Clifton Collins Jr. has been delivering affecting supporting work in major films like “Traffic” and “Capote” for over 20 years, but the actor is hardly what you would call a household name. However, a new horse racing drama from first-time director Clint Bentley has placed the Hollywood journeyman squarely in the spotlight for the first time. The result is a performance some are calling the best of his career.

Continue reading ‘Jockey’ Trailer: Clifton Collins Jr. Powers Upcoming Horse Racing Drama from Sony Pictures Classics at The Playlist.

Having already excavated his personal experiences to tell intimate, insightful, and emotionally translucent stories about fathers and sons (“Beginners”), matriarchs raising boys (“20th Century Women”), and the way we’re all amateurs fumbling through life, sensitively attuned writer/director Mike Mills turns his tender filmmaking gaze towards children and the adult/child relationship in his latest film, the sublime “Cmon Cmon.” It’s yet another perceptive, impeccably crafted winner in an informal trilogy about family, what makes us human, and how people struggle every day to do their best amidst the many challenges and pains of life.

Continue reading ‘C’mon C’mon’: Joaquin Phoenix Shines & Empathy Flows In Mike Mills’ Sublime, Micro-Traumatic Family Drama [Telluride Review] at The Playlist.

As we
pointed out recently, following their
acquisition of Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming 1970s San Fernando Valley
movie, MGM is making movies. Now run by Michael De Luca—a
former New Line Cinema executive who champion filmmakers like David Fincher,
F. Gary Gray, and Paul Thomas Anderson— the MGM chairman is
seemingly setting up a similar shop that includes blockbusters like the Bond
series, but also smart thrillers and art fair directed by award-winning
filmmakers.

Continue reading ‘Cyrano’ Musical: Joe Wright Directs, The National Does The Music, Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett & More Star at The Playlist.