By Ozzie
This year’s New York Film Festival (also known as NYFF) runs from the 30th of September to the 16th of October. The festival was founded in 1963 by Amos Vogel and Richard Roud and it is run by The Film Society of Lincoln Centre.[1] Although no awards are handed out, it is highly competitive to get a film shown there. The NYFF tends to pick the best films coming from other prestigious film festivals. However as the festival’s aim is to showcase “new and important cinematic works by filmmakers from around the world”, a few up and coming directors make it onto its programme schedule.[2] The film line up is chosen by a selection committee made up of five people, Richard Peña (the society’s director), Scott Foundas (the society’s associate programmer) and film critics Melissa Anderson, Dennis Lim and Todd McCarthy.[3]
The opening film for this year’s film festival is Carnage, directed by Roman Polanski. The film is an adaptation of Yasmina Reza’s play, God of carnage, and is about two set of parents who meet to resolve a fight their sons had on a school playground. It soon descends into an argument between the two couples. Carnage stars Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet.[4]
Having its world premiere and the festival’s centrepiece is My Week with Marilyn directed by Simon Curtis. It is based on the memoirs of Colin Clark who was Laurence Olivier’s assistant. The film takes place on the set of The Prince and The Showgirl in which Laurence starred with Marilyn Monroe, who clashed against each other while filming. It stars Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi, Zoë Wanamaker, Dominic Cooper, Eddie Redmayne and Emma Watson.[5]
The closing film will be The Descendants directed by Alexander Payne. The film is based on the novel of the same title by Kaui Hart Hemmings and is about a father, who is forced to become the role of the “main” parent and look after his two daughters after his wife is injured in a boating accident. It stars George Clooney, Judy Greer, Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller.[6]
Also featured in the gala will be A Dangerous Method (directed by David Cronenberg and stars Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender and Keira Knightley) and The Skin I live in (directed by Pedro Almodóvar and stars Antonio Banderas and Elena Anaya). Other notable films being shown are George Harrison: Living in the Material World (directed by Martin Scorsese), Melancholia (directed by Lars von Trier), Shame (directed by Steve McQueen), Ben-Hur (directed by William Wyler, 1959), The Gold Rush (directed by Charles Chaplin, 1925) The Royal Tenenbaums (directed by Wes Anderson, 2001) and Salvador (directed by Oliver Stoner, 1986).[7]
This year’s HBO Film Directors Dialogues (interviews with directors) will feature Julia Loktev (Moment of Impact, The Loneliest Planet) on the 2nd of October, Abel Ferrara (Bad Lieutenant, 4:44 Last Day on Earth) on the 11th of October, Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky (Brother’s Keeper, Paradise Lost trilogy) on the 13th of October and Wim Wenders (Wings of Desire, Pina) on the 16th of October.[8]
If you will be attending this event this year we would like to hear from you. However, if you are unfamiliar with the NYFF, What films listed here interest you the most?
Please join us for a discussion on Tuesday 9/27/11@7pE/12UTC
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Ozzie, fantastic as usual! Sorry I won’t be there for the discussion.
Sounds like some fantastic films! I would love to go. Honestly all of the films seem very entertaining, but I would really love to see Carnage and The Decendants. I realize TD is a novel but it sounds so much like a story I saw on Oprah. It’s not based on a true story is it? Ok no mores typing on my itty bitty phone. 🙂
Can’t wait to read all the comments!
I’ve had a look around I’ve found nothing that says TD is based based on a true story! 🙂
Ozzie,
I agree great article. I’m likely to have a lot of questions, see you later.
Hi Everyone!
Great article Ozzie
Hi all! Thank you LB, CR and OB! 🙂
Hi, all. 🙂
Out of all the films listed here. I think A Dangerous Method, Living in the Material World and Shame!
Sorry did not complete my thought. LOL! I was saying I’m really looking forward to these films because I like the directors.
Here is a trailer of Shame!
Concerning “A Dangerous Method” and “Shame,” what is it with sex addiction this year? Both Steve Mcqueen and David Cronenberg seem to be exploring the issue and one of two (the former) is comfortable to receive a NC-17 rating to support the effort.
Last year it was the kiss of death to get that rating but today directors seem to be searching for this rating as though they don’t fear the challenges this statement might have on the distribution of the film.
LOL!! I think Blue Valentine and Black Swan started the ball rolling last year. However, I think u really have to put it into context. Yes! there does seem to be a theme going on here. It will be interesting to see what MPAA rating it gets. But these are films for adults and I think HW is trying to appeal to that demographic given they were the ones who went to theaters the most last year.
OB,
Your reasoning on this matter seems well-considered (probably reliable). Good call.
So you’re saying the cutting edge this year is completely disinterested in maintaining last year’s manners standards, or values?
Basically it’s full speed ahead for an adults only audience.
I’m saying looking at films like Kings Speech, Black Swan and Blue Valentine which did very well and got adults into theaters in droves. The explicit sexual themes might be a way to discuss the issue in a more three dimensional context. Remember Indie films are not mainstream so their appeal is to stir up debate and discussion.
Also, I think many adult audiences are tired of violent films. So what is a director to do? Sex and viloence sell tickets I’m afraid.
OB,
Well I think there will be a boat load of that this year.
I guess the kiddies are going to have to stay at home?
OB,
I guess your claiming or thinking higher adult box office makes up for less teen spending? Are you predicting the end of so much teen culture in HW?
Hmm! As u know I don’t like to make predictions as far as movie going audiences taste are concerned. I’m just making an observation and it looks like adults are willing to patronize a film if it has a good story, cast, director etc…..
The higher adult veiwers seems to be the new trend. Then again, I have no idea what is going to be released for children/teen films so I’m probably very wrong,lol!
OB,
Are you saying you are interested in those movies the most?
Understood.
Yes! My thoughts today are all jumbled up.
Ozzie you said…
“However as the festival’s aim is to showcase “new and important cinematic works by filmmakers from around the world”, a few up and coming directors make it onto its programme schedule.”
Concerning Ben-Hur, The Gold Rush,The Royal Tenenbaums, and Salvador), why does the NYFF show so many old films. What’s the point of this? Does this goal impact or speak to the festival’s mission?
On their website it does not say why. It just states the catagories the films fall into. They are Galas, Main Slate, Views from the Avant-Garde, Masterworks and Special Events.
Personally, I think it is to educate people on great works of art.
Thanks, and I think that sounds likely.
Here’s a scene from Ben-Hur.
I remember watching this as a little girl. I can tell you the room layout, where I was sitting and who I was watching it with! This film must of had a big impact on me!
Ozzie-
What film are u most interested in seeing that’s listed here?
I’d like to see A Dangerous Method, Shame and My Week With Marilyn.
Why? What is it about these films that interest u most? Is it the cast, story, director or all of the above.
Ozzie,
In regard to “My Week With Marilyn” I understand your interest.
What’s odd about Michelle Williams is very young but she consistently takes on really daring roles. It’s hard not to be impressed. She seems to genuinely take her art seriously and maximize every opportunity to challenge herself.
I’m curious to see what they plan to reveal about Marilyn Monroe. Somewhat of an enigma, I wonder what new thing they plan to say about her.
Yes, those are my reasons for wanting to see it too!
For A Dangerous Method it’s for the director David Cronenberg, for Shame it’s for Carey Mulligan and Michael Fassbender and for My Week With Marilyn, it for the whole cast and story!
P.S. My internet speed is slow tonight so please forgive the late replies!
We have your back Ozzie, don’t worry about it.
Ah! All substantial reasons Oz!
CR-I present to u Exhibit A! Pertaining to adult audiences interest.
Thanks guys, lol! 🙂
CR-
Here is a interview by the director of Shame. Perpaps this might explain his interest in doing this film.
Sorry heres a better interview.
Ozzie,
Michael Fassbender, he won a best actor nomination at the Venice film festival, should we expect because he is in “A Dangerous Method” and “Shame.” Do you thyink he’s destined to get serious consideration for something later in the year since NYFF doesn’t have awards?
Sorry, I meant what should we expect because he is in “A Dangerous Method” and “Shame?”
I would think A Dangerous Method will definately be up for awards. It’s been talked about for a long time and the film seems very solid in all areas, i.e. acting, direction, plot, cinematography etc.
I’m not sure about Shame. It’s quite small compared to A Dangerous Method.
Ozzie,
For clarity do you mean: small in production values, cast size, or (can I ask) what terms are you talking about?
Yes, that’s what I mean, small production cost. I think Shame was $6 million to make it and A Dancergous Method was $20 million to make it. Sorry about that not being clear!
OZZIE, YOU RESEARCHING POWERHOUSE….
I have to salute you.
Sincere thanks for that unusually astute answer. 🙂
Lol, cheers CR! 🙂
Ozzie-
Who’s considered the up and coming directors here? Will the NYFF announce them?
OB,
I don’t know but I would assume much younger directors like Lars von Trier and Steve McQueen already seem to be suggesting they could be formidable contributors in the future.
CR-ITA!! Thank U!
OB,
We’ve talked about Melancholia before…
Though this film could be a science fiction film it is not billed as one. How should we look at it’s inclusion within the greater set of offerings?
Should we see this as an expansion in Hollywood genres or an altogether different way of categorizing.
Hmm, looks interesting! I’ve only read brief snippets about these films so there are alot of trailers I’m seeing for the first time here, lol!
OB, I have answered your new directors comment but my reply is awaiting moderation. I have two links in it! So I’m not ignoring you! 🙂
It looks good. I think that’s an interesting speculation CR! I really don’t know what to say. I think like everything that’s too complex to market to audiences it will get over-simplified and labeled as Drama.
LOL!!!!!!!!
Yes, they will but in March/April and will be joined by The Museum of Modern Art in presenting that.
http://www.filmlinc.com/pages/new-directors-new-films
http://newdirectors.org/
Thanks Ozzie!
Awesome!!
Thank you for putting it up! The last time I did that, Lurker saved me. I didn’t know if you could do it, so thank you for saving my comment from the ether of the internet, lol! 🙂
Now that we can assume Roman Polanski has done his time, one of the cooler things about Carnage is it features a number of actors, especially the men who are playing roles you don’t frequently see them in.
I can imagine Christoph Waltz in everything, but I think I’ll have to adapt to seeing Jodie Foster and John C. Reilly as a married couple. Jodie Foster has played so many frustrated characters, I think it will be wonderful to see her focus this rage on a woman for a change. Any opportunity to see Kate Winslet flustered sounds like a treat also.
Oh this looks good! So it comes out December 16th right before Christmas season.
That looks quite good actually!
I think its really great when opposing actors are evenly matched. This movie seems to have tons of that.
I have a Q for everyone. Fox Searchlight bought and are distributing Shame & Clooney’s Film. Some say they did this to control the Osacr nominations these two are likely to recieve. Meaning publicity. Some speculate that Fox Searchlight will run a more aggresive campaign for Clooney then Fassbender but many are waiting to see what the NYFF say about there performances. What do u think about this news?
I’m in the “wait and see” category. Just when I think I understand this industry, something comes along and surprises me, lol! So, I think it’s best to wait to see what happens at NYFF.
OB,
This is such a complicated question, I don’t know where to start?
Like I say after this, obvioulsuy I haven’t seen these films but I don’t believe the “Descendents” is the better of his films.
I like seeing Clooney play his age but do you really think this film is really going to be competitive with a Dangerous Method (a period, historical film) or some of the other films on this list? Sorry my later post did not show.
Seems like Cronenberg keeps stretching the boundaries of what audiences are willing or are able to accept in an adult film.
It’s hard to imagine that this film won’t be in the winner’s circle come award season.
Good point! I think this film and Shame could be the outsiders who come and knock the bigger films off their Pedestals!
Wow! I’m going to hold on to this prediction OZ! U were warned. LOL!!
Arhhhh! *runs around room waving hands*
Dramatics aside, I’ll be wrong! I always am! It’s Sod’s Law (I think that is Murphy’s Law in the US) !
Ozzie! Do u play poker? If not, u have to learn how to bluff. LOL!!
No, poker seems complicated to me! I’d show everyone my cards all the way through because I just don’t understand it! ROTF!
Here’s a scene from Clooney’s other movie “The Ides of March.”
http://www.youtube.com/user/IdesOfMarchMovie?v=Rxu3Do7uASE&feature=pyv&ad=8352769091&kw=ides%20of%20march%20julius%20caesar
Thanks for posting this! It looks like a very good film. I wasn’t expecting it to be so thrilling! I thought it was just a political drama from what I read of it. This trailer definately makes me want to see it!
In terms of The Descendants, George Clooney seems to have a lot of films in the pipeline for this year. I heard his movie “The Ides of March” was a big deal at the Toronto film festival. It’s great he wants to do great work, yet I wonder whether this film will hold up to the other?
I guess if you’re a big fan of his it really doesn’t matter.
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3310984473/
I’m actually rooting for Clooney this year. He’s really is turning out alot good stuff. I like Fassbender as u know. However, at the end of the day it’s about quality and not quantity in the end.
OB,
I agree. I just don’t want them to pass over Leo again. I think he’s frustrated, he’s starting to talk about directing.
I think it’s time to observe some priorities.
If it’s great, give “Dangerous Method” the big prizes for best picture, give Leo best actor.
Micheal will be around forever.
CR-I look at films like this. Would u rather have a million 1 dollar bills or a million 100 dollar bills? The later one takes up less room and gets to the point.
I’d forgotten about Leo’s film. That looks very good too. It’s going to be an interesting races this awards season!
Ozzie-
What films do u consider to be great foreign films this year?
I’ll have to get back to you on this one. My brain has finally shut down for the night!
Another great discussion. Great job Ozzie!! I’m really looking forward to these films this season. So far so good.
Goodnight Everyone!!
Sorry all, I had fun.
Ozzie, I love it when you write these articles.
Again great job.
Bye everyone.
Thanks for joining me OB and CR! I had alot of fun too. 🙂
Have a good night!
Awesome blog, it’s just like a game for me! It’s so infomative and usefull, thanks a lot! If you post more of this great stuff, I’ll visit your blog again!