Based on the true story of screenwriter Tony Briggs’s family, and adapted from the 2004 stage production, about an Aboriginal girl band, The Sapphires is set in 1968 Australia, when racism was prevalent, causing the girls talent to go unnoticed. That is until they meet Dave Lovelace (Chris O’Dowd, Bridesmaids), a local Irishman who happens to play piano accompaniment at one of the venues where the girls perform. O’Dowd is hilarious and loveable as the eccentric Lovelace, and his performance is a highlight of the film through comic relief and O’Dowd’s undeniable charm. Dave sees something in the girls that the town refuses to notice due to the racism that exists within the community. Dave quickly appoints…
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[AFF Review]…Hyde Park On Hudson
Hyde Park on Hudson recounts the royal visit of King George VI (who you may remember from Colin Firth’s portrayal in The Kings Speech, depicted here by actor Samuel West), and Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman) to Hyde Park from the perspective of Daisy Suckley (Laura Linney), who at this time has recently become FDR’s (Bill Murry) mistress. Unbeknownst to Daisy, she’s not the only secret Roosevelt is keeping. The screenplay is based on actual events discussed in diary entries and letters that belonged to Daisy. The correspondence was found after her death, and the affair she had kept a secret for most of her life was finally revealed. The royal…
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5 Films We’re Looking Forward To At The Austin Film Festival [AFF]
I’ve spent the last year covering independent films both at festivals and from my Netflix queue, and the ones I’m always most moved by are those that explore the many layers of our relationships with one another. Whether we’re family, friends or lovers, relationships are immensely complex, and if I may summarize a quote from an advertisement I recently saw in the tube in London, while love doesn’t make the world go round, it does help make the ride worthwhile. There are so many films being made that counter the typical Hollywood, idealized version of our relationships, and instead present the audience with something real. In anticipation for the kickoff…
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Austin Film Festival [AFF] Opens Today! (Some General Tips For Attendees)
The 19th Austin Film Festival and Conference starts today, and the schedule is packed with eight days of films, lectures and parties that you won’t want to miss. Anyone who’s been to a film festival knows it can be a bit overwhelming to navigate. As a festival connoisseur in the making, I thought I’d share a few of my own tactics with you to help you prepare. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————– 1. Make a Schedule The Austin Film Festival website has created this wonderful, printable calendar of all the events including time and venue, so they’ve made it really easy for you to stay organized. Start by printing this out, so you won’t…
