From 1 to 10 September, the 43rd edition of the Deauville Festival will be in full swing. Once again the selection was generous and diverse. Of the many films sent to the festival, only 29 fictions were selected. There will be 15 firsts and a competition between 14 participants!
2 biopics, an underwater lock-up, more or less Catholic love stories, an animated film…We brewed wide in this ocean of productions across the Atlantic (despite an underrepresentation of female directors). The final list will certainly please as many people as possible. From light comedy to dramas that challenge us, let's review together the fifteen lucky ones.
47 Meters Down (In The Deep) :
- 47 Meters Down (In The Deep) by Johannes Roberts
Synopsis : Two sisters spend a vacation in Mexico. They decide to test the local attraction: scuba diving in cages among sharks. When the cable gives way and they find themselves surrounded by huge sharks under 47 meters of water, the holidays become less radiant.
The detail that kills : initially reserved for VOD and DVDs under the dome of Dimension Films (the Weinstein brothers…), Entertainment Studios (the new distributor) fought for it to be released in theaters. This was the case on June 16, 2017 in the United States. For the France the fight seems to have been lost…
We're waiting : Real bombshell at the American box office. The film is to date the most profitable independent production of the year ($ 55 million in revenue against a budget of $ 5 million). An underwater lock-up in the vein of Open Water (2004) or In The Shallows (2016).
Trailer of 47 Meters Down (In The Deep):
The Last Word (adorable enemies):
- The Last Word by Mark Pellinkton
Harriet , a retired psychorigid businesswoman, sets out to write her own obituary and control her death down to the smallest detail. She enlists the help of a young journalist who is responsible for collecting the testimonies of her relatives and acquaintances who are still alive. The fishing is disastrous: no one wants to say good things about Harriet. Then begins an eventful quest for the retiree who, seeking to correct her image, will write a new chapter in her life.
The detail that kills: The film, cited for its few scripted largesse, has been in theaters in the United States since March. The public unfortunately did not respond, probably saturated with stories of the same kind…. It will be up to the French public to make their opinion during the festival!
We expect: A tender feel-good movie carried by the excellent Shirley MacLaine (big sister of Warren Beattie). A modern-day fable about our daily actions and the memory we leave to the people we meet.
Trailer of The Last Word (Adorable Enemies):
American Made (Barry Seal: American Traffic):
- American Made (Barry Seal: American Traffic) by Doug Liman
Synopsis : The true story of Barry Seal, a cynical American airline pilot approached by the CIA and the DEA (the U.S.) to help them in their fight against Pablo Escobar. At the same time he is approached by the Medellin cartel to serve as a mule in drug transfers. An eventful double life that almost cost the president of the time: Ronald Reagan his job
The detail that kills: The filming of the film was mourned by the death of two crew members (and several injured) on September 11, 2015 (fatal date). The passenger plane carrying three pilots crashed on the set in Colombia. Sad news that reminds us that the 7th art is not only rhinestones and glitter but especially hundreds of people involved in a project.
We expect: An action-packed movie (normal there's Tom Cruise in it!) in the vein of Stop me if you can a bit more political. Indeed, he addresses the Iran/Contra scandal. With this film, Doug Liman directs Tom Cruise again after Edge of Tomorrow (2014).
Trailer of American Made (Barry Seal: American Traffic):
It (This):
- It by Andy Muschietti
Synopsis : Mysterious disappearances of children worry the city of Derry in Maine. Meanwhile, a group of seven children decide to get together and act after having everything come into contact with It, a creature feeding on people's fear that has taken on the appearance of a clown.
The detail that kills: Classic of the genre never taken up by the 7th art, It has known a glorious list of contenders for its realization. George Romero (recently deceased…), Guillermo del Toro or Cary Fukunaga (the brilliant director of season 1 of True Detective) have been approached for the command of the project. In the end, it was Andrés Muschietti who received this honour. We trembled in front of Mamá (2013) his first feature film and we can only shiver in advance to discover Pennywise in theaters on September 20.
We've been waiting: a movie for years! This first film adaptation of Stephen King's classic has been awaited since the success of the 1990 miniseries. We are already planning a sequel, or rather the second chapter of the story (which takes place over two periods separated by thirty years).
Trailer of It (It ):
Good Time :
- Good Time by Josh & Bennie Safdie
Synopsis : A robbery gone wrong forces Connie and her brother Nick to flee. Connie manages to escape, but her brother, who suffers from mental disorders, is quickly arrested. No choice! Connie decides to make her brother escape at her own risk!
The detail that kills: Goodtime was first noticed on the Croisette in May, where the film competed in competition. The composer Oneohtrix Point Never (pseudonym of Daniel Lopatin) also left with the Music Prize (awarded since 2013).
We expect: A journey under acid in an underground Queens carried by the great actor that became Robert Pattinson. We appreciate that he was able to come out of the shadows of his role in the teen saga Twilight.
Trailer of Good Time:
Kidnapping :
- Kidnapping of Luis Prieto
Synopsis : A waitress in the middle of divorce proceedings takes her son to the zoo. She is away for a moment to answer the phone. On her return, she watches helplessly as her child is kidnapped. Then begins an infernal chase.
The detail that kills: In theaters since the beginning of August in the United States, the film has undergone a special distribution since it was released almost 3 years after the beginning of shooting. Small flop across the Atlantic, it will have to prove itself in the world.
We expect: A strong heroine! We know the acting talents of Halle Berry (already Oscar winner for Moneyball, her speech is worth a look). To see now if the technique and the story have been able to produce a thriller breathless that will come out of the shackles of Hollywood …
Trailer of Kidnap:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Ht8VRPRvU
The Zookeeper's Wife
- The Zookeeper's Wife by Niki Caro
Synopsis : Jan and Antonina Zabinski are in charge of the Warsaw Zoo. While Jan conducts, he is supported by his wife's devotion and immense love for animals. The Blietzkrig began on September 1, 1939 when the Nazis massively bombed the Polish capital before gradually invading it. In solidarity, the Zabinski couple will gradually collect Jews and hide them in their zoo, in the nose of the invader harnessed to the construction of his fatal ghetto …
The detail that kills: It is the adaptation of the eponymous novel written by Diane Ackerman and published in 2007. The Zabinskis actually lived in Warsaw at the beginning of the war and Antonina's superdimensional courage saved more than 300 Jews fleeing the Nazi invader. The couple was honored with the distinction of "Righteous Among the Nations" by the State of Israel in 1965.
We expect: A new chronicle about the unsung heroes of the Second World War who did not bear arms. An oscariable role for Jessica Chastain, still waiting for the Grail (give this woman an Oscar!)
Trailer of The Zookeeper's Wife
The Promise :
- The Promise by Terry George
Synopsis : The story of a love triangle between an Armenian medical student, an American journalist and his wife. All at the end of the reign of the Ottoman Empire, during the Armenian genocide.
The detail that kills: The presence of a Frenchie with the appearance of Jean Reno in the role of the French admiral. The actor is accustomed to the fact, since he appeared last year in The Last Face by Sean Penn. Hollywood has eyes only for our Leon !
We expect: The performance of the beautiful and bubbly Charlotte Le Bon (former weather miss of the Grand Journal), who begins to expand her Hollywood career. Recall that it has already been directed by the great Robert Zemeckis in The Walk: Dream higher. Note that The Promise was already presented at TIFF last year. This does not prevent us from having big doubts and hoping that the historical context will not be flouted in favor of a romance already seen thousands of times.
Trailer of The Promise :
The Glass Castle :
- The Glass Castle by Destin Daniel Cretton
Synopsis : The turbulent childhood of Jeanette Walls and her siblings who crisscross America with their parents to escape their creditors. An inventor and alcoholic father, a painter and irresponsible mother and out-of-school children whose education is taken care of by the eldest: welcome to the Walls!
The detail that kills: For his third feature film, Cretton relied on the memoirs of Jeanette Walls, published in 2005. In her writings, the author describes a tormented childhood, where the fantasies of her parents take precedence over their educational mission. Note that Brie Larson has taken over from Jennifer Lawrence for the role of Jeanette Walls.
We expect: The duo Woody Harrelson (real chameleon full of tenderness) / Brie Larson (if you haven't seen Room, don't waste a second!) ! Roles once again Oscarisable for the two actors. The epic of an atypical family (we think of Little Miss Sunshine or Captain Fantastic) that deals with broken dreams and the difficulties of raising children when we are irresponsible.
Trailer of The Glass Castle :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eud7sJehLI
The Emoji Movie :
- The Emoji Movie by Tony Leondis
Synopsis : Gene is a multifaceted emoji who dreams of being "like everyone else". Outside this world in which he lives is composed of mono-character emoji. An initiatory quest on belonging to society and the construction of a personality.
The detail that kills: James Corden lends his voice to the character of High-Five (Tape m'en cinq). This latelateshowman is known for his devastating humor and motorized karaoke filled with charm and kindness (Carpool Karaoke).
We expect: Another animated film that surfs on the trends of its time. Jokes that only adults will be able to appreciate 100% and a humanistic message. This is the cocktail to come in French cinemas for the holidays of All Saints.
Trailer of The Emoji Movie :
Mother!
- Mother! de Darren Aronofsky
Synopsis : A young woman and her husband experience the perfect romance in a secluded home. The arrival of another couple in their daily lives will disturb this ephemeral tranquility.
The detail that kills: This is the 1st collaboration between the young actress and the director. Artistic AND sentimental collaboration since they are in a relationship in real life.
We expect: A tribute (and great god deserved) to the director. His baptism of fire of the horror film (which promises to be more tense than Black Swan) awaits us!
Trailer of Mother! (enjoy the editing as a whole)
The Music of Silence :
- The Music of Silence by Michael Radford
Synopsis : A film inspired by the life of Andrea Bocelli, a great Italian tenor who lost his sight at the age of 12.
The detail that kills: The film is named after the artist's autobiographical collection, published in 1999. We will be able to discover in this film new works, composed by the artist in his youth (and never broadcast before).
We expect: A rather Latin version of Ray (pardon the crude comparison) carried by an Antonio Banderas far too absent from dark rooms these days. On the same subject but in a more offbeat way, we can wait by rediscovering Marguerite by Xavier Giannoli (2015), biopic on Florence Foster Jenkins (yes we remain chauvinistic!).
A trailer (in Italian without subtitles, no choice) was put online by Italian newspaper on August 4 : http://video.corriere.it/the-music-of-silence-trailer-film-ispirato-vita-andrea-bocelli-esclusiva/fefac434-78e2-11e7-9267-909ddec0f3dc
The Only Living Boy in New York :
- The Only Living Boy in New York by Marc Webb
Synopsis : Thomas Webb has just graduated from college and would like to live the American dream in New York. Very quickly he befriends his neighbor writer who will "go around the owner" of the Big Apple. The student's adaptation goes admirably until the day he meets Johanna, his father's troubling mistress.
The detail that kills: Reference to the eponymous song by Simon & Garfunkel ? This walk from the 70s speaks of the lack caused by the absence of a being who inspires us. You feel like you're alone in the world afterwards. Moreover, the actor Miles Teller (Whiplash, War Dogs…) was initially considered for the lead role. He will soon play a firefighter of thunder. He probably made the right choice….
We expect: not much in an erotic thriller that is oriented towards the eternal fantasy of the MILF…. A cast composed of models like Pierce Brosnan or Kate Beckinsale. Cynthia Nixon can be found in her beloved city (who became known by playing the cynical Miranda Hobbes in the series Sex and the City)
Trailer of The Only Living Boy in New York :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS4WGUDALUw
The Wilde Wedding :
- The Wilde Wedding by Damian Harris
Synopsis : When a former movie star gets married for the 4th time, everything is normal. But when she decides to invite her ex-husband (the father of her children), the tension rises between the new suitor and the former No. 1. This Wilde marriage (the "e" is silent) promises to be the most torrid, between punches and leg games in the air.
The detail that kills: We can't wait to see a Patrick Stewart (hairy!) Madly in love and embarked on a family story in spite of himself.
We expect: A light romantic comedy that reconnects with the codes of classic humor (Old School / New School opposition, love triangle, delirious characters). We can only rejoice to discover high-flying actors in the humorous exercise. John Malkovich has shown this many times and so has Glenn Close .
Trailer of The Wilde Wedding :
The Yellow Birds:
- The Yellow Birds by Alexandre Moors
Synopsis : Two young recruits are on a mission in Iraq, under the guidance of a sergeant with a changing mood. Only one of the two returns to the country and carries within him the secret of the disappearance of his comrade that he will have a hard time hiding from the mother of the disappeared.
The detail that kills: It is the adaptation of Kevin Powers' novel published in 2012 and acclaimed by critics. This quasi-autobiographical fiction deals in detail with the soldier's feelings in a war more interior than on the battlefield. The film, which premiered at Sundance earlier this year, came away with an award to Daniel Landin (enjoy his work in Jonathan Glazer's Under the Skin).
We expect: The second feature film by French-American Alexandre Moors who began his career in music video (Jennifer Lopez, Chris Brown and Cris Cab among others) and advertising.
No trailer has been released yet but we stay on the spot!
Everything is said about this category. The opinions expressed are only the feelings before viewing. Some films are more anticipated than others but we prefer to let you make your own opinion on the matter. We know from experience that the Deauville festival always has some great surprises and great moments of cinema in store for us.See you in Deauville !
