Highbrow Magazine - david fincher https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/david-fincher en The Most Anticipated Movies of 2023 https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/23539-most-anticipated-movies-2023 <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Wed, 04/12/2023 - 19:20</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1a2023movies.jpg?itok=lImFETD7"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1a2023movies.jpg?itok=lImFETD7" width="480" height="270" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">For the first time since the pandemic, 2022 seemed like a normal year for seeing movies at the theater. Despite the dominance of streaming during the heights of the pandemic, as well as a streaming title winning the coveted Academy Award for Best Picture, 2022 showcased a gradual rejection of the streaming takeover narrative.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://abovetheline.com/2023/01/18/avatar-mea-culpa-other-box-office-observations-accidental-turitz/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">2022 marked a growing return of audiences to theaters.</a> The financial success of films such as <em>Top Gun: Maverick, Elvis</em>, and <em>Avatar: The Way of Water</em> are positive signs that theaters can continue to find success in the age of streaming. Whether this means theaters are in resurgence or merely a last hurrah before streaming fully consumes the film industry, we must wait and see. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">If the release schedule for 2023 is any indication, this year will continue to see the theatrical experience battling it out with streaming services. These movies are not only representative of Hollywood’s current fascinations, but also offers insight into the talent film studios want to align with. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</em></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Admittedly, I did everything in my power to keep the fifth installment within the Indiana Jones franchise off my list. <em>Kingdom of the Crystal Skull</em> left a sour taste in many people’s mouths and with the announcement of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas not returning, I struggled to feign excitement. Despite a talented cast including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Antonio Banderas and helmed by <em>Logan</em> director James Mangold, the idea of Harrison Ford being Indiana Jones at the age of 80 seemed odd.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Yet, upon witnessing the first trailer, hearing John Williams’s iconic score while seeing Ford dawn the hat once more, the emotions began to swell up. No matter what the reception may be when all said and done, I will get to spend two more hours with Harrison Ford as one of his most iconic screen characters, and for that thought alone, I cannot hide my excitement despite some major trepidations.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/12023movies.jpg" style="height:650px; width:520px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>MaXXXine</em></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">In terms of Scream queens, no recent icon has captivated and scared audiences quite like Mia Goth. Going into last year, Goth’s only film scheduled for release was Ti West’s <em>X</em>, a slasher film released by A24. Yet, when the film ended, audiences were rewarded with a surprise trailer of a prequel entitled <em>Pearl, </em>which would also stars Goth and was scheduled to release six months later. Once again, Goth reunites with West in <em>MaXXXine</em>, a sequel to both<em> Pearl</em> and <em>X</em>.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">In terms of breakout stars, Goth cemented her legacy amongst horror fans. Set in the 1980s Goth reprises her character Maxine from <em>X</em> as she makes her move to Hollywood in order to become an actress. If Goth and West’s previous collaborations are any indication, <em>MaXXXine </em>will be a bloody good time full of scares and a lot of laughs.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Creed III</em></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Michael B. Jordan has a lot to prove with <em>Creed III</em>. After successfully rebooting the <em>Rocky</em> franchise in 2015 alongside Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan now finds himself in the director’s chair. <em>Creed III</em> will be the first film within the franchise to not include Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Whereas Stallone once received the creative freedom to shape the franchise, now Michael B. Jordan receives that same opportunity. In directing <em>Creed III,</em> Jordan gets to prove his skills behind the camera. Co-starring alongside Jordan is Jonathan Majors who in the span of one month will star in <em>Creed III</em>, <em>Ant-Man and the Wasp</em> <em>Quantomania</em> and make his Sundance return with <em>Magazine Dream</em>. Paring these two actors together and the results may very well be charisma overload.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/22023movies.jpg" style="height:366px; width:650px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Barbie</em></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">The idea of a movie based around the toy line sounded like the ultimate cash grab. Yet, upon announcing <em>Ladybird</em> director Greta Gerwig to direct and co-write the film with her partner Noah Baumbach (<em>Marriage Story</em>), my intrigue grew. The announcement of Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Will Ferrell, and Michael Cera as stars turned my cynicism into optimism.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">The trailer set to Also Sprach Zarathustra pays direct homage to <em>2001: A Space Odyssey</em>, highlighting the tongue-in-cheek humor Gerwig brings to the property. Accompanied by lavish costuming, impressive set designs, and dance montages, <em>Barbie</em> looks to achieve something wholly unique.  Hopefully, the film shares more in common with <em>The Lego: Movie</em> rather than <em>G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra.</em> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Napoleon</em></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix once again reunite for a historical epic. Except, instead of gladiators they jump forward in time to the French Revolution. <em>Napoleon</em> examines Bonaparte’s rise to power through the lens of his tumultuous relationship with Empress Josephine (Vanessa Kirby). In describing the film to Deadline, director Ridley Scott said what interested him in Napoleon’s rise to power was his constant need to impress his adulterous wife. He states, <a href="https://deadline.com/2021/01/napoleon-movie-joaquin-phoenix-ridley-scott-apple-studios-kitbag-1234672742/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“He conquered the world to try to win her love, and when he couldn’t, he conquered it to destroy her, and destroyed himself in the process.”</a></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Apple acquired the film in 2021. T<a href="https://theankler.com/p/apple-looks-to-crash-oscar-party?isFreemail=false&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=post-email-title" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">atiana Siegel for The Ankler reported in September 2022 that Apple considered moving up the release of<em> Napoleon</em>, so as to compete at the 95<sup>th</sup> Academy Awards.</a> While Apple ultimately decided to move forward with the Will Smith-led film, <em>Emancipation, </em>the company’s eagerness to release in time for Oscars voting season suggests they believe in Scott’s vision. Given the talent involved as well as Phoenix’s recent track record, it is easy to see where those beliefs stem from.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/32023movies.jpg" style="height:650px; width:487px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>The Killer</em></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">The only reason David Fincher’s <em>The Killer</em> is not higher on this list is that at this moment no one knows anything about the project, except that it is being released by Netflix, stars Michael Fassbender, and reunites Fincher with his<em> Se7en</em> writer Andrew Kevin Walker. Yet, those three factoids alone should be enough to get any audience excited to see Fincher’s latest thriller.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Netflix’s domination in the streaming race began largely with <em>House of Card</em>s, which was produced by Fincher. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/11/12/21562109/netflix-david-fincher-multiyear-deal-mindhunter-house-of-cards-mank" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Since then, Netflix has made Fincher a staple filmmaker for the company, financing and distributing both his latest projects, <em>Mindhunte</em>r and <em>Mank</em></a><em>.</em> Now, Fincher returns to his serial killer roots and brings alongside him Fassbender, an extremely talented actor who has struggled to get quality parts as of late. With any luck, <em>The Killer</em> will be a welcome return to the murder-mystery genre that garnered him such renown early in his career.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Dune: Part II</em></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Upon first viewing Denis Villeneuve’s <em>Dune, </em>I found myself to be overwhelmed by the pure spectacle and scale, yet found the plot to be completely incomprehensible. However, upon rewatch, I find myself more and more taken by the universe Villeneuve creates. With every viewing, it grows in my estimation and has quickly become one of my favorite science-fiction films of the 21<sup>st</sup> century.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Christopher Walken, and Lea Seydoux all join the already large ensemble. With every passing movie, Villeneuve’s technical craft widens. <em>Dune: Part II</em> will be the director’s 11th feature film. If this film can reach the same epic proportions as its Oscar-winning predecessor, audiences are in for an experience like no other.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/42023movies.jpg" style="height:366px; width:650px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse</em></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">The sequel to one of the most beloved superhero films releases in 2023. Originally slated for a 2022 release<em>, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse</em> experienced an eight-month delay. While unknown exactly what triggered the delay, reports suggest the complex production and animation have been no easy task. <a href="https://screenrant.com/across-spiderverse-animation-style-visuals-ground-breaking/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">The sequel to the Academy Award-winning<em> Spider-Man</em> film is slated to utilize six different animation styles, as well as feature 240-plus spider-people appearing throughout.</a></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">The complexities of the production indicate a sequel that is truly expansive in every way possible. Oscar Isaac, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, and Jason Schwartzman join the already large ensemble cast with Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, and Jake Johnson all reprising their roles. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Killers of the Flower Moon</em></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Martin Scorsese is making a crime film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Dare I need to add anything else? Based on David Grann’s popular novel, the story follows the FBI investigating the suspicious murders of members of the Osage tribe in 1920s Oklahoma. Rounding out the cast includes Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, Lily Gladstone, John Lithgow, and Brendan Fraser.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Scorsese is 80 years old. We cannot take any of his releases for granted. <a href="https://www.insider.com/martin-scorsese-slams-streaming-services-being-systematically-devalued-2021-2" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Despite voicing reservations about the streaming model</a>, Scorsese has found a great deal of creative freedom in streaming companies. <em>The Irishman </em>proved a huge success for Netflix, garnering numerous accolades. Apple is hoping to replicate that level of success with <em>Killers of the Flower Moon</em>. Given the pedigree in front and behind the camera, Apple will likely push this as a major award contender.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/62023movies.jpg" style="height:435px; width:652px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Oppenheimer</em></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Any time Christopher Nolan makes a movie, it automatically becomes an event worthy of great anticipation. <em>Oppenheimer</em> follows physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.  <a href="https://screenrant.com/across-spiderverse-animation-style-visuals-ground-breaking/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">In typical Nolan fashion, the scale of film promises something beyond imaginable.</a> </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Yet, despite the visual spectacle that Nolan is well-known for, Oppenheimer’s most intriguing element is its cast, which is a who’s who of famous and talented actors. Starring alongside Cillian Murphy includes Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Rami Malek, Kenneth Branagh, Casey Affleck, Alex Wolff, Gary Oldman, and Alden Ehrenreich, just to name a few.  </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Author Bio:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Ben Friedman is a contributing writer at</em> Highbrow Magazine. </strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-movies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new movies</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/creed" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">creed</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/barbie" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">barbie</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/greta-gerwig" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Greta Gerwig</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/noah-baumbach" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">noah baumbach</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/indiana-jones" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">indiana jones</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/maxxxine" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">maxxxine</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/oppenheimer" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">oppenheimer</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/david-fincher" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">david fincher</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/napoleon" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">napoleon</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/dune" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">dune</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/killer" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">the killer</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-films" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new films</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Ben Friedman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">In Slider</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-videos field-type-video-embed-field field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"> <div class="embedded-video"> <div class="player"> <iframe class="" width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZfVYgWYaHmE?width%3D640%26amp%3Bheight%3D360%26amp%3Bautoplay%3D0%26amp%3Bvq%3Dlarge%26amp%3Brel%3D0%26amp%3Bcontrols%3D1%26amp%3Bautohide%3D2%26amp%3Bshowinfo%3D1%26amp%3Bmodestbranding%3D0%26amp%3Btheme%3Ddark%26amp%3Biv_load_policy%3D1%26amp%3Bwmode%3Dopaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> </div> </div></div></div> Wed, 12 Apr 2023 23:20:11 +0000 tara 11805 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/23539-most-anticipated-movies-2023#comments ‘Gone Girl,’ ‘Love Is Strange’ Arrive on Home Video https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4565-gone-girl-love-strange-arrive-home-video <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Tue, 01/13/2015 - 14:14</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/gonegirl.jpg?itok=tQep_G21"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/gonegirl.jpg?itok=tQep_G21" width="480" height="204" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>A pair of R-rated dramas anchor this week’s major home video releases.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Gone Girl</strong></p> <p><strong>3½ stars (out of four)<br /> Rated R for a scene of bloody violence, some strong sexual content/nudity, and language<br /> 20<sup>th</sup> Century Fox<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, DVD and digital download</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Few directors match David Fincher in terms of filmmaking prowess. He is known as a perfectionist, and his work ethic results in exciting films that drip with atmosphere and often take viewers by surprise. From that standpoint, “Gone Girl” is a quintessential Fincher project. Based on the bestselling 2012 novel by Gillian Flynn, the movie focuses on Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), an average guy who is thrown into the spotlight when his semi-famous wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), goes missing. At first, Nick gets a sympathetic reaction from the public and Amy’s parents, but as the case wears on, he becomes the primary suspect.</p> <p> </p> <p>Flynn adapted her own book to the screen, and the material translates relatively well, as viewers spend much of the movie wondering whether they can – or should – trust Nick. This is possible, in large part, thanks to a spot-on performance by Affleck. Over the years, the actor has taken some heat (most of it unjustified) for his performances, but he has matured with age, and his version of Nick is perfect. Affleck paints his character as charming enough to be likable, but guarded enough to leave doubts. </p> <p> </p> <p>Pike is even better as Amy, and there’s talk of a best actress Oscar nomination for her performance. She would be deserving of the honor, as this is the best – and flashiest – work of her career. </p> <p> </p> <p>The movie also features standout roles for Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon and Kim Dickens. “Gone Girl” is not, however, a simple actors’ showcase. Much of the credit for the film’s success goes to Flynn and to Fincher’s ability to translate her story to the screen.</p> <p> </p> <p>As modern and exciting as Fincher’s filmmaking is, “Gone Girl” plays out like an old-fashioned thriller. That means the emphasis is on plot, and – aside from a questionable finale – the storytelling is as engaging as it gets. The film is filled with sharp turns, and most work flawlessly. That said, I was troubled by the final twist. But that’s almost a good thing because it is guaranteed to spark conversation, and that’s a hallmark of great art.</p> <p> </p> <p>The DVD release has no extras, but the Blu-ray features an audio commentary by Fincher.</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/loveisstrangefilm.jpg" style="height:368px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Love Is Strange</strong></p> <p><strong>3 stars<br /> Rated R for language<br /> Sony Pictures Classics<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>With “Love Is Strange,” director Ira Sachs offers a compelling romantic tale about two men whose lives come apart shortly after the happiest moment in their lives.</p> <p> </p> <p>After a four-decade love affair, Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina) are finally able to wed, and they mark the occasion with a joyful gathering of family and friends. The celebration is short-lived, however, because after the wedding, George is dismissed from his job as a church music teacher. Since Ben is retired, the two men immediately get into financial trouble, and they are forced to sell their comfortable apartment, netting almost nothing.</p> <p> </p> <p>The only option is for the couple to seek help from friends, but nobody has enough room for both of them. So, Ben moves in with his nephew (Darren Burrows) and his family while George stays with two younger pals (Cheyenne Jackson and Manny Perez). Along with living separately, the aging men must adjust to drastically different lifestyles. Ben’s nephew is a workaholic, and his author wife (Marisa Tomei) finds it difficult to write with Ben puttering about her house. In the meantime, George struggles to sleep because the youthful friends who took him in party until the wee hours every night. Despite the struggles, Ben and George find solace in the one thing they’ve always had: each other.</p> <p> </p> <p>“Love Is Strange” is talky, and it moves slowly, but it is also punctuated by outstanding performances from Lithgow and Molina. These men are phenomenal talents, and they are particularly good when sharing the screen. That’s not to take anything away from the rest of the cast, as every actor is solid.</p> <p> </p> <p>Although the movie focuses on a same-sex relationship, the issues it broaches are universal. It’s easy to imagine the pain any couple would face if suddenly ripped apart after decades together, and Sachs and his actors do a fine job reflecting on the situation.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Blu-ray and DVD extras include a Q&amp;A session from the Los Angeles Film Festival, a making-of feature and an audio commentary with Sachs, Molina and Lithgow.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>ALSO OUT THIS WEEK</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“A Walk Among the Tombstones”: Liam</strong> Neeson stars as a private investigator hired to find out who murdered a crime boss’s wife. Directed by Scott Frank.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“The Identical”:</strong> Drama about identical twins (both played by Blake Rayne) who are separated shortly after birth and take different paths through the world. Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Seth Green and Joe Pantoliano also star. Directed by Dustin Marcellino.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“The Two Faces of January”:</strong> Thriller about a young man (Oscar Isaac) who is tangled in illegal dealings after becoming infatuated by a beautiful woman (Kirsten Dunst) and her wealthy husband (Viggo Mortensen). Co-written and directed by Hossein Amini.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Tyrant” – The Complete First Season:</strong> First 10 episodes of the FX drama about the son of a Middle-Eastern tyrant (Adam Rayner) who is grudgingly drawn into his father’s world.  Jennifer Finnigan, Ashraf Barhom and Fares Fares also star.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Boardwalk Empire” – The Complete Fifth Season:</strong> Final eight episodes of the HBO drama about the dealings of a corrupt politician working in Atlantic City during the Prohibition era.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“House of Lies” – The Third Season:</strong> This popular Showtime series focuses on the personal and professional life of high-profile management consultant Marty Kaan (Don Cheadle). Kristen Bell, Ben Schwartz and Josh Lawson also star.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Dallas” – The Complete Third Season:</strong> TNT’s revival of the original “Dallas” lasted only three seasons, but fans can revisit the last 15 episodes with this set. In season three, Bobby (Patrick Duffy) has become the eldest member of the powerful Ewing family. Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Julie Gonzalo and Ken Kercheval also star.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant”:</strong> Criterion Collection restoration of writer-director Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s 1972 movie about a nasty fashion designer (Margrit Carstensen) who falls in love with an aspiring model (Hanna Schygulla). Presented in German with English subtitles.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“The Scorpion King 4 – Quest for Power”:</strong> Yet another direct-to-video addition to “The Scorpion King” franchise. Victor Webster reprises his role as the title character, and he finds himself in a position where he must battle an entire kingdom of soldiers. Rutger Hauer, Lou Ferrigno and Royce Gracie also star.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“The Facts of Life” – The Complete Series: </strong>All nine seasons of the 1980s sitcom about an all-girls boarding school in New York. Charlotte Rae, Lisa Whelchel, Kim Fields, Molly Ringwald, Nancy McKeon and Mindy Cohn star.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“NYPD Blue” – Season 8:</strong> Twenty episodes of the long-running police drama created by Steven Bochco and David Milch. Dennis Franz, Rick Schroder, Kim Delaney and Gordon Clapp star. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio: </strong></p> <p><strong><em>Forrest Hartman is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. For more of his work visit <a href="http://www.ForrestHartman.com">www.ForrestHartman.com</a>.</em></strong></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/gone-girl" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">gone girl</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/love-strange" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">love is strange</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/ben-affleck" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">ben affleck</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/david-fincher" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">david fincher</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/alfred-molina" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">alfred molina</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-dvd-0" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new on dvd</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/dvds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">DVDs</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/home-video" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">home video</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Tue, 13 Jan 2015 19:14:07 +0000 tara 5611 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4565-gone-girl-love-strange-arrive-home-video#comments