This year shall see a large number of exciting releases through film. Some of the most highly anticipated are in the Indie film circuit, lined with great casts, intense directors and unusual inspiration.
Freeheld
Directed by Peter Sollet
Based around a short documentary of the same name Julianne Moore and Ellen Page star as Laurel Hester and Stacie Andree. The film follows a lesbian couple as Laurel Hester, a police officer, is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and petitions against the board so her partner can receive her pension benefits.
The short documentary itself is very moving and an interesting reflection on LGBT rights. With a strong cast, the feature is one to look forward to.
Knights Of Cups
The latest film written and directed by Terrence Malik (Tree of Life) stars Christian Bale as Rick, a slave to the Hollywood system as we follow his search for something real in a life of illusion. Malik’s latest work is bound to be visually enticing with a constant flow of beautiful, changing images.
Premieres Feburary at Berlin International Film Festival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI2j1FHCjtM
I am Michael
Directed by Justin Kelly
James Franco plays Michael Glatze, a gay activist who renounces his homosexuality and becomes a Christian pastor. I am Michael is based upon New York Times magazine article ‘My Ex-Gay Friend’ by Benoit Denizet-Lewis, interviewing his old friend Glatze, and comparing this change in him. From his work as the co-founder of Young Gay America to him now saying homosexuality is ‘a cage’, the contrast is alarming. Seeing this strange story unravel on screen should cause a stir of emotions.
Miles Ahead
This see’s Don Cheadle’s directorial debut as he stars as Miles Davis in a biographical film about the jazz musicians life. Cheadle’s obvious enthusiasm shows there has been real work put into this, with the film partly funded by an IndieGoGo project, as he wanted to create a social experience for a social musician like Davis. Biographical films always hold a certain risk when you portray someone iconic. However, There are high hopes for Miles Ahead.
Room
Directed by Lenny Abrahamson
Room is based around the bestselling novel from Emma Donoghue, following the story of five-year-old Jack, who’s held captive in a small room with his mother. The idea for this novel came about after hearing about the Josef Fritzl case, which should give you the idea of how psychologically troubling this feature will be. Interestingly from a child’s point of view, there is bound to be an edge of naivety accompanying the narrative, making it even more chilling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8rj2otXNfM