The midway point of our list presents established filmmakers changing up their “serves” sorta speak. Ang Lee goes subtitle country while Tony Kaye (American History X) delivers a documentary. We also have some legitimate shots at Oscar below – you decide which ones have the better chances.
12. Lust, Caution
Release date: September 28th Wide Release
Screenwriters: Based on the story by Eileen Chang and written for the screen by Hui-Ling Wang & James Schamus.
Director: Ang Lee
Distributor: Focus Features
Fests: Venice Film Festival
Producers: William Kong (Curse of the Golden Flower) and Ang Lee
Ioncinema Preview: View Here
Movie Trailer: Click Here
The Gist: Written by Hui Ling Wang and James Schamus, this is based on the short story by revered Chinese author Eileen Chang, and stars Asian cinema icon Tony Leung opposite screen newcomer Tang Wei. Shanghai, 1942. The World War II Japanese occupation of this Chinese city continues in force. Mrs. Mak, a woman of sophistication and means, walks into a café, places a call, and then sits and waits. She remembers…how her story began several years earlier, in 1938 China. She is not in fact Mrs. Mak, but shy Wong Chia Chi (Tang Wei). With WWII underway, Wong has been left behind by her father, who has escaped to England. As a freshman at university, she meets fellow student Kuang Yu Min (Wang Leehom) Kuang has started a drama society to shore up patriotism. As the theater troupe’s new leading lady, Wong realizes that she has found her calling, able to move and inspire audiences – and Kuang.
Fact: Lee's Brokeback Mountain was also a Focus Features release.
Odds against or odds in favor?: mm
See It: Looks gorgeous.
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11. Lake of Fire
Release date: October 3rd Limited Release
Director: Tony Kaye
Distributor: TH!NKFilm
Fests: Toronto Film Festival 2006.
Producer: Kaye
Ioncinema Preview: View Here
Movie Trailer: None available
The Gist: Ever since Roe v. Wade, the United States has been deeply divided on the issue of abortion. In that landmark case, an unmarried woman was refused an abortion in Texas. The judicial challenge that followed won women the right to legal abortions. Proponents and opponents have lined up on either side of the issue ever since, launching verbal abuse – and worse – at each other. As the religious right has increasingly flexed its power, the issue has become even more divisive – and violent. Interviewing a range of individuals – from fundamentalist Christians to professors of sociology, philosophy, and bioethics; from hardcore pro-lifers to equally impassioned pro-choice advocates – Kaye splices into what motivates both sides. It is in the grey areas that we find some of the most interesting commentary, much of which is provided by Noam Chomsky, who intelligently dissects the issue. Kaye also devotes time to nurses and doctors who have been threatened, some wounded or killed in attacks on their lives and clinics.
Fact: Thinkfilm has a hardcore line up of docs to be released: On the menu of poignant docs are War/Dance and Nanking
Odds against or odds in favor?: Small doc – big chances.
See It: This doc is coming with a lot of good buzz – and controversy.
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10. Rendition
Release date: October 19th Wide Release
Screenwriters: Kelley Sane
Director: Gavin Hood
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Fests: Toronto Film Festival 2007.
Producers: Steve Golin (Married Life), David Kanter (In the Land of Women), Keith Redmon, Michael Sugar, Marcus Viscidi (The Last Kiss)
Ioncinema Preview: View Here
Movie Trailer: Click Here
The Gist: Written by Kelley Sane, the multilayered story centers on a CIA analyst (Gyllenhaal) based in Cairo who finds his world spinning out of control after he witnesses the interrogation of a foreign national by the Egyptian secret police. Witherspoon will play the pregnant American wife of the national. Arkin will play a senator who tries to help Witherspoon in her search for her missing husband. The investigation eventually threatens the senator's position in Washington.
Fact: ny audi
Odds against or odds in favor?: Solid cast of A listers, Oscar-winning director and thriller elements means suited for many audiences.
See It: One of the best unproduced screenplays was quickly bought up and greenlit into production.
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9. Lars and the Real Girl
Release date: October 12th Wide Release
Screenwriters: Nancy Oliver
Director: Craig Gillespie
Distributor: MGM
Fests: Toronto Film Festival
Producers: Sarah Aubrey and John Cameron (Bad Santa), Sidney Kimmel
Ioncinema Preview: View Here
Movie Trailer: Click Here
The Gist: Based on the script by Nancy Oliver, after years of what is almost solitude, Lars (Gosling) invites Bianca, a friend he met on the internet to visit him. He introduces Bianca to his Brother Gus and his wife Karen and they are stunned. They don’t know what to say to Lars or Bianca – because she is a life-size doll, not a real person and he is treating her as though she is alive. They consult the family doctor who explains this is a delusion he’s created – for what reason she doesn’t yet know but they should all go along with it. What follows is an emotional journey for Lars and the people around him.
Fact: This is Ryan Gosling's first leading role since his Oscar nominated performance in Half Nelson.
Odds against or odds in favor?: If the narrative gimmick works – this quirky comedy that might win over audiences one theater at a time.
See It: Another top screenplay that was quickly put into production.
