Disney may be gearing up for its traditional celebration of Pride month, but on Tuesday a longtime executive has hit the House of Mouse with a lawsuit citing discrimination based on sexual orientation.
“Plaintiff has direct and repeated complaints to Hr about the discrimination he has endured while employed by Defendants and, concomitantly, the related failures to promote him and to pay him at the same level as other department heads,” said the complaint filed by attorneys for Joel Hopkins in Los Angeles Superior Court on the first day of LGBTQ+ Pride month.
“After his sexual orientation became known to his superiors and after being discriminated against and put on a dead-end career track and repeatedly denied promotions with no remedy or relief from Hr, Plaintiff is informed and believes that yet again, in or around April 2021, several promotions occurred, but Plaintiff once again was not promoted,” continues the 10-page...
“Plaintiff has direct and repeated complaints to Hr about the discrimination he has endured while employed by Defendants and, concomitantly, the related failures to promote him and to pay him at the same level as other department heads,” said the complaint filed by attorneys for Joel Hopkins in Los Angeles Superior Court on the first day of LGBTQ+ Pride month.
“After his sexual orientation became known to his superiors and after being discriminated against and put on a dead-end career track and repeatedly denied promotions with no remedy or relief from Hr, Plaintiff is informed and believes that yet again, in or around April 2021, several promotions occurred, but Plaintiff once again was not promoted,” continues the 10-page...
- 6/1/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Announced deal-making out of the virtual AFM has been deafeningly quiet so far, but Cornerstone Films was among sellers to clock up strong pre-sales, we can reveal.
We’ve heard from buyers that two of Cornerstone’s light-hearted Brit pics were among their favourites: Emma Thompson sex therapy comedy Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, and Helena Bonham Carter-Pierce Brosnan rom-com Not Bloody Likely, exploring the story behind the 1914 West End production of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion. Buyers flocked to the former despite the script not being available yet.
Not Bloody Likely has pre-sold to Studiocanal for UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand; Dea Planeta for Spain; FilmCoopi for Switzerland; and Terry Steiner International for World Airlines.
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande has been picked up by Wild Bunch for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Italy and France; Scanbox for Scandinavia; Entertainment Bv for Benelux; Forum...
We’ve heard from buyers that two of Cornerstone’s light-hearted Brit pics were among their favourites: Emma Thompson sex therapy comedy Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, and Helena Bonham Carter-Pierce Brosnan rom-com Not Bloody Likely, exploring the story behind the 1914 West End production of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion. Buyers flocked to the former despite the script not being available yet.
Not Bloody Likely has pre-sold to Studiocanal for UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand; Dea Planeta for Spain; FilmCoopi for Switzerland; and Terry Steiner International for World Airlines.
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande has been picked up by Wild Bunch for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Italy and France; Scanbox for Scandinavia; Entertainment Bv for Benelux; Forum...
- 11/19/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Helena Bonham Carter and Pierce Brosnan are set to star in a romantic comedy called “Not Bloody Likely” that tracks the true story of a 1914 production of George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” the story that would eventually become the musical “My Fair Lady.”
“Last Chance Harvey” director Joel Hopkins will direct the film that is being presented to buyers at the American Film Market. Production hopes to begin on the film in the U.K. in spring 2021.
Brosnan will star as Shaw, who is determined to get actress Pat Campbell (Bonham Carter) to play the role of Eliza Doolittle in his now-classic play. But his real intention is to woo her and rekindle their past love. The whole story is seen through the eyes of a young producing assistant who is tasked with finding a “real” Flower Girl who might help Campbell become Eliza, only to spark his own romance.
“Last Chance Harvey” director Joel Hopkins will direct the film that is being presented to buyers at the American Film Market. Production hopes to begin on the film in the U.K. in spring 2021.
Brosnan will star as Shaw, who is determined to get actress Pat Campbell (Bonham Carter) to play the role of Eliza Doolittle in his now-classic play. But his real intention is to woo her and rekindle their past love. The whole story is seen through the eyes of a young producing assistant who is tasked with finding a “real” Flower Girl who might help Campbell become Eliza, only to spark his own romance.
- 11/2/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Helena Bonham Carter (“The Crown”) and Pierce Brosnan (“Mamma Mia!”) will star in “Not Bloody Likely,” from writer/director Joel Hopkins (“Hampstead”).
The film will explore the true story behind the 1914 West End production of George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” which was later re-made into Oscar-winning musical “My Fair Lady.”
Cornerstone Films is handling the worldwide sales rights and will commence sales at the American Film Market.
“Not Bloody Likely” was developed and is produced by Adam Rolston and David Braithwaite (“A Street Cat Named Bob”)
under their new banner Studio Pictures. It will go into production in the U.K. in the spring of 2021.
Rolston and Braithwaite said: “This is exactly the kind of film the world needs right now. A feel-good story that will make you laugh and make you cry for the right reasons.”
Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder of Cornerstone said: “Joel’s wonderfully entertaining script...
The film will explore the true story behind the 1914 West End production of George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” which was later re-made into Oscar-winning musical “My Fair Lady.”
Cornerstone Films is handling the worldwide sales rights and will commence sales at the American Film Market.
“Not Bloody Likely” was developed and is produced by Adam Rolston and David Braithwaite (“A Street Cat Named Bob”)
under their new banner Studio Pictures. It will go into production in the U.K. in the spring of 2021.
Rolston and Braithwaite said: “This is exactly the kind of film the world needs right now. A feel-good story that will make you laugh and make you cry for the right reasons.”
Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder of Cornerstone said: “Joel’s wonderfully entertaining script...
- 11/2/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Helena Bonham Carter and Pierce Brosnan have been set to lead Not Bloody Likely, a romantic comedy exploring the true story of the 1914 West End production of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion.
In the movie, Shaw (Brosnan) has written his masterpiece Pygmalion (which would later be adapted into the Oscar-winning musical My Fair Lady) and is determined for the great Mrs. Pat Campbell (Bonham Carter) to play the role of Eliza Doolittle. But is her casting just a chance for Shaw to rekindle his once great love, the one that got away?
Joel Hopkins (Hampstead) has written and is directing the film, he previously helmed comedy The Love Punch starring Brosnan. Project is being produced by Adam Rolston and David Braithwaite, the pair behind the successful A Streetcat Named Bob and sequel A Christmas Gift From Bob, through their Studio Pictures banner. Production is set for the UK in...
In the movie, Shaw (Brosnan) has written his masterpiece Pygmalion (which would later be adapted into the Oscar-winning musical My Fair Lady) and is determined for the great Mrs. Pat Campbell (Bonham Carter) to play the role of Eliza Doolittle. But is her casting just a chance for Shaw to rekindle his once great love, the one that got away?
Joel Hopkins (Hampstead) has written and is directing the film, he previously helmed comedy The Love Punch starring Brosnan. Project is being produced by Adam Rolston and David Braithwaite, the pair behind the successful A Streetcat Named Bob and sequel A Christmas Gift From Bob, through their Studio Pictures banner. Production is set for the UK in...
- 11/2/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Production earmarked to start the UK in spring 2021.
Helena Bonham Carter and Pierce Brosnan will star in Cornerstone Films’ AFM rom-com Not Bloody Likely.
Joel Hopkins will direct the true story about the 1914 West End production of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion.
Brosnan will play Shaw, who after writing his masterpiece is determined to get Pat Campbell (Bonham Carter), an old flame, to play Eliza Doolittle, the flower girl who is taught how to speak like a duchess.
The story will be told through the eyes of a naive producing assistant who also experiences romance during the production.
Not Bloody...
Helena Bonham Carter and Pierce Brosnan will star in Cornerstone Films’ AFM rom-com Not Bloody Likely.
Joel Hopkins will direct the true story about the 1914 West End production of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion.
Brosnan will play Shaw, who after writing his masterpiece is determined to get Pat Campbell (Bonham Carter), an old flame, to play Eliza Doolittle, the flower girl who is taught how to speak like a duchess.
The story will be told through the eyes of a naive producing assistant who also experiences romance during the production.
Not Bloody...
- 11/2/2020
- by Screen staff
- ScreenDaily
Calling a film “Hampstead” invites immediate comparisons with “Notting Hill,” the Richard Curtis-penned rom-com that put that particular West London enclave on the global map back in 1999.
Director Joel Hopkins may be hoping for similar success, although I doubt the fine residents of Hampstead itself are looking forward to an influx of foreign tourists along their leafy and quaint streets.
In any case, the area of north London’s Hampstead on which this film focuses is the Heath, a great expanse of wood and wild park land that immediately features in the movie’s twinkling opening sequence, following a child’s kite as it flies across the Heath’s famous views of the city skyline, floating above picnicking families, striding dog walkers, pert joggers and recumbent lovers. It’s a shot, I suppose, intended to rival Hugh Grant’s “walk through the seasons” along Portobello Market in “Notting Hill.
Director Joel Hopkins may be hoping for similar success, although I doubt the fine residents of Hampstead itself are looking forward to an influx of foreign tourists along their leafy and quaint streets.
In any case, the area of north London’s Hampstead on which this film focuses is the Heath, a great expanse of wood and wild park land that immediately features in the movie’s twinkling opening sequence, following a child’s kite as it flies across the Heath’s famous views of the city skyline, floating above picnicking families, striding dog walkers, pert joggers and recumbent lovers. It’s a shot, I suppose, intended to rival Hugh Grant’s “walk through the seasons” along Portobello Market in “Notting Hill.
- 6/12/2019
- by Jason Solomons
- The Wrap
Diane Keaton’s new film is set in, and named after, the prosperous London district of Hampstead; she co-stars with Brendan Gleeson in a romantic comedy about an American woman who strikes up a relationship with an eccentric itinerant who lives in a shack on Hampstead Heath. Directed by Joel Hopkins and also featuring Simon Callow and James Norton, Hampstead is released on 23 July
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- 6/21/2017
- by Sophie Zeldin-O'Neill, James Turner and Jacob Dixon
- The Guardian - Film News
Author: Stefan Pape
There’s something rather charming and uncynical about Joel Hopkins’ romantic drama Hampstead – and to mark the film’s UK release we spent some time with the affable filmmaker.
The film – which centres around the relationship between an eccentric American widow and a man who has built a shack in the corner of Hampstead Heath – features two accomplished displays from Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson, and Hopkins discussed the joy in working with such a remarkable cast.
He also discusses the importance of the location, and whether he can see the appeal in Donald’s way of life, to live off the land and refuse to conform to a more traditionalist way of getting by. He also speaks about the pressure in semi-basing this tale on a real life story, and why he just let Diane Keaton, be Diane Keaton.
Watch the full interview below…
Hampstead is released on June 23rd.
There’s something rather charming and uncynical about Joel Hopkins’ romantic drama Hampstead – and to mark the film’s UK release we spent some time with the affable filmmaker.
The film – which centres around the relationship between an eccentric American widow and a man who has built a shack in the corner of Hampstead Heath – features two accomplished displays from Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson, and Hopkins discussed the joy in working with such a remarkable cast.
He also discusses the importance of the location, and whether he can see the appeal in Donald’s way of life, to live off the land and refuse to conform to a more traditionalist way of getting by. He also speaks about the pressure in semi-basing this tale on a real life story, and why he just let Diane Keaton, be Diane Keaton.
Watch the full interview below…
Hampstead is released on June 23rd.
- 6/19/2017
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Author: Stefan Pape
Though hardly a regular in the romantic comedy genre, Brendan Gleeson could not have been left in better hands, collaborating with one of the true innovators of the genre, Diane Keaton – as the pair share the screen in Joel Hopkins’ Hampstead.
We had the pleasure of speaking to the affable Irish star, on the glorious sense of unpredictability that comes with working with Keaton, and whether this experience has changed the way he now watches her movies. Gleeson also discusses his diverse range of projects, which has Paddington 2 coming up (we can’t wait for that) while we also asked for an update on the third and final endeavour in the aptly named ‘glorified suicide’ trilogy alongside John Michael McDonagh, following The Guard and Calvary.
Watch the full interview below…
Our good friends at Cameo – and in this instance, Phoebe Winter, spoke to Diane Keaton too...
Though hardly a regular in the romantic comedy genre, Brendan Gleeson could not have been left in better hands, collaborating with one of the true innovators of the genre, Diane Keaton – as the pair share the screen in Joel Hopkins’ Hampstead.
We had the pleasure of speaking to the affable Irish star, on the glorious sense of unpredictability that comes with working with Keaton, and whether this experience has changed the way he now watches her movies. Gleeson also discusses his diverse range of projects, which has Paddington 2 coming up (we can’t wait for that) while we also asked for an update on the third and final endeavour in the aptly named ‘glorified suicide’ trilogy alongside John Michael McDonagh, following The Guard and Calvary.
Watch the full interview below…
Our good friends at Cameo – and in this instance, Phoebe Winter, spoke to Diane Keaton too...
- 6/19/2017
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Author: Stefan Pape
London is the most expensive city to live in, in the world. Not only is rent extortionate, but gentrification is squeezing the soul out of the capital, losing some of its identity as new indefinable flats are constantly being built. So naturally the narrative to Hampstead – of a man sticking his middle finger up to the establishment and building a home in the park – should have great appeal, and resonate with viewers, and yet it delves into a world that feels so far removed from reality.
Based on real events, Diane Keaton plays Emily – an American widow pressured by her neighbour (Lesley Manville) to encourage the local community to support the endeavour to build a new apartment building across the road in front of the abandoned old hospital, based in the corner of Hampstead Heath. Sat in her attic, peering out the window with an old pair of binoculars,...
London is the most expensive city to live in, in the world. Not only is rent extortionate, but gentrification is squeezing the soul out of the capital, losing some of its identity as new indefinable flats are constantly being built. So naturally the narrative to Hampstead – of a man sticking his middle finger up to the establishment and building a home in the park – should have great appeal, and resonate with viewers, and yet it delves into a world that feels so far removed from reality.
Based on real events, Diane Keaton plays Emily – an American widow pressured by her neighbour (Lesley Manville) to encourage the local community to support the endeavour to build a new apartment building across the road in front of the abandoned old hospital, based in the corner of Hampstead Heath. Sat in her attic, peering out the window with an old pair of binoculars,...
- 6/19/2017
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Calling a film “Hampstead” invites immediate comparisons with “Notting Hill,” the Richard Curtis-penned rom-com that put that particular West London enclave on the global map back in 1999. Director Joel Hopkins may be hoping for similar success, although I doubt the fine residents of Hampstead itself are looking forward to an influx of foreign tourists along their leafy and quaint streets. In any case, the area of north London’s Hampstead on which this film focuses is the Heath, a great expanse of wood and wild park land that immediately features in the movie’s twinkling opening sequence, following a child’s kite as it.
- 6/14/2017
- by Jason Solomons
- The Wrap
"They really don't want you here." "It's a shame, if only they'd got to know me." An official UK trailer has debuted for a romantic drama titled Hampstead, taking place on Hampstead Heath, a large grassy public park in London. The film stars Brendan Gleeson as a man living in the wild in a hand-built shack in the park. An American woman, played by Diane Keaton, meets and falls in love with him and joins in his fight to save his home. The full cast includes James Norton, Jason Watkins, Lesley Manville and Alistair Petrie. This looks like a quirky, charming, totally-British romantic drama that may win over a few people. Here's the first international/UK trailer for Joel Hopkins' Hampstead, direct from YouTube (via Tmb): An American widow (Diane Keaton) finds unexpected love with a man (Brendan Gleeson) living wild on Hampstead Heath when they take on...
- 3/5/2017
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Author: Jon Lyus
Diane Keaton is one of those actresses whose presence in a film immediately piques the interest. Director Joel Hopkins’ latest film follows up the similar themes of Last Chance Harvey with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson and The Love Punch with Pierce Brosnan and Thompson again. Hampstead has Keaton and Brendan Gleeson as two people who live by the famous London landmark. One in a magnificent townhouse and the other in a shack. The film kicks off when a property developer wants to demolish the shack, and the pair find their differences melt away as they realise they have more in common than they thought.
Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson in Joel Hopkins’ new film Hampstead
James Norton, Simon Callow, Jason Watkins, Lesley Manville, Will Smith, Phil Davis and Hugh Skinner are the main supporting cast and the new trailer sets the scene perfectly. There’s the typical postcard London show,...
Diane Keaton is one of those actresses whose presence in a film immediately piques the interest. Director Joel Hopkins’ latest film follows up the similar themes of Last Chance Harvey with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson and The Love Punch with Pierce Brosnan and Thompson again. Hampstead has Keaton and Brendan Gleeson as two people who live by the famous London landmark. One in a magnificent townhouse and the other in a shack. The film kicks off when a property developer wants to demolish the shack, and the pair find their differences melt away as they realise they have more in common than they thought.
Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson in Joel Hopkins’ new film Hampstead
James Norton, Simon Callow, Jason Watkins, Lesley Manville, Will Smith, Phil Davis and Hugh Skinner are the main supporting cast and the new trailer sets the scene perfectly. There’s the typical postcard London show,...
- 3/3/2017
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson star in London-set romance; TWC acquired from a promo reel.
The Weinstein Company has moved on North American rights to the Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson romance in a deal with Cornerstone Films.
Joel Hopkins directs Hampstead from a screenplay by Robert Festinger about an American widow who falls for the inhabitant of a hut on London’s Hampstead Heath that is under siege by property developers. James Norton also stars.
Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae of Ecosse Films are producing the feature, which is financed by Motion Picture Capital and Silver Reel. TWC acquired the film after watching a promo reel.
TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein said the film was “a great example of the power we all can have when we stand up for our beliefs and fight for the people and things we care most about, something that is especially important these days.”
“We’re delighted...
The Weinstein Company has moved on North American rights to the Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson romance in a deal with Cornerstone Films.
Joel Hopkins directs Hampstead from a screenplay by Robert Festinger about an American widow who falls for the inhabitant of a hut on London’s Hampstead Heath that is under siege by property developers. James Norton also stars.
Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae of Ecosse Films are producing the feature, which is financed by Motion Picture Capital and Silver Reel. TWC acquired the film after watching a promo reel.
TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein said the film was “a great example of the power we all can have when we stand up for our beliefs and fight for the people and things we care most about, something that is especially important these days.”
“We’re delighted...
- 2/3/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Keep up with the wild and wooly world of indie film acquisitions with our weekly Rundown of everything that’s been picked up around the globe. Check out last week’s Rundown here.
-The Weinstein Company has acquired the distribution rights for the U.S. and Canada to director Joel Hopkins’s upcoming film “Hampstead.” Written by Robert Festinger, the film stars Diane Keaton, Brendan Gleeson and James Norton. The project was produced by Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae at Ecosse Films. “Hampstead” focuses on an American widow and her relationship with an unkempt man in the Heath whose lifestyle comes under siege by property developers.
“We’re thrilled to work with Robert Bernstein, Douglas Rae and the incredible Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson on this film,” TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein said in a statement. “‘Hampstead’ is a great example of the power we all can have when we stand...
-The Weinstein Company has acquired the distribution rights for the U.S. and Canada to director Joel Hopkins’s upcoming film “Hampstead.” Written by Robert Festinger, the film stars Diane Keaton, Brendan Gleeson and James Norton. The project was produced by Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae at Ecosse Films. “Hampstead” focuses on an American widow and her relationship with an unkempt man in the Heath whose lifestyle comes under siege by property developers.
“We’re thrilled to work with Robert Bernstein, Douglas Rae and the incredible Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson on this film,” TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein said in a statement. “‘Hampstead’ is a great example of the power we all can have when we stand...
- 2/3/2017
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
The Weinstein Company has acquired North American distribution rights to Hampstead after sparking to a short promo video for the drama insipred by real events. Joel Hopkins is directing the film penned by Robert Festinger and Diane Keaton, Brendan Gleeson and James Norton topline, and Lesley Manville, Jason Watkins and Simon Callow co-star. Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae at Ecosse Films are producers. The pic was financed by Motion Picture Capital and Silver Reel, with…...
- 2/3/2017
- Deadline
The Weinstein Company has acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to “Hampstead,” a drama starring Diane Keaton as an American widow in London. Keaton plays Emily Walters, who has been living on the edge of London’s Hampstead Heath, when one day she sees a group of hooligans attacking a man who lives in a ramshackle dwelling in the massive park. The following day, Walters goes out in search of the man, whose home is now the target of aggressive real estate developers. The film also features Brendan Gleeson and James Norton. Joel Hopkins directed the movie and Robert Festinger wrote the screenplay.
- 2/3/2017
- by Matt Pressberg
- The Wrap
Cornerstone Films will introduce the project to buyers at the Efm.
Adam Shankman (Hairspray) has signed up to direct Kate Beckinsale in the film adaptation of Ashley Prentice Norton’s novel The Chocolate Money.
Beckinsale will also produce with Leslie Urdang of Mar-Key Pictures, alongside Miranda de Pencier and Kelly E. Ashton. The film is scheduled to shoot in New York in Spring 2017.
London-based Cornerstone Films is handling international rights and will commence sales at next month’s European Film Market (Feb 9-17). UTA is overseeing Us sales.
The novel, adapted for the screen by Emma Forrest and co-written by Beckinsale, is set in 1980s New York, following the heiress to one of American’s largest chocolate fortunes. The twisted comedy-drama tale follows the heiress’s daughter, who develops a crush on her mother’s married lover.
Leslie Urdang commented: “Emma Forrest wrote a profoundly witty and moving script with a role that could easily become [link=nm...
Adam Shankman (Hairspray) has signed up to direct Kate Beckinsale in the film adaptation of Ashley Prentice Norton’s novel The Chocolate Money.
Beckinsale will also produce with Leslie Urdang of Mar-Key Pictures, alongside Miranda de Pencier and Kelly E. Ashton. The film is scheduled to shoot in New York in Spring 2017.
London-based Cornerstone Films is handling international rights and will commence sales at next month’s European Film Market (Feb 9-17). UTA is overseeing Us sales.
The novel, adapted for the screen by Emma Forrest and co-written by Beckinsale, is set in 1980s New York, following the heiress to one of American’s largest chocolate fortunes. The twisted comedy-drama tale follows the heiress’s daughter, who develops a crush on her mother’s married lover.
Leslie Urdang commented: “Emma Forrest wrote a profoundly witty and moving script with a role that could easily become [link=nm...
- 1/27/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
TV on the Radio musician and singer Tunde Adebimpe has long used his many talents to bolster indie film outings, from Joel Hopkins’ “Jump Tomorrow” to Jonathan Demme’s “Rachel Getting Married” and Sebastian Silva’s recent Sundance feature “Nasty Baby,” and he’s poised to return to the festival circuit with Marshall Tyler’s inventive and styling short film “Night Shift.”
In the Sundance premiere, Adebimpe stars as Olly Jeffries, a struggling actor whose need to pay the bills lands him a gig as a bathroom attendant at the swanky Hollywood nightclub The Fix. While Olly never intended for the job to be a permanent thing, he’s found that the work — and the weird solitude it offers — suits him.
Read More: Sundance 2017: 10 Must-See Shorts At This Year’s Festival
“Night Shift” follows Olly over the course of on particularly memorable night in which his old dreams and...
In the Sundance premiere, Adebimpe stars as Olly Jeffries, a struggling actor whose need to pay the bills lands him a gig as a bathroom attendant at the swanky Hollywood nightclub The Fix. While Olly never intended for the job to be a permanent thing, he’s found that the work — and the weird solitude it offers — suits him.
Read More: Sundance 2017: 10 Must-See Shorts At This Year’s Festival
“Night Shift” follows Olly over the course of on particularly memorable night in which his old dreams and...
- 1/16/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Jason Watkins and Simon Callow have also joined Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson in the Joel Hopkins drama.
Lesley Manville (Another Years), James Norton (Rush), Jason Watkins (The Golden Compass) and Simon Callow (Amadeus) have all signed up for Hampstead.
Inspired by a true story, the plot follows an American widow (Keaton) who becomes involved with an unkempt man (Gleeson) after she sees him attacked by a group of thugs, employed by property developers looking to evict him.
Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey) will direct from a screenplay by Robert Festinger (in The Bedroom). Producers are Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae for Ecosse Films.
Executive producers are Leon Clarance, Mark Woolley, Laure Vaysse, Jo Monk, Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder.
Cornerstone Films is handling international sales. Motion Picture Capital will fully finance the production.
Lesley Manville (Another Years), James Norton (Rush), Jason Watkins (The Golden Compass) and Simon Callow (Amadeus) have all signed up for Hampstead.
Inspired by a true story, the plot follows an American widow (Keaton) who becomes involved with an unkempt man (Gleeson) after she sees him attacked by a group of thugs, employed by property developers looking to evict him.
Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey) will direct from a screenplay by Robert Festinger (in The Bedroom). Producers are Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae for Ecosse Films.
Executive producers are Leon Clarance, Mark Woolley, Laure Vaysse, Jo Monk, Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder.
Cornerstone Films is handling international sales. Motion Picture Capital will fully finance the production.
- 5/13/2016
- ScreenDaily
Lesley Manville, James Norton, Jason Watkins, Simon Callow have joined Diane Keaton And Brendan Gleeson in Hampstead with Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey) directing from a script by Robert Festinger (In The Bedroom). Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae from London-based banner Ecosse Films are producing. Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder's Cornerstone Films is handling worldwide sales. Motion Picture Capital will fully finance the production. Hampstead will shoot this…...
- 5/13/2016
- Deadline
Cornerstone Films to oversee international sales and distribution.
Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson are attached to star in Hampstead, developed and produced by London-based production firm Ecosse Films.
Inspired by true-life events the film will be directed by Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey), and produced by Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae from Ecosse Films (Nowhere Boy), with a screenplay by Robert Festinger (In the Bedroom).
Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder’s Cornerstone Films will handle international sales including North America and will introduce the project to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market (Nov 4-11) in Los Angeles.
Hampstead will commence pre-production early 2016 and will be filmed in and around Hampstead in London.
Inspired by a true story, Keaton will star as an American widow living on the edge of Hampstead Heath who becomes involved with an unkempt man (Gleeson) who lives in a nearby ramshackle hut, after she sees him attacked by a group of thugs...
Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson are attached to star in Hampstead, developed and produced by London-based production firm Ecosse Films.
Inspired by true-life events the film will be directed by Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey), and produced by Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae from Ecosse Films (Nowhere Boy), with a screenplay by Robert Festinger (In the Bedroom).
Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder’s Cornerstone Films will handle international sales including North America and will introduce the project to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market (Nov 4-11) in Los Angeles.
Hampstead will commence pre-production early 2016 and will be filmed in and around Hampstead in London.
Inspired by a true story, Keaton will star as an American widow living on the edge of Hampstead Heath who becomes involved with an unkempt man (Gleeson) who lives in a nearby ramshackle hut, after she sees him attacked by a group of thugs...
- 10/21/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Cornerstone Films to oversee international sales and distribution.
Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson are attached to star in Hampstead, developed and produced by London-based production firm Ecosse Films.
Inspired by true-life events the film will be directed by Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey), and produced by Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae from Ecosse Films (Nowhere Boy), with a screenplay by Robert Festinger (In the Bedroom).
Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder’s Cornerstone Films will handle international sales including North America and will introduce the project to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market (Nov 4-11) in Los Angeles.
Hampstead will commence pre-production early 2016 and will be filmed in and around Hampstead in London.
Inspired by a true story, Keaton will star as an American widow living on the edge of Hampstead Heath who becomes involves with an unkempt man (Gleeson) who lives in a nearby ramshackle hut, after she sees him attacked by a group of thugs...
Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson are attached to star in Hampstead, developed and produced by London-based production firm Ecosse Films.
Inspired by true-life events the film will be directed by Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey), and produced by Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae from Ecosse Films (Nowhere Boy), with a screenplay by Robert Festinger (In the Bedroom).
Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder’s Cornerstone Films will handle international sales including North America and will introduce the project to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market (Nov 4-11) in Los Angeles.
Hampstead will commence pre-production early 2016 and will be filmed in and around Hampstead in London.
Inspired by a true story, Keaton will star as an American widow living on the edge of Hampstead Heath who becomes involves with an unkempt man (Gleeson) who lives in a nearby ramshackle hut, after she sees him attacked by a group of thugs...
- 10/21/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
After 2009’s Last Chance Harvey and 2014’s The Love Punch, director Joel Hopkins is turning into somewhat of a specialist in later-life love stories and the complications that arise. He’s dipping into that well again for Hampstead, which will star Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson as people who make a connection in unlikely circumstances. Robert Festinger is behind the script, which was inspired by a true story and developed at Ecosse Films. Keaton will star as Emily Walters, an American widow living on the edge of Hampstead Heath who, despite close friendships and a nice flat, can’t help but worry that she’s drifting through life without a plan. One day, while looking out across the grasslands and trees, she spots a ramshackle hut and its unkempt occupant, who appears to be having trouble with violent attackers. After calling the police and watching them arrive, she goes to check on the man.
- 10/20/2015
- EmpireOnline
Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson are attached to star in Hampstead with Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey) directing from a script by Robert Festinger (In The Bedroom). Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae from London-based banner Ecosse Films are producing. Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder's Cornerstone Films will handle worldwide sales and will introduce the project to buyers at Afm in November. Hampstead will commence pre-production early 2016 and will be filmed on…...
- 10/20/2015
- Deadline
The Cannes Film festival was an exceptional edition for French films this year. A focus on the rising generation of French actors and directors that have been highlighted in Cannes and will most certainly be the stars of tomorrow was compiled by Unifrance chief Isabelle Giordano.
They are a force to be reckoned with. Unifrance films is ready to bet that you will certainly hear about these ten talented people. They represent the French cinema of today and will soon be on the screens worldwide.
Emmanuelle Bercot
An actress and a director, Emmanuelle Bercot began by enrolling at the Cours Florent drama school and taking dancing lessons after her baccalaureate. She graduated from Femis in 1998, after winning the Prix du Jury at the Cannes Film Festival for her short film "Les Vacances," in 1997. After her first few roles in the films of Jean-François Richet and Michel Deville, her career as an actress took off when Claude Miller gave her one of the main roles in "La Classe de neige" (1998). The following year, she made the headlines with the medium-length film she directed called "La Puce," presented in the selection of Un Certain Regard at Cannes. This film tells of the love affair between a 35-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl, played by Isild Le Besco.
Her first feature-length film, "Clément" (2001), is about the life of a troubled woman who has one adventure after another with various men until she meets a 14-yearold boy. Her second film, "Backstage" (2004), continues to explore teenage angst through a relationship between a hit singer and a young obsessional fan. She earned her first critical and public acclaim with "On My Way" (2013), the third film written by the director for Catherine Deneuve, in which the star plays a woman who has decided to leave everything behind and hit the road in France.
She was indisputably the most talked about person during the Cannes Film Festival 2015, both as an actress and a director. Thierry Frémaux surprised everyone by announcing that "Standing Tall," Emmanuelle Bercot’s fourth feature-length film would open the 68th Cannes Film Festival. Emmanuelle Bercot says that she has rediscovered the social fiber of her beginnings with this tale of juvenile delinquency. After the enthusiastic and unanimous reception of her film, she won the Best Actress Award for her role as a woman under the influence of love in the film "Mon Roi" by Maïwenn, with whom she co-wrote the script for "Polisse," which won the Prix du Jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012
Thomas Bidegain
Thomas Bidegain may well be one of the best known French screenwriters in the profession today, but it took him ten years to achieve this status. His career path in film is anything but ordinary. He started out in the 1990s by distributing and producing independent American films: "Ice Storm" by Ang Lee and "Chasing Sleep" by Michael Walker. He came back to France and joined MK2 where he became director of distribution. In 1999, he returned to production for "Why Not." In 2007, he told the story of his attempt to stop smoking in "Arrêter de fumer tue," a personal diary that was turned into a documentary, then a book.
In the meantime, he began screenwriting and worked on several projects. In 2009, he wrote the screenplay for Jacques Audiard’s film, "A Prophet," alongside Nicolas Peufaillit and Abdel Raouf Dafri, which won the Grand Prix du Jury in 2009. He participated in Audiard’s next film, "Rust and Bone" and "Our Children" by Joachim Lafosse. He was also the co-writer for "Saint Laurent" by Bertrand Bonello. Winning a César for the best original script and a César for the best adaptation, he presented "Cowboys" at the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs in Cannes this year, his first film as a director. He is also co-writer of "Ni le ciel ni la terre" by Clément Cogitore, presented during the Semaine de la Critique, as well as co-writer of the script for Jacques Audiard’s latest film, "Dheepan," which won the Palme d’Or.
Louise Bourgoin
Louise Bourgoin attended the Ecole des Beaux Arts for five years, during which she began her career as a model. After she graduated from art school in 2004, she radically changed direction and became a presenter on cable TV. She was Miss Météo in Le Grand Journal on Canal + from 2006 to 2008. Her slot became essential viewing and attracted a wide audience, including the attention of the film industry.
She began her acting career in "The Girl from Monaco" by Anne Fontaine, and her performance earned her a César nomination for Most Promising Actress. This recognition led to a whole series of roles and launched her career in film. She headed the bill of several films in 2010 ("White as Snow" by Christophe Blanc, "Sweet Valentine" by Emma Luchini, and "Black Heaven" by Gilles Marchand). The same year, Luc Besson selected her for the leading role in "The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec."
Since then, Louise Bourgoin has played in film after film, and has taken her first steps in the international scene with her part in the American film "The Love Punch" by Joel Hopkins. She attracted attention at the Cannes Film Festival this year with her unusual role in Laurent Larivière’s first film, "I Am a Soldier," presented at Un Certain Regard.
Anaïs Demoustier
Her passion for acting started at a very young age and rapidly pushed her to take drama classes. She auditioned, when still a teenager, and got her first role alongside Isabelle Huppert in "Time of the Wolf" by Michael Haneke. After this, her career was launched and she played in a series of films among which "L’Année suivante" by Isabelle Czajka, "Hellphone" by James Huth, "The Beautiful Person" by Christophe Honoré, "Sois sage" by Juliette Garcias, "Sweet Evil" by Olivier Coussemacq, "Dear Prudene" by Rebecca Zlotowski, "Snows of Kilimanjaro" by Robert Guédiguian, "Thérèse Desqueyroux" by Claude Miller, "Quai d’Orsay" by Bertrand Tavernier, "Paris Follies" by Marc Fitoussi, etc.
A filmography rich of 30 films for an actress who isn’t 30 years old yet. In 2014, the press talked about the blooming of Anaïs Demoustier because her face and poise became essential to cinema. Present in "Bird People" by Pascale Ferran, "Caprices" by Emmanuel Mouret, "À trois on y va" by Jérôme Bonnell and "The New Girlfriend" by François Ozon, she is Marguerite in the last Valérie Donzelli’s film, "Marguerite et Julien" screened in Official selection in Cannes.
Louis Garrel
The son of actress Brigitte Sy and the director Philippe Garrel, he began his career in film thanks to his father, who started filming him at the age of six in "Emergency Kisses," alongside his mother and his grandfather, Maurice Garrel. He went onto study drama at the Conservatoire National d’Art Dramatique. He made his real cinema debut in 2001 in the film "Ceci est mon corps" by Rodolphe Marconi. Two years later, he played opposite Michael Pitt and the future Bond girl, Eva Green, in "The Dreamers" by Bernardo Bertolucci.
He then starred in another of his father’s films, "Regular Lovers". His performance earned him the César for the Most Promising Actor in 2005. Since then, he has played alongside the greatest, such as Isabelle Huppert in "Ma mère" by Christophe Honoré. This marked the beginning of a long collaboration between the filmmaker and the actor. They worked together in the film "In Paris" with Romain Duris, then in 2007 in "Love Songs" with Ludivine Sagnier, in "The Beautiful Person" with Léa Seydoux, in "Making Plans" for Lena with Chiara Mostroianni and, finally, in " Beloved" with Catherine Deneuve. He also topped the bill with Valéria Bruni Tedeschi in "Actresses," whom he worked with again in 2013 in "A Castle in Italy."
In 2010, he directed a short film, "The Little Tailor," in which he directed Léa Seydoux. He performed once again in one of his father’s films, "A Burning Hot Summer," followed by "Jealousy." In 2014, he starred in Bertrand Bonello’s film "Saint Laurent," a role which led to another César nomination, but this time in the best supporting role category. His first feature-length film, "Two Friends," presented at a Certain Regard, was applauded by the critics. He also starred in "Mon Roi," Maïwenn’s fourth feature-length film, alongside Emmanuelle and Vincent Cassel, presented as part of the official selection.
Guillaume Gouix
After studying at the Conservatoire in Marseille and the Ecole Régionale d’Acteur de Cannes, Guillaume Gouix began his career in television. He played the male lead in "The Lion Cubs," by Claire Doyon, in 2003. Noted for his performance, especially the highly physical aspect of it and his intense gaze, he then played a series of supporting roles as a young hoodlum in "Les Mauvais joueurs" by Frédéric Balekdjian and in "Chacun sa nuit," by Jean-Marc Barr and Pascal Arnold. He featured in the 2007 war film "Intimate Enemies" by Florent Emilio Siri, thus confirming his taste for complex characters.
The following year, he was applauded for his performance in the film "Behind the Walls" by Christian Faure. In 2010, he starred in "22 Bullets" by Richard Berry and in 2011, he established his reputation with roles in "Nobody Else But You" by Gérald Hustache-Mathieu, "Et soudain, tout le monde me manque" by Jennifer Devoldere, and "Jimmy Rivière," Teddy Lussi-Modeste’s film debut.
He also appeared in "Midnight in Paris" by Woody Allen. He more recently starred in "Attila Marcel," by Sylvain Chomet, in which he played the lead role, in "French Women" by Audrey Dana, and "The Connection" by Cédric Jimenez with Jean Dujardin and Gilles Lelouche. He performed in three films presented at Cannes this year ("Les Anarchistes" by Elie Wajeman, which opened the Semaine de la Critique, "La Vie en grand" by Mathieu Vadepied, which closed the week, and in "Enragés" by Eric Hannezo, screened at the Cinéma de la Plage). He also directed his first short film "Alexis Ivanovitch, vous êtes mon héros" in 2011 and will soon start on a feature-length film, which is currently being written. He will be topping the bill in 2015 with "Braqueurs," a thriller by Julien Leclercq.
Ariane Labed
Born in Greece to French parents, Ariane Labed has always navigated between her two countries. She studied drama at the University of Provence and began her acting career treading the boards. After setting up a company combining dance and theater, Ariane Labed returned to live in Greece where she played at the National Theater of Athens. 2010 was the year of her first film, "Attenberg," directed by Athiná-Rachél Tsangári. "Alps" by Yorgos Lanthi-mos, the following year, confirmed the talent of this strangely charming actress. Two years later, she starred in "Before Midnight" by Richard Linklater where she played the role of Anna. The follow-up to "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset," this third part of the saga was a great success, making Labed known to a wider audience.
In 2014, she played a young sailor in "Fidelio, Alice’s Odyssey," who is torn between faithfulness and her desire to live her life. Winning the best actress award at the Locarno Film Festival and nominated for a César, the French actress gives a brilliant performance in Lucie Borleteau’s first feature-length film. She joined Yorgos Lanthimos in Cannes in 2015, where he won the Prix du Jury for his film "The Lobster."
Vincent Macaigne
Vincent Macaigne is the leading light in young French cinema. He joined the Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique in Paris in 1999, appearing on stage and assuming the role of director. His free adaptations of the great classics of literature and drama earned him public and critical acclaim. He directed "The Idiot" by Dostoïevski and presented "Au moins j’aurai laissé un beau cadavre in Avignon," inspired by Hamlet. He also rapidly made a name for himself in demanding art-house films. In 2001, he was seen for the first time in "Replay" by Catherine Corsini. In 2007, he starred in "On War" by Bertrand Bonello and in 2010, in "A Burning Hot Summer" by Philippe Garrel.
Since 2011, Vincent Macaigne’s presence in short, medium and full-length films has gradually increased. Faithful to his directors, he has starred in several of their films. As is the case with his friend Guillaume Brac, who directed him in "Le Naufragé," "Tonnerre" and "Un monde sans femmes." He was awarded the Grand Prix and the Prix Télérama at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, and the Prix Lutin for Best Actor in this film. Under the direction of Vincent Mariette, he played in "Les Lézards" then "Fool Circle." In 2013, we find the funny and touching thirty-something in "La fille du 14 juillet" by Antonin Peretjatko, "Age of Panic" by Justine Triet, and "2 Autumns, 3 Winters" by Sébastien Betbeder.
He was discovered by the general public at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Considered a figurehead of the revival of French cinema, Vincent has drawn the attention of the Cahiers du Cinéma, and even the British newspaper The Observer, which referred to him as the “new Gérard Depardieu”. In 2011, he directed "What We’ll Leave Behind," a very well-received medium-length film which won the Grand Prix at the Clermont-Ferrand Festival. He also starred in Mia Hansen-løve’s 2014 film "Eden." He plays one of the main roles in the actor Louis Garrel’s first feature-length film, "Two Friends," presented during the Semaine de la Critique. He also featured in his 2011 film, La Règle de trois.
Vimala Pons
From the Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique, where she attended drama classes even though she wanted to be a screenwriter, to circus tents, Vimala Pons is an acrobat in all senses of the word. The 29-year-old actress has established her physical and poetic presence in French art-house films. She began her career in film with Albert Dupontel in "Enfermés dehors" in 2006. She then starred in "Eden Log" by Franck Vestiel in 2007, then in "Granny’s Funeral" by Bruno Podalydès in 2012.
Since then, we have seen her cross France in a little blue dress in "La Fille du 14 juillet," (she plays the girl) by Antonin Peretjatko, and changing into a lioness in "Métamorphoses," by Christophe Honoré. The impetuous muse of French independent film, Vimala Pons played in "Vincent" by Thomas Salvador this year. The actress has made a name for herself in 2015, in particular with "Comme un avion" by Bruno Podalydès, "Je suis à vous tout de suite" by Baya Kasmi, "La vie très privée de Monsieur Sim" by Michel Leclerc, and "L’Ombre des femmes" by Philippe Garrel (presented at the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs this year in Cannes). She has also begun an international career, with a leading role in Paul Verhoeven’s latest film, "Elle."
Alice Winocour
The director Alice Winocour started out at Femis. After going into law, she returned to film and won three prizes for her short film "Kitchen: Prix TV5" for the best French-language short film, best international short film and the Silver Bear at the Festival of Nations (Ebensee). For "Magic Paris," she was awarded the jury prize at the St. Petersburg International Documentary, Short Film and Animated Film Festival.
She continued her career by writing the script for the film "Ordinary," by Vladimir Perisic. At the Cannes Film Festival 2012, Alice Winocour made a marked entry in the international arena with a film by a woman about women and the unchanging way of looking at them. In the film "Augustine," we are told the story of a professor and his patient, played by Vincent Lindon and Soko respectively. In 2015, she brought out her second feature-length film, "Maryland," which was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 68th Cannes Film Festival. She is also the co-writer of "Mustang," by Denis Gamze Ergüven, presented at the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs.
They are a force to be reckoned with. Unifrance films is ready to bet that you will certainly hear about these ten talented people. They represent the French cinema of today and will soon be on the screens worldwide.
Emmanuelle Bercot
An actress and a director, Emmanuelle Bercot began by enrolling at the Cours Florent drama school and taking dancing lessons after her baccalaureate. She graduated from Femis in 1998, after winning the Prix du Jury at the Cannes Film Festival for her short film "Les Vacances," in 1997. After her first few roles in the films of Jean-François Richet and Michel Deville, her career as an actress took off when Claude Miller gave her one of the main roles in "La Classe de neige" (1998). The following year, she made the headlines with the medium-length film she directed called "La Puce," presented in the selection of Un Certain Regard at Cannes. This film tells of the love affair between a 35-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl, played by Isild Le Besco.
Her first feature-length film, "Clément" (2001), is about the life of a troubled woman who has one adventure after another with various men until she meets a 14-yearold boy. Her second film, "Backstage" (2004), continues to explore teenage angst through a relationship between a hit singer and a young obsessional fan. She earned her first critical and public acclaim with "On My Way" (2013), the third film written by the director for Catherine Deneuve, in which the star plays a woman who has decided to leave everything behind and hit the road in France.
She was indisputably the most talked about person during the Cannes Film Festival 2015, both as an actress and a director. Thierry Frémaux surprised everyone by announcing that "Standing Tall," Emmanuelle Bercot’s fourth feature-length film would open the 68th Cannes Film Festival. Emmanuelle Bercot says that she has rediscovered the social fiber of her beginnings with this tale of juvenile delinquency. After the enthusiastic and unanimous reception of her film, she won the Best Actress Award for her role as a woman under the influence of love in the film "Mon Roi" by Maïwenn, with whom she co-wrote the script for "Polisse," which won the Prix du Jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012
Thomas Bidegain
Thomas Bidegain may well be one of the best known French screenwriters in the profession today, but it took him ten years to achieve this status. His career path in film is anything but ordinary. He started out in the 1990s by distributing and producing independent American films: "Ice Storm" by Ang Lee and "Chasing Sleep" by Michael Walker. He came back to France and joined MK2 where he became director of distribution. In 1999, he returned to production for "Why Not." In 2007, he told the story of his attempt to stop smoking in "Arrêter de fumer tue," a personal diary that was turned into a documentary, then a book.
In the meantime, he began screenwriting and worked on several projects. In 2009, he wrote the screenplay for Jacques Audiard’s film, "A Prophet," alongside Nicolas Peufaillit and Abdel Raouf Dafri, which won the Grand Prix du Jury in 2009. He participated in Audiard’s next film, "Rust and Bone" and "Our Children" by Joachim Lafosse. He was also the co-writer for "Saint Laurent" by Bertrand Bonello. Winning a César for the best original script and a César for the best adaptation, he presented "Cowboys" at the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs in Cannes this year, his first film as a director. He is also co-writer of "Ni le ciel ni la terre" by Clément Cogitore, presented during the Semaine de la Critique, as well as co-writer of the script for Jacques Audiard’s latest film, "Dheepan," which won the Palme d’Or.
Louise Bourgoin
Louise Bourgoin attended the Ecole des Beaux Arts for five years, during which she began her career as a model. After she graduated from art school in 2004, she radically changed direction and became a presenter on cable TV. She was Miss Météo in Le Grand Journal on Canal + from 2006 to 2008. Her slot became essential viewing and attracted a wide audience, including the attention of the film industry.
She began her acting career in "The Girl from Monaco" by Anne Fontaine, and her performance earned her a César nomination for Most Promising Actress. This recognition led to a whole series of roles and launched her career in film. She headed the bill of several films in 2010 ("White as Snow" by Christophe Blanc, "Sweet Valentine" by Emma Luchini, and "Black Heaven" by Gilles Marchand). The same year, Luc Besson selected her for the leading role in "The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec."
Since then, Louise Bourgoin has played in film after film, and has taken her first steps in the international scene with her part in the American film "The Love Punch" by Joel Hopkins. She attracted attention at the Cannes Film Festival this year with her unusual role in Laurent Larivière’s first film, "I Am a Soldier," presented at Un Certain Regard.
Anaïs Demoustier
Her passion for acting started at a very young age and rapidly pushed her to take drama classes. She auditioned, when still a teenager, and got her first role alongside Isabelle Huppert in "Time of the Wolf" by Michael Haneke. After this, her career was launched and she played in a series of films among which "L’Année suivante" by Isabelle Czajka, "Hellphone" by James Huth, "The Beautiful Person" by Christophe Honoré, "Sois sage" by Juliette Garcias, "Sweet Evil" by Olivier Coussemacq, "Dear Prudene" by Rebecca Zlotowski, "Snows of Kilimanjaro" by Robert Guédiguian, "Thérèse Desqueyroux" by Claude Miller, "Quai d’Orsay" by Bertrand Tavernier, "Paris Follies" by Marc Fitoussi, etc.
A filmography rich of 30 films for an actress who isn’t 30 years old yet. In 2014, the press talked about the blooming of Anaïs Demoustier because her face and poise became essential to cinema. Present in "Bird People" by Pascale Ferran, "Caprices" by Emmanuel Mouret, "À trois on y va" by Jérôme Bonnell and "The New Girlfriend" by François Ozon, she is Marguerite in the last Valérie Donzelli’s film, "Marguerite et Julien" screened in Official selection in Cannes.
Louis Garrel
The son of actress Brigitte Sy and the director Philippe Garrel, he began his career in film thanks to his father, who started filming him at the age of six in "Emergency Kisses," alongside his mother and his grandfather, Maurice Garrel. He went onto study drama at the Conservatoire National d’Art Dramatique. He made his real cinema debut in 2001 in the film "Ceci est mon corps" by Rodolphe Marconi. Two years later, he played opposite Michael Pitt and the future Bond girl, Eva Green, in "The Dreamers" by Bernardo Bertolucci.
He then starred in another of his father’s films, "Regular Lovers". His performance earned him the César for the Most Promising Actor in 2005. Since then, he has played alongside the greatest, such as Isabelle Huppert in "Ma mère" by Christophe Honoré. This marked the beginning of a long collaboration between the filmmaker and the actor. They worked together in the film "In Paris" with Romain Duris, then in 2007 in "Love Songs" with Ludivine Sagnier, in "The Beautiful Person" with Léa Seydoux, in "Making Plans" for Lena with Chiara Mostroianni and, finally, in " Beloved" with Catherine Deneuve. He also topped the bill with Valéria Bruni Tedeschi in "Actresses," whom he worked with again in 2013 in "A Castle in Italy."
In 2010, he directed a short film, "The Little Tailor," in which he directed Léa Seydoux. He performed once again in one of his father’s films, "A Burning Hot Summer," followed by "Jealousy." In 2014, he starred in Bertrand Bonello’s film "Saint Laurent," a role which led to another César nomination, but this time in the best supporting role category. His first feature-length film, "Two Friends," presented at a Certain Regard, was applauded by the critics. He also starred in "Mon Roi," Maïwenn’s fourth feature-length film, alongside Emmanuelle and Vincent Cassel, presented as part of the official selection.
Guillaume Gouix
After studying at the Conservatoire in Marseille and the Ecole Régionale d’Acteur de Cannes, Guillaume Gouix began his career in television. He played the male lead in "The Lion Cubs," by Claire Doyon, in 2003. Noted for his performance, especially the highly physical aspect of it and his intense gaze, he then played a series of supporting roles as a young hoodlum in "Les Mauvais joueurs" by Frédéric Balekdjian and in "Chacun sa nuit," by Jean-Marc Barr and Pascal Arnold. He featured in the 2007 war film "Intimate Enemies" by Florent Emilio Siri, thus confirming his taste for complex characters.
The following year, he was applauded for his performance in the film "Behind the Walls" by Christian Faure. In 2010, he starred in "22 Bullets" by Richard Berry and in 2011, he established his reputation with roles in "Nobody Else But You" by Gérald Hustache-Mathieu, "Et soudain, tout le monde me manque" by Jennifer Devoldere, and "Jimmy Rivière," Teddy Lussi-Modeste’s film debut.
He also appeared in "Midnight in Paris" by Woody Allen. He more recently starred in "Attila Marcel," by Sylvain Chomet, in which he played the lead role, in "French Women" by Audrey Dana, and "The Connection" by Cédric Jimenez with Jean Dujardin and Gilles Lelouche. He performed in three films presented at Cannes this year ("Les Anarchistes" by Elie Wajeman, which opened the Semaine de la Critique, "La Vie en grand" by Mathieu Vadepied, which closed the week, and in "Enragés" by Eric Hannezo, screened at the Cinéma de la Plage). He also directed his first short film "Alexis Ivanovitch, vous êtes mon héros" in 2011 and will soon start on a feature-length film, which is currently being written. He will be topping the bill in 2015 with "Braqueurs," a thriller by Julien Leclercq.
Ariane Labed
Born in Greece to French parents, Ariane Labed has always navigated between her two countries. She studied drama at the University of Provence and began her acting career treading the boards. After setting up a company combining dance and theater, Ariane Labed returned to live in Greece where she played at the National Theater of Athens. 2010 was the year of her first film, "Attenberg," directed by Athiná-Rachél Tsangári. "Alps" by Yorgos Lanthi-mos, the following year, confirmed the talent of this strangely charming actress. Two years later, she starred in "Before Midnight" by Richard Linklater where she played the role of Anna. The follow-up to "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset," this third part of the saga was a great success, making Labed known to a wider audience.
In 2014, she played a young sailor in "Fidelio, Alice’s Odyssey," who is torn between faithfulness and her desire to live her life. Winning the best actress award at the Locarno Film Festival and nominated for a César, the French actress gives a brilliant performance in Lucie Borleteau’s first feature-length film. She joined Yorgos Lanthimos in Cannes in 2015, where he won the Prix du Jury for his film "The Lobster."
Vincent Macaigne
Vincent Macaigne is the leading light in young French cinema. He joined the Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique in Paris in 1999, appearing on stage and assuming the role of director. His free adaptations of the great classics of literature and drama earned him public and critical acclaim. He directed "The Idiot" by Dostoïevski and presented "Au moins j’aurai laissé un beau cadavre in Avignon," inspired by Hamlet. He also rapidly made a name for himself in demanding art-house films. In 2001, he was seen for the first time in "Replay" by Catherine Corsini. In 2007, he starred in "On War" by Bertrand Bonello and in 2010, in "A Burning Hot Summer" by Philippe Garrel.
Since 2011, Vincent Macaigne’s presence in short, medium and full-length films has gradually increased. Faithful to his directors, he has starred in several of their films. As is the case with his friend Guillaume Brac, who directed him in "Le Naufragé," "Tonnerre" and "Un monde sans femmes." He was awarded the Grand Prix and the Prix Télérama at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, and the Prix Lutin for Best Actor in this film. Under the direction of Vincent Mariette, he played in "Les Lézards" then "Fool Circle." In 2013, we find the funny and touching thirty-something in "La fille du 14 juillet" by Antonin Peretjatko, "Age of Panic" by Justine Triet, and "2 Autumns, 3 Winters" by Sébastien Betbeder.
He was discovered by the general public at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Considered a figurehead of the revival of French cinema, Vincent has drawn the attention of the Cahiers du Cinéma, and even the British newspaper The Observer, which referred to him as the “new Gérard Depardieu”. In 2011, he directed "What We’ll Leave Behind," a very well-received medium-length film which won the Grand Prix at the Clermont-Ferrand Festival. He also starred in Mia Hansen-løve’s 2014 film "Eden." He plays one of the main roles in the actor Louis Garrel’s first feature-length film, "Two Friends," presented during the Semaine de la Critique. He also featured in his 2011 film, La Règle de trois.
Vimala Pons
From the Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique, where she attended drama classes even though she wanted to be a screenwriter, to circus tents, Vimala Pons is an acrobat in all senses of the word. The 29-year-old actress has established her physical and poetic presence in French art-house films. She began her career in film with Albert Dupontel in "Enfermés dehors" in 2006. She then starred in "Eden Log" by Franck Vestiel in 2007, then in "Granny’s Funeral" by Bruno Podalydès in 2012.
Since then, we have seen her cross France in a little blue dress in "La Fille du 14 juillet," (she plays the girl) by Antonin Peretjatko, and changing into a lioness in "Métamorphoses," by Christophe Honoré. The impetuous muse of French independent film, Vimala Pons played in "Vincent" by Thomas Salvador this year. The actress has made a name for herself in 2015, in particular with "Comme un avion" by Bruno Podalydès, "Je suis à vous tout de suite" by Baya Kasmi, "La vie très privée de Monsieur Sim" by Michel Leclerc, and "L’Ombre des femmes" by Philippe Garrel (presented at the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs this year in Cannes). She has also begun an international career, with a leading role in Paul Verhoeven’s latest film, "Elle."
Alice Winocour
The director Alice Winocour started out at Femis. After going into law, she returned to film and won three prizes for her short film "Kitchen: Prix TV5" for the best French-language short film, best international short film and the Silver Bear at the Festival of Nations (Ebensee). For "Magic Paris," she was awarded the jury prize at the St. Petersburg International Documentary, Short Film and Animated Film Festival.
She continued her career by writing the script for the film "Ordinary," by Vladimir Perisic. At the Cannes Film Festival 2012, Alice Winocour made a marked entry in the international arena with a film by a woman about women and the unchanging way of looking at them. In the film "Augustine," we are told the story of a professor and his patient, played by Vincent Lindon and Soko respectively. In 2015, she brought out her second feature-length film, "Maryland," which was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 68th Cannes Film Festival. She is also the co-writer of "Mustang," by Denis Gamze Ergüven, presented at the Quinzaine des Réalisateurs.
- 7/5/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Moviefone's Top DVD of the Week
"Belle"
What's It About? This 18th century English romance is about Dido Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a biracial woman raised by her aristocratic great uncle and aunt, Lord and Lady Mansfield. She grows up alongside her cousin Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon) as equals and best friends, but as they come of age, their differences become all too apparent -- to each other and to their would-be suitors. Meanwhile, Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) is facing a trial as Lord Chief Justice of England that could change the future of slavery. Will Dido find love on her own terms?
Why We're In: It's an elegant period piece perfect for Jane Austen fans, and it's a subtle but effective examination of the intersection of class and race in 18th century England. Mbatha-Raw is fantastic, and director Amma Asante has an excellent eye for detail.
Moviefone's Top Blu-ray of the...
"Belle"
What's It About? This 18th century English romance is about Dido Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a biracial woman raised by her aristocratic great uncle and aunt, Lord and Lady Mansfield. She grows up alongside her cousin Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon) as equals and best friends, but as they come of age, their differences become all too apparent -- to each other and to their would-be suitors. Meanwhile, Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) is facing a trial as Lord Chief Justice of England that could change the future of slavery. Will Dido find love on her own terms?
Why We're In: It's an elegant period piece perfect for Jane Austen fans, and it's a subtle but effective examination of the intersection of class and race in 18th century England. Mbatha-Raw is fantastic, and director Amma Asante has an excellent eye for detail.
Moviefone's Top Blu-ray of the...
- 8/25/2014
- by Jenni Miller
- Moviefone
To mark the release of The Love Punch on 18th August, we’ve been given 3 copies to give away on DVD.
Written and directed by Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey) this cheerful film stars a cast of iconic British comedy greats; BAFTA winner Emma Thompson (Saving Mr Banks, Nanny McPhee), as loving mother Kate; Pierce Brosnan (Die Another Day, Mamma Mia!), as businessman Richard; Celia Imrie (Bridget Jones’ Diary, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) as dotty Penelope; and Timothy Spall (Enchanted, Harry Potter) as neighbour and friend Jerry.
Richard and Kate are a divorced couple whom their best friends and neighbours, Jerry and Penelope, would love to see get back together. As Richard is about to retire, he learns that his company is under investigation. Thanks to an unscrupulous financier at the bank, his pension fund has now been siphoned away. Richard vows to fix the situation and persuades Kate...
Written and directed by Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey) this cheerful film stars a cast of iconic British comedy greats; BAFTA winner Emma Thompson (Saving Mr Banks, Nanny McPhee), as loving mother Kate; Pierce Brosnan (Die Another Day, Mamma Mia!), as businessman Richard; Celia Imrie (Bridget Jones’ Diary, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) as dotty Penelope; and Timothy Spall (Enchanted, Harry Potter) as neighbour and friend Jerry.
Richard and Kate are a divorced couple whom their best friends and neighbours, Jerry and Penelope, would love to see get back together. As Richard is about to retire, he learns that his company is under investigation. Thanks to an unscrupulous financier at the bank, his pension fund has now been siphoned away. Richard vows to fix the situation and persuades Kate...
- 8/11/2014
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
DVD Release Date: Aug. 26, 2014
Price: DVD $20.99
Studio: Ketchup Entertainment
The romantic crime caper comedy The Love Punch stars Emma Thompson (Nanny McPhee Returns) and Pierce Brosnan (The Ghost Writer).
Gthe movie concerns Richard (Brosnan) and Kate (Thompson), a divorced couple who, after their pension is stolen by an unscrupulous businessman, reunite to steal it back. This sets them on a whirlwind journey into a caper involving the embezzling of bankrupt employees’ pension funds. Along the way, the couple finds themselves in French, where they re-discover the love they thought they had lost.
Written and directed by Joel Hopkins, the French production also stars Timothy Spall (Life is Sweet), Celia Imrie (Nanny McPhee), and Louise Bourgoin (The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec). And keep an eye open for Marisa Berenson (Barry Lyndon) as a sexy hotel receptionist.
The PG-13-rated film received a limited release to U.S. theaters in May,...
Price: DVD $20.99
Studio: Ketchup Entertainment
The romantic crime caper comedy The Love Punch stars Emma Thompson (Nanny McPhee Returns) and Pierce Brosnan (The Ghost Writer).
Gthe movie concerns Richard (Brosnan) and Kate (Thompson), a divorced couple who, after their pension is stolen by an unscrupulous businessman, reunite to steal it back. This sets them on a whirlwind journey into a caper involving the embezzling of bankrupt employees’ pension funds. Along the way, the couple finds themselves in French, where they re-discover the love they thought they had lost.
Written and directed by Joel Hopkins, the French production also stars Timothy Spall (Life is Sweet), Celia Imrie (Nanny McPhee), and Louise Bourgoin (The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec). And keep an eye open for Marisa Berenson (Barry Lyndon) as a sexy hotel receptionist.
The PG-13-rated film received a limited release to U.S. theaters in May,...
- 7/18/2014
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Love Paunch: Hopkins’ Latest a Predictable Bore
Though its cast members seem to game for a good, silly romp, Joel Hopkins’ latest film, The Love Punch, sadly, is not such a treat. Reuniting with star Emma Thompson from his last outing, 2008’s Last Chance Harvey, this discordant rom-com caper has all the charm of a lobotomized poodle; fluffy and without all the necessary faculties to function. To use the phrase ‘by-the-numbers’ would be a generous euphemism for when their charm can’t seem to pick up the slack, the addlepated antics being performed by such talented performers is often off-putting. It’s a film of the ilk that people make comments such as, “Oh wasn’t it great to see so and so in a lead performance?”
Richard (Pierce Brosnan) and Kate Jones (Emma Thompson) are a divorced couple of eight years that seem to everyone else like they still...
Though its cast members seem to game for a good, silly romp, Joel Hopkins’ latest film, The Love Punch, sadly, is not such a treat. Reuniting with star Emma Thompson from his last outing, 2008’s Last Chance Harvey, this discordant rom-com caper has all the charm of a lobotomized poodle; fluffy and without all the necessary faculties to function. To use the phrase ‘by-the-numbers’ would be a generous euphemism for when their charm can’t seem to pick up the slack, the addlepated antics being performed by such talented performers is often off-putting. It’s a film of the ilk that people make comments such as, “Oh wasn’t it great to see so and so in a lead performance?”
Richard (Pierce Brosnan) and Kate Jones (Emma Thompson) are a divorced couple of eight years that seem to everyone else like they still...
- 6/4/2014
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
For his third film, writer-director Joel Hopkins (“Last Chance Harvey”) re-teamed with Emma Thompson, casting her opposite Pierce Brosnan as one half of a divorced couple who reunite after the financial future of their retirement years is thrown into uncertainty by an unscrupulous French businessman. A screwball-tinged heist flick that not so much feeds “eat the rich” feelings which might be surging in the zeitgeist at the moment as offer up a divergent, flight-of-fancy caper for the middle-aged, ”The Love Punch” plays out like a reimagining of “The Parent Trap” by way of “Ocean’s Eleven,” and minus the kids. For ShockYa, Brent Simon recently had a chance to speak one-on-one with Hopkins [ Read More ]
The post Exclusive: Director Joel Hopkins Talks The Love Punch, Collaborations With Emma Thompson appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Exclusive: Director Joel Hopkins Talks The Love Punch, Collaborations With Emma Thompson appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 5/29/2014
- by bsimon
- ShockYa
The Love Punch
Written and directed by Joel Hopkins
UK, 2013
The Love Punch is the latest entry in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel subgenre of modern British cinema, in which a group of elder-statesmen performers go to an even remotely exotic locale to partake in a series of hopefully delightful hijinks. This time, it’s Pierce Brosnan, Emma Thompson, Timothy Spall, and Celia Imrie gallivanting in France, playing a quartet of characters who are ostensibly out to reclaim the money that’s rightfully theirs. Mostly, though, The Love Punch exists to give its leading actors a chance to have a good time on set; it’s less fun to watch, however, specifically because the logistics of the central caper make very little sense or inspire much tension.
Brosnan is Richard, who’s winding down his working years as the head of a successful London company. His life is superficially perfect,...
Written and directed by Joel Hopkins
UK, 2013
The Love Punch is the latest entry in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel subgenre of modern British cinema, in which a group of elder-statesmen performers go to an even remotely exotic locale to partake in a series of hopefully delightful hijinks. This time, it’s Pierce Brosnan, Emma Thompson, Timothy Spall, and Celia Imrie gallivanting in France, playing a quartet of characters who are ostensibly out to reclaim the money that’s rightfully theirs. Mostly, though, The Love Punch exists to give its leading actors a chance to have a good time on set; it’s less fun to watch, however, specifically because the logistics of the central caper make very little sense or inspire much tension.
Brosnan is Richard, who’s winding down his working years as the head of a successful London company. His life is superficially perfect,...
- 5/23/2014
- by Josh Spiegel
- SoundOnSight
The financial crisis is a reliable fount of inspiration these days for rom-coms that need a relatable conflict, but maybe the sense of dread is finally lifting from the conceit: Joel Hopkins's The Love Punch, which aims to update classic heist films for the contemporary retiree set, approaches the prospect of financial ruin with all the giddiness of a honeymoon.
Pierce Brosnan plays Richard, a mid-level executive who arrives at work to find his company foreclosed on by a ruthless French buyer. His pension now worthless, Richard and his ex-wife, Kate (Emma Thompson), set out for France with the dubious goal of personally retrieving the money; when legal efforts fail, they decide to steal it back in the form of a famous diamond. Luckily for them (and for viewers), these l...
Pierce Brosnan plays Richard, a mid-level executive who arrives at work to find his company foreclosed on by a ruthless French buyer. His pension now worthless, Richard and his ex-wife, Kate (Emma Thompson), set out for France with the dubious goal of personally retrieving the money; when legal efforts fail, they decide to steal it back in the form of a famous diamond. Luckily for them (and for viewers), these l...
- 5/21/2014
- Village Voice
Directed and written by Joel Hopkins — whose earlier films “Jump Tomorrow” and “Last Chance Harvey” demonstrated both perfect comedic timing and a warm understanding of human imperfection — “The Love Punch” gets by in no small part thanks to the individual charms and collective chemistry between leads Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson. Playing divorced couple Richard and Kate, Brosnan and Thompson depict the semi-stable state of long separations: occasional conversations about new developments or old resentments, living separate lives. But when captain-of-industry Brosnan sells his company to a larger megacorp whose CEO (Laurent Lafitte) then robs the entire pension fund...
- 5/20/2014
- by James Rocchi
- The Wrap
To the best of my knowledge, Emma Thompson is the only Oscar-winning actress (and screenwriter) who’s ever said that extreme vulgarity in modern comedy is “just like watching somebody getting their dick out and putting it on someone’s shoulder.” (You only get to read it, but I had the pleasure of hearing it spoken aloud, as if by Jane Austen herself.)
In The Love Punch, Thompson and Pierce Brosnan play a long-divorced couple who begin to fall back in love with each other as they try to steal a diamond from the unscrupulous billionaire who sank their financial fortunes.
In The Love Punch, Thompson and Pierce Brosnan play a long-divorced couple who begin to fall back in love with each other as they try to steal a diamond from the unscrupulous billionaire who sank their financial fortunes.
- 5/19/2014
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW - Inside Movies
Title: The Love Punch Director: Joel Hopkins Starring: Emma Thompson, Pierce Brosnan Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie Louise Bougoin, Laurent Lafitte. It’s never too late to fall in love again and fix a broken marriage. This seems to be the jolly moral you may bring back with you after seeing this flick. ‘The Love Punch’ predictably brings back together Richard (Pierce Brosnan) and Kate (Emma Thompson), a divorced couple who, after their pension is stolen by an unscrupulous business man, reunite to steal it back. Director Joel Hopkins creates a whirlwind of mishaps for the two protagonists; it keeps them busy, entertains audiences and most importantly has the background allure of [ Read More ]
The post The Love Punch Movie review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post The Love Punch Movie review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 5/19/2014
- by Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi
- ShockYa
The jokes are as creaky as the aching bunions and bad backs onscreen, but Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan are incandescent together. I’m “biast” (pro): love Thompson and Brosnan
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan plot a jewel heist. In the French Riviera. No, it does not make any sense. Yes, it requires lines of dialogue akin to “Hey, good thing you knew a guy who could create a replica of a $10 million diamond necklace on short notice.” And a mess of kittens in a place where kittens would never, ever be (seriously). And for Brosnan (A Long Way Down) and Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks) — and their pals Timothy Spall (The Rise) and Celia Imrie (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) — to disguise themselves as Texans, for Scooby-Doo or — at a stretch — Bugs Bunny values of “disguise.
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan plot a jewel heist. In the French Riviera. No, it does not make any sense. Yes, it requires lines of dialogue akin to “Hey, good thing you knew a guy who could create a replica of a $10 million diamond necklace on short notice.” And a mess of kittens in a place where kittens would never, ever be (seriously). And for Brosnan (A Long Way Down) and Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks) — and their pals Timothy Spall (The Rise) and Celia Imrie (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) — to disguise themselves as Texans, for Scooby-Doo or — at a stretch — Bugs Bunny values of “disguise.
- 4/25/2014
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Over the course of their careers, Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson have found success in different cinematic fields. Brosnan has garnered fans from his roles on the television series Remington Steele and from his turn as the iconic spy James Bond, while Thompson is known for her roles in movies such as The Remains of the Day, Sense and Sensibility, and Stranger Than Fiction. Fans of both performers were intrigued to learn that they would be starring opposite each other in their next project. Titled The Love Punch, the film is written and directed by Joel Hopkins, and Thompson and Brosnan star alongside Timothy Spall, Tuppence Middleton, and Celia Imrie. The first trailer for the film has now been released, and can be seen below.
(Source: First Showing)
The post ‘The Love Punch’, with Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson, releases its first trailer appeared first on Sound On Sight.
(Source: First Showing)
The post ‘The Love Punch’, with Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson, releases its first trailer appeared first on Sound On Sight.
- 4/22/2014
- by Deepayan Sengupta
- SoundOnSight
Check out the new trailer for The Love Punch starring Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan. The movie opens on May 23rd in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Phoenix, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, And additional cities across the country.
The Love Punch Dom Trlr from We Are Movie Geeks on Vimeo.
Shot entirely on location in Paris, and Coye-la-Forêt, France, the film and tells the story of rekindled romance between a divorced couple and puts a new spin on “retirement” while taking a poke at modern day robber barons.
Written and directed by Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey, Jump Tomorrow) and starring Thompson and Brosnan, the repartee between these celebrated actors – including the always entertaining Timothy Spall (Harry Potter) and Celia Imrie (Best Exotic Marigold) – is bouncy, fun and occasionally poignant as they all navigate middle age – while trying to steal a diamond necklace in the process.
The post The Love Punch...
The Love Punch Dom Trlr from We Are Movie Geeks on Vimeo.
Shot entirely on location in Paris, and Coye-la-Forêt, France, the film and tells the story of rekindled romance between a divorced couple and puts a new spin on “retirement” while taking a poke at modern day robber barons.
Written and directed by Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey, Jump Tomorrow) and starring Thompson and Brosnan, the repartee between these celebrated actors – including the always entertaining Timothy Spall (Harry Potter) and Celia Imrie (Best Exotic Marigold) – is bouncy, fun and occasionally poignant as they all navigate middle age – while trying to steal a diamond necklace in the process.
The post The Love Punch...
- 4/22/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Planning a heist is hard enough, but how about planning one with your ex-husband or ex-wife? That's what the premise of the comedy The Love Punch sets forth in the first trailer for the film starring Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson. After their retirement nest egg goes belly up, Richard and Kate (Brosnan and Thompson) decide to steal a $10 million diamond from the man responsible for the scheme that set them back. While they're forced to put aside their bickering to accomplish this outlandish task, of course, this time spent together seems to reignite the spark that made them fall in love. Watch the trailer! Here's the first trailer for Joel Hopkins' The Love Punch from Deadline: After learning that an unscrupulous French financier responsible for the loss of their retirement nest egg has just purchased a $10 million diamond for his bride to be, divorced couple Richard and Kate...
- 4/22/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
The domestic trailer for writer/director Joel Hopkins' The Love Punch has arrived! Check it out in the player below. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Emma Thompson, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie, Louise Bourgoin and Laurent Lafitte, The Love Punch follows a divorced couple who scheme to recover the retirement money that was stolen from them. Shot entirely on location in Paris, and Coye-la-Forêt, France, The Love Punch hits theaters in a limited release May 23.
- 4/22/2014
- Comingsoon.net
★☆☆☆☆If you were one of the many rubbed up the wrong way by Michael Hoffman's lightweight yet likable crime caper throwback Gambit (2012) a few years back, prepare yourself for the Second Coming. Starring Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson as jet-setting divorcees on a mission to nick back their stolen nest egg (in diamond form), Joel Hopkins' The Love Punch (2013) is one of those films so implausible that it scuppers any hopes of being in any way ingratiating. Scraping the barrel for laughs revolving around 'being old', cat allergies and, when all else fails, Timothy Spall's digestive tract, it's only the twinkle-eyed self-parody of former Bond Brosnan that makes this dire Brit-com remotely watchable.
- 4/21/2014
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Emma Thompson's middlebrow new comedy seems perfect for Nigel Farage. Which isn't a recommendation
Popular wisdom has it that any film containing Emma Thompson must be irreproachably classy. Hmm ever see her opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in pregnant-man comedy Junior? The Love Punch is a grisly romcom caper about a divorced English couple who recapture their spark when they try to steal a diamond from the financier who robbed them. Directed by Joel Hopkins with what you can only call "le Michael Winner touch", this comedy is set in France, where everyone is either dastardly, cartoonish or ever so ooh-la-la. Brosnan mocks himself affably (yes, again), Thompson shoots him "oh-you're-incorrigible" looks, and the whole thing is middle-aged, middle-class and middle-budget, like a big-screen episode of Terry and June. Utterly joyless although you can somehow imagine Nigel Farage enjoying it immensely.
Continue reading...
Popular wisdom has it that any film containing Emma Thompson must be irreproachably classy. Hmm ever see her opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in pregnant-man comedy Junior? The Love Punch is a grisly romcom caper about a divorced English couple who recapture their spark when they try to steal a diamond from the financier who robbed them. Directed by Joel Hopkins with what you can only call "le Michael Winner touch", this comedy is set in France, where everyone is either dastardly, cartoonish or ever so ooh-la-la. Brosnan mocks himself affably (yes, again), Thompson shoots him "oh-you're-incorrigible" looks, and the whole thing is middle-aged, middle-class and middle-budget, like a big-screen episode of Terry and June. Utterly joyless although you can somehow imagine Nigel Farage enjoying it immensely.
Continue reading...
- 4/19/2014
- by Jonathan Romney
- The Guardian - Film News
While only making a small handful of films across his career, Joel Hopkins has never had any trouble drawing in the stars, as having worked alongside Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thomspon in his preceding endeavour Last Chance Harvey, he now reunites with the latter once more in The Love Punch, also throwing Pierce Brosnan into the mix for good measure.
Ahead of the film’s April 18 release, we sat down with the director himself, to discuss working with such talented performers, why there does tend to be a rather substantial break between his projects, and how the idea for The Love Punch came about during a spot of tea with Emma Thompson…
The Love Punch is released on April 18.
The post The HeyUGuys Interview: Director Joel Hopkins on The Love Punch appeared first on HeyUGuys.
Ahead of the film’s April 18 release, we sat down with the director himself, to discuss working with such talented performers, why there does tend to be a rather substantial break between his projects, and how the idea for The Love Punch came about during a spot of tea with Emma Thompson…
The Love Punch is released on April 18.
The post The HeyUGuys Interview: Director Joel Hopkins on The Love Punch appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 4/17/2014
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Having both made their fair share of profound, more sincere features, acting duo Emma Thompson and Celia Imrie are not offering something a little lighter with their latest offering The Love Punch – and we had the great pleasure of sitting down with the pair to discuss their work on the Joel Hopkins project.
As Thompson claims this to be one of the most fun sets she has ever worked on, it’s evident to see in the picture, as the stars, alongside Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Spall are evidently having the time of their lives, and it’s a sentiment that extends to the viewer. So we got on the subject of happiness in cinema, and why films these days aren’t quite as unashamedly joyous as those from the 50s. The pair also discuss working in the South of France, and Thompson very nearly spills the beans on her worst ever holiday.
As Thompson claims this to be one of the most fun sets she has ever worked on, it’s evident to see in the picture, as the stars, alongside Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Spall are evidently having the time of their lives, and it’s a sentiment that extends to the viewer. So we got on the subject of happiness in cinema, and why films these days aren’t quite as unashamedly joyous as those from the 50s. The pair also discuss working in the South of France, and Thompson very nearly spills the beans on her worst ever holiday.
- 4/16/2014
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Though narrowly – and somewhat unfairly – missing out on an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of P.L. Travers in the brilliant Saving Mr. Banks, British actress Emma Thompson now returns with something a little lighter, but by no means more entertaining, as she stars alongside Pierce Brosnan in Joel Hopkins’ comedy caper, The Love Punch.
Thompson plays Kate, who after waving her daughter off to university, is on the end of a shock visit from her former husband, Richard (Brosnan). Though still on regular speaking terms, spending a lot of time together is something they haven’t done for a good long while – but when Richard claims that a conniving French businessman (Laurent Lafitte) is screwing them both out of their pensions and life savings, they jump on the next place to pay him a visit. As expected, the arrogant tycoon plays hardball, and so the pair are forced to concoct a plan,...
Thompson plays Kate, who after waving her daughter off to university, is on the end of a shock visit from her former husband, Richard (Brosnan). Though still on regular speaking terms, spending a lot of time together is something they haven’t done for a good long while – but when Richard claims that a conniving French businessman (Laurent Lafitte) is screwing them both out of their pensions and life savings, they jump on the next place to pay him a visit. As expected, the arrogant tycoon plays hardball, and so the pair are forced to concoct a plan,...
- 4/14/2014
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Director: Joel Hopkins; Screenwriter: Joel Hopkins; Starring: Emma Thompson, Pierce Brosnan, Tuppence Middleton, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie; Running time: 94 mins; Certificate: 12A
Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson stay young at heart as a divorced couple plotting a jewel heist in this British Channel-hopping comedy. It's only old-fashioned in the sense that writer/director Joel Hopkins (who previously cast Thompson in grownup rom-com Last Chance Harvey) pitches it like the sort of mad screwball caper that Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant might have made in the 1930s.
In essence, that means the plot is a bunch of nonsense that contrives to get our creaky-boned heroes into impossible positions, both physically and figuratively. It's a bald-faced, cheeky approach by Hopkins that may grate on some viewers' nerves; feeling that perhaps a couple of virtual OAPs shouldn't be able to scale a cliff face – at least, not without being bitten by a radioactive spider first.
Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson stay young at heart as a divorced couple plotting a jewel heist in this British Channel-hopping comedy. It's only old-fashioned in the sense that writer/director Joel Hopkins (who previously cast Thompson in grownup rom-com Last Chance Harvey) pitches it like the sort of mad screwball caper that Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant might have made in the 1930s.
In essence, that means the plot is a bunch of nonsense that contrives to get our creaky-boned heroes into impossible positions, both physically and figuratively. It's a bald-faced, cheeky approach by Hopkins that may grate on some viewers' nerves; feeling that perhaps a couple of virtual OAPs shouldn't be able to scale a cliff face – at least, not without being bitten by a radioactive spider first.
- 4/14/2014
- Digital Spy
The Love Punch has released a new trailer.
Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan star in Joel Hopkins's romantic comedy.
They play a pair of divorcees who have just packed their daughter off to university.
When they hit some financial trouble, they find themselves engaged in a jewel heist in Continental Europe.
Timothy Spall and Celia Imrie also feature in the movie.
Thompson starred with Dustin Hoffman in Hopkins's previous outing Last Chance Harvey.
The Love Punch will be released in the UK on April 18. A Us release is yet to be announced.
Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan star in Joel Hopkins's romantic comedy.
They play a pair of divorcees who have just packed their daughter off to university.
When they hit some financial trouble, they find themselves engaged in a jewel heist in Continental Europe.
Timothy Spall and Celia Imrie also feature in the movie.
Thompson starred with Dustin Hoffman in Hopkins's previous outing Last Chance Harvey.
The Love Punch will be released in the UK on April 18. A Us release is yet to be announced.
- 2/13/2014
- Digital Spy
International theft or marriage counseling? The new international trailer for "The Love Punch" suggests that the two might not be too far apart. The film stars Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson as a divorced couple who reuinite to steal a diamond in France following the loss of their pension to a corrupt businessman. Timothy Spall and Celia Imrie co-star as their friends/accomplices. Joel Hopkins of "Last Chance Harvey" fame directed, and the trailer suggests a mix between that film's twinkly amiability and a lighthearted farce caper. The film debuted at Tiff in the Gala section, and is distributed by Ketchup Entertainment. No U.S. release date has been announced.
- 2/13/2014
- by Max O'Connell
- Indiewire
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