rebecca hall
#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “THE NIGHT HOUSE”
Rebecca Hall is back in THE NIGHT HOUSE. See the haunting new Trailer!
Synopsis:
Reeling from the unexpected death of her husband, Beth (Rebecca Hall) is left alone in the lakeside home he built for her. She tries as best she can to keep it together â but then nightmares come. Disturbing visions of a presence in the house calling to her, beckoning her with a ghostly allure. Against the advice of her friends, she begins digging into her husbandâs belongings, yearning for answers. What she finds are secrets both strange and disturbing â a mystery sheâs determined to unravel. THE NIGHT HOUSE stars Rebecca Hall (HOLMES & WATSON, CHRISTINE), Sarah Goldberg (Barry, Elementary), Vondie Curtis Hall (DIE HARD 2, EVEâS BAYOU), Evan Jonigkeit (Togetherish, Sweetbitter), and Stacy Martin (VOX LUX, NYMPHOMANIAC).
See the Trailer:
Searchlight Pictures release THE NIGHT HOUSE Friday, July 16, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)
#SUNDANCE: “PASSING”
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Irene (Tessa Thompson) is an upper-class 1920s woman who lives in Harlem with her husband, Brian (AndrĂ© Holland), and their two sons. One day, while out at the Grand Tearoom in New York Cityâs Drayton Hotel, she runs into an old high school acquaintance, Clare (Ruth Negga). She finds out that Clare has been passing as white. Her ability to pass is proven as Irene learns sheâs married to a white man (Alexander SkarsgĂ„rd) and have children of their own. However, when Clare decides to ignite a friendship with Irene, both their lives become threatened.
Nella Larsenâs ground-breaking Novella is brought eloquently to the screen by Rebecca Hall. She unpacks central themes of race, identity, community, repression and constructed realities all while making her Feature directorial debut a technical marvel. She shoots this quiet, Psychological Drama with the filmmaking aesthetics of the time in which the story is set. Passing is shot in Black and White, has a 4:3 Aspect Ratio, and the music mimics an era past.Â
Her decision to shoot in Black and White strips all colour out of this film about race. Whatâs left is a beautiful composition of gray frames that perfectly reflect the gray-areas of race the Film explores. Hallâs cinematographic decisions go further in her choice of Aspect Ratio. Not only does a 4:3 image create a nostalgic look of old Hollywood glamour, it also forces us to really look at the faces of the characters. This is an integral part of Passing because Thompson and Neggaâs impactful performances become the focus, with scenes framed tightly around their faces. This aids in helping us see Irene and Clareâs hidden desires and restrained longing.
Furthermore, the Sound Design thrusts us into the inner turmoil these characters are facing. In addition to taking us back to 1929, the Film’s Costume Design by Marci Rodgers, help us visualize the stark contrasts between both women. Irene is constrained, she wears modest clothing and a hat that covers much of her face. While Clare is beguiling, she wears outfits that swing as she walks and a hat thatâs lifted-up showing herself completely. This is compelling because Clare is the one whoâs passing, yet Irene appears to be hiding.
These two characters were captivating and nuanced when Larsen wrote them in the ’20s. Thankfully, Hall has kept them richly complex, enabling Thompson and Negga to be mesmerizing in their roles. Itâs rare, even today, for female friendships to be examined in Film with such intricacy. Yet, this is whatâs at the heart of Passing. The two women are each missing something the other has. Passing analyzes how you can equally admire and envy a friend for something you are missing. This is a story about the duality of human beings, expressed articulately through its two leads.
Thompson gives an unbelievably expressive performance as the quiet Irene, and Negga is a magnetic presence as Clare. She shows the life Irene has conformed to and her desire to break-free of those boxes. This is where cunning Clare fills the voids in Irene. Clare longs finally to be with her community again. And this is where Irene fills the voids in Clare. Thompson and Negga have a strong, layered chemistry. The Film plays with the ambiguity of the feelings between these women. It appears that there’s something simmering beneath the surface of this friendship, but it isnât quite known exactly what. Additionally, these Actors nail one of the most integral parts of telling a story that takes place in 1929, the diction and way of speaking. No detail is spared.
Passing is a quiet film that manages to say so much. It has a Psychological Thriller that becomes more apparent as time progresses.  Hall crafts something thatâs rich in technicality and highlighted by its superb performances. Its intricate Screenplay is brought to life by a Director who has a clear vision and knows how perfectly to execute it. A remarkable debut as Director by Hall.
Passing screens at Sundance:
Live Premiere: January 30 at 6 PM (EST)
On-Demand (available for 24 hours): February 1 at 10 AM (EST)
#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “GODZILLA vs. KONG”
Adam Wingard (You’re Next) directs GODZILLA VS. KONG, which sees to two legends in a long-awaited face-off!
SYNOPSIS:
Legends collide in âGodzilla vs. Kongâ as these mythic adversaries meet in a spectacular battle for the ages, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe. The epic clash between the two titansâinstigated by unseen forcesâis only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the core of the Earth.
The Film stars Alexander SkarsgĂ„rd (âBig Little Lies,â âThe Little Drummer Girlâ), Millie Bobby Brown (âStranger Thingsâ), Rebecca Hall (âChristine,â âProfessor Marston and the Wonder Womenâ), Brian Tyree Henry (âJoker,â âSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseâ), Shun Oguri (âWeathering with Youâ), Eiza GonzĂĄlez (âFast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shawâ), Julian Dennison (âDeadpool 2â), with Kyle Chandler (âGodzilla: King of the Monstersâ) and DemiĂĄn Bichir (âThe Nun,â âThe Hateful Eightâ).
See the Trailer:
Warner Bros. Canada release GODZILLA VS. KONG in theatres (subject to change) Friday, March 26, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Canada)
#SUNDANCE: 2020 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW
By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Sundance is evolving for the 2021 festival and going predominantly virtual with limited drive-in screenings across the U.S. Although the festival is only running for seven days, its screening 71 Features, 50 Shorts, 4 Indie Series, and 14 New Frontier Projects. The Festival continues to include more diverse filmmaking voices. Of this yearâs 139 films: 50% are directed by one or more women; 4% are directed by one or more non-binary individuals; 50% are directed by one or more artists of color, and 15% by one or more people who identify as LGBTQ+.
There is a lot of buzz surrounding many films screening at this yearâs fest, and we are highly anticipating many of its feature film picks. Check out our Top Ten, in no particular order, programmes listed in parantheses.
CRYPTOZOO [NEXT]
Director & Screenwriter: Dash Shaw
>Itâs rare Sundance includes an Animated Feature in their selection so we are expecting great things. It follows cryptokeepers who question if they should display or keep hidden the majestical beasts they find. The characters are voiced by Lake Bell, Michael Cera and Zoe Kazan just to name a few.
JOCKEY [U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION]
Director & Screenwriter: Clint Bentley
An ageing jockey in ill health attempts to win one more championship, but things turn upside down when a young jockey claims to be his son. This is Bentleyâs first-feature as a director and his cast includes Clifton Collins Jr., Molly Parker and Moises Arias.
JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH [PREMIERES]
Director & Co-Screenwriter: Shaka King
Weâve been waiting for this for a long time. It follows William OâNeal (LaKeith Stanfield) who was offered a plea deal to infiltrate the Black Panther Party with the intent to gain intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). It has a powerhouse supporting cast consisting of Dominique Fishback, Jesse Plemons, Ashton Sanders and more.
This arrives February 12, 2021.
LAND [PREMIERES]
Director: Robin Wright (Varietyâs 2021 Directors to Watch)
Wright makes her feature-film directorial debut and stars in this poignant story of a woman searching for meaning in the American wilderness, following an unfathomable event.
This will be released February 12, 2021.
ON THE COUNT OF THREE [U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION]
Director: Jerrod Carmichael
Sundanceâs synopsis of Carmichaelâs (The Carmichael Show) directorial feature debut is: âTwo guns. Two best friends. And a pact to end their lives when the day is done.â Itâs also got one killer cast: Carmichael, Christopher Abbott, Tiffany Haddish, J.B Smoove, Lavell Crawford and Henry Winkler.
PASSING [U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION]
Director & Screenwriter: Rebecca Hall
Based on the novella by Nella Larsen, this film follows two African American women who can âpassâ as white and choose to live on opposite sides of the colour line in 1929 New York. It has a stellar cast consisting of Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, AndrĂ© Holland, Alexander SkarsgĂ„rd and Bill Camp.
PRISONERS OF A GHOSTLAND [PREMIERES]
Director: Sion Sono
Nicolas Cage and popular Japanese filmmaker Sono team up in this film that Cage has stated is his wildest yet. It follows a notorious criminal who is sent to rescue a woman who has disappeared into a dark supernatural universe.
SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED) [U.S. DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION]
Director: Ahmir âQuestloveâ Thompson
This Film documents the Harlem Cultural Festival, which took place the same summer as Woodstock. The festival celebrated African-American music and culture and promoted Black pride and culture.
VIOLATION [MIDNIGHT]
Co-Directors & Co-Screenwriters: Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli
Coming off the buzz from its TIFF premiere, this Canadian film is now travelling stateside. It follows Miriam (Sims-Fewer) whose quest for revenge is sparked when her sister and brother-in-law betray her.
A Canadian release has been confirmed for March 26, 2021 for this.
WILD INDIAN [U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION]
Director & Screenwriter: Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr. (Varietyâs 2021 Directors to Watch)
Years after covering up a savage murder of a schoolmate, two men confront how their secret has shaped their lives. It stars Michael Greyeyes, Chaske Spencer, Jesse Eisenberg, Kate Bosworth, and more.
Although these films are geoblocked to the U.S, there are many free events happening virtually around the globe. Some of the events happening are: The Sundance Dailies, The Cinema Cafe, The Big Question, Awards Night and more.
SUNDANCE DAILIES
Friday, January 29âTuesday, February 2, 9:00 a.m.â9:30 a.m.
These take place every morning with Tabitha Jackson and others. Guests include: Eugenio Derbez (CODA), Rebecca Hall (Passing), Ed Helms (Together Together), Zoe Lister-Jones and Daryl Wein (How It Ends), and more.
CINEMA CAFĂ
Friday, January 29âMonday, February 1, 10:30 a.m.â11:15 a.m
These cultural conversations with fascinating subjects could go just anywhere. This year we have:
Shaka King & Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson
Friday, January 29, 10:30 a.m.â11:15 a.m.
Sonia Manzano & Rita Moreno
Saturday, January 30, 10:30 a.m.â11:15 a.m.
Rebecca Hall & Robin Wright
Sunday, January 31, 10:30 a.m.â11:15 a.m.
Tyson Brown, Patti Harrison & Emilia Jones
Monday, February 1, 10:30 a.m.â11:15am
Friday, January 29âMonday, February 1, 1:00 p.m.â2:00 p.m., individual slots TBA
THE BIG CONVERSATION
These conversations tackle science, art, culture, and the movements that are fueling the imaginations of todayâs independent artists. Topics include LGBTQ+ film, women at Sundance, race and more.
AWARDS NIGHT
This takes place Tuesday, February 2, 6:00 p.m. and is free for all to view on the Sundance online screening platform.
For information about films, events and more head to: https://festival.sundance.org/.
Stay tuned for our continued coverage as we bring you reviews daily of the most-buzzed films throughout the Festival.
The Sundance Film Festival runs from January 28 to February 3, 2021.
(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)
#FIRSTLOOK: TRAILER FOR “CHRISTINE” STARRING REBECCA HALL
I cannot stop watching this Trailer. After winning several raves at Sundance and TIFF ’16, CHRISTINE opens in Toronto in a couple weeks. Rebecca Hall delivers a career best performance in this chilling portrayal of television personality Christine Chubbuck, who gained notoriety after killing herself on live television in the late ’70s.
Upon listening to some of the interviews Hall did while in Toronto during the Festival, we learned that Chubbuck‘s family wanted no involvement in the Film, but what we gather is that the Film is a sympathetic portrait, versus a sensationalist piece about what some see as a monstrous act.
See the Trailer:
Hall + Mr. Will
The Orchard release CHRISTINE on Friday, October 14, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: The Orchard)
#TIFF16: DAY 7 SIGHTINGS – JACOB TREMBLAY, MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ, REBECCA HALL, SIGOURNEY WEAVER + LEEHOM WANG
While TIFF ’16 begins to wind down, we still are seeing some quality Films premiere. At VISA Screening Room, we have Rebecca Hall in what Critics are calling a riveting performance in CHRISTINE, baaed on real events surrounding a reporter who commit suicide on-air. Michelle Rodriguez and Sigourney Weaver also brought starpower to Ryerson Theatre for (Re)ASSIGNMENT. Gerard Butler is set too to walk the Red Carpet at Roy Thomson Hall for Toronto-made THE HEADHUNTER’S CALLING. Meanwhile, Rooney Mara walks the Red Carpet at Princess of Wales for UNA.
Michelle Rodriguez, (Re)ASSIGNMENT
Sigourney Weaver, (Re)ASSIGNMENT
Â#SigourneyWeaver making a low-key escape to her #ReASSIGNMENT Premiere. #TIFF16
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Jacob Tremblay, BURN YOUR MAPS
My favourite!!! #JacobTremblay back at #TIFF16 for #BurnYourMaps.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
LeeHom Wang, Concert Documentary + Performance
Rebecca Hall, CHRISTINE
ÂThe beautiful and elegant #RebeccaHall. #ChristineMovie #TIFF16
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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#FIRSTLOOK: TEASER TRAILER FOR “THE BFG”
We finally got around to see this amazing Teaser for THE BFG (Big Friendly Giant) after a busy week! Our jaws dropped. Many of us read the book on which this is based, by Roald Dahl.
Synopsis:
The talents of three of the worldâs greatest storytellers â Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg â finally unite to bring Dahlâs beloved classic âThe BFGâ to life. Directed by Spielberg, Disneyâs âThe BFGâ tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle. Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams. Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows, but Sophieâs presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.
See the Teaser:
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release THE BFG on Friday, July 6, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN PASSES TO SEE “THE GIFT”
D Films + Mr. Will want to take Readers to see an Advance Screening of THE GIFT! All screenings take place in Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and Halifax on Wednesday, August 5, 2015.
Official Synopsis:
Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) are a young married couple whose life is going just as planned until a chance encounter with an acquaintance from Simonâs high school sends their world into a harrowing tailspin. Simon doesnât recognize Gordo (Joel Edgerton) at first, but after a seemingly coincidental series of encounters proves troubling, a horrifying secret from their past is uncovered after nearly 20 years. As Robyn learns the unsettling truth about what happened between Simon and Gordo, she starts to question: how well do we really know the people closest to us, and are past bygones ever really bygones?
See the Trailer:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. You may click “share” on this Post from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below:
.@MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #THEGIFT. In theatres 8/5! http://www.mrwillwong.com/thegift
G’luck Willionaire$!
D Films release THE GIFT on Friday, August 5, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: D Films)
#FIRSTLOOK: “TRANSCENDENCE” NEW TRAILER STARRING JOHNNY DEPP & REBECCA HALL
Transcendence  piqued just about everyone’s curiosity when its first Trailer surfaced last year.  Another new Trailer for the Sci-Fi/Thriller starring Johnny Depp and Rebecca Hall just was released, premiering over at Apple Trailers.
Official Synopsis:
Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost Researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions. His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him.
However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeedâto be a participant in his own transcendence. For his Wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and Best Friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow Researchers, the question is not if they can⊠but if they should.
Their worst fears are realized as Willâs thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown. The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.
Watch Trailer #2 for TRANSCENDENCE in HD here.
Warner Bros. release TRANSCENDENCE on Thursday, April 17, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)
#TIFF13: OFFICIAL SCHEDULE AND CELEBRITY GUEST LIST ANNOUNCED!
At long last the TIFF ’13 Guest List has been announced and among the Marquee names we can expect to see in Toronto in two weeks are phenomenal! Although speak of Brad Pitt and George Clooney making appearances here didn’t amount to much more than rumour, this year the Female Contingent shines brightest with several of Hollywood’s A-List set to present their latest Oscar Vehicles here.
Among the Celebrities expected this year are:
Emilia Clarke, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Tom Felton, Chris Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Scarlett Johansson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew McConaughey, Daniel Radcliffe, Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Sarah Gadon, Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, James Franco, Marion Cotillard, Mike Myers, Emma Thompson, Kristen Wiig, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan, Amy Poehler, Keanu Reeves, Kate Winslet, Adam Driver, Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Owen Wilson, Ralph Fiennes, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Gyllenhaal, JudeLaw, Jessica Chastain, Jai Courtney, Mila Kunis, Pierce Brosnan, Sandra Bullock, Jason Bateman, Zac Efron, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Colin Firth, Idris Elba, Ed Harris, Michael C. Hall, Annette Benning, James McAvoy, Liam Neeson, Steven Soderbergh, Ben Foster, Anton Yelchin, Maria Bello, Jennifer Garner, Nicolas Cage, Daniel BrĂŒhl, Tom Hiddleston, Jack Huston, Hugh Jackman, Jessica Lange, Melissa Leo, Adam Levine, Catherine O’Hara, Kurt Russell, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Berenger, Tom Wilkinson, Julia Louis Dreyfuss, Clive Owen, Zach Galifianakis, Emily Watson, John Hawkes, Alan Rickman, Toni Collette, Josh Brolin, Alice Cooper, Tiger Chen, Rebecca Hall, Will Forte, Kevin Zegers, Taylor Kitsch, Juliette Binoche, Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Thandie Newton, Terrence Howard, James Hetfield, Thomas Haden Church, Tim Robbins, Glenn Close, Dakota Fanning, Philip Glass and several more!
Keep checking back here as the Toronto International Film Festival makes additions as we get closer to Thursday, September 5, 2013 when TIFF ’13 kicks-off! The Festival runs till Sunday, September 15, 2013.
The official Schedule has been announced and you can now start planning your Festival right here. Download the Official Schedule right here!
Single Tickets go on sale on Sunday, September 1, 2013 on TIFF‘s Website here.
Things are about to get real exciting around here! Happy TIFF, indeed!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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