taylor, and Naian González Norvind join the fight in season two.
Apple TV+ released this description of season two and of episode one, “Something’s Changed:”
The action-packed second season of Invasion picks up just months after the events of the first season, with the aliens escalating their attacks in an all-out war against the humans. In episode one, Mitsuki is taken to an alien ship in the Amazon jungle. Aneesha and her children take refuge...
Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Paddy Holland, and Tara Moayedi reprise their roles for season two. Enver Gjokaj, Nedra Marie Taylor, and Naian González Norvind join the fight in season two.
Apple TV+ released this description of season two and of episode one, “Something’s Changed:”
The action-packed second season of Invasion picks up just months after the events of the first season, with the aliens escalating their attacks in an all-out war against the humans. In episode one, Mitsuki is taken to an alien ship in the Amazon jungle. Aneesha and her children take refuge...
- 8/22/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
One of the best alien invasion shows is returning this week to AppleTV+. It is right up there with some of the best that include The 4400, Colony, Falling Skies and the ultimate, V.
The epic series “Invasion” is set to make its global premiere with the first episode on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. From Academy Award-nominated and two-time Emmy Award-nominated producer Simon Kinberg, who serves as showrunner, and David Weil, “Invasion” is a sweeping, character-driven science fiction drama series that follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world.
Check out this new clip.
“Invasion” will debut the first episode of its ten-episode second season on Apple TV+, followed by one new episode weekly, every Wednesday through October 25, 2023.
The action-packed second season of “Invasion” picks up just months later with the aliens escalating their attacks in an all-out war against the humans. The trailer gives a suspenseful sneak peek into the new season,...
The epic series “Invasion” is set to make its global premiere with the first episode on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. From Academy Award-nominated and two-time Emmy Award-nominated producer Simon Kinberg, who serves as showrunner, and David Weil, “Invasion” is a sweeping, character-driven science fiction drama series that follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world.
Check out this new clip.
“Invasion” will debut the first episode of its ten-episode second season on Apple TV+, followed by one new episode weekly, every Wednesday through October 25, 2023.
The action-packed second season of “Invasion” picks up just months later with the aliens escalating their attacks in an all-out war against the humans. The trailer gives a suspenseful sneak peek into the new season,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Apple TV+ has released the Invasion season two trailer one month out from the premiere of the new season. The two-minute trailer begins by confirming it’s been 121 since the aliens invaded Earth, and the war against the creatures continues. Lives have been lost, sacrifices have been made, and now it appears it’s going to take working together to defeat this invading force.
Returning season one stars include Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Paddy Holland, and Tara Moayedi. Newcomers to the show’s post-apocalyptic world include Enver Gjokaj, Nedra Marie Taylor, and Naian González Norvind.
The critically acclaimed sci-fi series was created by Oscar and Emmy nominee Simon Kinberg and David Weil, with Kinberg serving as showrunner. Kinberg, Weil, Audrey Chon, David Witz, Alik Sakharov, Andrew Baldwin, and Katie O’Connell Marsh executive produce. Boat Rocker produces the series for Apple TV+.
The...
Returning season one stars include Golshifteh Farahani, Shioli Kutsuna, Shamier Anderson, India Brown, Billy Barratt, Azhy Robertson, Paddy Holland, and Tara Moayedi. Newcomers to the show’s post-apocalyptic world include Enver Gjokaj, Nedra Marie Taylor, and Naian González Norvind.
The critically acclaimed sci-fi series was created by Oscar and Emmy nominee Simon Kinberg and David Weil, with Kinberg serving as showrunner. Kinberg, Weil, Audrey Chon, David Witz, Alik Sakharov, Andrew Baldwin, and Katie O’Connell Marsh executive produce. Boat Rocker produces the series for Apple TV+.
The...
- 7/26/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Poster for Apple TV+’s ‘Invasion’ season 2
Apple TV+ has set a Wednesday, August 23, 2023 premiere date for the launch of season two of the critically acclaimed sci-fi series Invasion. The season two date announcement included the first batch of photos from the upcoming 10-episode season.
Created by Oscar nominee Simon Kinberg (The Martian) and David Weil (Citadel), Invasion debuted on October 22, 2021 and wrapped up its 10-episode first season in December 2021. The season two renewal was confirmed just days before the season one finale.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the return of Invasion on Apple TV+,” stated Kinberg. “It’s a bigger, more intense season that drops our viewers into a wide-scale, global battle from the start. At its core, the show is about the power of the human spirit and the emotional connections that hold us together especially when facing incredible obstacles.”
Returning season one stars include Golshifteh Farahani,...
Apple TV+ has set a Wednesday, August 23, 2023 premiere date for the launch of season two of the critically acclaimed sci-fi series Invasion. The season two date announcement included the first batch of photos from the upcoming 10-episode season.
Created by Oscar nominee Simon Kinberg (The Martian) and David Weil (Citadel), Invasion debuted on October 22, 2021 and wrapped up its 10-episode first season in December 2021. The season two renewal was confirmed just days before the season one finale.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the return of Invasion on Apple TV+,” stated Kinberg. “It’s a bigger, more intense season that drops our viewers into a wide-scale, global battle from the start. At its core, the show is about the power of the human spirit and the emotional connections that hold us together especially when facing incredible obstacles.”
Returning season one stars include Golshifteh Farahani,...
- 6/30/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
It’s back to the “Futurama!” The trailer has been released for Season 11 of the animated futuristic sitcom. After a decade, the series has defrosted for 10 new episodes which will be added to Hulu on July 24.
Season 11 features “a whole new pandemic in town as the crew explores the future of vaccines, bitcoin, cancel culture, and streaming TV,” said the show’s official synopsis.
New New York will feature the voices of John Dimaggio, Billy West, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille, Maurice Lamarche, Lauren Tom, Phil Lamarr and David Herman. “Futurama” was created by Matt Groening and is executive produced by Groening, Cohen, Ken Keeler and Claudia Katz.
Watch the “Futurama” trailer below.
First Looks
Netflix released the “Sweet Magnolias” Season 3 trailer, which will return with 10 episodes on July 20.
Based on Sherryl Woods’ novel of the same name, “Sweet Magnolias” follows around three best friends Maddie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Helen (Heather Headley...
Season 11 features “a whole new pandemic in town as the crew explores the future of vaccines, bitcoin, cancel culture, and streaming TV,” said the show’s official synopsis.
New New York will feature the voices of John Dimaggio, Billy West, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille, Maurice Lamarche, Lauren Tom, Phil Lamarr and David Herman. “Futurama” was created by Matt Groening and is executive produced by Groening, Cohen, Ken Keeler and Claudia Katz.
Watch the “Futurama” trailer below.
First Looks
Netflix released the “Sweet Magnolias” Season 3 trailer, which will return with 10 episodes on July 20.
Based on Sherryl Woods’ novel of the same name, “Sweet Magnolias” follows around three best friends Maddie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Helen (Heather Headley...
- 6/29/2023
- by McKinley Franklin, Sophia Scorziello and Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
We now have another piece of the puzzle folks. Just a few moments ago, the Directors Guild of America revealed their nominees. DGA doesn’t always match up with the Academy Awards lineup of Best Director, but it’s safe to assume that at least three or four of the honored individuals today will hear their names on Oscar nomination morning. DGA thankfully included plenty of diversity in their lineup this year, which also bode well for what AMPAS might do. Time will tell, but even a small step in the right direction is still very much a step in the right direction. DGA actually went with my currently predicted Oscar five. That would be Guillermo del Toro for The Shape of Water, Greta Gerwig for Lady Bird, Martin McDonagh for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Christopher Nolan for Dunkirk, and Jordan Peel for Get Out. Not surprisingly, Peele was...
- 1/11/2018
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
The Directors Guild of America has announced its nominees for the 70th Annual DGA Awards in the feature film categories, including both feature film and first-film feature film. Heavy hitters like Guillermo del Toro (his first DGA nod) and Christopher Nolan (his fourth) made the cut, along with awards season favorites like Greta Gerwig for her “Lady Bird” and Jordan Peele for his “Get Out,” who pulled in nominations in both categories. Other first-timers of note include Aaron Sorkin and Taylor Sheridan, who both made the jump to directing with their newest features, along with “Lady Macbeth” helmer William Oldroyd and “Patti Cake$” director Geremy Jasper.
Notable missing names include Steven Spielberg for his “The Post,” Denis Villeneuve for his “Blade Runner 2049,” and Ridley Scott for his “All the Money in the World,” all of whom have received best director nods during the season from various guilds and voting bodies.
Notable missing names include Steven Spielberg for his “The Post,” Denis Villeneuve for his “Blade Runner 2049,” and Ridley Scott for his “All the Money in the World,” all of whom have received best director nods during the season from various guilds and voting bodies.
- 1/11/2018
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
From TorontoFilm.Net here is the Toronto Film Production Update for January 2018 including "Designated Survivor", "Titans", "The Umbrella Academy" and a whole lot more:
12/ 24
Feature
Pocket Knife Productions Inc.
Prod.: Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan, Mark Radcliffe
Dir.: Clay Katis
Jan 17/18 - Mar 28/18
Anne Season 2
TV Series
CBC/Netflix
Prod.: John Calvert
Exec. Prod.: Miranda de Pencier, Ken Girotti, Moira Walley-Beckett (Show Runner)
Dir.: Various
Oct 2/17 - Mar 20/18
Designated Survivor
Season 2
TV Series
Designated 1 Ltd.
Prod.: Llewellyn Wells
Exec. Prod.: Chris Grismer,
Joe Lazarov
Dir.: Various
Jul 4/17 - Mar 31/18
Dino Dana Season 4
TV Series
Sinking Ship Entertainment
Prod.: Eric Beldowski
Exec. Prod.: Blair Powers, J.J. Johnson, Christin Simms, Matt Bishop
Dir: Various
Nov 28/17 - Mar 23/18
Falling Water Season 2
TV Series
Gep Falling Water Inc.
Prod.: Terry Gould
Exec. Prod.: Gale Anne Hurd, Phillip Kobylanski, Remi Aubuchon
Dir.:...
12/ 24
Feature
Pocket Knife Productions Inc.
Prod.: Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan, Mark Radcliffe
Dir.: Clay Katis
Jan 17/18 - Mar 28/18
Anne Season 2
TV Series
CBC/Netflix
Prod.: John Calvert
Exec. Prod.: Miranda de Pencier, Ken Girotti, Moira Walley-Beckett (Show Runner)
Dir.: Various
Oct 2/17 - Mar 20/18
Designated Survivor
Season 2
TV Series
Designated 1 Ltd.
Prod.: Llewellyn Wells
Exec. Prod.: Chris Grismer,
Joe Lazarov
Dir.: Various
Jul 4/17 - Mar 31/18
Dino Dana Season 4
TV Series
Sinking Ship Entertainment
Prod.: Eric Beldowski
Exec. Prod.: Blair Powers, J.J. Johnson, Christin Simms, Matt Bishop
Dir: Various
Nov 28/17 - Mar 23/18
Falling Water Season 2
TV Series
Gep Falling Water Inc.
Prod.: Terry Gould
Exec. Prod.: Gale Anne Hurd, Phillip Kobylanski, Remi Aubuchon
Dir.:...
- 12/24/2017
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Much like the large group of characters who inhabit it, "Playing by Heart" is filled with contradictions. A rich tapestry of a film concerning a disparate group of individuals looking to find or preserve love in Los Angeles, this comedy-drama from Miramax is an overstuffed feast of incisive dialogue and rich performances from a superb cast.
If the film never quite reaches the emotional payoffs it seems to desperately yearn for, it offers myriad subtle pleasures and finely observed moments along the way. It opens today in Los Angeles for an Oscar-qualifying run, with a wider opening set for late January.
Director-screenwriter Willard Carroll, whose sole theatrical credit is "Tom's Midnight Garden", has assembled a stellar cast, most of whom were no doubt lured by the prospect of roles with some dimension. The film, which sported the memorable if oblique title "Dancing About Architecture", is concerned with 11 major characters.
They include Paul Sean Connery) and Hannah (Gena Rowlands), a long-married couple facing an emotional crisis over a platonic infidelity committed by Paul a quarter-century earlier; Mildred (Ellen Burstyn), a mother spending some last days with her gay son Mark (Jay Mohr), who is dying of AIDS in a hospital bed; and Meredith (Gillian Anderson), a high-strung woman attempting to overcome her neurotic fear of relationships and connect with a persistent suitor, a charming architect named Trent (Jon Stewart).
There are also Joan (Angelina Jolie), a headstrong young woman desperately trying to secure the affections of the supremely standoffish Keenan (Ryan Phillippe); Hugh Dennis Quaid), a mysterious man who spends his evenings wandering through L.A. nightspots, telling varied tales of woe to strangers; and Gracie (Madeleine Stowe), who is enjoying a sexually passionate but emotionally restrained extramarital affair with Roger Anthony Edwards).
For most of the film, it seems as if the members of this disparate group have nothing to do with each other, but the screenplay has some tricks up its sleeve, with surprises concerning the characters' behavior and their relationships with one another. Although there is a certain satisfaction to be found in the unveiling of these twists, they ultimately lend little real emotional resonance to the various stories, which work just fine on their own as miniature portraits of sympathetic individuals trying to connect with one another.
The strength of the film lies not with any grand thematic ideas but with the richness of the dialogue, the well-textured characterizations and the excellent performances. Nearly every member of the cast delivers outstanding work, from Connery and Rowlands' mature elegance to Jolie's life-affirming exuberance to Burstyn's moving portrait of grief to Anderson's highly appealing vulnerability.
Stewart, as the sensitive, funny architect with no fear of commitment and a house in the hills to die for, is particularly engaging and will no doubt win the hearts of many female audience members. If some of the characters seem underdeveloped (Stowe) or gimmicky (Quaid), the performers' charisma makes up for it.
Tech credits are superb, with Vilmos Zsigmond's photography of various Los Angeles locations providing the city with a visual grandeur that's missing from most other cinematic depictions. Melissa Stewart's production design perfectly evokes a wide variety of L.A. settings, and John Barry's jazz-heavy score possesses his trademark lush melodicism.
PLAYING BY HEART
Miramax Films
A Miramax and Intermedia Films presentation
in association with Morpheus
A Hyperion production
Director-screenwriter: Willard Carroll
Producers: Meg Liberman, Willard Carroll, Tom Wilhite
Executive producers: Paul Feldsher, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Guy East, Nigel Sinclair
Co-producers: David Witz, Kurt Albrecht
Director of photography: Vilmos Zsigmond
Production designer: Melissa Stewart
Editor: Pietro Scalia
Music: John Barry
Color/stereo
Cast:
Meredith: Gillian Anderson
Mildred: Ellen Burstyn
Paul: Sean Connery
Roger: Anthony Edwards
Joan: Angelina Jolie
Mark: Jay Mohr
Keenan: Ryan Phillippe
Hugh: Dennis Quaid
Hannah: Gena Rowlands
Trent: Jon Stewart
Gracie: Madeleine Stowe
Running time -- 120 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
If the film never quite reaches the emotional payoffs it seems to desperately yearn for, it offers myriad subtle pleasures and finely observed moments along the way. It opens today in Los Angeles for an Oscar-qualifying run, with a wider opening set for late January.
Director-screenwriter Willard Carroll, whose sole theatrical credit is "Tom's Midnight Garden", has assembled a stellar cast, most of whom were no doubt lured by the prospect of roles with some dimension. The film, which sported the memorable if oblique title "Dancing About Architecture", is concerned with 11 major characters.
They include Paul Sean Connery) and Hannah (Gena Rowlands), a long-married couple facing an emotional crisis over a platonic infidelity committed by Paul a quarter-century earlier; Mildred (Ellen Burstyn), a mother spending some last days with her gay son Mark (Jay Mohr), who is dying of AIDS in a hospital bed; and Meredith (Gillian Anderson), a high-strung woman attempting to overcome her neurotic fear of relationships and connect with a persistent suitor, a charming architect named Trent (Jon Stewart).
There are also Joan (Angelina Jolie), a headstrong young woman desperately trying to secure the affections of the supremely standoffish Keenan (Ryan Phillippe); Hugh Dennis Quaid), a mysterious man who spends his evenings wandering through L.A. nightspots, telling varied tales of woe to strangers; and Gracie (Madeleine Stowe), who is enjoying a sexually passionate but emotionally restrained extramarital affair with Roger Anthony Edwards).
For most of the film, it seems as if the members of this disparate group have nothing to do with each other, but the screenplay has some tricks up its sleeve, with surprises concerning the characters' behavior and their relationships with one another. Although there is a certain satisfaction to be found in the unveiling of these twists, they ultimately lend little real emotional resonance to the various stories, which work just fine on their own as miniature portraits of sympathetic individuals trying to connect with one another.
The strength of the film lies not with any grand thematic ideas but with the richness of the dialogue, the well-textured characterizations and the excellent performances. Nearly every member of the cast delivers outstanding work, from Connery and Rowlands' mature elegance to Jolie's life-affirming exuberance to Burstyn's moving portrait of grief to Anderson's highly appealing vulnerability.
Stewart, as the sensitive, funny architect with no fear of commitment and a house in the hills to die for, is particularly engaging and will no doubt win the hearts of many female audience members. If some of the characters seem underdeveloped (Stowe) or gimmicky (Quaid), the performers' charisma makes up for it.
Tech credits are superb, with Vilmos Zsigmond's photography of various Los Angeles locations providing the city with a visual grandeur that's missing from most other cinematic depictions. Melissa Stewart's production design perfectly evokes a wide variety of L.A. settings, and John Barry's jazz-heavy score possesses his trademark lush melodicism.
PLAYING BY HEART
Miramax Films
A Miramax and Intermedia Films presentation
in association with Morpheus
A Hyperion production
Director-screenwriter: Willard Carroll
Producers: Meg Liberman, Willard Carroll, Tom Wilhite
Executive producers: Paul Feldsher, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Guy East, Nigel Sinclair
Co-producers: David Witz, Kurt Albrecht
Director of photography: Vilmos Zsigmond
Production designer: Melissa Stewart
Editor: Pietro Scalia
Music: John Barry
Color/stereo
Cast:
Meredith: Gillian Anderson
Mildred: Ellen Burstyn
Paul: Sean Connery
Roger: Anthony Edwards
Joan: Angelina Jolie
Mark: Jay Mohr
Keenan: Ryan Phillippe
Hugh: Dennis Quaid
Hannah: Gena Rowlands
Trent: Jon Stewart
Gracie: Madeleine Stowe
Running time -- 120 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 12/30/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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