While no film in my 30 film viewing left me in awe or speechless, this year’s Sundance film festival was perhaps the best in terms of good versus bad ratio. As I had pointed out in my final dinner convo with Alex from firstshowing.net before leaving Park City, the cherry on the sundae was indeed Sophie Barthes’ debut (see my opening night preem coverage here) – I will have more to say in my upcoming full length interview and review. Not surprinsingly, I wasn’t the only one that was impressed.
Late yesterday, Samuel Goldwyn announced the theatrical rights pick up to Barthes’ Cold Souls and the company is looking to release the picture in a late summer slot. Judging by their current slate, the company that traditional releases between 8 to 10 features will put in the necessary efforts to make sure that this one has a great theatrical run. Obviously, I’ll be profiling the picture and the filmmaker leading up to that release, so look for more info here.
Synopsis from publicist: This existentialist comedy about a man who needs relief from his weary soul. A playful blend of science fiction, deadpan absurdism, and sharp social satire, COLD SOULS stars Paul Giamatti (SIDEWAYS, AMERICAN SPLENDOR) as an actor named Paul Giamatti who goes to physical and philosophical extremes for the sake of a role. The film also stars Oscar-nominated luminaries David Strathairn (GOODNIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK) and Emily Watson (BREAKING THE WAVES), along with Dina Korzun (FORTY SHADES OF BLUE), Lauren Ambrose (“Six Feet Under”), and newcomer Katheryn Winnick.
