First-time feature director James Schamus, who as Ang Lee‘s longtime producer has overseen various extraordinarily successful literary adaptations, turns in a sincere but disappointingly timid rendering of Philip Roth‘s 29th book. Though he gets fine performances from many quarters — a gentle Logan Lerman is a surprising and interesting choice to play a young man frequently described as “intense,” while Tracy Letts and Linda Emond are outstanding — the film is scuppered by an approach that sees it build on the bones of the novel without ever quite animating its heart.

Continue reading James Schamus’ Literary Adaptation ‘Indignation’ Is Largely Uninspired [Review] at The Playlist.

While the summer season is focused on blockbusters, there’s still something out there for audiences looking for something a little more literary. Legendary screenwriter and producer James Schamus has stepped behind the camera to make his feature-length directorial debut, and we want to help you go and see it.

READ MORE: Berlin Review: James Schamus’ Directorial Debut ‘Indignation’ Starring Logan Lerman

Based on the novel by Philip Roth, and featuring a terrific cast including Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon, Tracy Letts, Linda Emond, Danny Burstein, Ben Rosenfield, Pico Alexander, Philip Ettinger, and Noah Robbins, the 1951-set story centers on Marcus Messner, a brilliant working-class Jewish boy from Newark, New Jersey, who travels on scholarship to a small, conservative college in Ohio, thus exempting him from being drafted into the Korean War.

Continue reading Contest: Win An ‘Indignation’ Prize Pack Including A Gift Card, Soundtrack & Book at The Playlist.

James Schamus has spent most of his career as a tastemaker and acclaimed producer, working with filmmakers like Ang Lee, Michel Gondry and Gus Van Sant during his tenure at Focus Features, establishing the studio as one of the finest indie outlets. Now he’s getting behind the camera, and for his first feature film, he’s tackled an adaptation of a novel by Philip Roth.

Continue reading Watch: First Trailer For James Schamus’ ‘Indignation’ Starring Logan Lerman at The Playlist.