Tag Archives: Robert De Niro

BEING FLYNN – Not just more bull

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Memoirs are a funny thing, both in the written form and on the big screen.  Between controversies over the truthfulness of past high-profile memoirs, or the resulting reader and critic fatigue of an over-crowded marketplace, writing a memoir and actually getting it to the big screen is a very, very tricky thing. That’s why it is nice to see author Nick Flynn’s inspiring memoir, “Another Bulls*!t Night in Suck City,” make it to the big screen.

BEING FLYNN,based on Nick Flynn’s 2004 memoir, “Another Bulls*!t Night in Suck City,” opened last week in limited release, but expands this Friday, March 16 in theatres across the U.S.  Academy Award-nominated writer-director Paul Weitz (ABOUT A BOY) directs this portrait of fathers and sons. The film follows Nick Flynn (Paul Dano of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, THERE WILL BE BLOOD) who is shocked to have his eccentric and long-absent father, Jonathan (two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro) reach out to him unexpectedly, when their paths cross in a homeless shelter where the younger Flynn volunteers.  Still feeling the loss of his mother (played in flashbacks by Julianne Moore), and in the midst of starting a new relationship with Denise (JUNO’s Olivia Thirlby), the last person Nick wants to see is his father. Slowly, Nick comes to realize he has been given the chance to make a real future not only for himself, but for his struggling father too.

Moviegoers are saying this is one of De Niro’s best performances in years.  Get a look at the film in the trailer below, and also check out this really nice interview from NPR with the film’s director, Paul Weitz, and Nicky Flynn, who talk to Fresh Air’s Dave Davies about the themes of the film.

 

Books to Screen

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The summer movie season is in full swing, yet regardless of what time of year it is, you can always find films on the big screen that got their start on the pages of a book.  Book lovers can certainly agree that the success of adaptation from book to television or film varies wildly, ranging from brilliant (“To Kill a Mockingbird” or “Lord of the Rings” trilogy) to unbelievably bad (“The Leagues of Extraordinary Gentlemen” or the 1995 version of “The Scarlet Letter”).

I am a lover of both books and film, but given a choice, I always prefer to read the book first and then see the film.  So if you also enjoy reading the book first, then seeing the project evolve to the small screen or the big screen, here are a few books you might want to catch-up on:

EAT PRAY LOVE
Cast: Julia Roberts, James Franco, Richard Jenkins, Viola Davis, Billy Crudup
Director: Ryan Murphy (“Nip/Tuck,” “Glee”)
Category: Theatrical Film
Release Date: In movie theaters nationwide on August 13th
Based on: EAT, PRAY, LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert

This film has all the right elements to be a phenomenal success at the box office — Julia Roberts in the type of role audiences love to see her in, combined with Elizabeth Gilbert’s wildly successful memoir.  The story chronicles’ one woman’s quest to find what she really wants out of life.  In her travels, she discovers the true pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy; the power of prayer in India; and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of true love in Bali.

THE DARK FIELDS
Cast:  Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish
Director:  Neil Burger (“The Illusionist”)
Category:  Theatrical film
Release Date:  In movie theaters 2011
Based on:  THE DARK FIELDS by Alan Glynn

This thriller imagines a not-so-distant world where designer drugs are all the rage.  Our lead character, Eddie Spinola is hooked on MDT-48, a designer drug that adds intelligence and personality.  Think of it as Viagra for the brain.  While MDT helps Eddie achieve the kind of success he’s only dreamed about, the side effects are nasty .  Sanity-splitting headaches, spontaneous blackouts and violent outbursts are just a few.  Hooked and with his supply is running low, Eddie must venture into the drug’s dark past to feed his habit.

A GAME OF THRONES
Cast Regulars: Sean Bean, Peter Dinklage, Harry Lloyd, Mark Addy, Jamie Campbell Bower
Director:  Tom McCarthy (“The Station Agent,” “The Visitor”)
Category:  Television Series
Release Date:  Anticipated start date of Spring 2011 on HBO
Based On:  A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE (series) by George R.R. Martin

Seven noble families engage in an epic struggle for power set in a vast and violent fantasy kingdom.  Amidst war, political confusion and sexual intrigue, a brotherhood of misfits are all that stand between the realms of men and the horrors beyond.  HBO has greenlit ten episodes to see how the series will fare with audiences.

JANE EYRE
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, Sally Hawkins
Director:  Cary Fukunaa  (“Sin Nombre”)
Category:  Theatrical film
Release Date:  In select theaters Friday, March 11, 2011
Based On:  JANE EYRE by Charlotte Brontë

Yes, another version of the classic Brontë work.  But really, with a story this good, do you ever tire of seeing it done well on the big screen?  Never read the classic?  What are you waiting for?  Now is the perfect time!

And finally, for great summer reading fare, make sure and catch “Dead in the Family,” book ten in Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series.  Whenever I finish one of Harris’ novels, I find myself disappointed that I have to wait for the next book to come out!  Lucky for me, “True Blood” is back this Saturday, June 13, for their third season on HBO!  While “Dead in the Family” may not be my favorite book in the series, it is a great summer read. I stayed-up throughout the night (on a work-night no less), so I could catch-up on my favorite supes (“supernaturals” for the uninitiated).

Okay, confession, I was really just rushing through to the end hoping that Bill and Sookie finally reconcile.  Yes ladies, I am a member of Team Bill.  Are you a “True Blood” fan too?  Leave me a message here and tell me:  Team Eric, Team Bill or Team Sam!