Submission (2017)

A cynical college professor takes a keen interest in a talented young writing student.

Director:

Richard Levine

Writers:

Richard Levine (screenplay), Francine Prose (novel)

Stars:

Stanley Tucci, Peter Gallagher, Colby Minifie

Cast

Credited cast:
Stanley Tucci	...	Ted Swenson
Peter Gallagher	...	Len, the agent
Colby Minifie	...	Ruby Swenson
Addison Timlin	...	Angela Argo
Janeane Garofalo	...	Magda Moynahan
Kyra Sedgwick	...	Sherrie Swenson
Ritchie Coster	...	Dean Bentham
Alison Bartlett	...	Angela's Mother
Juan Castano	...	Carlos
David Pittu	...	Bernard Levy
S.J. Son	...	Female Student
Nicole Orth-Pallavicini	...	Marge Bentham
Henry Stram	...	Dave Sterret
Malika Samuel	...	Makeesha
Stephanie Berry	...	Arlene Shurley

Storyline

A cynical college professor takes a keen interest in a talented young writing student.

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Plot Keywords:

college | college professor | student | infidelity | female nudity | 

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Taglines:

He read her story. Then he became part of it.

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual content, nudity, and language.

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Blue Angel (1930) is referenced several times, with Ted Swenson even watching a scene from it at one point. Among them is their running time; both films are exactly 106 minutes. That film inspired the novel "Blue Angel" by Francine Prose, of which this film is an adaptation.

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Connections

References The Blue Angel (1930)

User Reviews

"Submission": Whose conning who?

The games are dirty and the stakes are high in the new drama "Submission". Stanley Tucci (sporting a toupee that doesn't look half-bad) is as solid as ever as Ted Swenson, a dispirited college English lit professor in desperate search of a follow-up to a successful debut novel. Addison Timlin is Angela Argo, an admiring and enigmatic student who persuades her prof to critique chapters of her own go at a book. At first Angela projects as timid and unsure of herself and her craft with Ted. But we watch as she transforms from a seemingly scattered coed into a poised and purposeful young woman, and all the while shrewdly laser-focused on a prize she covets above all else.

As the mentorship develops matters inevitably become increasingly complicated between teacher and student. Eventually the relationship makes a volatile shift from nurturing common bond to flashpoint cataclysmic intimacy. Screenplay writer and director Richard Levine presents a dynamic in which it becomes increasingly difficult to discern who is in fact playing whom in the quest for literary fame and fortune.

The supporting cast are quite good across the board in "Submission". The multi-gifted Janeane Garofalo-one of my all-time faves-brings a sense of humor and pathos to the story as Magda, professional cohort and personal confidante of Ted who must help determine a wrenching verdict regarding her friend late in the film. The routinely reliable Kyra Sedgwick makes an impression as Sherrie, a dutifully supportive working wife who has her comfy world shaken upside down in the wake of devastating disclosure. The pivotal restaurant dinner scene between husband and wife is powerful stuff from both of these pros. But it is Sedgwick's performance in particular that infuses these emotionally jarring moments with searing sorrow and strength.

"Submission" opens in New York City on March 2 and in Los Angeles along with other markets nationwide March 9.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 September 2019 (Germany)

Also Known As:

Submission

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$39,985

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$39,985

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mighty Engine, Olive Productions, Ospringe Media Limited

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1