Begin Again
John Carney’s Begin Again (USA 2013), John Michael McDonagh’s Calvary (Ireland/UK 2014) and Charlie McDowell’s The One I Love (USA 2014) have been added to the film schedule for the 57th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 24–May 8).
When failed record executive Dan (Mark Ruffalo) meets tentative but talented singer-songwriter Greta (Keira Knightley) in a Manhattan nightclub, he dedicates himself to making her a star in a bid for career and personal redemption. He is in a bad place in his life, his career and marriage in shambles, and so is she, her heart broken by her rock star ex-boyfriend Dave (Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine). While the talented Greta lacks ambition, Dan, desperate for one more hit record and validation in the eyes of his estranged wife (Catherine Keener) and daughter (Hailee Steinfeld), has enough drive for the both of them. Ruffalo’s committed performance as the not always likable, but ultimately sympathetic, impresario rediscovering his passion and reclaiming his soul is what makes this tale of redemption soar as writer/director John Carney (SFIFF 2007) scores another winner in his return to the romantic musical. Begin Again plays Wednesday May 7, 6:00 pm at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. The Weinstein Company will open the film in Bay Area theaters in July.
Calvary
The words coming from the other side of the confessional are chilling: after first relating the rape he suffered in childhood at the hands of a priest, the anonymous voice promises Father James Lavelle (Brendan Gleeson) that in a week’s time he is going to murder him. Not because the pastor had a hand in his or anyone else’s molestation, but because assassinating a good priest will make more of a statement. With that arresting opening begins Calvary, Gleeson’s second collaboration with writer/director John Michael McDonagh after The Guard (2011). This darkly comedic drama frames trenchant observations of the Catholic Church’s history dealing with abuse allegations in Ireland within a daft mystery/passion play with Father Lavelle reluctantly thrust into the role of the martyr marked to die for the sins of others. Calvary plays Thursday May 8, 6:00 pm at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. Fox Searchlight Pictures will open the film in theaters this coming August.
The One I Love
The One I Love follows longtime couple Ethan (Mark Duplass) and Sophie (Elisabeth Moss) in their attempt to mend their rocky relationship. While the two are still in love, in the past few years a mean streak has started to color all of their interactions and squabbling has replaced sex. Dedicated to salvaging what was once a healthy and loving relationship, the pair start seeing a therapist (Ted Danson) who suggests that they spend a weekend at an idyllic country property with a 100% success rate at mending ailing relationships. Ethan and Sophie eagerly sign up, and the house is even more gorgeous than the marriage counselor described—rolling greenery, a swimming pool, even a small cottage behind the main house. Almost immediately, the two are more affectionate, flirty and fun than they’ve been in years. Something must be wrong here. The One I Love plays Tuesday May 6, 9:15 pm at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. Radius – TWC will open the film in theaters this summer.