It isn’t news that a veritable fount of films becomes newly available to consumers each and every month. Between original movies on Netflix, the latest blockbusters fresh out of theaters, and other buzzy titles arriving across platforms, it can be overwhelming to sort through the myriad streamers to find the hidden gems you wouldn’t see otherwise.
But one of the best things about streaming is just that: It gives independent cinema a chance — no matter how small that chance may be! — to reach a wider audience long after a title’s release. Movies that had limited runs in theaters, or departed quickly after bombing at the box office, are now available at the tips of anyone’s fingers with the right subscription. From foreign features to obscure older classics, the Criterion Channel helps provide access to rare titles that prove difficult to chase down on DVD. While specialty sites like Shudder,...
But one of the best things about streaming is just that: It gives independent cinema a chance — no matter how small that chance may be! — to reach a wider audience long after a title’s release. Movies that had limited runs in theaters, or departed quickly after bombing at the box office, are now available at the tips of anyone’s fingers with the right subscription. From foreign features to obscure older classics, the Criterion Channel helps provide access to rare titles that prove difficult to chase down on DVD. While specialty sites like Shudder,...
- 9/12/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
We ranked the 100 best movies of the ‘80s, and listed our favorite performances, scores, and anime of the decade. We interviewed Charles Burnett about his compromised masterpiece “My Brother’s Wedding,” Susan Seidelman about bringing a new kind of woman to the big screen, “Buddies” actor David Schachter about the first movie to tackle AIDS head-on, and went deep with Hal Hartley on the making of “The Unbelievable Truth.” Michael Giacchino waxing poetic on “Raiders of the Lost Ark?” Griffin Dunne reflecting on “After Hours?” The story of the Sundance Institute from the people who brought it to life? A true Day One exclusive.
We ran essays about the synth invasion of Hollywood scores, the uncomfortably comedic role that consent played in ’80s comedies, the birth of the steadicam, the ending of “Fatal Attraction,” and — of course — why “Streets of Fire” should’ve been the biggest rock musical of our lifetimes.
We ran essays about the synth invasion of Hollywood scores, the uncomfortably comedic role that consent played in ’80s comedies, the birth of the steadicam, the ending of “Fatal Attraction,” and — of course — why “Streets of Fire” should’ve been the biggest rock musical of our lifetimes.
- 8/18/2023
- by David Ehrlich, Kate Erbland and Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
“This inescapable truth about our lives today that any given moment each and every one of us could become a broken and confused animal scratching the surface of the Earth for some small sign of life.”
In August 1988, Steven Soderbergh shot his first narrative feature film, “sex, lies, and videotape,” in one month with a budget $1.2 million. Five months later, it premiered at the U.S. Film Festival in Park City, Utah, where it won the first-ever Audience Award. A few months after that, it screened at Cannes and won the Palme d’Or over “Do the Right Thing.” “sex, lies, and videotape” hit theaters in August 1989, a year after it went into production, and earned over $36 million worldwide. The rest is history.
The film’s commercial success quickly turned the American independent film scene into a hot commodity, while the U.S. Film Festival rebranded as Sundance and become...
In August 1988, Steven Soderbergh shot his first narrative feature film, “sex, lies, and videotape,” in one month with a budget $1.2 million. Five months later, it premiered at the U.S. Film Festival in Park City, Utah, where it won the first-ever Audience Award. A few months after that, it screened at Cannes and won the Palme d’Or over “Do the Right Thing.” “sex, lies, and videotape” hit theaters in August 1989, a year after it went into production, and earned over $36 million worldwide. The rest is history.
The film’s commercial success quickly turned the American independent film scene into a hot commodity, while the U.S. Film Festival rebranded as Sundance and become...
- 8/16/2023
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
Like the Doctor in the Tardis, the new presenter of University Challenge will know they have a hard act to follow, as Jeremy Paxman’s withering looks and razor-sharp question-mastery have become part of the show’s very identity. And, much like the new Doctor, when the BBC announced it would name University Challenge’s next host later this week, it prompted fierce speculation on social media.
So who could it be? While former Question Time and Newsnight presenters make some obvious choices, the new host will need to be someone with enough time in their schedule, and popular picks like Clive Myrie and Jeremy Vine are already busy with quiz shows Mastermind and Eggheads, respectively.
But that still leaves us with plenty of predictions. Fingers on buzzers! Here’s our starter for ten…
Samira Ahmed
A fearless and award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Ahmed will narrate a University Challenge documentary airing later this month,...
So who could it be? While former Question Time and Newsnight presenters make some obvious choices, the new host will need to be someone with enough time in their schedule, and popular picks like Clive Myrie and Jeremy Vine are already busy with quiz shows Mastermind and Eggheads, respectively.
But that still leaves us with plenty of predictions. Fingers on buzzers! Here’s our starter for ten…
Samira Ahmed
A fearless and award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Ahmed will narrate a University Challenge documentary airing later this month,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Rosie Fletcher
- Den of Geek
‘Adrienne’ Review: A Heartbreaking Love Letter to Director Adrienne Shelly Showcases Her Bright Life
I came to discover the talent of actress and director Adrienne Shelly in a weird place: the 1991 movie “Big Girls Don’t Cry, They Get Even.” Is it the best movie? No, but as a child I remember being struck by the beauty and empathy of Shelly’s performance. It’s something I continue to notice whenever I revisit the movie, which I maintain is actually very darling. The next time I heard Shelly’s name it was the announcement of her tragic murder at the age of 40, and like the death of Heath Ledger I always remembered where I was. Ironically, I saw “Waitress” soon after and was again reminded of what we lost.
Maybe because her death was so heinous, so senseless, but the people who remember Shelly’s name and work remain affected by it. So almost immediately you should expect an emotional rollercoaster going into HBO...
Maybe because her death was so heinous, so senseless, but the people who remember Shelly’s name and work remain affected by it. So almost immediately you should expect an emotional rollercoaster going into HBO...
- 11/30/2021
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
NBC announced its winter 2022 lineup, including the final season of “This Is Us,” which premieres on Jan. 4 at 9 p.m.
On Mondays starting Jan. 3 “Kenan” will air its second season with a two-episode block at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., followed by Jimmy Fallon’s variety game show “That’s My Jam” at 9 p.m., and “Ordinary Joe” will return with new episodes on this date at 10 p.m.
In addition to “This Is Us,” Jan. 4 will see the time period premieres of “American Auto” and “Grand Crew” at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., respectively, and the midseason premiere of “New Amsterdam” at 10 p.m.
On Wednesdays starting Jan. 5 “Chicago Med” returns to its traditional time period at 8 p.m., followed by “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” On Thursdays, “The Blacklist” will air at 8 p.m., followed by “Law & Order: Svu” at 9 p.m. and “Law & Order: Organized Crime” at 10 p.
On Mondays starting Jan. 3 “Kenan” will air its second season with a two-episode block at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., followed by Jimmy Fallon’s variety game show “That’s My Jam” at 9 p.m., and “Ordinary Joe” will return with new episodes on this date at 10 p.m.
In addition to “This Is Us,” Jan. 4 will see the time period premieres of “American Auto” and “Grand Crew” at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., respectively, and the midseason premiere of “New Amsterdam” at 10 p.m.
On Wednesdays starting Jan. 5 “Chicago Med” returns to its traditional time period at 8 p.m., followed by “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” On Thursdays, “The Blacklist” will air at 8 p.m., followed by “Law & Order: Svu” at 9 p.m. and “Law & Order: Organized Crime” at 10 p.
- 11/12/2021
- by Selome Hailu and Katie Song
- Variety Film + TV
Writer/director Stephen Chbosky discusses his favorite films with host Josh Olson.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Rent (2005)
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012)
Dear Evan Hansen (2021)
Mean Girls (2004)
Footloose (1984)
Grease (1978)
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
Wonder (2017)
Trainspotting (1996)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The Usual Suspects (1995)
The Shop Around The Corner (1940)
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Live Like A Cop Die Like A Man (1976)
The Wizard Of Oz (1939) – John Badham’s trailer commentary
Once (2007)
Mean Streets (1973)
Invaders From Mars (1986)
Cabaret (1972) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Heathers (1989) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary
Sing Street (2016)
Star 80 (1983)
All That Jazz (1979) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Sound Of Music (1965)
Fiddler On The Roof (1971)
Blow-Up (1966) – Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Graduate (1967) – Neil Labute’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Vertigo (1958) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary, Brian Trenchard-Smith...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Rent (2005)
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012)
Dear Evan Hansen (2021)
Mean Girls (2004)
Footloose (1984)
Grease (1978)
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
Wonder (2017)
Trainspotting (1996)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The Usual Suspects (1995)
The Shop Around The Corner (1940)
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Live Like A Cop Die Like A Man (1976)
The Wizard Of Oz (1939) – John Badham’s trailer commentary
Once (2007)
Mean Streets (1973)
Invaders From Mars (1986)
Cabaret (1972) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Heathers (1989) – Karyn Kusama’s trailer commentary
Sing Street (2016)
Star 80 (1983)
All That Jazz (1979) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Sound Of Music (1965)
Fiddler On The Roof (1971)
Blow-Up (1966) – Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray review
The Graduate (1967) – Neil Labute’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Vertigo (1958) – Dan Ireland’s trailer commentary, Brian Trenchard-Smith...
- 9/21/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Fixture of independent film world had been planning to attend Cannes with Mrs Lowry & Son.
Robbie Little, the British producer, co-president of The Little Film Company and stalwart of the independent world, has died unexpectedly in London en route to Cannes.
Little, who served alongside his wife Ellen, was a widely admired, deeply experienced and beloved figure in the film industry. At the time of his death he was working with producer Debbie Gray on the Timothy Spall and Vanessa Redgrave drama Mrs Lowry & Son and The More You Ignore Me, and was planning to continue talks with international buyers on the Croisette.
Robbie Little, the British producer, co-president of The Little Film Company and stalwart of the independent world, has died unexpectedly in London en route to Cannes.
Little, who served alongside his wife Ellen, was a widely admired, deeply experienced and beloved figure in the film industry. At the time of his death he was working with producer Debbie Gray on the Timothy Spall and Vanessa Redgrave drama Mrs Lowry & Son and The More You Ignore Me, and was planning to continue talks with international buyers on the Croisette.
- 5/5/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
This week The Perfect Murder examines the apparent suicide of actress and director Adrienne Shelly that turned out to be murder. Shelly had various acting roles in independent movies like The Unbelievable Truth and Trust, before going on to win various post-humous awards for the film Waitress in 2007. She was married to Andy Ostroy and had a daughter with him, who was two at the time of her death. On November 1, 2006, Shelly was found hanging in the West Village apartment she used as an office. She was hanging over the bath with a bed sheet tied around...read more...
- 6/21/2017
- by James Wray
- Monsters and Critics
One week a month, Watch This offers movie recommendations inspired by the week’s new releases or premieres. This week: With Sundance in full swing, we’re looking back at some of the best directorial debuts that premiered at the festival.
House Party (1990)
House Party premiered at the 1990 Sundance Film Festival, part of a pack of extremely promising debut features that also included Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan, Hal Hartley’s The Unbelievable Truth, and Wendell B. Harris Jr.’s Chameleon Street, which took home the top prize. (Apart from those debuts, the main competition also featured Charles Burnett’s To Sleep With Anger, which belongs in a class of its own.) Perhaps those highlights give an idea of why the 1990s tend to be seen as the festival’s golden decade as a taste-making institution. It commanded media attention, but still seemed to hold on to the idea ...
House Party (1990)
House Party premiered at the 1990 Sundance Film Festival, part of a pack of extremely promising debut features that also included Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan, Hal Hartley’s The Unbelievable Truth, and Wendell B. Harris Jr.’s Chameleon Street, which took home the top prize. (Apart from those debuts, the main competition also featured Charles Burnett’s To Sleep With Anger, which belongs in a class of its own.) Perhaps those highlights give an idea of why the 1990s tend to be seen as the festival’s golden decade as a taste-making institution. It commanded media attention, but still seemed to hold on to the idea ...
- 1/27/2017
- by Ignatiy Vishnevetsky
- avclub.com
After starring in director Hal Hartley's hits such as The Unbelievable Truth and Trust in the early '90s, Adrienne Shelly became known as the original indie queen and gained a huge fan following. Driven to do even more in the film world, she began writing her own screenplays and directing her own movies, including Waitress, which became a hit 2007 movie and is now a smash musical on Broadway - nominated for four Tony Awards. Even though Shelly was happily married to marketing company owner Andy Ostroy, 56, and had a daughter she adored, Sophie, now 12, the film and the...
- 5/7/2016
- by K.C. Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
After starring in director Hal Hartley's hits such as The Unbelievable Truth and Trust in the early '90s, Adrienne Shelly became known as the original indie queen and gained a huge fan following. Driven to do even more in the film world, she began writing her own screenplays and directing her own movies, including Waitress, which became a hit 2007 movie and is now a smash musical on Broadway - nominated for four Tony Awards. Even though Shelly was happily married to marketing company owner Andy Ostroy, 56, and had a daughter she adored, Sophie, now 12, the film and the...
- 5/7/2016
- by K.C. Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
Actress and director Adrienne Shelly was pregnant with her daughter, Sophie, when she worked on her hit indie film, Waitress, about an unhappy but talented pie-baking Southern woman trying to get away from an abusive husband. While Shelly, who had starred in such indie hits as Hal Hartley's The Unbelievable Truth, was happily married to marketing company owner Andy Ostroy, she had trepidations about balancing her work with motherhood, which she wove into the script. "The central theme of the film is what Adrienne felt in her own life," Ostroy, 56, tells People. "This story is about a woman who is afraid.
- 5/5/2016
- by KC Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
Actress and director Adrienne Shelly was pregnant with her daughter, Sophie, when she worked on her hit indie film, Waitress, about an unhappy but talented pie-baking Southern woman trying to get away from an abusive husband. While Shelly, who had starred in such indie hits as Hal Hartley's The Unbelievable Truth, was happily married to marketing company owner Andy Ostroy, she had trepidations about balancing her work with motherhood, which she wove into the script. "The central theme of the film is what Adrienne felt in her own life," Ostroy, 56, tells People. "This story is about a woman who is afraid.
- 5/5/2016
- by KC Baker, @kcbaker77777
- PEOPLE.com
★★☆☆☆ "I feel like I should say something important," says Ray, the melancholic career criminal in the midst of a midlife crisis. This essential emptiness plagues, Everyone's Going to Die, the visually shiny debut film from British collective 'Jones', which first premiered at Edinburgh in 2013 and is now in cinemas. Despite the dramatically apocalyptic promise of the title, not much happens in the kind of oddball day-in-the-life movie Hal Hartley made in the early nineties. The Unbelievable Truth in particular seems to have been an inspiration with its leftfield romance and monosyllabic hero. Melanie (Nora Tschirner) is a German girl who we first meet waking up on a floating mattress in a swimming pool with a Hitler moustache.
- 6/24/2015
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
This is a reprint of our review from the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. By this point, you're either a Hal Hartley devotee, or you're not. The fiercely independent filmmaker established his unique voice on films like "Trust," "Flirt," and "The Unbelievable Truth," and forged an offbeat indie genre unto himself (though it’s never been in vogue). And for most of his career, Hartley’s stayed far away from the studio system (2001's underrated "No Such Thing" being an exception). In 1997, the filmmaker arguably reached the peak of his critical acclaim with "Henry Fool," walking away from the Cannes Film Festival with a Best Screenplay award. It was perhaps the sharpest, most hilarious representation of the filmmaker's distinctly offbeat aesthetics — his deadpan tone, the arch theatrically heightened mise en scene — and he wasn't done with those characters and that world. Nine years later he returned with the sequel, "Fay...
- 3/31/2015
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
When Hal Hartley arrived on the American filmmaking scene in the late 80s and early 90s, “indie film” wasn’t yet hardened into a niche or a brand. Possibilities seemed endless. Hartley’s debut feature The Unbelievable Truth, starring the late Adrienne Shelly, filtered humor and attitude through an unexpected rigor and formal seriousness. Like other early nineties filmmakers who have remained significant over the subsequent quarter-century (Haynes, Van Sant, Solondz), Hartley’s cinema has balanced a sense of specificity of place – many of Hartley’s films are rooted in the five boroughs, Long Island in particular – with international film culture and […]...
- 3/31/2015
- by Michael Sicinski
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
When Hal Hartley arrived on the American filmmaking scene in the late 80s and early 90s, “indie film” wasn’t yet hardened into a niche or a brand. Possibilities seemed endless. Hartley’s debut feature The Unbelievable Truth, starring the late Adrienne Shelly, filtered humor and attitude through an unexpected rigor and formal seriousness. Like other early nineties filmmakers who have remained significant over the subsequent quarter-century (Haynes, Van Sant, Solondz), Hartley’s cinema has balanced a sense of specificity of place – many of Hartley’s films are rooted in the five boroughs, Long Island in particular – with international film culture and […]...
- 3/31/2015
- by Michael Sicinski
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
"Dad, give me five dollars." The opening line of writer/director Hal Hartley's "Trust" is delivered in a monotone by Adrienne Shelly, as she applies purple lipstick and stares blankly into a compact mirror. It's a striking shot that establishes everything you need to know about her character Maria -- a high school dropout and case study in youthful entitlement and vanity. Over a career spanning three decades Hartley has been an amazingly prolific filmmaker, directing a total of 15 features and 18 shorts. Unlike many of his late '80s/early '90s indie contemporaries (Quentin Tarantino, Gus Van Sant, Richard Linklater, et al), he has never catered to mainstream tastes, and his work has been greeted by the public in kind. He is known for creating stylized worlds that feel somehow hermetic and worldly, stilted and soulful, in films ranging from 1992's "Simple Men" to 1997's "Henry Fool," and...
- 3/17/2015
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
BBC iPlayer experienced its best month on record in January 2015.
The on-demand service received 343 million requests last month, with TV content seeing record viewership at 264 million.
Mobile and tablet requests accounted for 48% of that figure in January, breaking another record for the platform thanks to a surge in TV and radio customers.
Christmas and New Year specials of EastEnders, Top Gear and Miranda attracted around 2 million customers per episode, while The Voice UK, Silent Witness, Wolf Hall and The Dumping Ground were also popular.
Radio 1's Fearne Cotton Show was the most popular radio show in January, followed closely by the Chris Evans Breakfast Show.
Football coverage, The Now Show, The Unbelievable Truth, and new Radio 4 series War and Peace also fared well.
The on-demand service received 343 million requests last month, with TV content seeing record viewership at 264 million.
Mobile and tablet requests accounted for 48% of that figure in January, breaking another record for the platform thanks to a surge in TV and radio customers.
Christmas and New Year specials of EastEnders, Top Gear and Miranda attracted around 2 million customers per episode, while The Voice UK, Silent Witness, Wolf Hall and The Dumping Ground were also popular.
Radio 1's Fearne Cotton Show was the most popular radio show in January, followed closely by the Chris Evans Breakfast Show.
Football coverage, The Now Show, The Unbelievable Truth, and new Radio 4 series War and Peace also fared well.
- 2/27/2015
- Digital Spy
By this point, you're either a Hal Hartley devotee, or you're not. The fiercely independent filmmaker established his unique voice on films like "Trust," "Flirt," and "The Unbelievable Truth," and forged an offbeat indie genre unto himself (though it’s never been in vogue). And for most of his career, Hartley’s stayed far away from the studio system (2001's underrated "No Such Thing" being an exception). In 1997, the filmmaker arguably reached the peak of his critical acclaim with "Henry Fool," walking away from the Cannes Film Festival with a Best Screenplay award. It was perhaps the sharpest, most hilarious representation of the filmmaker's distinctly offbeat aesthetics—his deadpan tone, the arch theatrically heightened mise en scene—and he wasn't done with those characters and that world. Nine years later he returned with the sequel "Fay Grim," a far less successful effort (though one that's actually underrated). And eight...
- 9/13/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
"You’ve got to give credit to Hal Hartley," begins Jordan Mintzer in the Hollywood Reporter. "After breaking out onto the scene 25 years ago with The Unbelievable Truth, he’s been sticking to his guns ever since, making a dozen features characterized by his trademark deconstructed storytelling, deliberately artificial performances and offbeat deadpan humor…. This is clearly the case with Ned Rifle, the final chapter of a trilogy kicked off in 1997 with Henry Fool and followed by 2006’s Fay Grim, which starred Parker Posey as the titular heroine trying to clean up a mess left by her ex-lover." We've posted the trailer as we gather more reviews. » - David Hudson...
- 9/10/2014
- Keyframe
"You’ve got to give credit to Hal Hartley," begins Jordan Mintzer in the Hollywood Reporter. "After breaking out onto the scene 25 years ago with The Unbelievable Truth, he’s been sticking to his guns ever since, making a dozen features characterized by his trademark deconstructed storytelling, deliberately artificial performances and offbeat deadpan humor…. This is clearly the case with Ned Rifle, the final chapter of a trilogy kicked off in 1997 with Henry Fool and followed by 2006’s Fay Grim, which starred Parker Posey as the titular heroine trying to clean up a mess left by her ex-lover." We've posted the trailer as we gather more reviews. » - David Hudson...
- 9/10/2014
- Fandor: Keyframe
The Toronto International Film Festival today announced an early selection of galas and premieres for this September’s instalment. Among the most exciting world premieres is that of Hal Hartley’s Ned Rifle. Hartley’s feature career first kicked off with The Unbelievable Truth debuting at Tiff in 1989, and such great films as Trust, Simple Men and Amateur followed from there.
Funded through Kickstarter, Ned Rifle is the final part of a trilogy inadvertently started with Henry Fool in 1997 and then continued with Fay Grim in 2006. Liam Aiken, who was a child when he appeared in Henry Fool, takes the lead role this time round, with fellow trilogy stars Parker Posey, Thomas Jay Ryan and James Urbaniak all returning. Hartley regulars Martin Donovan, Bill Sage, Karen Sillas and Robert John Burke also appear, while Aubrey Plaza joins the Hartley company in what looks to be a very prominent role.
Ahead...
Funded through Kickstarter, Ned Rifle is the final part of a trilogy inadvertently started with Henry Fool in 1997 and then continued with Fay Grim in 2006. Liam Aiken, who was a child when he appeared in Henry Fool, takes the lead role this time round, with fellow trilogy stars Parker Posey, Thomas Jay Ryan and James Urbaniak all returning. Hartley regulars Martin Donovan, Bill Sage, Karen Sillas and Robert John Burke also appear, while Aubrey Plaza joins the Hartley company in what looks to be a very prominent role.
Ahead...
- 7/22/2014
- by Josh Slater-Williams
- SoundOnSight
Director Hal Hartley ("Simple Men," "The Unbelievable Truth" ) brings us "My America," a film that compiles monologues from 21 playwrights about the collective American identity. Read More: Fandor to Exclusively Stream World Premiere of Hal Hartley's 'My America' The monologues are written by some of America's most renowned playwrights, including Neil Labute, Danny Hoch, Dan Dietz and Marcus Gardley, and are read by actors including Jefferson Mays and Kathleen Chalfant, plus Hartley regular Thomas Jay Ryan. Check out the trailer for the film below, which will be available on Fandor on the Fourth of July. ...
- 6/25/2014
- by Eric Eidelstein
- Indiewire
Owen Gower’s Still the Enemy Within wins audience award.
The Audience Award winner at the 21st Sheffield Doc/Fest has been named as Still the Enemy Within, directed by Owen Gower and produced by Sinead Kirwan and Mark Lacey.
This documentary looks back to Margaret Thatcher’s battle with the unions and specifically the 1984 miners strike. Told primarily from the retrospective of the mining communities the Doc/Fest screenings received a standing-ovation from Sheffield audiences and delegates.
The world premiere screening at Doc/Fest was one of a number of films at the festival that marked the 30th anniversary of the so-called Battle of Orgreave, which took place on June 18.
The documentary festival, which run June 7-12, has also named further audience winners.
The Short Film audience award was won by Our Curse, directed by Tomasz Sliwinski and produced by Maciej Slesicki. The short doc is a self-portrait of a young couple whose newborn child has been...
The Audience Award winner at the 21st Sheffield Doc/Fest has been named as Still the Enemy Within, directed by Owen Gower and produced by Sinead Kirwan and Mark Lacey.
This documentary looks back to Margaret Thatcher’s battle with the unions and specifically the 1984 miners strike. Told primarily from the retrospective of the mining communities the Doc/Fest screenings received a standing-ovation from Sheffield audiences and delegates.
The world premiere screening at Doc/Fest was one of a number of films at the festival that marked the 30th anniversary of the so-called Battle of Orgreave, which took place on June 18.
The documentary festival, which run June 7-12, has also named further audience winners.
The Short Film audience award was won by Our Curse, directed by Tomasz Sliwinski and produced by Maciej Slesicki. The short doc is a self-portrait of a young couple whose newborn child has been...
- 6/16/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: The first initiative to come out of Film Hub North is a partnership between Sheffield Doc/Fest and Cineworld aimed at bringing documentaries to multiplex audiences.
The BFI has officially added Film Hub North to its Film Audience Network, an £8.7m lottery funded scheme made up of nine Film Hubs tasked with boosting film audiences across the UK.
Film Hub North, which will cover Yorkshire, Cumbria and the North East of England, will be headed up by Sheffield’s Showroom Workstation (under the management of umbrella company Sheffield Media & Exhibtion Centre).
Previously, the BFI had unveiled eight Film Hubs, together with their Film Hub Lead Organisations, that would comprise the Film Audience Network. However the addition of Film Hub North, according to Ben Roberts, director of the BFI Film Fund, “puts the final, significant piece into place”.
As part of its remit to work with key organisations in the region, the first initiative...
The BFI has officially added Film Hub North to its Film Audience Network, an £8.7m lottery funded scheme made up of nine Film Hubs tasked with boosting film audiences across the UK.
Film Hub North, which will cover Yorkshire, Cumbria and the North East of England, will be headed up by Sheffield’s Showroom Workstation (under the management of umbrella company Sheffield Media & Exhibtion Centre).
Previously, the BFI had unveiled eight Film Hubs, together with their Film Hub Lead Organisations, that would comprise the Film Audience Network. However the addition of Film Hub North, according to Ben Roberts, director of the BFI Film Fund, “puts the final, significant piece into place”.
As part of its remit to work with key organisations in the region, the first initiative...
- 6/11/2014
- by sarah.cooper@screendaily.com (Sarah Cooper)
- ScreenDaily
Where next after the unlikely pitch-hitter of The Lego Movie? Looking for the next colourful and popular intellectual property to turn into a blockbuster narrative animated classic, producer Adam Rifkin has hit on the sweetie brand Peeps. His producing partners Brent Tinter and Brian E. Rochlin are supporting him in his dream.Peeps are sugar-coated marshmallows much loved in America and Canada. They come in day-glo colours and are shaped mostly like cute animals (chicks, bunnies and so on), with seasonal variations for Hallowe'en, Valentine's Day and Christmas. Pennsylvania manufacturer Just Born makes something like $2bn a year from them. Scientists have ascertained that Peeps do not dissolve in acetone, sodium hydroxide or sulphuric acid, which sounds like a gambit from The Unbelievable Truth but seems to be legit.As is the way of these things (see butter sculpting and so on), there is also an odd culture around Peeps...
- 4/23/2014
- EmpireOnline
We know by now that celebrity directors such as Spike Lee use Kickstarter, as do independent filmmakers with no credits or connections. But, what about the independent director who has a big fan base and a respectable track record of making low-budget films with top talent? In the case of Hal Hartley, crowdfunding has freed him from the constraints of fundraising in the traditional route via pre-sales and producing partners. The director of quirky 90s films such as "The Unbelievable Truth," "Simple Men" and Trust," who was responsible for advancing the careers of Parker Posey, Edie Falco, and Martin Donovan, found that he didn't quite fit into any category -- he wasn't as dark and edgy as most indies and yet his films don't have blockbuster potential. "Well, I'm not the most popular filmmaker in the world. But I’m not difficult and obscure either. I like a good laugh,...
- 11/7/2013
- by Paula Bernstein
- Indiewire
Hal Hartley wants to finish a trilogy. And so he has turned to Kickstarter for his latest project "Ned Rifle," a third and final chapter to conclude the stories told in "Henry Fool" (1997) and "Fay Grim" (2006). Original cast members Parker Posey, James Urbaniak and Liam Aiken are onboard to star. This is Hartley's second go-round with Kickstarter, which has been highly successful for celebrity filmmakers with a vision. In 2011, he launched a campaign for "Meanwhile" and exceeded his goal of $40,000. But with a goal of $384,000, stakes are higher for "Ned Rifle." An indie darling since his debut feature "The Unbelievable Truth" competed for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance in 1989, Hartley and his idiosyncratic dramedies--such as the wonderful "Trust" (1991) starring late muse Adrienne Shelly--have long been absent from the screen. "Well, I'm not the most popular filmmaker in the world," Hartley writes on his Kickstarter page. "But I'm not difficult and obscure.
- 11/5/2013
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
★★★★☆ The Unbelievable Truth (1989) is one of those débuts which arrived fully formed, with its own distinctive voice. Hal Hartley had recently graduated from the revered Suny at Purchase where he had already developed his unique style through several shorts. By the time he came to making his first feature, Hartley said he had more experience than he had resources, so it's no surprise that The Unbelievable Truth is as creatively accomplished as it is; a precocious soap opera with lashings of irony and self-reflexive dialogue, it announced the arrival of a major new voice in independent American cinema.
The film opens with mechanic Josh (Robert John Burke, who went on to a career almost exclusively playing soldiers and police officers), recently released from prison, hitchhiking back home. Permanently dressed in black (an excellent running gag involves him being constantly asked if he's a priest), he is shunned by many in...
The film opens with mechanic Josh (Robert John Burke, who went on to a career almost exclusively playing soldiers and police officers), recently released from prison, hitchhiking back home. Permanently dressed in black (an excellent running gag involves him being constantly asked if he's a priest), he is shunned by many in...
- 5/28/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
The Unbelievable Truth | Blow Out | Doctor Who And The Daleks & Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 Ad | Lore | Theorem
The Unbelievable Truth
At the start of the 90s, Us independent cinema was unrecognisable from the beast it later became. Few films broke out of the small arthouse circuit, the only celebrity you'd ever see at Sundance (where this movie was a Grand Jury prize nominee in 1990) was Robert Redford, and the roost was ruled by barely a handful of directors, such as Jim Jarmusch, Steven Soderbergh, Hal Hartley and later Richard Linklater. Of that small bunch, it was Hartley who perhaps took most of the acclaim, yet he never really broke out of the indie ghetto.
Even amid such unique voices Hartley's stood out. He arrived virtually fully formed with his first feature, The Unbelievable Truth. Drenched in ambiguity and wit, it is a strangely comedic drama that casually plays with movie tropes.
The Unbelievable Truth
At the start of the 90s, Us independent cinema was unrecognisable from the beast it later became. Few films broke out of the small arthouse circuit, the only celebrity you'd ever see at Sundance (where this movie was a Grand Jury prize nominee in 1990) was Robert Redford, and the roost was ruled by barely a handful of directors, such as Jim Jarmusch, Steven Soderbergh, Hal Hartley and later Richard Linklater. Of that small bunch, it was Hartley who perhaps took most of the acclaim, yet he never really broke out of the indie ghetto.
Even amid such unique voices Hartley's stood out. He arrived virtually fully formed with his first feature, The Unbelievable Truth. Drenched in ambiguity and wit, it is a strangely comedic drama that casually plays with movie tropes.
- 5/25/2013
- by Phelim O'Neill
- The Guardian - Film News
Hal Hartley is one of the true originals of modern cinema. A consummate stylist, his work is erudite and eccentric, defiant in its singularity. After making first film The Unbelievable Truth (1989) for just $75,000, Hartley went on to quietly change the face of independent American cinema with his deadpan dialogue, brimming with arch and often philosophical insights on relationships. Over his first few films, Hartley also developed a sophisticated aesthetic to compliment his sharp writing. Over the next few months, Artificial Eye will release The Unbelievable Truth, Simple Men (1992) and Amateur (1994) for the first time on Blu-ray. CineVue's Craig Williams asked Hartley about youth, the Weinsteins and Alan Rudolph.
Craig Williams: What are your feelings about The Unbelievable Truth and Amateur looking back on them now?
Hal Hartley: Though I'm not terribly aged, I am older and I have been doing this for a long time so when I...
Craig Williams: What are your feelings about The Unbelievable Truth and Amateur looking back on them now?
Hal Hartley: Though I'm not terribly aged, I am older and I have been doing this for a long time so when I...
- 5/14/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
The First Time Fest was created by Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward as a way to showcase new upcoming filmmakers and their works, and to get them a head start in their industry. The festival occurred on March 1st to 4th at The Players Club in New York, which was a club started by some well-known writers and actors, including Edwin Booth (John Wilkes Booth’s brother), Mark Twain, and more.
While the festival does support new filmmakers in their journey, it also awards previous filmmakers who have made names for themselves. Being that this is the first year of the festival, the first ever John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema went to Darren Aronofsky. The award is named in honor of John Huston as he was a esteemed member of The Players Club, as well as considered to be one of the most influential writer, actor, director and producers of all times.
While the festival does support new filmmakers in their journey, it also awards previous filmmakers who have made names for themselves. Being that this is the first year of the festival, the first ever John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema went to Darren Aronofsky. The award is named in honor of John Huston as he was a esteemed member of The Players Club, as well as considered to be one of the most influential writer, actor, director and producers of all times.
- 3/16/2013
- by Catherina Gioino
- Nerdly
I support this new NYC Film Fest which a lot of our friends attended and also support. I went to their inaugural event in NYC a few weeks back and it felt good and I certainly like their Indie lineup. The following is from a recent press release:
Celebrating first-time filmmakers with a grand prize of theatrical distribution, hosted by the historic Players Club, First Time Fest also had additional participants to this year's unique event.
Harry Belafonte, Gay Talese, Michael Shannon & Ellen Burstyn have joined Christine Vachon, Fred Schneider, Sofia Coppola, Todd Solondz, Barbara Kopple, Scott Foundas, Eric Kohn, Emily Russo, Jenny Lumet, Darren Aronofsky, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hal Hartley, Peter Saraf, Nancy Savoca, Amy Ryan And Martin Scorsese participated In First Time Fest.
Belafonte & Shannon appeared onstage in the Ftf’s “Stand Alone! – Conversations With The Outstanding” series, one-on-one interview with notable cinema artists. Renowned author Gay Talese joined Christine Vachon and the B-52s Fred Schneider as another of the Ftf’s five jurors (the entire live audience at each of the 12 competition films was the 5th juror). Together, the jury and audience ultimately selected Grand Prize winner, Sal, a modern-day Western by Argentinian writer-director Diego Rougier which was offered theatrical distribution and full international sales representation from the renowned American film distributor, Cinema Libre Studio.
Acclaimed actress Ellen Burstyn, who worked with both Scorsese and Aronofsky served as the host of the Ftf Closing Night Awards program. As part of that festive evening, Martin Scorsese added his illustrious presence and belief in the art of cinema, presenting the first John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema to Darren Aronofsky. John Huston was one of the most prolific and versatile directors in the history of cinema. And with his mesmerizing debut film, Pi – made independently on black-and-white 16mm film – Darren Aronofsky was instantly recognized as a uniquely gifted new talent. His subsequent films: Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, The Wrestler and Black Swan, have more than fulfilled that promise.
In addition, Ftf had a special presentation of Andy Grieve and Lauren Lazin’s documentary about the band The Police, Can't Stand Losing You, featuring Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.
On an exciting party note, and in conjunction with Ftf’s presentation of the Australian/Mongolian documentary Mongolian Bling, First Time Fest and Hip Hop Saves Lives presented “Project Haiti,” an album release party for Zing Experience at Webster Hall.
Representing a hybrid between a traditional film festival and a highly motivated audience participation event, Ftf presented a dozen Competition Films, which were judged by a panel of industry luminaries and the Ftf audience. All competition screenings were followed by “hot-seat” discussions between the jury and filmmakers, and all audience members then voted on the films. It was truly a contest of the best emerging filmmakers competing for the Ultimate Audience Award.
Competition Films – (please visit here for competition films & descriptions).
In addition to the Competition Films, Ftf presented First Exposure, a series of first films from now prominent filmmakers. Joining the line-up - and mostly attending the fest - was the exciting Opening Night presentation of Sofia Coppola with The Virgin Suicides, Todd Solondz with Welcome to the Dollhouse, Wes Anderson’s Bottle Rocket, Barbara Kopple with Harlan County, USA, Melvin Van Peebles with The Story of a Three-Day Pass, Pi from Darren Aronofsky, The Maltese Falcon from director John Huston, Poison from Todd Haynes, Jack Goes Boating from director Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hal Hartley’s The Unbelievable Truth, and True Love from Nancy Savoca.
First Exposure Films – (please visit here, for First Exposure descriptions)
First Exposure also includes a 60th Anniversary Tribute to Morris Engel’s The Little Fugitive, a cinema vérité classic from 1953 that was shot on Coney Island and has inspired countless filmmakers, from Jean-Luc Godard to the Coen brothers. The tribute included a panel hosted by film historian Foster Hirsch including Mary Engel, daughter of Morris Engel and Ruth Orkin, and James Sanders, author of Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies. In addition there was a Special Presentation of Everardo Gout’s thrillingly over-the-top action thriller Days Of Grace (Dĺas De Gracia), which won the Mexican Academy of Film’s prestigious Ariel Award for Best First Feature and was nominated for the Camera d’Or at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
First Time Fest included a series of panels called “How They Did It,” in which a diverse group of award-winning filmmakers moderated filmmaking case studies and spotlighted some of the most successful and accomplished masters of the industry.
First Time Fest is a four-day, multi-faceted event hosted in New York City’s Gramercy Park by the celebrated Players (16 Gramercy Park South), the club founded by Edwin Booth, Mark Twain and John Singer Sargent, the oldest and most exclusive arts organization of its kind whose membership includes the greatest stars of stage and screen. Each of First Time Fest’s twelve finalists receive high-level industry mentorship and a one-year membership to The Players. The Players was the location for all Ftf panels and events as well as the Filmmaker and VIP Lounge. First Time Fest’s screenings were all held at the Loews Village VII on Third Avenue (on 11th St. & 3rd Ave).
Among the Fest’s terrific sponsors is the delicious Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. "The forward-thinking Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte draws its inspiration from the call of ‘faraway lands.’ One of the youngest and most fashionable Champagne brands, Nicolas Feuillatte has captured the world's imagination by sharing its passion for creativity and arts in a record 37 years, becoming the #1 Champagne in France. In its role as discoverer of talent, the brand awards its prestige cuvée Palmes d'Or to First Time Fest's winners to complement the celebration in style."
Other terrific sponsors of the fest include Brooklyn Brewery, Moscot, Marquis Vodka and Technicolor Postworks.
For additional Festival Information - Visit The Festival Website at www.FirstTimeFest.com
Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward are the co-founders of First Time Fest. As an accomplished philanthropist, actor and social entrepreneur, as well as the daughter of singer Tony Bennett, Johanna Bennett has immersed herself within the entertainment and artistic community her entire life. Mandy Ward has worked in the film industry for the past decade in varied capacities, namely as a film producer of several projects. Mitch Levine, CEO of The Film Festival Group, is producing the festival. Through his company, Mitch offers consulting services and expertise to film festivals, film commissions, distribution companies and filmmakers around the world, and was formerly the CEO and Executive Director of the renowned Palm Springs International Film Festival. The Festival’s Director of Programming is David Schwartz, the Chief Curator of Museum of the Moving Image.
Celebrating first-time filmmakers with a grand prize of theatrical distribution, hosted by the historic Players Club, First Time Fest also had additional participants to this year's unique event.
Harry Belafonte, Gay Talese, Michael Shannon & Ellen Burstyn have joined Christine Vachon, Fred Schneider, Sofia Coppola, Todd Solondz, Barbara Kopple, Scott Foundas, Eric Kohn, Emily Russo, Jenny Lumet, Darren Aronofsky, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hal Hartley, Peter Saraf, Nancy Savoca, Amy Ryan And Martin Scorsese participated In First Time Fest.
Belafonte & Shannon appeared onstage in the Ftf’s “Stand Alone! – Conversations With The Outstanding” series, one-on-one interview with notable cinema artists. Renowned author Gay Talese joined Christine Vachon and the B-52s Fred Schneider as another of the Ftf’s five jurors (the entire live audience at each of the 12 competition films was the 5th juror). Together, the jury and audience ultimately selected Grand Prize winner, Sal, a modern-day Western by Argentinian writer-director Diego Rougier which was offered theatrical distribution and full international sales representation from the renowned American film distributor, Cinema Libre Studio.
Acclaimed actress Ellen Burstyn, who worked with both Scorsese and Aronofsky served as the host of the Ftf Closing Night Awards program. As part of that festive evening, Martin Scorsese added his illustrious presence and belief in the art of cinema, presenting the first John Huston Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema to Darren Aronofsky. John Huston was one of the most prolific and versatile directors in the history of cinema. And with his mesmerizing debut film, Pi – made independently on black-and-white 16mm film – Darren Aronofsky was instantly recognized as a uniquely gifted new talent. His subsequent films: Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, The Wrestler and Black Swan, have more than fulfilled that promise.
In addition, Ftf had a special presentation of Andy Grieve and Lauren Lazin’s documentary about the band The Police, Can't Stand Losing You, featuring Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.
On an exciting party note, and in conjunction with Ftf’s presentation of the Australian/Mongolian documentary Mongolian Bling, First Time Fest and Hip Hop Saves Lives presented “Project Haiti,” an album release party for Zing Experience at Webster Hall.
Representing a hybrid between a traditional film festival and a highly motivated audience participation event, Ftf presented a dozen Competition Films, which were judged by a panel of industry luminaries and the Ftf audience. All competition screenings were followed by “hot-seat” discussions between the jury and filmmakers, and all audience members then voted on the films. It was truly a contest of the best emerging filmmakers competing for the Ultimate Audience Award.
Competition Films – (please visit here for competition films & descriptions).
In addition to the Competition Films, Ftf presented First Exposure, a series of first films from now prominent filmmakers. Joining the line-up - and mostly attending the fest - was the exciting Opening Night presentation of Sofia Coppola with The Virgin Suicides, Todd Solondz with Welcome to the Dollhouse, Wes Anderson’s Bottle Rocket, Barbara Kopple with Harlan County, USA, Melvin Van Peebles with The Story of a Three-Day Pass, Pi from Darren Aronofsky, The Maltese Falcon from director John Huston, Poison from Todd Haynes, Jack Goes Boating from director Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hal Hartley’s The Unbelievable Truth, and True Love from Nancy Savoca.
First Exposure Films – (please visit here, for First Exposure descriptions)
First Exposure also includes a 60th Anniversary Tribute to Morris Engel’s The Little Fugitive, a cinema vérité classic from 1953 that was shot on Coney Island and has inspired countless filmmakers, from Jean-Luc Godard to the Coen brothers. The tribute included a panel hosted by film historian Foster Hirsch including Mary Engel, daughter of Morris Engel and Ruth Orkin, and James Sanders, author of Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies. In addition there was a Special Presentation of Everardo Gout’s thrillingly over-the-top action thriller Days Of Grace (Dĺas De Gracia), which won the Mexican Academy of Film’s prestigious Ariel Award for Best First Feature and was nominated for the Camera d’Or at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
First Time Fest included a series of panels called “How They Did It,” in which a diverse group of award-winning filmmakers moderated filmmaking case studies and spotlighted some of the most successful and accomplished masters of the industry.
First Time Fest is a four-day, multi-faceted event hosted in New York City’s Gramercy Park by the celebrated Players (16 Gramercy Park South), the club founded by Edwin Booth, Mark Twain and John Singer Sargent, the oldest and most exclusive arts organization of its kind whose membership includes the greatest stars of stage and screen. Each of First Time Fest’s twelve finalists receive high-level industry mentorship and a one-year membership to The Players. The Players was the location for all Ftf panels and events as well as the Filmmaker and VIP Lounge. First Time Fest’s screenings were all held at the Loews Village VII on Third Avenue (on 11th St. & 3rd Ave).
Among the Fest’s terrific sponsors is the delicious Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. "The forward-thinking Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte draws its inspiration from the call of ‘faraway lands.’ One of the youngest and most fashionable Champagne brands, Nicolas Feuillatte has captured the world's imagination by sharing its passion for creativity and arts in a record 37 years, becoming the #1 Champagne in France. In its role as discoverer of talent, the brand awards its prestige cuvée Palmes d'Or to First Time Fest's winners to complement the celebration in style."
Other terrific sponsors of the fest include Brooklyn Brewery, Moscot, Marquis Vodka and Technicolor Postworks.
For additional Festival Information - Visit The Festival Website at www.FirstTimeFest.com
Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward are the co-founders of First Time Fest. As an accomplished philanthropist, actor and social entrepreneur, as well as the daughter of singer Tony Bennett, Johanna Bennett has immersed herself within the entertainment and artistic community her entire life. Mandy Ward has worked in the film industry for the past decade in varied capacities, namely as a film producer of several projects. Mitch Levine, CEO of The Film Festival Group, is producing the festival. Through his company, Mitch offers consulting services and expertise to film festivals, film commissions, distribution companies and filmmakers around the world, and was formerly the CEO and Executive Director of the renowned Palm Springs International Film Festival. The Festival’s Director of Programming is David Schwartz, the Chief Curator of Museum of the Moving Image.
- 3/11/2013
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: Jan. 22, 2013
Price: DVD $24.95, Blu-ray $29.95
Studio: Olive Films
Adrienne Shelly finds herself in a potentially explosive situation in Trust.
The 1990 comedy-drama film Trust is the second feature from ‘90s independent stalwart Hal Hartley (Henry Fool, The Unbelievable Truth, Amateur).
Trust concerns the unusual romance/friendship between two young misfits wandering the same Long Island town. When Maria (Adrienne Shelly, Waitress), a recent high school dropout, announces her unplanned pregnancy to her family, her father dies of a heart attack, her mother (Merritt Nelson, Surviving Desire) immediately evicts her and her boyfriend breaks up with her.
Lonely and with nowhere to go, Maria wanders into town, searching for a place to stay. Along the way, she meets Matthew (former Hartley regular Martin Donovan of TV’s Damages) a highly educated and extremely moody electronic repairman living with his domineering and abusive father (John MacKay, Simple Men). The two...
Price: DVD $24.95, Blu-ray $29.95
Studio: Olive Films
Adrienne Shelly finds herself in a potentially explosive situation in Trust.
The 1990 comedy-drama film Trust is the second feature from ‘90s independent stalwart Hal Hartley (Henry Fool, The Unbelievable Truth, Amateur).
Trust concerns the unusual romance/friendship between two young misfits wandering the same Long Island town. When Maria (Adrienne Shelly, Waitress), a recent high school dropout, announces her unplanned pregnancy to her family, her father dies of a heart attack, her mother (Merritt Nelson, Surviving Desire) immediately evicts her and her boyfriend breaks up with her.
Lonely and with nowhere to go, Maria wanders into town, searching for a place to stay. Along the way, she meets Matthew (former Hartley regular Martin Donovan of TV’s Damages) a highly educated and extremely moody electronic repairman living with his domineering and abusive father (John MacKay, Simple Men). The two...
- 11/19/2012
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
The Chaser’s The Unbelievable Truth won its time slot of 9.30pm in its second week on air.
The celebrity quiz show rated 520,000 and in 22nd spot for total viewers according to preliminary ratings from OzTam.
The show also won its time slot across all three key advertising demographics while placing fifth overall in 16-39, sixth overall in 18-49 and eighth in 25-54.
It saw only a slight drop from last week’s debut of 568,000 and 19th in total viewers last week.
In the battle for Breakfast, Nine’s Today registered a close win over Seven’s Sunrise. The Nine show rated 353,000 in 33rd spot for total viewers while Sunrise rated 348,000 and 34th in total viewers.
Today won in Sydney and Melbourne, but Sunrise won across Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
Winning the night across all three demos was Seven’s Beauty and the Geek Australia and in total viewers was seventh overall.
The celebrity quiz show rated 520,000 and in 22nd spot for total viewers according to preliminary ratings from OzTam.
The show also won its time slot across all three key advertising demographics while placing fifth overall in 16-39, sixth overall in 18-49 and eighth in 25-54.
It saw only a slight drop from last week’s debut of 568,000 and 19th in total viewers last week.
In the battle for Breakfast, Nine’s Today registered a close win over Seven’s Sunrise. The Nine show rated 353,000 in 33rd spot for total viewers while Sunrise rated 348,000 and 34th in total viewers.
Today won in Sydney and Melbourne, but Sunrise won across Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
Winning the night across all three demos was Seven’s Beauty and the Geek Australia and in total viewers was seventh overall.
- 10/19/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Imagine if Woody Allen, Whit Stillman, Kevin Smith and the Sundance Institute had a love child. This ungainly creature, speaking in witty, heightened, unnaturalistic sentences, and ambling, sometimes shambling between comedy, tragedy and pretension, might very well go on to make films that greatly resemble those of Hal Hartley.
Hartley is the man behind such beloved (at least by some) ‘90s indie films as “The Unbelievable Truth” and “Trust.” But to put him into proper context, we find ourselves casting around for parallels: he simply never made enough of a dent in mainstream sensibilities to be able to describe his work to a neophyte without reference to other, more overtly successful filmmakers. Or musicians, perhaps – if we play the equivalents game with the alt-rock explosion of the ‘90s, we get Quentin Tarantino as Nirvana, Jim Jarmusch as Sonic Youth and Kevin Smith as, maybe, Smashing Pumpkins (revered early on, but...
Hartley is the man behind such beloved (at least by some) ‘90s indie films as “The Unbelievable Truth” and “Trust.” But to put him into proper context, we find ourselves casting around for parallels: he simply never made enough of a dent in mainstream sensibilities to be able to describe his work to a neophyte without reference to other, more overtly successful filmmakers. Or musicians, perhaps – if we play the equivalents game with the alt-rock explosion of the ‘90s, we get Quentin Tarantino as Nirvana, Jim Jarmusch as Sonic Youth and Kevin Smith as, maybe, Smashing Pumpkins (revered early on, but...
- 2/29/2012
- by The Playlist
- The Playlist
The Chaser team and Channel Seven will go into production on their new show this week.
The Unbelievable Truth is produced by The Chaser team’s Giant Dwarf productions and adapted from the BBC Radio4 show of the same name, co-created by The Goodies’ Graeme Garden – who gets a ‘co-creator’ title on this new version.
A panel style show, the program will feature comedians trying to trick each other into believing lies “while smuggling unbelievable but true facts past each other”.
Hosted by The Chaser’s Craig Reucassel, Julian Morrow and Andrew Hansen will be team captains.
In a statement, Morrow Giant Dwarf’s executive producer said: “The most bizarre fact in the entire series is that Channel Seven have agreed to make a show with us involved. But I suppose it is called The Unbelievable Truth.”
Brad Lyons, Seven’s head of production said: “I liked it better when...
The Unbelievable Truth is produced by The Chaser team’s Giant Dwarf productions and adapted from the BBC Radio4 show of the same name, co-created by The Goodies’ Graeme Garden – who gets a ‘co-creator’ title on this new version.
A panel style show, the program will feature comedians trying to trick each other into believing lies “while smuggling unbelievable but true facts past each other”.
Hosted by The Chaser’s Craig Reucassel, Julian Morrow and Andrew Hansen will be team captains.
In a statement, Morrow Giant Dwarf’s executive producer said: “The most bizarre fact in the entire series is that Channel Seven have agreed to make a show with us involved. But I suppose it is called The Unbelievable Truth.”
Brad Lyons, Seven’s head of production said: “I liked it better when...
- 2/7/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Three members of The Chaser team have revealed that they are filming a new TV series. Julian Morrow, Andrew Hansen and Craig Reucassel from the comedy troupe - who have often caused outrage with their stunts on The ABC over the past ten years - are now working on a Seven Network comedy panel show called The Unbelievable Truth. Reucassel is believed to be hosting the series, while Hansen and Morrow will head panels of guest comedians including Shane Jacobson, Kitty Flanagan and Tom Gleeson. Reucassel told the Herald Sun that the new show is unlikely to cause the same stir that The Chaser did, saying: "I don't think this show (more)...
- 2/6/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
The Goodies
Amazon.com Widgets
Kieran Kinsella
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter. You can also find us on Google+ by clicking here.
Like most people born in the 1970s, I was a huge fan of the Goodies as a kid. My personal favorite was Graeme Garden who I regarded as “the sensible Goodie.” As I grew up, I began to realize that The Goodies was just one highlight in a distinguished career during which the Scotsman established himself as one of Britain’s top comedy performers. While he is a well known entertainer, many people do not realize that Graeme Garden is also a qualified physician. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Graeme and I began by asking him how he made the transition from medical school graduate to TV funny man.
“I appeared in a couple of plays at school,...
Amazon.com Widgets
Kieran Kinsella
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter. You can also find us on Google+ by clicking here.
Like most people born in the 1970s, I was a huge fan of the Goodies as a kid. My personal favorite was Graeme Garden who I regarded as “the sensible Goodie.” As I grew up, I began to realize that The Goodies was just one highlight in a distinguished career during which the Scotsman established himself as one of Britain’s top comedy performers. While he is a well known entertainer, many people do not realize that Graeme Garden is also a qualified physician. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Graeme and I began by asking him how he made the transition from medical school graduate to TV funny man.
“I appeared in a couple of plays at school,...
- 1/17/2012
- by admin
#96. Meanwhile Director/Writer/Producer/Composer: Hal HartleyDistributor: Rights Available The Gist: Meanwhile concerns Joe Fulton, a man who can do anything from fixing your sink to arranging international financing for a construction project. He produces online advertising and he’s written a big fat novel. He’s also a pretty good drummer. But success eludes him. For Joe can’t keep himself from fixing other people’s problems. His own ambitions are constantly interrupted by his willingness and ability to go out of his way for others...(more) Cast: D.J. Mendel toplines. List Worthy Reasons...: Whit Stillman makes a new film. Check. Hal Hartley is moments away from completing his first (feature) film since Fay Grim. Check. It's almost fitting that U.S indie icons Stillman and Hartley will release their films this year, and while Hartley's film output is more vast, I'd be curious to know production dollar...
- 1/4/2012
- IONCINEMA.com
The BBC has announced that Ricky Gervais, David Mitchell and Paul Merton will form part of this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe coverage. The Office star will team up with the Harry Potter actor Warwick Davis at the festival to talk about the making of the new HBO/BBC comedy Life's Too Short. Elsewhere, BBC Radio 4's coverage will include Mitchell's The Unbelievable Truth and Just A Minute with Merton and host Nicholas Parsons. Other items from the event will include Penny Smith's Radio 2 Arts Show and Colin Murphy's big-thinking comedy talkshow Great Unanswered Questions, while Scott Mills and Nick Grimshaw will cover the festival for BBC Radio 1. Donalda MacKinnon, Head of Programmes at BBC Scotland, revealed (more)...
- 6/10/2011
- by By Tara Fowler
- Digital Spy
When Hal Hartley’s feature debut The Unbelievable Truth was released in 1990, it proved a minor revelation. For a generation of college-aged young people raised on John Hughes movies—Generation X, basically—Hartley immediately became the new arbiter of cool, with Adrienne Shelly as his alternate-universe Molly Ringwald, an eccentric object of desire whose motives were tantalizingly mysterious. Given its impact at the time, it’s remarkable that the 20th-anniversary edition of The Unbelievable Truth is self-distributed, but then again, maybe Hartley was just the filmmaker of the moment, and that moment has passed. If he were a rock ...
- 11/3/2010
- avclub.com
Hal Hartley, one of the most prolific American independent directors, has recently released a collection of films titled “Possible Films Volume 2.” Hartley’s career dates back to the 1980s, when he shot his first feature, “The Unbelievable Truth.” Since then he has directed more than 20 shorts and features. His films borrow stylistic traits from European arthouse cinema and the American avant-garde. He has also delved into playwriting with his play “Soon,” staged in Europe in 1998 and the United States in 2001 respectively, being published this year.
His new DVD is available from Microcinema International. The DVD consists of five films, which are characterized by cinematic austerity and poetic anti-representationalism. Hartley follows the political modernist dictum that it is not enough to produce for a medium but to change it as well and the result is five films that challenge film language and form. This DVD release is the occasion for an...
His new DVD is available from Microcinema International. The DVD consists of five films, which are characterized by cinematic austerity and poetic anti-representationalism. Hartley follows the political modernist dictum that it is not enough to produce for a medium but to change it as well and the result is five films that challenge film language and form. This DVD release is the occasion for an...
- 6/21/2010
- by Angelos Koutsourakis
- The Moving Arts Journal
I’m Ken Plume, and soon you’ll be listening to “A Bit Of A Chat” with me, Ken Plume.
In this episode, I chat with writer, actor, and (I’d wager) the quickest wit in the western world, David Mitchell.
Chances are, to most Americans, the name David Mitchell means very little… unless, of course, they have a friend, relation, or acquaintance by that name. I speak, however, of a brilliant comedian by that sobriquet who currently plies his trade in the sceptred isle of England.
A cursory glance at the offerings on YouTube will bring you up to speed on Mr. Mitchell, as well as his comedy partner Robert Webb - both of which, since their Cambridge Footlights days, have written and starred in Edinburgh Fringe productions, radio (That Mitchell & Webb Sound), a live tour, a trio of sketch shows (Bruiser, The Mitchell & Webb Situation, and That Mitchell...
In this episode, I chat with writer, actor, and (I’d wager) the quickest wit in the western world, David Mitchell.
Chances are, to most Americans, the name David Mitchell means very little… unless, of course, they have a friend, relation, or acquaintance by that name. I speak, however, of a brilliant comedian by that sobriquet who currently plies his trade in the sceptred isle of England.
A cursory glance at the offerings on YouTube will bring you up to speed on Mr. Mitchell, as well as his comedy partner Robert Webb - both of which, since their Cambridge Footlights days, have written and starred in Edinburgh Fringe productions, radio (That Mitchell & Webb Sound), a live tour, a trio of sketch shows (Bruiser, The Mitchell & Webb Situation, and That Mitchell...
- 12/9/2009
- by UncaScroogeMcD
The 16th annual Austin Film Festival opened with a true screenwriting gem, Serious Moonlight. Penned by the late Adrienne Shelley around the same time she created Waitress – Shelley was murdered shortly after wrapping Waitress, before she had the opportunity to direct Serious Moonlight. I loved Waitress, and have been a fan of Adrienne Shelley since seeing her act in Hal Hartley’s The Unbelievable Truth and Trust. Serious Moonlight | Review "...the script is chock-full of clever Hitchcockian twists along with a impeccably strong (and mysterious) conclusion. Serious Moonlight is very conservatively directed by first-timer Cheryl Hines (who acted in Waitress with Shelley)." ____________________________________________________ I have long been curious about C.D. Payne’s 1993 epistolary novel Youth in Revolt: The Journals of Nick Twisp, and unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to read it prior to the Aff screening of Miguel Arteta’s film. Nonetheless, into the Paramount I went… I must...
- 11/17/2009
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Director: Cheryl Hines Writer(s): Adrienne Shelly Starring: Meg Ryan, Timothy Hutton, Kristin Bell, Justin Long Serious Moonlight begins with Ian (Timothy Hutton) as he travels to a quaint vacation home in the country. Where Ian is going, people leave items for sale alone by the side of the road with the unwavering trust that their customers will leave the proper cash on the table in exchange for the goods; and the inhabitants of the town leave their doors unlocked even when they are not home. (Other than in the movies, do places like this still exist?) Ian purposefully arrives a day earlier than his wife, Louise (Meg Ryan), in order to rendezvous with his youthful mistress Sara (Kristen Bell) for a trip to Paris. Ian plans on being halfway to Paris before Louise arrives – he intends to leave a note behind for Louise to break off their marriage.
- 11/16/2009
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Thought I'd goof around with a little b-day series. In case it's yours! Could be shortlived. Or maybe it'll go on forever. You never know.
Hal Hartley , Paprika Steen and Charles Bronson
Today's Birthdays, November 3rd ...some of them at any rate. For those who are prone to celebrating the lives of the filmic and famous. And if you aren't, you're not having enough fun.
1921 Charles Bronson had a Death Wish, five of them actually, and he had them before "franchise" was a daily spoken word in movie discussions.1930 Lois Smith, sweet character actress, is now 79 years old. I once saw her in a train station. It's true. Weren't you shocked when she died on the first season of True Blood? I sure was.
1931 Monica Vitti, breathtaking Italian goddess
1953 Kate Capshaw aka Mrs. Spielberg. Did she sing or was she dubbed for that awesome "Anything Goes" opening number in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom...
Hal Hartley , Paprika Steen and Charles Bronson
Today's Birthdays, November 3rd ...some of them at any rate. For those who are prone to celebrating the lives of the filmic and famous. And if you aren't, you're not having enough fun.
1921 Charles Bronson had a Death Wish, five of them actually, and he had them before "franchise" was a daily spoken word in movie discussions.1930 Lois Smith, sweet character actress, is now 79 years old. I once saw her in a train station. It's true. Weren't you shocked when she died on the first season of True Blood? I sure was.
1931 Monica Vitti, breathtaking Italian goddess
1953 Kate Capshaw aka Mrs. Spielberg. Did she sing or was she dubbed for that awesome "Anything Goes" opening number in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom...
- 11/4/2009
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
The murder of Adrienne Shelly was obviously not just a devastating loss to her friends and family, but to the people who followed her work eagerly from her early days as a star in Hal Hartley movies like The Unbelievable Truth and Trust. (By the by, Trust is only available on VHS, and I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one rushing to buy it on DVD.) She was also just getting back into writing and directing after taking a break for a few years; Waitress, which she wrote, directed, and also acted in, had just been accepted to Sundance when she was murdered. (Read Jeffrey M. Anderson's take on the movie and her murder.)
Through the efforts of her husband Andy Ostroy and friends and costars like Cheryl Hines and Keri Russell, Waitress was shephered through the festivals, inevitable press days, and release. Ostroy also began the Adrienne Shelly Foundation,...
Through the efforts of her husband Andy Ostroy and friends and costars like Cheryl Hines and Keri Russell, Waitress was shephered through the festivals, inevitable press days, and release. Ostroy also began the Adrienne Shelly Foundation,...
- 7/30/2009
- by Jenni Miller
- Cinematical
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