At the Movies – October 2014 – Part 3: Most Anticipated Films

Must-See of the Month:

Gone Girl – Mystery Thriller/Drama – Oct 3

Plot Summary: Nick Dunne’s wife has mysteriously disappeared, creating a media circus surrounding the case. He maintains his innocence, but the spotlight turns its focus on him making him public enemy number one. Key Filmmakers Involved: Director David Fincher, writer Gillian Flynn (based on her own novel), producer Reece Witherspoon, composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth, editor Kirk Baxter, and production designer Donald Graham Burt. Actors Involved: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Boyd Holbrook, Missi Pyle, Neil Patrick Harris, Patrick Fugit, Carrie Coon, Scoot McNairy, Casey Wilson, Tyler Perry, Kim Dickens, Emily Ratajkowski, and Sela Ward. Quality Potential: Very High. David Fincher has been on a roll lately (or more accurately, his entire career) with The Social Network and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (both of which are great films). He is brining his same team to Gone Girl as well, which means that aesthetically it should look just as marvelous. He also has a very good cast (Carrie Coon is brilliant in The Leftovers). Gillian Flynn’s novel is strong and I am interested to see how she translates it for the silver screen. Gone Girl is very likely to be among the five best films of 2014. Trailer: Here.

Worth Checking Out:

Whiplash – Drama – Oct 10

Plot Summary: Andrew Neyman is a very talented young musician, trying to become a top jazz drummer. The road is very hard, however, as he is constantly verbally and emotionally abused by his teacher. Key Filmmakers Involved: Writer-director Damien Chazelle. Actors Involved: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, and Paul Reiser. Quality Potenital: High. Whiplash won both the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. It is a fantastic character drama built around the standout performances from Miles Teller (who has really stabilized himself as one of the great young actors in Hollywood right now – and a star to watch) and J.K. Simmons. Damien Chazelle is also establishing himself as a great young filmmaker. Whiplash is quite a breakthrough project. I am interested to see his follow-up La La Land (a musical in which he reteams with Teller – Emma Watson is also rumored to be involved). Trailer: Here.

Birdman – Dramedy – Oct 17

Plot Summary: Riggan Thompson is a washed up actor, best known for playing an iconic superhero. In a bid to reclaim his former glory, he mounts a Broadway play. Key Filmmakers Involved: Writer-director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki. Actors Involved: Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Andrea Risenborough, Zach Galifianakis, and Amy Ryan. Quality Potential: High. Birdman debuted on the festival circuit in September, playing to outstanding reviews (especially in Europe). Michael Keaton seems like an absolutely perfect actor to take on the role (he himself an actor in search of a comeback, of sorts, after playing Batman). The rest of cast is very good too. Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu has a strong track record with films such as Amores Perros, 21 Grams, and Babel – though, this looks like it might be his best film to date. Birdman looks bonkers, brilliant, and just very entertaining. Trailer: Here.