It isn’t really a secret amongst my friends and family that I’m a cinephile that enjoys the low budget independent films. Every year it seems, I make a list of independent films that are either in limited release or yet to be released to remind myself that I must make an effort to find a theater that is showing one of them or wait for the release of the dvd.
Today I decided that I wanted to share with you the films I’ve yet to see, but am looking forward to having the opportunity to view soon. These independent films are a wide range of genres, most of which are very character driven. There’s many actors and directors you may have heard of involved in these films, and some you may not. This list is not any any order of preference, and each appeals differently to various people. But I encourage that if you do get the opportunity to see any of these films to give these films a chance, because they may surprise you.
Somewhere (Directed by Sofia Coppola)
Movie Poster for Somewhere Directed by Sofia Coppola, starring Stephen Doriff & Elle Fanning
This film was written and directed by Sofia Coppola, whose father is Francis Ford Coppola (director of The Godfather & Apocalypse Now). She loosely based the film off of her childhood relationship with her father, who is considered an accomplished and respected director in Hollywood. Somewhere follows Johnny Marco (Stephen Doriff), a star actor, who hits somewhat of a life crisis, struggling to find meaning in his rising career. After her mother has an unexpected breakdown, Johnny is given the responsibility to take care of his 11 year old daughter Cleo (Elle Fanning). Over the time of having Cleo follow him through his busy celebrity schedule, he realizes more about his identity, life and the meaning of being a father. The trailer can be viewed here: Somewhere
I’m very fascinated by this film for multiple reasons. Sofia Copolla is also such an interesting director, having directed 3 other films that have all been given high praise. (Lost in Translation, The Virgin Suicides, Marie Antoinette) Also, some part of me wants to see if Elle Fanning has the same acting chops as her older sister, Dakota.
All Good Things (Directed by Andrew Jarecki)
- Movie poster for All Good Things Directed by Andrew Jarecki, starring Ryan Gosling & Kirsten Dunst
All Good Things was written by Marcus Hinchey & Marc Smerling, basing the screenplay off of the real-life missing person case of real estate heir Robert Durst’s wife, Kathleen McCormick. The film depicts the lives of David Marks (Ryan Gosling) & Katie Marks (Kirsten Dunst), as they meet in college and soon get married, much to the disproval of Marks’ wealthy family. Their marriage takes a dark turn as David’s relationship with Katie becomes obsessive and controlling, along with the realization that David is not the person he seemed to be. Katie disappears and becomes a missing person, but her case eventually goes cold after finding no leads. But after the death of David’s best friend 20 years later, the spotlight is put back on David and the Marks’ family. The trailer can be viewed here: All Good Things
Ryan Gosling and Frank Langella star in this movie as the two main suspects in the Marks’ family, both of which have earned such a respect with me that every film they star in, I must see. Andrew Jarecki took this as his first feature-length fiction film to direct, after his Academy nominated documentary Capturing the Friedmans, which is leaving many curious how he will take on a narrative film. Although the basic plot of this movie makes me think of Lifetime, I’m intrigued because so many respected people in film are involved with it.
Wild Target (Directed by Jonathan Lynn)
Wild Target film poster Directed by Jonathan Lynn, Starring Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt & Rupert Grint
Wild Target was directed by Jonathan Lynn, with remake elements from the french film Cible Emouvante. This dark action comedy follows Victor Maynord (Billy Nighy) is an aging hitman who decides to help Rose (Emily Blunt), a girl who has a target on her head after conning wealthy gangster Ferguson. Witnessing Victor shoot a man, Tony (Rupert Grint) decides to tag along as a hopeful apprentice, under the belief that Victor is a private detective. The three avoid Ferguson’s other hired assassins while Victor finds a way to stop Ferguson’s murderous intentions. The trailer can be viewed here: Wild Target.
This film appeals to me more for the actors and the plot than the director. Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt, and Rupert Grint working as a team together sounds interesting enough. Of the Harry Potter trio, Rupert Grint has always stood out to me as the most talented. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him in Driving Lessons and Cherrybomb, both films were obvious attempts to distance himself from the squeaky clean Harry Potter franchise and to display his range of acting ability. This is a different role for him, and I’m curious how he’ll do.
Peacock (Directed by Michael Lander)
Peacock, Directed by Michael Lander, Starring Cillian Murphy, Susan Saradon & Ellen Page
Peacock is a psychological thriller directed by Michael Lander, starring Cillian Murphy, Susan Saradon and Ellen Page. John Skillpa (Cillian Murphy) has lived in a small rural town in Nebraska for quite some time, where everyone knows everyone by name. John lives a simple life as a banker, and the people of the town do not bother him much. But after a train accident, the town discovers that John has not been living alone all these years. He’s been living with his other personality, Emma. The trailer can be viewed here: Peacock.
The overall plot of this film fascinates me, as most psychological themes do. Characters with personality disorders always present a great opportunity for actors to show a wide range of acting ability, and Cillian Murphy is given a challenging one. Playing both male and female personalities, Murphy is going to have to display quick emotional and personal quirk changes. Susan Saradon and Ellen Page are also supporting actors the film, with Ellen Page playing a young single mother who gets too close to finding out the truth about Murphy’s characters.
Flickan (The Girl)
Flickan, a Swedish film directed by Fredrik Edfeldt & starring Blanca Engström.
Flickan appeals to me because of the story, which I suppose is really what has to appeal to you with foreign films. It is hard to judge the acting abilities when they are speaking a language you do not speak. But from what I’ve heard from movie critics, the film has a lot to offer.
Tiny Furniture (Directed by Lena Dunham)
Tiny Furniture, Directed by & Starring Lena Dunham
I was watching The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson when an unfamiliar guest came on. Her name was Lena Dunham. At first I was skeptical of the little lady with arm tattoos, but after the initial impression, I found her hilarious and endearing. Dunham is somewhat well-known on the indie circuit, with her feature length film Creative Nonfiction and short film Dealing. In her latest film, Tiny Furniture, Lena Dunham takes on both director and actress. Dunham plays a recent college graduate who returns moves back in with her mother and younger teenage sister after not finding a job to support herself. She allows a homeless youtube star to move in with them, and struggles with discovering where she wants to go in life. The trailer can be viewed here: Tiny Furniture
Personally, I want to see this movie because Dunham seems like an interesting personality. Her comedic timing is perfect, and I’m curious how she does on film. I have yet to see any of her work, but word is that Dunham brings something unique to comedic film. Sarcasm is one of the foundations of the film, so be sure to catch it.
Blue Valentine (Directed by Starring Ryan Gosling & Michelle )
Blue Valentine Poster, Directed by Derek Cianfrance, Starring Ryan Gosling & Michelle Williams
Director Derek Cianfrance wrote this film after hearing about his parents’ divorce. He wanted to write something that was about relationships as they are, and not how we romanticize them to be. Ryan Gosling described this film as a bad day in a relationship. Others have described it as a breakup of a couple. The ultimate description would have to be that it shows a relationship without the roles the audience expects them to play. Ryan Gosling & Michelle Williams play a married couple that looks back on their relationship during an argument. The trailer can be viewed here: Blue Valentine
There’s already whispers about both Ryan Gosling & Michelle Williams getting Oscar nominations. The film has been getting positive reviews, with each one describing it to be quite realistic and excellently performed.
Life During Wartime (Directed by Todd Solondz)
Life During Wartime, Directed by Todd Solondz
Anytime director Todd Solondz is mentioned, all I can think of is Welcome to the Dollhouse. Solondz captured comedy in a film that would have otherwise been depressing. In Life During Wartime, he seems to be returning with that same type of comedy. With talented actresses Shirley Anderson, Ally Sheedy, and Allison Janny playing three sisters in white suburbia, Solondz explores the superficiality of suburban life in florida.
Todd Solondz has always been brilliant when it comes to satire and suburbia. Usually the backdrop of his movies take place in his home state of New Jersey. In Life During Wartime, the backdrop changes to Florida, which is considered a vacation from suburbia. Solondz explores the concept of escaping suburban life through the always sunny and warm state of Florida. Usually Solondz avoids superficial places because it takes away the realism of suburbia, but this time I believe he is trying to embrace that superficiality and find satire in it. The trailer can be viewed here: Life During Wartime
Rabbit Hole (Directed by John Cameron Mitchell)
Rabbit Hole was directed by John Cameron Mitchell, Starring Nicole Kidman, Aaron Ekhart, Miles Teller & Diane West
Rabbit Hole is a drama that follows a couple who loses their son in an accident, and the couples relationship with each other and the boy who killed their son. The film was based off of a theatrical play. Nicole Kidman and Aaron Ekhart star as the mourning couple, with newcomer Miles Teller starring as the boy who caused the accident that killed their son.
The main reason this film attracted my attention was that Nicole Kidman and Aaron Ekhart are acting together. Even separately, I probably would have been interested, but the combined talents of the two creates more of an allure. There’s been a lot of talk at Sundance about Miles Teller and his acting ability, so I’m also curious to see how well he does. The play was pretty successful getting a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award, so I have no doubt the plot of the film will hold up well. The trailer can be viewed here: Rabbit Hole
A Little Help (Directed by Matthew J. Weithorn)
A Little Help was directed by Matthew J. Weithorn, starring Jenna Fischer, Rob Benedict, Chris O'Donnell & Kim Coates
A Little Help is a mostly unknown film, with many actors that have been regulars on hit television shows. Jenna Fischer (best known for her role of Pam on The Office) and Rob Beneict (known for his recurring role on Supernatural) star in this film about a woman who’s unhappy marriage ends when she becomes a widow. Her son (played by Daniel Yelsky) lies to the kids at school that his father died in 9/11, which after much begging, she goes along with. Soon the parents at the school consider her a 9/11 widow, and she finds herself in a tangle of lies. The trailer can be viewed here: A Little Help
The creator of King of Queens, Michael J. Weithorn, wrote the screenplay and directed the A Little Help, which generates my inquisitiveness about how well his writing will do for a feature film. Many of the actors have done majorly television roles, so it should be interesting to see how they do in a prospective film role.
There you have it. 10 films independent films I would like to see. Keep in mind, these are films I cannot give you an opinion on because I have not yet seen them. But I encourage you to check them out, and maybe let me know what you think.
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