David Gordon Green and Emile Hirsch on 'Prince Avalanche' [WATCH]
Prince Avalanche is the newest film to come from director funnyman David Gordon Green (past credits include Pineapple Express, Your Highness). Part surreal/indie, part comedy/drama, Prince Avalanche paves the way for that new genre of the "hipster film." Cinemacy talks to Green and Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild, Lords of Dogtown) about the making of the film, the food catering on set in Texas, and the infamous scene that didn't make it in the film.
'The Spectacular Now' is a Classic Coming of Age Tale Mixed With a Shot (or Two) of Whiskey
Cinemacy got an exclusive look at The Spectacular Now during the film’s cast & crew screening this past Tuesday. Hosted by A24 and Flux, the Vista Theater in Los Feliz was transformed into a red carpet affair. Hollywood stars and the "Who’s Who" of industry hipsters packed the vintage theater for an intimate look at the film. Addressing the audience, director James Ponsoldt thanked the crowd for coming and supporting the “little film that could.” He went on to say that The Spectacular Now is not your average coming of age film; in fact, he quoted Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club as inspiration for the project.
The film comes from the same writers as (500) Days of Summer and immediately picks up on that indie rom-com formula that has garnered previous success. Shailene Woodley (The Descendants) plays Aimee Finicky, the Animé loving, naive high school student with dreams of attending college out-of-state and starting over. When she finds her classmate Sutter Keely, played by Miles Teller (Project X), drunk on her lawn one morning, the two spark up a friendship. That friendship quickly turns into a relationship and it is the chemistry between these characters and their own coming of age lessons that the film so skillfully captures.
In keeping with Ponsoldt’s vision of the film, being "not-your-average teen movie," Woodley plays Aimee in a completely natural way. Minimal to no makeup on the lead actress is something most studios typically wouldn’t embrace. The fact that we can see imperfections, the pimples, and the sweat, was a personal touch that is very often overlooked in films, especially those set in high school where the “high schoolers” are in their 30’s and look abnormally polished and put together.
I appreciated the realism of the character's appearance, but I did notice that a lot of the scenes were driven by alcohol- whiskey in a flask, to be specific. Most of the film’s dramatic scenes were because alcohol was involved; the first time Aimee and Sutter meet, their first kiss, prom night, and even when Aimee gets hit by a car were all circumstances which may not have happened without the liquid courage. The undercurrent of this constant drunken state can make it a bit hard to sympathize with these characters if they’re acting out of inebriation as opposed to raw emotion.
The Spectacular Now is a heartwarming film, the visuals of shooting in Georgia translated well, as did the soundtrack with music by Kurt Vile and Ariel Pink. What sets this movie apart from other indie romances is the intention behind the scenes, which could be felt on-screen. This wasn’t the typical “Hollywood” film with character stereotypes or even a storybook ending. Ponsoldt’s vision of keeping the film organic is evident throughout the entire story- from casting choices to wardrobe and makeup, The Spectacular Now may very easily join the ranks of those classic John Hughes “coming of age” tales.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDTBLSkUmYk
'Two: The Story of Roman & Nyro' Review
When I was first asked to cover this documentary at Outfest (the LGBT-oriented film festival in Los Angeles) I had made up a certain expectation of the film already. I’d heard the positive buzz surrounding the doc, of course, I would try to go into the screening with an open, unbiased mind. Sometimes we get caught up in what’s “popular” at the moment, whether it’s social issues, Amanda Bynes’ latest tweet, or the newest film. Although I have to say that after watching TWO: The Story of Roman & Nyro that day, I find myself among the ranks of positive voices when I say although not ground-breaking filmmaking, this documentary is equal parts uplifting and emotionally resonant.
TWO: The Story of Roman & Nyro documents the story of Hall of Fame songwriter Desmond Child and his life partner Curtis Shaw as they struggle with finding a way to conceive a child as a gay couple. Desmond, who is best known for writing Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Sisqo’s “Thong Song,” Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas,” and Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” (among countless others), is in a committed relationship with Curtis when they meet a woman named Angela on a trip to India. The doc goes into detail about the immediate spiritual connection the three had and ultimately, they ask her to carry their baby.
Since the idea to create this film started with a clear-cut vision, there were ample amounts of home videos and picture slideshows to last the entire 90 minutes.
TWO: The Story of Roman & Nyro is a glimpse at one of today’s “Modern Day” families. The way Desmond and Curtis react to the news that they are having twins could bring a smile to anyone’s face; in the same way that their boys Roman and Nyro talk about their life with two dads. This documentary is completely relatable to its audience with its message of love and family.
Whereas some documentaries happen organically, like being at the right place at the right time, this doc has a plan of attack; TWO: The Story of Roman & Nyro was 12 years in the making, which is a pretty incredible amount of time to devote to one project. Since the idea to create this film started with a clear-cut vision, there were ample amounts of home videos and picture slideshows to last the entire 90 minutes. I did appreciate the film and its message, and even though it wasn’t necessarily edgy or boundary-pushing, overall I found the film to be original and genuine.