If a person from another planet, say Jeff Bridges in Starman, were to look at the films coming out of Hollywood, he might get a little confused. He may assume we’re in a time warp, or that producers have a memory disorder and can’t remember that they already made a Three Musketeers remake with French ninjas, a remake of The Thing, and that Greek mythology was already sensationalized with bloody special effects.
We earthlings, of course, are quite accustomed to Hollywood rehashing and rehashing and rehashing again lucrative films, but that doesn’t mean we like it. Hopefully the Starman will take a look at this list of upcoming films and see all is not lost. Though they be few, there are still some creative films out there. (Also, please don’t get any ideas about remaking Starman.)
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
I actually haven’t read a John Le Carre novel yet, but judging from the trailers (which is always a good idea to do), the author’s brand of British espionage thriller seems to get the right treatment in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
I was first attracted to this movie by, you guessed it, the title. Then came the film poster, which features the always wonderful Gary Oldman wearing a pair of Mr. Magoo glasses. Joining Oldman are several other examples of British awesomeness, including Toby Jones, Tom Hardy sporting ridiculous Cold War hair, Urchin winner Colin Firth, and John Hurt playing a character called Control.
In theatres December 9.
Melancholia
When you consider the “end of the world” genre, seldom do you find a film forgets obligatory explosions, screaming crowds, and mass hysteria. Melancholia looks to be that film. Lars von Trier’s turns the stereotypical “giant object colliding with Earth” film into a surreal, dream-like family drama.
This is truly a film where the ending is anyone’s best guess. The Danish von Trier, who is best known for Dancer in the Dark, and his numerous awards at Cannes (and now for his controversial remarks that banned him from Cannes), describes the way depressives deal with stress as being his inspiration for the film. Kirsten Dunst won Best Actress at Cannes and the film was nominated for Palme d’Or. More than anything, I’m excited about the tension between Justine and her sister Claire (Charlotte Gainesbourg) as their world, literally and metaphorically, falls apart.
In theatres November 11.
My Week With Marilyn
Though My Week with Marilyn’s main subject is American actress Marilyn Monroe, it is a decidedly British film. Written by Adrian Hodges and directed by Simon Curtis, Michelle Williams stars as the troubled American surrounded by an absolutely all star cast of British talent, including Kenneth Branagh as Marilyn’s costar Sir Laurence Olivier, Dougray Scott as Arthur Miller, Judi Dench as Dame Sybil Thorndik, Derek Jacobi (of In the Night Garden fame (just kidding)) as Sir Owen Morshead, and Urchin favourite Emma Watson as a wardrobe assistant.
The film recounts Marilyn’s 1956 visit to the UK to film The Prince and the Showgirl and honeymoon with playwright Arthur Miller. After Miller returns to America, a production assistant from her film introduces her to British life and a love affair ensues. I’m looking forward both to the always-stellar Williams’ portrayal of Marylin Monroe, as well as what are sure to be first class performances by the British ensemble. And did I mention it’s set in the UK?
In theatres November 4.
