#INTERVIEW: JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, JEREMY STRONG AND SCOTT COOPER

By Mr. Will Wong

One of this Fall’s most eagerly-anticipated films is none other than Scott Cooper‘s SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER US FROM NOWHERE. The Biopic actually began filming shortly after Cooper’s (Black Mass, Crazy Heart) father had passed away, and his father in fact had introduced him to Springsteen‘s acclaimed 1982 album NEBRASKA. Never before had the souls and hearts of blue collar workers ever been encapsulated so perfectly in music until this Album. Hence, it is poetic that this Film, which touches upon Bruce Springsteen reconciling his past and also the father-son-like relationship between manager Jon Landau and the icon himself, is ready to leave its mark in the world.

We are delighted sit-in on press conference with the Creators and lead Actors of SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER US FROM NOWHERE:

Jeremy Allen White (“Bruce Springsteen”)
Jeremy Strong (“Jon Landeau”)
Scott Cooper (Director)
Moderator: Warren Zanes, author of “Deliver Me From Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska”

Triple Golden Globe and Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White talks about his approach in becoming Bruce Springsteen in this Film, and also filming in Colts Neck, New Jersey.

White: This was really about getting getting close to a man who was trying to find peace at home and in his creative process, searching for and finding inspiration. Once I started approaching Bruce Springsteen as man rather than a god, that’s when I found my footing. One of the other big moments – above the task of portraying a very well-known man – was learning to sing and play guitar as best as I can. When I was in Nashville at RCA, I felt a real closeness to Bruce and I’ve been lucky with a few characters I’ve played to have experienced this as we had this shared experience, since I really had to learn a skill. I got to be in a recording space singing words that aren’t mine – but learned – trying to make them my own. I had a real breakthrough in Nashville, a real kinship.

It all felt very sacred. l know the history of the rooms and town and for Bruce to have witnessed it all. it was great responsibility to tell this. Not just portraying a real person, but moments that happened… air that was breathed… moments that are real. There was something very fragile and delicate for me in performing some of these moments, especially in Colts Neck and the recording process. And Bruce’s moments alone. There was a lot of fragility in him as well, for both of us. There’s a real softness in trying to recapture these moments.

Director Scott Cooper talks about the great honour of collaborating with his personal hero, Bruce Springsteen on this Film.

Cooper: It was daunting. Bruce was so giving, so open and checked-in frequently. I never wanted to make a film only about Bruce Springsteen, I wanted to make a film about a man who happens to be Bruce Springsteen. The Film really touches upon his unresolved trauma and Bruce was so open to it, telling me things he’s never told anyone, things he’s never disclosed. It felt like a great bill of honour and love from Bruce. Aside from the Film, he showed me such generosity that goes well beyond friendship. I’m so grateful for the permission to have such an honest piece of work. This entire collaboration from Bruce to these guys, to the crew was one of highlights of my life.

Golden Globe and three-time Emmy winner Jeremy Strong talks about building a father-son-like bond with Jeremy Allen White in their portrayals of Landau and Springsteen, respectively.

Strong: I understand the dynamic between them existed in the early days with their arms around eachother and smiles on their faces. I could feel that love, connection, and bond. I think in terms of planning how to do that, you don’t think about the camera being there. You just enter into something and the rest comes out, so we didn’t have to talk about that or do anything. It’s just there.

White:: Yes, it was clear and we didn’t need to talk about it before. It was clear in the Book, the Script and over the years. There was trust that we’d been in our own corners, understanding what we needed to understand, that when we came together, the love, loyalty, responsibility to one another was important, but that came out naturally.

Strong: Jon was like a garden and Bruce was like an exotic flower. He had a sensitivity to the conditions and environment. I had to ask, ‘What does he need to flourish and grow?’. So I had a sense of that protection towards the story. You don’t perform today, you just do it. Does that make sense?

I see a fellow Actor who’s up against something tremendous, so all I had to do is allow part of myself to feel real care towards him and that helps me understand something about Jon the way Jeremy allowed me to. That’s how you create that dynamic.

Cooper comments on what lasting themes he hopes the audience will take away from SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER US FROM NOWHERE.

Cooper: I always endeavored to explore themes that are somewhat more difficult. Addiction. Racism. Mental health and illness. Reconnection with family estrangement. All these are things we are grappling with and I like to think intellectually about things. What I’m most concerned with is emotion, how they’re gonna feel and relate. I want to make a film that I would want to see on a Friday night and two, a film the audience can see themselves in.

What is heartening is the power of Cinema – when some people approach you on the street and say ‘Thank you, Scott. Thank you for showing us that two estranged men can come together… my father never told me he loved me, he never told me he was proud of me… my son suffers form mental illness…. I hope he can see this Film.'”.

20th Century Studios Canada release SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER US FROM NOWHERE in theatres October 24, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

#SPOTTED: SEBASTIAN STAN, JEREMY STRONG & MARIA BAKALOVA IN TORONTO FILMING “THE APPRENTICE”

THE APPRENTICE. No, not the Reality Series. Ali Abbasi (Shelley, Holy Spider) is back in Toronto, this time around writing and directing THE APPRENTICE, which centers around former President Donald Trump and his rise from a fledgling real estate mogul throughout the ’70s and ’80s, exploring themes of power and corruption.

Sebastian Stan (Pam & Tommy, I, Tonya) stars as Trump, while Jeremy Strong (Succession) stars as Roy Cohn, who was Trump‘s attorney and mentor. Academy Award-nominee Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), who will be in Canada much of the year filming on multiple projects, stars is Ivana Trump.

The Drama begin filming in the City back in November, before proceeding again in the new year after a brief hiatus during the Holidays. Filming has taken place over weekends around the City to navigate the regular downtown bustle during weekdays. They even were at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory for a stretch!

We quickly caught a glimpse of Stan and Strong filming a scene, exiting a Stretch Limo, convicingly capturing the essence of the ’70s. And we are hearing both Actors have gotten very deep into their characters, keeping a very low profile off-set.

@mrwillwong Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong filming THE APPRENTICE in Toronto. Set in the '70s and '80s, Ali Abbasi directs this exploration of power and corruption. #toronto #filming #toronto #torontofilmimg #donaldtrump #trump #sebastianstan #roycohn #jeremystrong #succession #inproduction ♬ For the Love of Money – The O'Jays

We are hearing from insiders that the Film is being eyed for the Film Festival circuit. Do not be surprised if we see it at TIFF! Cannot wait to see this and we’re sure this one will be much-talked-about! Mongrel Media will be releasing this one in Canada.

(Photo/video: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “ARMAGEDDON TIME”

After.premiering at Cannes earlier this year, James Gray‘s ARMAGEDDON TIME is set for a release this Fall.

Synopsis:

From acclaimed filmmaker James Gray, ARMAGEDDON TIME is a deeply personal story on the strength of family, the complexity of friendship and the generational pursuit of the American Dream. The film features an all-star cast including Anthony Hopkins, Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong.

Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada will release ARMAGEDDON TIME in select theatres on Friday, October 28, 2022 and nationwide on Friday, November 11, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)

#FIRSTLOOK: RELEASE DATE SET FOR “ARMAGEDDON TIME”

After raves in Cannes, James Gray’s ARMAGEDDON TIME now has a release date! The Film starring Jeremy Strong and Anne Hathaway is in theatres October 28, 2022 via Universal Pictures Canada and Focus Features. Thinking we might see this on the Festival circuit in Toronto?

Synopsis:
From acclaimed filmmaker James Gray, ARMAGEDDON TIME is a deeply personal coming-of-age story about the strength of family and the generational pursuit of the American Dream.

ARMAGEDDON TIME, written and directed by James Gray, stars Anthony Hopkins, Jeremy Strong, Anne Hathaway, Banks Repeta, Jaylin Webb, Tovah Feldshuh, John Diehl, Andrew Polk, and Ryan Sell. Producers on the project are Anthony Katagas via his Keep Your Head banner, Marc Butan via his MadRiver Pictures banner and Rodrigo Teixeira via his RT Features banner. The film is executive produced by Lourenço Sant’anna, Alan Terpins, Marco Tulio Kehdi, Prodigo Films’ Francisco Civita and Beto Gauss, Gustavo Debs.

#CANNES22: “ARMAGEDDON TIME” REVIEW

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Writer-Director James Gray’s latest is a semi-autobiographical story of a boy coming-of-age in New York during the ’80s. It follows Paul Graff (Banks Repeta) a sixth-grader in the early stages of rebellion who aspires to be an Artist. He befriends Johnny (Jaylin Webb), a black student who is constantly and unfairly being targeted by their teacher. When the two find themselves in trouble, Paul’s parents (Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong) refuse to let him see Johnny and subsequently move him to Private School. But will that be enough to separate their friendship?

Considering this is Gray’s most personal story, it doesn’t become self-important. Instead, he uses his childhood to touch on themes of racism and classism set against the rise of the Reagan era. Gray highlights inequity and Racism in institutions by showing how the public school Paul and Johnny attend mistreat Johnny. When Paul is the one doing something wrong, their teacher blames Johnny. Webb gives a powerful performance as a child who sadly understands that the world is stacked against him.

The Racism and Classism are further highlighted when Paul is sent to Private School. The family who funds the school is the Trump family, they even have Maryanne Trump (a delightful cameo from Jessica Chastain) come in to speak to them at an assembly. The students at the school use racial slurs and no one bats an eye. It’s a world that displaces Paul sending him on his coming-of-age journey. He needs to decide the type of person he wants to be: one who looks away or helps make a change. This is truly a star-making role for Repeta. He carries the weight of the Film on his small shoulders with ease.

Gray doesn’t back away from the darker sides in the depiction of his family. Paul’s family doesn’t believe they are part of the problem. However, they are because they don’t actively help and they believe the picture society has painted of minority groups. The only one who wants equality is his Grandpa Aaron (Anthony Hopkins). His closest relationship is with his Grandpa and the strong bond between Hopkins and Repeta makes for tender, teary-eyed moments.

Furthermore, Gray shows the darker side of his childhood. Moments where he gave his mother, Esther (Hathaway), a very hard time. Hathaway is brilliant as a mother who only wants the best for her child and will do anything to stand up for him. His most turbulent relationship is with his father Irving (Strong). One scene has a short-fused Irving beating Paul with a belt. However, there are tender moments where we see Irving change. It’s a difficult role that Strong truly excels in.

Paul is at the time in his life when friends become family. Maybe even more so for him because of his turbulent home life. Gray also doesn’t pull punches with the depiction of himself. Johnny is Paul’s best friend, however, when he goes to a new school he pushes Johnny away because of the other students. When Johnny asks him for a place to stay, he is reluctant because of how his family has spoken about him. Gray shows the faults in his actions, he owns up to them. And in return, we get to see how this young boy learned that he should and could do better.

Armageddon Time is a story about a boy whose family wants him to conform to the American Dream, but all he wants to do is rebel against that and forge his own path. Additionally, it’s a reminder how Racism is learned and institutionalized. However, it only takes one person to break that cycle.

Armageddon Time screens at Cannes ’22:
Thu, May 19 at 7 PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri, May 20 at 9 AM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri, May 20 at 7:30 PM at SALLE AGNÈS VARDA

Sat, May 21 at 1:30 PM at CINEUM IMAX

Sun, May 22 at 9:30 AM at CINEUM AURORE

Thu, May 26 at 1 PM at ARCADES 1

Some snaps from the ARMAGEDDON TIME Press Conference with Strong, Hathaway, Gray and Repeta:

(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore/Mr. Will Wong)

#GOLDENGLOBES: “WEST SIDE STORY”, “THE POWER OF THE DOG” AND “SUCCESSION AMONG BIG WINNERS AT 2022 GOLDEN GLOBES

While they were not televised this year, the 79th edition of the GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS took place tonight in private at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. In response to some controversy over the Hollywood Foreign Press Association‘s lack of diversity and business practices, plus also COVID-19 considerations, the event was scaled back, without stars in attendance this year.

Winning top honours this year in the Film categories were THE POWER OF THE DOG, taking Motion Picture – Drama, Director (Jane Campion) and Supporting Actor (Kodi Smit-McPhee), and also WEST SIDE STORY which took Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, Actress (Rachel Zegler) and Supporting Actress (Ariana DeBose).

In the Television categories, HBO‘s SUCCESSION took top honours for Series Drama, plus Actor in Series Drama (Jeremy Strong) and Supporting Actress – Television (Sarah Snook).

Some surprises in the Motion Picture – Drama Actor and Actress categories with Will Smith defeating THE POWER OF THE DOG‘s Benedict Cumberbatch among others for his work in KING RICHARD, and BEING THE RICARDOS’ Nicole Kidman beating-out favourite Kristen Stewart for SPENCER.

Here are a list of winners:

FILMS

Motion picture — Drama

“The Power of the Dog” | WINNER
“Belfast”
“CODA”
“Dune”
“King Richard”

Actor in a motion picture — Drama

Will Smith (“King Richard”) | WINNER
Mahershala Ali (“Swan Song”)
Javier Bardem (“Being the Ricardos”)
Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Power of the Dog”)
Denzel Washington (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”)

Actress in a motion picture — Drama

Nicole Kidman (“Being the Ricardos”) | WINNER
Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”)
Olivia Colman (“The Lost Daughter”)
Lady Gaga (“House of Gucci”)
Kristen Stewart (“Spencer”)

Motion picture — Musical or Comedy

“West Side Story” | WINNER
“Cyrano”
“Don’t Look Up”
“Licorice Pizza”
“Tick, Tick…Boom!”

Actor in a motion picture — Musical or Comedy

Andrew Garfield (“Tick, Tick…Boom!”) | WINNER
Leonardo DiCaprio (“Don’t Look Up”)
Peter Dinklage (“Cyrano”)
Cooper Hoffman, “Licorice Pizza”
Anthony Ramos, “In the Heights”

Actress in a motion picture — Musical or Comedy

Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”) | WINNER
Marion Cotillard (“Annette”)
Alana Haim (“Licorice Pizza”)
Jennifer Lawrence (“Don’t Look Up”)
Emma Stone (“Cruella”)

Supporting actor in a motion picture

Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) | WINNER
Ben Affleck, “The Tender Bar”
Jamie Dornan (“Belfast”)
Ciarán Hinds (“Belfast”)
Troy Kotsur (“CODA”)

Supporting actress in a motion picture

Ariana DeBose (“West Side Story”) | WINNER
Caitriona Balfe (“Belfast”)
Kirsten Dunst (“The Power of the Dog”)
Aunjanue Ellis (“King Richard”)
Ruth Negga (“Passing”)

Director — Motion Picture

Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”) – WINNER
Kenneth Branagh (“Belfast”)
Maggie Gyllenhaal (“The Lost Daughter”)
Steven Spielberg (“West Side Story”)
Denis Villeneuve (“Dune”)

Screenplay — Motion Picture

“Belfast”| WINNER
“Being the Ricardos”
“Don’t Look Up”
“Licorice Pizza”
“The Power of the Dog”

Motion picture — Foreign Language

“Drive My Car” (Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, Japan) | WINNER
“Compartment No. 6” (Juho Kuosmanen, Finland)
“The Hand of God” (Paolo Sorrentino, Italy)
“A Hero” (Asghar Farhadi, Iran)
“Parallel Mothers” (Pedro Almodóovar, Spain)

Motion picture — Animated

“Encanto” | WINNER
“Flee”
“Luca”
“My Sunny Maad”
“Raya and the Last Dragon”

Original score — Motion Picture

“Dune” — Hans Zimmer | WINNER
“Encanto” — Germaine Franco
“The French Dispatch” — Alexandre Desplat
“Parallel Mothers” — Alberto Iglesias
“The Power of the Dog” — Jonny Greenwood

Original song — Motion Picture

“No Time to Die” from “No Time to Die” (Billie Eilish; written by Eilish, Miles Ale, Finneas O’Connell) | WINNER
“Be Alive” from “King Richard” (Beyoncé; written by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Dixson)
“Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto” (Sebastiáan Yatra; written by Lin-Manuel Miranda)
“Down to Joy” from “Belfast” (written and performed by Van Morrison)
“Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” from “Respect” (Jennifer Hudson; written by Jamie Alexander Hartman, Hudson, Carole King)

TV

Television series — Drama

“Succession” | WINNER
“Lupin”
“The Morning Show”
“Pose”
“Squid Game”

Actor in a television series — Drama

Jeremy Strong, “Succession” | WINNER
Brian Cox, “Succession”
Lee Jung-jae, “Squid Game”
Billy Porter, “Pose”
Omar Sy, “Lupin”

Actress in a television series — Drama

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, “Pose” | WINNER
Uzo Aduba, “In Treatment”
Jennifer Aniston, “The Morning Show”
Christine Baranaski, “The Good Fight”
Elisabeth Moss, “The Handmaid’s Tale”

Television series — musical or comedy

“Hacks” | WINNER
“The Great”
“Only Murders in the Building”
“Reservation Dogs”
“Ted Lasso”

Actor in a television series — musical or comedy

Jason Sudeikis, “Ted Lasso” | WINNER
Anthony Anderson, “black-ish”
Nicholas Hoult, “The Great”
Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building”
Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”

Actress in a television series — Musical or Comedy

Jean Smart, “Hacks” | WINNER
Hannah Einbeinder, “Hacks”
Elle Fanning, “The Great”
Issa Rae, “Insecure”
Tracee Ellis Ross, “black-ish”

Limited series, anthology series or motion picture made for Television

“The Underground Railroad” | WINNER
“Dopesick”
“Impeachment: American Crime Story”
“Maid”
“Mare of Easttown”

Actor in a limited series, anthology series or motion picture made for television

Michael Keaton, “Dopesick” | WINNER
Paul Bettany, “WandaVision”
Oscar Isaac, “Scenes from a Marriage”
Ewan McGregor, “Halston”
Tahar Rahim, “The Serpent”

Actress in a limited series, anthology series or motion picture made for television

Kate Winslet, “Mare of Easttown” | WINNER
Jessica Chastain, “Scenes from a Marriage”
Cynthia Erivo, “Genius: Aretha”
Elizabeth Olsen, “WandaVision”
Margaret Qualley, “Maid”

Supporting Actor — Television

O Yeong-Su, “Squid Game” | WINNER
Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show”
Kieran Culkin, “Succession”
Mark Duplass, “The Morning Show”
Brett Goldstein, “Ted Lasso”

Supporting Actress — Television

Sarah Snook, “Succession” | WINNER
Jennifer Coolidge, “White Lotus”
Kaitlyn Dever, “Dopesick”
Andie MacDowell, “Maid”
Hannah Waddingham, “Ted Lasso”

Awards Season will culminate in the 94th annual Academy Awards, which take place Sunday, March 27, 2022.

(Photo credit: 20th Century Studios)

#FIRSTLOOK: “SUCCESSION” SEASON THREE TEASER

The drama continues as the Roy family wrestles for power in season three of HBO’s Succession! See this new Teaser!

SUCCESSION Season Three arrives this Fall on Crave and HBO Max.

(Photo/video credit: HBO)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW STILLS FROM”THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7″

If this doesn’t say Oscars allover it, I don’t know what does! Check-out these new stills from THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7, the sophomore directorial effort of Academy and Emmy Award winner Aaron Sorkin.

Synopsis:

What was intended to be a peaceful protest at the 1968 Democratic National Convention turned into a violent clash with police and the National Guard. The organizers of the protest—including Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden and Bobby Seale—were charged with conspiracy to incite a riot and the trial that followed was one of the most notorious in history.

Cast:
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Keaton, Frank Langella,John Carroll Lynch, Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance, Alex Sharp, Jeremy Strong, Noah Robbins, Danny Flahery, Ben Skenkman, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Caitlin Fitzgerald, Alice Kremelberg, John Doman, J.C. MacKenzie, Damien Young, Wayne Duvall, C.J. Wilson

THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 streams on Netflix Friday, October 16, 2020.

(Photo credit: Netflix)