Director David Gordon Green’s The Exorcist: Believer was always supposed to be the first film in a planned trilogy from Blumhouse and Universal, part of a $400 million deal to bring the franchise back to life on the big screen. In fact, The Exorcist: Deceiver had already been dated for release on April 18, 2025, but it sounds like Universal is pumping the brakes.
THR reports this afternoon that David Gordon Green will no longer be directing The Exorcist: Deceiver, and that Universal and Blumhouse are actively seeking a new director.
According to the site, Gordon Green is exiting The Exorcist: Deceiver as director because he’s busy working on feature film Nutcrackers and TV series “The Righteous Gemstones.”
The problem here is that Believer got the reboot trilogy off to a shaky start, the film flopping with critics and failing to make a huge splash at the box office. Gordon...
THR reports this afternoon that David Gordon Green will no longer be directing The Exorcist: Deceiver, and that Universal and Blumhouse are actively seeking a new director.
According to the site, Gordon Green is exiting The Exorcist: Deceiver as director because he’s busy working on feature film Nutcrackers and TV series “The Righteous Gemstones.”
The problem here is that Believer got the reboot trilogy off to a shaky start, the film flopping with critics and failing to make a huge splash at the box office. Gordon...
- 1/11/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
With a six-year-long stint in horror recently culminating in one of the very worst films of the century, David Gordon Green’s recent creative stretch has left those who have appreciated his more character-driven work of George Washington, All the Real Girls, Snow Angels, Joe, and even Pineapple Express more than a bit disappointed (though his work on The Righteous Gemstones is certainly worth of praise). The director is now finally returning to his dramatic roots with a new film that’s already in production in Ohio.
Deadline reports Gordon Green is directing Ben Stiller in the actor’s first leading role since 2017’s Brad’s Status and The Meyerowitz Stories––serendipitously the same year as Gordon Green’s last non-horror feature, Stronger––in Nutcrackers. Scripted by Leland Douglas (Call of the Wild), see the synopsis below.
Nutcrackers follows the work-obsessed Mike (Stiller), who must reluctantly travel to rural Ohio to...
Deadline reports Gordon Green is directing Ben Stiller in the actor’s first leading role since 2017’s Brad’s Status and The Meyerowitz Stories––serendipitously the same year as Gordon Green’s last non-horror feature, Stronger––in Nutcrackers. Scripted by Leland Douglas (Call of the Wild), see the synopsis below.
Nutcrackers follows the work-obsessed Mike (Stiller), who must reluctantly travel to rural Ohio to...
- 12/20/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
David Gordon Green’s The Exorcist: Believer has scared up over $130 million at the box office, and the film is now available at home on Digital outlets. How about streaming?
The Exorcist: Believer comes exclusively to Peacock on December 1, 2023.
Peacock will also have the following Blumhouse content available to stream on 12/1…
Black Phone Dangerous Breed: Crime.Cons.Cats Don’t Let Go Five Nights at Freddy’s Halloween Kickback Sick The Hunt The Invisible Man (2020) The Lazarus Effect The Purge (series) S1 The Purge (series) S2 They/Them Vengeance You Should Have Left
50 years after the most terrifying horror film shocked the world, The Exorcist: Believer is a brand-new chapter in the saga, directly following on the groundbreaking original 1973 film.
Since his wife’s death, Victor (Leslie Odom Jr.) has raised daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) alone. After Angela and her friend (Olivia O’Neill) return from a three-day disappearance with missing memories,...
The Exorcist: Believer comes exclusively to Peacock on December 1, 2023.
Peacock will also have the following Blumhouse content available to stream on 12/1…
Black Phone Dangerous Breed: Crime.Cons.Cats Don’t Let Go Five Nights at Freddy’s Halloween Kickback Sick The Hunt The Invisible Man (2020) The Lazarus Effect The Purge (series) S1 The Purge (series) S2 They/Them Vengeance You Should Have Left
50 years after the most terrifying horror film shocked the world, The Exorcist: Believer is a brand-new chapter in the saga, directly following on the groundbreaking original 1973 film.
Since his wife’s death, Victor (Leslie Odom Jr.) has raised daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) alone. After Angela and her friend (Olivia O’Neill) return from a three-day disappearance with missing memories,...
- 11/17/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
David Gordon Green's 2018 film "Halloween," which picks up the story of Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and slasher icon Michael Myers decades after the events of John Carpenter's original 1978 "Halloween," comes to an end when three generations of Laurie's family -- Laurie; her daughter, Karen (Judy Greer); and her granddaughter, Allyson (Andi Matichak) -- trap Michael in the basement of Laurie's home and ultimately burn it to the ground, thinking they killed him in the process. (Spoiler alert: They did not actually kill him.)
But that ending wasn't what the filmmakers initially cooked up. In the new book "Halloween: The Official Making of Halloween, Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends," author Abbie Bernstein spoke with several of the key creatives behind the making of the movie and got some details about what the initial ending would have included. Let's take a look at those details, and explore why that climactic...
But that ending wasn't what the filmmakers initially cooked up. In the new book "Halloween: The Official Making of Halloween, Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends," author Abbie Bernstein spoke with several of the key creatives behind the making of the movie and got some details about what the initial ending would have included. Let's take a look at those details, and explore why that climactic...
- 11/11/2023
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
The brand new second trailer for The Exorcist: Believer just debuted yesterday, and now Fandango has teamed up with director David Gordon Green for a closer look at the trailer.
In the 10-minute video you’ll find below, David Gordon Green dissects this latest trailer for The Exorcist: Believer, providing insights and teasing what to expect this October.
Gordon Green discusses Ellen Burstyn’s return and Linda Blair’s role on the production, while also previewing the film’s makeup effects, themes, and use of an iconic tune.
The Exorcist: Believer centers on the idea of what Gordon Green calls “synchronized possessions,” and he also says it’s about both “community” and “life-changing choices.”
Take a closer look at the new trailer in Fandango’s video below.
David Gordon Green directed the brand new sequel to The Exorcist for Universal, Blumhouse and Morgan Creek that will pave the way for a new trilogy.
In the 10-minute video you’ll find below, David Gordon Green dissects this latest trailer for The Exorcist: Believer, providing insights and teasing what to expect this October.
Gordon Green discusses Ellen Burstyn’s return and Linda Blair’s role on the production, while also previewing the film’s makeup effects, themes, and use of an iconic tune.
The Exorcist: Believer centers on the idea of what Gordon Green calls “synchronized possessions,” and he also says it’s about both “community” and “life-changing choices.”
Take a closer look at the new trailer in Fandango’s video below.
David Gordon Green directed the brand new sequel to The Exorcist for Universal, Blumhouse and Morgan Creek that will pave the way for a new trilogy.
- 9/6/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
For the first time since 2005, The Exorcist franchise is back up on the big screen this Halloween in The Exorcist: Believer, and a brand new official trailer has arrived today.
This second trailer for the upcoming horror movie begins with a preview of the legacy sequel approach, bringing Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) back into the mix. “Are you looking for Regan?” a demonically possessed young girl screams at MacNeil. “She burns in hell.”
We then jump back in time to meet the two young girls at the center of The Exorcist: Believer, who will both become possessed by a demon. Who will survive? What will be left of them?
David Gordon Green directed the brand new sequel to The Exorcist for Universal, Blumhouse and Morgan Creek that will pave the way for a new trilogy. This first film in the trilogy will now be released theatrically on October 6, 2023, with Leslie Odom Jr. starring.
This second trailer for the upcoming horror movie begins with a preview of the legacy sequel approach, bringing Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) back into the mix. “Are you looking for Regan?” a demonically possessed young girl screams at MacNeil. “She burns in hell.”
We then jump back in time to meet the two young girls at the center of The Exorcist: Believer, who will both become possessed by a demon. Who will survive? What will be left of them?
David Gordon Green directed the brand new sequel to The Exorcist for Universal, Blumhouse and Morgan Creek that will pave the way for a new trilogy. This first film in the trilogy will now be released theatrically on October 6, 2023, with Leslie Odom Jr. starring.
- 9/5/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
One of the most legendary horror franchises of all time is back with The Exorcist: Believer this Halloween, and a new poster from Universal Pictures UK has arrived this morning.
David Gordon Green directed the brand new sequel to The Exorcist for Universal, Blumhouse and Morgan Creek that will pave the way for a new trilogy. This first film in the trilogy will be released theatrically on October 13, 2023, with Leslie Odom Jr. starring.
Check out the brand new UK poster below.
Here’s the full plot synopsis…
“Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago, Victor Fielding has raised their daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) on his own.
“But when Angela and her friend Katherine (Olivia Marcum) disappear in the woods, only to return three days later with no memory of what happened, it unleashes a chain of events that will force Victor to confront the nadir of evil and,...
David Gordon Green directed the brand new sequel to The Exorcist for Universal, Blumhouse and Morgan Creek that will pave the way for a new trilogy. This first film in the trilogy will be released theatrically on October 13, 2023, with Leslie Odom Jr. starring.
Check out the brand new UK poster below.
Here’s the full plot synopsis…
“Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago, Victor Fielding has raised their daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) on his own.
“But when Angela and her friend Katherine (Olivia Marcum) disappear in the woods, only to return three days later with no memory of what happened, it unleashes a chain of events that will force Victor to confront the nadir of evil and,...
- 8/23/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
The upcoming The Exorcist: Believer will be the sixth movie in the franchise – don’t forget, there are two different versions of the 2004 prequel – and much like every single other installment in the saga to date, the brand new sequel has officially been rated “R” this week.
Universal and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer is rated “R” for…
“Some violent content, disturbing images, language and sexual references.”
David Gordon Green directed the brand new sequel to The Exorcist for Universal, Blumhouse and Morgan Creek that will pave the way for a new trilogy. This first film in the trilogy will be released theatrically on October 13, 2023, with Leslie Odom Jr. starring.
Here’s the full plot synopsis…
“Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago, Victor Fielding has raised their daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) on his own.
“But when Angela and her friend Katherine (Olivia Marcum) disappear in the woods,...
Universal and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer is rated “R” for…
“Some violent content, disturbing images, language and sexual references.”
David Gordon Green directed the brand new sequel to The Exorcist for Universal, Blumhouse and Morgan Creek that will pave the way for a new trilogy. This first film in the trilogy will be released theatrically on October 13, 2023, with Leslie Odom Jr. starring.
Here’s the full plot synopsis…
“Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago, Victor Fielding has raised their daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) on his own.
“But when Angela and her friend Katherine (Olivia Marcum) disappear in the woods,...
- 8/9/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
This week has been a big one for The Exorcist, with Universal launching a series of three posters for new sequel The Exorcist: Believer just yesterday. And that was the appetizer for the main course, with the official trailer for The Exorcist: Believer now playing in theaters.
The trailer for The Exorcist: Believer, like many recent Blumhouse movies, is a Theater Exclusive for now, and you’ll find it attached to Oppenheimer on the big screen this weekend.
We expect the trailer will be finding its way online soon, but for now the only way you’ll be able to get a first look sneak peek at the movie is, well, by going to the movies this weekend.
If you’ve seen the trailer for The Exorcist: Believer, we’d love to talk about it. Share your thoughts in the comments section below, which we’ll be checking throughout the weekend.
The trailer for The Exorcist: Believer, like many recent Blumhouse movies, is a Theater Exclusive for now, and you’ll find it attached to Oppenheimer on the big screen this weekend.
We expect the trailer will be finding its way online soon, but for now the only way you’ll be able to get a first look sneak peek at the movie is, well, by going to the movies this weekend.
If you’ve seen the trailer for The Exorcist: Believer, we’d love to talk about it. Share your thoughts in the comments section below, which we’ll be checking throughout the weekend.
- 7/21/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
David Gordon Green (Halloween) is relaunching The Exorcist franchise this Halloween with new movie The Exorcist: Believer, and we’re hearing that the official trailer will be arriving very soon. While you wait, three creepy official posters have debuted this morning.
Check out all three haunting The Exorcist: Believer posters below…
Gordon Green is directing the brand new sequel to The Exorcist for Universal, Blumhouse and Morgan Creek that will pave the way for a new trilogy. The first film in the trilogy will be released theatrically on October 13, 2023, with Leslie Odom Jr. starring.
The first plot details we were provided with last year tease, “Odom Jr. will play the father of a possessed child. Desperate for help, he tracks down Ellen Burstyn’s character.”
Ann Dowd (Hereditary), Lidya Jewett (Netflix’s Nightbooks), Raphael Sbarge (“Gaslit”), Jennifer Nettles (The Righteous Gemstones), and Olivia Marcum are also on board.
Peter Sattler...
Check out all three haunting The Exorcist: Believer posters below…
Gordon Green is directing the brand new sequel to The Exorcist for Universal, Blumhouse and Morgan Creek that will pave the way for a new trilogy. The first film in the trilogy will be released theatrically on October 13, 2023, with Leslie Odom Jr. starring.
The first plot details we were provided with last year tease, “Odom Jr. will play the father of a possessed child. Desperate for help, he tracks down Ellen Burstyn’s character.”
Ann Dowd (Hereditary), Lidya Jewett (Netflix’s Nightbooks), Raphael Sbarge (“Gaslit”), Jennifer Nettles (The Righteous Gemstones), and Olivia Marcum are also on board.
Peter Sattler...
- 7/20/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
What’s next for David Gordon Green now that he’s done with the Halloween franchise? He’s getting possessed by The Exorcist, with a reboot/legacy sequel trilogy in the works.
Gordon Green is directing a brand new sequel for Universal, Blumhouse and Morgan Creek that will pave the way for a planned trilogy. The first film in the trilogy will be released theatrically on October 13, 2023, and filming is set to begin in the coming weeks.
“We start in a couple of weeks, and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and dive into the next great franchise,” Gordon Green told Variety just last week. “We’ve got an amazing cast coming together and scripts we’re all excited about.”
He continues, “[I’m] honored to step into something that’s so valuable within cinema history. And knowing that there is a fanbase that is curious, aware, alert, potentially concerned...
Gordon Green is directing a brand new sequel for Universal, Blumhouse and Morgan Creek that will pave the way for a planned trilogy. The first film in the trilogy will be released theatrically on October 13, 2023, and filming is set to begin in the coming weeks.
“We start in a couple of weeks, and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and dive into the next great franchise,” Gordon Green told Variety just last week. “We’ve got an amazing cast coming together and scripts we’re all excited about.”
He continues, “[I’m] honored to step into something that’s so valuable within cinema history. And knowing that there is a fanbase that is curious, aware, alert, potentially concerned...
- 10/19/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
It's up for debate whether or not "Halloween Ends" is going to be the actual end of the "Halloween" franchise. The more recent installments have seen wildly mixed reviews, with passionate stances coming from both sides of the aisle — but if there's one thing "Halloween" fans can agree on, it's their desire for more Michael Myers. That said, it appears that Jame Lee Curtis, our longtime heroine Laurie Strode, isn't the only pivotal cast member who claims she is saying goodbye to the story for good.
Myers actor James Jude Courtney confirmed that "Halloween Ends" would be his last time donning the mask during an interview with ScreenRant published on October 18, 2022. He said:
"You know, [director] David [Gordon Green], and Jamie and I have talked about this, we're done. We're done. I think, for me, to put this character down, Jamie and I were talking on the set towards the end,...
Myers actor James Jude Courtney confirmed that "Halloween Ends" would be his last time donning the mask during an interview with ScreenRant published on October 18, 2022. He said:
"You know, [director] David [Gordon Green], and Jamie and I have talked about this, we're done. We're done. I think, for me, to put this character down, Jamie and I were talking on the set towards the end,...
- 10/19/2022
- by Lex Briscuso
- Slash Film
Director David Gordon Green’s trilogy of Halloween sequels – which he started with 2018’s Halloween and continued with Halloween Kills – wraps up with this weekend’s release of Halloween Ends… and he’s not going to have much a break before he moves over to directing a trilogy of sequels to the 1973 classic The Exorcist (watch it Here). Speaking with Variety, Green revealed that his first Exorcist movie starts filming in “a couple weeks”!
Green told Variety, “We’ve got an amazing cast coming together and scripts we’re all excited about. [I’m] honored to step into something that’s so valuable within cinema history. And knowing that there is a fanbase that is curious, aware, alert, potentially concerned to see what we’re up to. What I like is, people say, ‘Is it stressful?’ No, it’s exciting because I spent so much of my life making movies, and you...
Green told Variety, “We’ve got an amazing cast coming together and scripts we’re all excited about. [I’m] honored to step into something that’s so valuable within cinema history. And knowing that there is a fanbase that is curious, aware, alert, potentially concerned to see what we’re up to. What I like is, people say, ‘Is it stressful?’ No, it’s exciting because I spent so much of my life making movies, and you...
- 10/13/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Jamie Lee Curtis battles Michael Myers one more time in Halloween Ends, which brings this particular trilogy to an end on Peacock and in theaters on October 14th.
While we wait, Bloody Disgusting’s interview show The Boo Crew Podcast had a chance to sit down with both Jamie Lee Curtis and director David Gordon Green this week, and the full conversation has been uploaded this afternoon.
The Boo Crew previews, “We invite you to hang out with us for a conversation with the iconic and wonderful Jamie Lee Curtis and the extraordinary multi award winning filmmaker David Gordon Green. Jamie says a beautiful goodbye to Laurie Strode and an exciting look at what’s to come, David talks about the emotional journey designed for you in this incredibly unique Halloween film, crafting an all new vision for Haddonfield and so much more!”
For Jamie Lee Curtis, Halloween Ends isn...
While we wait, Bloody Disgusting’s interview show The Boo Crew Podcast had a chance to sit down with both Jamie Lee Curtis and director David Gordon Green this week, and the full conversation has been uploaded this afternoon.
The Boo Crew previews, “We invite you to hang out with us for a conversation with the iconic and wonderful Jamie Lee Curtis and the extraordinary multi award winning filmmaker David Gordon Green. Jamie says a beautiful goodbye to Laurie Strode and an exciting look at what’s to come, David talks about the emotional journey designed for you in this incredibly unique Halloween film, crafting an all new vision for Haddonfield and so much more!”
For Jamie Lee Curtis, Halloween Ends isn...
- 10/12/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
From the very beginning, the belief has been that David Gordon Green’s Halloween will be picking up after the events of Halloween 2, disregarding all the sequels that came in the wake of the 1981 film. But as we recently speculated, comments from Gordon Green and co-writer Danny McBride have suggested that even Halloween 2 […]...
- 10/9/2017
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
One of the most exciting pieces of news to come from this upcoming Halloween film is that Jamie Lee Curtis is coming back to reprise her role as Laurie. That was such a huge surprise and one that truly got me excited to see this movie.
The fact that John Carpenter is a producer on the film and that Danny McBride and David Gordon Green are writing and directing is definitely a big bonus. I've actually been curious to know how big of a role he actually has in the development process of the movie. Turns out his involvement is pretty important. During an interview with Comingsoon, producer Jason Blum reveals that he and the creative team won't take any big steps without his approval:
"We don’t take any big steps without his approval, so for instance hiring David and Danny he approved. He approved their pitch, he approved their first script.
The fact that John Carpenter is a producer on the film and that Danny McBride and David Gordon Green are writing and directing is definitely a big bonus. I've actually been curious to know how big of a role he actually has in the development process of the movie. Turns out his involvement is pretty important. During an interview with Comingsoon, producer Jason Blum reveals that he and the creative team won't take any big steps without his approval:
"We don’t take any big steps without his approval, so for instance hiring David and Danny he approved. He approved their pitch, he approved their first script.
- 10/2/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
In just over a year’s time, we’ll be settling in to watch the blank-faced Michael square off against Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode for the sixth and apparently final time. When the film releases, it’ll be the fortieth anniversary of John Carpenter’s iconic Halloween, which redefined the horror genre and set out the tone and rhythm that we still see in movies to this day.
Gordon Green, whose latest effort, Stronger follows a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing, is playing his cards pretty close to his chest as to what his Halloween reboot will consist of, but in a recent interview with Filmmaker Magazine, he teased the following:
“I am working with Jason Blum, and he is great. Every horror fan knows Blumhouse and what they represent. The fact that me and Danny [McBride] wrote it is probably confusing to them, but we’ll keep that in the shadows.
Gordon Green, whose latest effort, Stronger follows a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing, is playing his cards pretty close to his chest as to what his Halloween reboot will consist of, but in a recent interview with Filmmaker Magazine, he teased the following:
“I am working with Jason Blum, and he is great. Every horror fan knows Blumhouse and what they represent. The fact that me and Danny [McBride] wrote it is probably confusing to them, but we’ll keep that in the shadows.
- 9/28/2017
- by David James
- We Got This Covered
2017-09-15T12:30:42-07:00Jamie Lee Curtis Working on New 'Halloween' Movie
It's been 15 years since Jamie Lee Curtis played Laurie Strode, the character she originated in 1978's Halloween. She'll reprise the role, however, in a new installment in the franchise due out next year. There's been no shortage of Halloween movies, both with and without Curtis involved, and the franchise has been plagued in recent years by subpar remakes and reboots. This time around, though, original director John Carpenter is on board as executive producer, and the movie is being directed by David Gordon Green, creator of Eastbound and Down.
Via The Hollywood Reporter.
Cue the iconic piano notes.
Jamie Lee Curtis is returning to Halloween, the horror franchise that helped to launch her career.
"Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her iconic role as Laurie Strode in Halloween, released by Universal Pictures October 19, 2018. #HalloweenMovie,...
It's been 15 years since Jamie Lee Curtis played Laurie Strode, the character she originated in 1978's Halloween. She'll reprise the role, however, in a new installment in the franchise due out next year. There's been no shortage of Halloween movies, both with and without Curtis involved, and the franchise has been plagued in recent years by subpar remakes and reboots. This time around, though, original director John Carpenter is on board as executive producer, and the movie is being directed by David Gordon Green, creator of Eastbound and Down.
Via The Hollywood Reporter.
Cue the iconic piano notes.
Jamie Lee Curtis is returning to Halloween, the horror franchise that helped to launch her career.
"Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her iconic role as Laurie Strode in Halloween, released by Universal Pictures October 19, 2018. #HalloweenMovie,...
- 9/15/2017
- by EG
- Yidio
Blumhouse Production has been talking about developing a new Halloween for a little over a year. John Carpenter is producing the film and David Gordon Green and Danny McBride are currently writing the script. CEO Jason Blum is so confident that the movie will be released next year, that he's willing to bet his life, head, and hand on it. When asked about the film in an interview with The Wrap at the "Horrors of Blumhouse" attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood, he said:
"You can kill me. You can behead me. You can chop my hand off, the prince of horror, you can cut my hand off. That’s on the record."
The whole "Prince of Horror" thing is a title jokingly bestowed on him by The Wrap. The new Halloween movie has already been given the release date of October 19th, 2018. Gordon Green will also direct it and it's...
"You can kill me. You can behead me. You can chop my hand off, the prince of horror, you can cut my hand off. That’s on the record."
The whole "Prince of Horror" thing is a title jokingly bestowed on him by The Wrap. The new Halloween movie has already been given the release date of October 19th, 2018. Gordon Green will also direct it and it's...
- 9/13/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
The son of Pakistani immigrants, filmmaker Amman Abbasi grew up in Arkansas, where he still lives and works and which became the set for his debut feature. Departing from the details of his own adolescence, “Dayveon” follows a black teenager over one sweltering summer when he falls in with a local gang. Searching for community in the wake of his older brother’s death, he is drawn to the sense of belonging and violence of his new comrades.
Read More:‘The Florida Project’ First Trailer: Sean Baker and Willem Dafoe Deliver One of the Year’s Best Indies
“Executive produced by David Gordon Green, this poetic rural drama is graced with the same humanist shine that defined ‘George Washington,'” wrote IndieWire’s David Ehrlich in his review out of Sundance earlier this year. “Amman Abbasi’s debut feature revitalizes a familiar coming-of-age story by telling it with a rare sense of truth…...
Read More:‘The Florida Project’ First Trailer: Sean Baker and Willem Dafoe Deliver One of the Year’s Best Indies
“Executive produced by David Gordon Green, this poetic rural drama is graced with the same humanist shine that defined ‘George Washington,'” wrote IndieWire’s David Ehrlich in his review out of Sundance earlier this year. “Amman Abbasi’s debut feature revitalizes a familiar coming-of-age story by telling it with a rare sense of truth…...
- 8/14/2017
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Last week, we got a Trailer for filmmaker David Gordon Green’s next movie, the Boston Marathon related biopic Stronger. It seems like a big time showcase for Jake Gyllenhaal and could be tailor made to score him some Oscar attention. The film is coming a year after Patriots Day did justice to the tragedy, though this project seems to be more intimately positioned. With a September 22nd release date currently scheduled, fall festivals may not fully be in play, but awards possibilities just might. More on that in a bit, and of course the Trailer will be found below, but first…it’s analysis time! The film is a presumably feel good story in the end, centering on Jeff Bauman (Jake Gyllenhaal), a victim of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. There to support his partner Erin Hurley (Tatiana Maslany), who is running in the race, he’s seriously injuring...
- 6/27/2017
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Author: Scott Davis
In perhaps one of the strangest pieces of news in the last few months, it was revealed that comedian/actor Danny McBride was helping to co-write a new version of the classic 1970’s horror Halloween, alongside acclaimed filmmakers David Gordon Green.
The two have worked together previously on Vice Principals and Eastbound and Down and got the blessing of creator John Carpenter back in February and work is set to begin very soon. With McBride now doing the promotional tours for his new film, Alien: Covenant, Empire spoke to him about the film and what fans can expect from the new interpretation. Speaking to the magazine’s podcast, he said:
I think we’re just trying to strip it down and just take it back to what was so good about the original. It was just very simple and just achieved that level of horror that wasn’t corny.
In perhaps one of the strangest pieces of news in the last few months, it was revealed that comedian/actor Danny McBride was helping to co-write a new version of the classic 1970’s horror Halloween, alongside acclaimed filmmakers David Gordon Green.
The two have worked together previously on Vice Principals and Eastbound and Down and got the blessing of creator John Carpenter back in February and work is set to begin very soon. With McBride now doing the promotional tours for his new film, Alien: Covenant, Empire spoke to him about the film and what fans can expect from the new interpretation. Speaking to the magazine’s podcast, he said:
I think we’re just trying to strip it down and just take it back to what was so good about the original. It was just very simple and just achieved that level of horror that wasn’t corny.
- 5/16/2017
- by Scott Davis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Nearly four decades and ten movies later, the Halloween franchise is looking to get a much-needed jolt to the system. With the new king of studio horror, Blumhouse Productions, picking up the rights last year, they’ve now announced the talent behind the next film in the franchise — and it’s not who anyone expected. Check out original director John Carpenter‘s reveal below.
So you say you want a Revolution?
You want to shake things up and bring back Halloween and make it rock again?
Well so do I.
So here’s the announcement you’ve all been waiting for:
David Gordon Green and Danny McBride are joining the project to complete the creative team. David and Danny will write the script together and David will direct. I will continue in my executive producer role to consult and offer my advice and feedback as needed.
David and Danny both...
So you say you want a Revolution?
You want to shake things up and bring back Halloween and make it rock again?
Well so do I.
So here’s the announcement you’ve all been waiting for:
David Gordon Green and Danny McBride are joining the project to complete the creative team. David and Danny will write the script together and David will direct. I will continue in my executive producer role to consult and offer my advice and feedback as needed.
David and Danny both...
- 2/10/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
John Saavedra Feb 10, 2017
A new Halloween movie is coming from Eastbound & Down's David Gordon Green and Danny McBride...
Despite the fact that several horror directors, including Oculus' Mike Flanagan and You're Next's Adam Wingard, were rumoured to be on the shortlist to direct the new Halloween movie, which is being produced by creator John Carpenter, the honour will actually go to Pineapple Express' David Gordon Green. In fact, Gordon Green is writing the script with his Eastbound & Down collaborator, the actor and writer Danny McBride.
The news comes from Carpenter himself, who posted a short message to fans on his Facebook page. Said Carpenter in the announcement, "David and Danny both came to my office recently with Jason Blum and shared their vision for the new movie and…Wow. They get it. I think you’re gonna dig it. They blew me away."
The film will be...
A new Halloween movie is coming from Eastbound & Down's David Gordon Green and Danny McBride...
Despite the fact that several horror directors, including Oculus' Mike Flanagan and You're Next's Adam Wingard, were rumoured to be on the shortlist to direct the new Halloween movie, which is being produced by creator John Carpenter, the honour will actually go to Pineapple Express' David Gordon Green. In fact, Gordon Green is writing the script with his Eastbound & Down collaborator, the actor and writer Danny McBride.
The news comes from Carpenter himself, who posted a short message to fans on his Facebook page. Said Carpenter in the announcement, "David and Danny both came to my office recently with Jason Blum and shared their vision for the new movie and…Wow. They get it. I think you’re gonna dig it. They blew me away."
The film will be...
- 2/10/2017
- Den of Geek
Author: Josh Wilding
Good news for horror fans tonight as it’s been revealed that a new Halloween movie is on the way. David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express) is directing, and he’s set to write the movie alongside frequent collaborator Danny McBride. The Alien: Covenant star has worked alongside the filmmaker on both Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals, so this makes sense.
(It’s also a relief to know that this is that Danny McBride, and not the writer of Underworld).
Anyway, this new take on Halloween has a release date of October 19th, 2018, and original helmer John Carpenter took to Facebook to make the news official a little earlier today. The project has his seal of approval too, as the legendary director teased: “I think you’re gonna dig it. They blew me away. I might even do the music. Maybe. It could be kind of cool.”
Miramax...
Good news for horror fans tonight as it’s been revealed that a new Halloween movie is on the way. David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express) is directing, and he’s set to write the movie alongside frequent collaborator Danny McBride. The Alien: Covenant star has worked alongside the filmmaker on both Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals, so this makes sense.
(It’s also a relief to know that this is that Danny McBride, and not the writer of Underworld).
Anyway, this new take on Halloween has a release date of October 19th, 2018, and original helmer John Carpenter took to Facebook to make the news official a little earlier today. The project has his seal of approval too, as the legendary director teased: “I think you’re gonna dig it. They blew me away. I might even do the music. Maybe. It could be kind of cool.”
Miramax...
- 2/10/2017
- by Josh Wilding
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Danny McBride is teaming up with director David Gordon Green to remake the legendary horror franchise “Halloween,” the film’s original director John Carpenter said on Facebook on Thursday. Gordon Green and McBride will write the script together and Gordon Green will direct the project for Miramax, which is targeting a theatrical release on theaters on October 19, 2018. Carpenter is executive producing and will possibly score the remake. Malek Akkad will serve as producer under his Trancas banner, with Jason Blum producing for Blumhouse Productions along with Gordon Green and McBride via their Rough House Pictures banner. Also Read: John Carpenter to.
- 2/9/2017
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Halloween creator Carpenter just announced on his Facebook page that the planned reincarnation of the horror franchise just landed a a director and writer. David Gordon Green has been tapped to direct the new movie, and is writing the script with his Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals collaborator Danny McBride. Carpenter said in the post a release date is set for October 19th, 2018, and a meeting with Gordon Green, McBride and Blumhouse’s Jason Blum did the trick to…...
- 2/9/2017
- Deadline
Sandra Bullock and Billy Bob Thornton face off on the political battlefield in the trailer for Our Brand Is Crisis.
Director David Gordon Green's latest drama tells the incredible true story of a 2002 Bolivian presidential election masterminded by American strategists.
Our Brand Is Crisis follows 'Calamity' Jane Bodine, a political adviser who comes out of self-imposed retirement to help a deeply unpopular Bolivian leader win re-election.
To succeed, she'll have to rumble with her greatest political rival Pat Candy (Billy Bob Thornton) – who's been hired by the president's chief rival.
Gordon Green based his upcoming movie on the acclaimed 2005 documentary of the same name, which was honoured at the Independent Spirit Awards and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
The political drama re-teams Bullock with her Gravity co-star George Clooney, who is producing Our Brand Is Crisis.
A Us cinema release for Our Brand Is Crisis is set for October...
Director David Gordon Green's latest drama tells the incredible true story of a 2002 Bolivian presidential election masterminded by American strategists.
Our Brand Is Crisis follows 'Calamity' Jane Bodine, a political adviser who comes out of self-imposed retirement to help a deeply unpopular Bolivian leader win re-election.
To succeed, she'll have to rumble with her greatest political rival Pat Candy (Billy Bob Thornton) – who's been hired by the president's chief rival.
Gordon Green based his upcoming movie on the acclaimed 2005 documentary of the same name, which was honoured at the Independent Spirit Awards and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
The political drama re-teams Bullock with her Gravity co-star George Clooney, who is producing Our Brand Is Crisis.
A Us cinema release for Our Brand Is Crisis is set for October...
- 9/11/2015
- Digital Spy
It has been a few years since there has been any real apparent movement on the upcoming remake of Dario Argento's trippy 1970's horror classic "Suspiria". At that time filmmaker David Gordon Green ("Joe," "Pineapple Express") was attached to direct the project.
Then came word recently that filmmaker Luca Guadagnino is taking over the helm. Guadagnino popped up at the Venice Film Festival this past week to promote his current film "A Bigger Splash" and he spoke with Empire about what his take on "Suspiria" will be:
"The film by Dario Argento was a very indicative moment of growing up for me because I saw it when I was 14. I think it changed me forever. I was obsessed [with Argento] through all my adolescence. [My version] is going to be set in Berlin in 1977. It's going to be about the mother and the concept of motherhood and about the uncompromising force of motherhood.
Then came word recently that filmmaker Luca Guadagnino is taking over the helm. Guadagnino popped up at the Venice Film Festival this past week to promote his current film "A Bigger Splash" and he spoke with Empire about what his take on "Suspiria" will be:
"The film by Dario Argento was a very indicative moment of growing up for me because I saw it when I was 14. I think it changed me forever. I was obsessed [with Argento] through all my adolescence. [My version] is going to be set in Berlin in 1977. It's going to be about the mother and the concept of motherhood and about the uncompromising force of motherhood.
- 9/8/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
The bombing attack of the Boston Marathon in 2013 was, obviously, a hugely dramatic event, one that took three lives, altered countless others forever, and caught the attention of the entire world. It caught the attention of Hollywood, too, as there are now three movies about the atrocity in the works, though the latest may have an advantage over the other two. It just hired director David Gordon Green to take the helm, a position the other two have currently been unable to fill. According to The Hollywood Repooter, Gordon Green has signed on to direct Stronger, which is scheduled to be Lionsgate.s take on the subject matter. This film is based on the book of the same name by Jeff Bauman, a survivor of the attach, which chronicles his saga and was co-written with Bret Witter. On that fateful day, Bauman was at the finish line, waiting for his...
- 7/17/2015
- cinemablend.com
David Gordon Green has already gone through several phases in his relatively short career — indie breakout, second coming of Terrence Malick, studio stoner comedy helmer, reviver of once-great actors. Is ‘awards director’ his next transformation? The director has “Our Brand Is Crisis,” starring Sandra Bullock and Anthony Mackie, on the way, a film tipped as the next “Argo,” and now the chameleonic helmer has signed on to a true-life tale that could be Oscar material. Per THR, Gordon Green will direct Lionsgate’s “Stronger,” based on the memoir of Jeff Bauman, who lost both legs in the Boston Marathon Bombing and became a key witness in the subsequent criminal case. Playwright John Pollono and “8 Mile” and “The Fighter” screenwriter Scott Silver wrote the script, which is one of several films about the atrocity in the works: Daniel Espinosa was close to directing “Boston Strong” for Casey Affleck before he dropped out,...
- 7/17/2015
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
Al Pacino plays a lonely man learning to embrace life in the trailer for indie drama Manglehorn.
Director David Gordon Green's stark drama was touted by many critics as one of Pacino's finest roles in recent years following its premiere at last year's Toronto International Film Festival.
Pacino stars as Aj Manglehorn, a lonely man who has truly mourned the loss of the love of his life.
Manglehorn has a troubled relationship with his grown son Jacob (Chris Messina), but a romance with a new woman (Holly Hunter) soon changes his outlook on life.
Gordon Green – whose previous hits include All the Real Girls and Pineapple Express - shot Manglehorn on location in Austin, Texas.
Manglehorn opens in the Us on June 19, with a UK release following on August 7.
Director David Gordon Green's stark drama was touted by many critics as one of Pacino's finest roles in recent years following its premiere at last year's Toronto International Film Festival.
Pacino stars as Aj Manglehorn, a lonely man who has truly mourned the loss of the love of his life.
Manglehorn has a troubled relationship with his grown son Jacob (Chris Messina), but a romance with a new woman (Holly Hunter) soon changes his outlook on life.
Gordon Green – whose previous hits include All the Real Girls and Pineapple Express - shot Manglehorn on location in Austin, Texas.
Manglehorn opens in the Us on June 19, with a UK release following on August 7.
- 5/15/2015
- Digital Spy
I guess life can be frustrating when you are Al Pacino also.
The first trailer for director David Gordon Green’s Manglehorn was released on Tuesday with Pacino leading a cast that also includes Chris Messina, Holly Hunter, and Harmony Korine.
Manglehorn is about a strange and lonely man (Pacino) who tries to come to terms with a past crime that cost him the love of his life. Gordon Green has been on a roll lately with Prince Avalanche and Joe so this film should shoot to the top of many people’s most anticipated films to the year list.
Our own Jacob Carter wasn’t a giant fan of Manglehorn, saying that “(the film) is composed of underdeveloped, disconnected characters and disparate story elements. There is little connective tissue binding the film together. One scene haphazardly transitions to the next until the narrative reaches its futile conclusion. Despite having...
The first trailer for director David Gordon Green’s Manglehorn was released on Tuesday with Pacino leading a cast that also includes Chris Messina, Holly Hunter, and Harmony Korine.
Manglehorn is about a strange and lonely man (Pacino) who tries to come to terms with a past crime that cost him the love of his life. Gordon Green has been on a roll lately with Prince Avalanche and Joe so this film should shoot to the top of many people’s most anticipated films to the year list.
Our own Jacob Carter wasn’t a giant fan of Manglehorn, saying that “(the film) is composed of underdeveloped, disconnected characters and disparate story elements. There is little connective tissue binding the film together. One scene haphazardly transitions to the next until the narrative reaches its futile conclusion. Despite having...
- 4/14/2015
- by Zach Dennis
- SoundOnSight
It seems as if James Franco is in everything these days, working with so many different filmmakers from all over the world (Boyle, Gondry, Gordon Green, Korine, Raimi, Coppola, Haggis, Herzog). One of his latest appearances is in the film Every Thing Will Be Fine, the latest dramatic work from legendary German filmmaker Wim Wenders, which just premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. This deeply contemplative and compelling film is an extensive look at grief, and how that powerful emotion affects people over many years. There's a very chilling, almost Fincher-esque feel to it that makes this play almost more like a thriller than a drama. Oh, and it's shot in 3D, as Wenders has been exploring 3D ever since his vibrant 3D dance doc Pina. "A winter's evening. A country road. It is snowing, visibility is poor. Out of nowhere, a sledge glides down a hill. Brakes are slammed on,...
- 2/11/2015
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
A.J. Manglehorn is a man of minor miracles. A locksmith by trade, the old man has a magnetism that causes broken or unhappy people to become close with him. Perhaps that’s because of the charm that radiates off the performance from living film legend Al Pacino. Or perhaps it’s what to be expected in another Texas-set tale full of eccentric personalities from the prolific director David Gordon Green.
Manglehorn had its world premiere last month at the Venice Film Festival, but made its North American debut at Tiff 2014. Starring Pacino as the titular character, Manglehorn is a man without much in his life: an old shop he must upkeep by himself, a sick cat that refuses to eat its food, a casual flirtation with the bank teller (Holly Hunter) he sees every Friday, a bitter son (Chris Messina) that wants as little to do with him as possible,...
Manglehorn had its world premiere last month at the Venice Film Festival, but made its North American debut at Tiff 2014. Starring Pacino as the titular character, Manglehorn is a man without much in his life: an old shop he must upkeep by himself, a sick cat that refuses to eat its food, a casual flirtation with the bank teller (Holly Hunter) he sees every Friday, a bitter son (Chris Messina) that wants as little to do with him as possible,...
- 9/9/2014
- by Zachary Shevich
- We Got This Covered
★★★☆☆David Gordon Green has to have one of the most eclectic directorial résumés of recent times. From stoner comedies like Pineapple Express (2008) and Your Highness (2011) to his work on hit TV show Eastbound & Down and striking debut George Washington (2000), Green has graduated into spiky character studies of Americans leading lives of quiet and not so quiet desperation. Last year he was on the Lido with Joe (2013), a marvellously gritty Southern noir which teased out one of Nicolas Cage's best performances in years. This year, Green returns in competition with Manglehorn (2014). Al Pacino plays the title character, A.J. Manglehorn, a seasoned locksmith by profession and a serious man.
- 8/30/2014
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
This morning the first wave of the 2014 Toronto Film Festival lineup was announced and so far it's an impressive list of films including films from Noah Baumbach, Mike Leigh, David Gordon Green, Jason Reitman, Bennett Miller, David Cronenberg, Antoine Fuqua, Edward Zwick, Mikael Roskam, David Dobkin and many others. One surprising detail is there was no announcement of an opening film so along with everything below there is still at least one biggie on the way, and while they say it has nothing to do with their "premiere" mandate, I wouldn't be surprised if it might be Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's Birdman and they're waiting to see if it will be the North American premiere. Then again, could Birdman open both Toronto and Venicec But what else could it bec Maybe David Ayer's Furyc No chance for Christopher Nolan's Interstellar... or is therec Probably the films announced so far...
- 7/22/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
I have to give Land Ho! credit, because seniors typically don’t get their shot at proper road trip comedies. It’s always frisky teens searching for sexual nirvana, or boyfriends trying to save their relationship – but what about a couple of grey-haired grandpas rekindling their friendship abroad? Just because their bedtime might be on the early side doesn’t mean these two silver foxes can’t rage it up American Pie style – but that’s a completely different movie.
While this is Aaron Katz and Martha Stephens’ show, serving as joint writers and directors, Executive Producer David Gordon Green’s influence can be felt throughout – almost as an homage to his indie workings. Land Ho! is the unlikeliest of buddy comedies, but just like Gordon Green’s Prince Avalance, this natural adventure was missing a certain sense of enjoyable establishment – sufficent for some, but problematic for others.
Earl Lynn...
While this is Aaron Katz and Martha Stephens’ show, serving as joint writers and directors, Executive Producer David Gordon Green’s influence can be felt throughout – almost as an homage to his indie workings. Land Ho! is the unlikeliest of buddy comedies, but just like Gordon Green’s Prince Avalance, this natural adventure was missing a certain sense of enjoyable establishment – sufficent for some, but problematic for others.
Earl Lynn...
- 7/7/2014
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
Ever since his Academy Award-winning turn in Raising Arizona, Nicolas Cage has taken on a few decent roles (including in Adaptation. and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call – New Orleans) and lots of bizarre ones (including in meritless pieces of dreck like Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance and the upcoming Rage). However, he may be in for a career resurgence thanks to his amazing performance in Joe, which is no doubt one of the best films the actor has ever been associated with. And as the film prepares to hit Blu-Ray and DVD on June 17th, we’re pleased to be able to exclusively share with you a clip from “The Making of Joe” featurette.
In the film, from director David Gordon Green, Cage gives a tour-de-force performance as the titular character, an ex-convict who takes a young boy (Tye Sheridan) under his wing and is eventually faced with a...
In the film, from director David Gordon Green, Cage gives a tour-de-force performance as the titular character, an ex-convict who takes a young boy (Tye Sheridan) under his wing and is eventually faced with a...
- 6/16/2014
- by Isaac Feldberg
- We Got This Covered
Today I have another series for you all, basically a spinoff of the Spotlight on the Stars series. As a quick refresher, each week I’ll look at an actor/actress/filmmaker that I’d like to celebrate in some kind of way. It could be due to something of theirs coming out that weekend (like in many of the cases so far) or just because I feel they deserve to have a moment in the sun all their own, but each time it’ll be a bit of positivity about someone who I’d like to pay tribute to. Here though, I’m going to look at more of an under the radar individual. For this week’s piece, I wanted to take a look at our first filmmaker getting this kind of treatment…David Gordon Green. Honestly, most don’t seem to know what to do with this...
- 4/15/2014
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
David Gordon Green's Joe mines backwoods, hick territory, finding a slight narrative kinship with Jeff Nichols' Mud combined with the tonal darkness of Winter's Bone. The strongest thread holding the three films together is obviously the focus on down-on-their-luck families with bad dental hygiene, drinking problems and poor living conditions, all of which are traits I typically loathe. Narrative's of this sort typically prey on the built in sadness that comes with seeing hard luck families scraping to survive rather than developing actual characters, but every so often a few rise above the rest. In this case Joe works and it doesn't. The tragic narrative has its hiccups along the way, but improves as it builds its story around two strong performances from Nicolas Cage and Tye Sheridan, elevating it slightly above similar exploitative white trash weepers. The exact location is unknown, but the film takes place in...
- 4/11/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Occasionally, when eclectic director David Gordon Green is not working on a studio film, which severely limits his creative input, he turns to middle-of-nowhere America to tell stories about regular Joes -no pun intended- and their singular experiences (Undertow, George Washington, Snow Angels). Visually, he is inclined to take advantage of the vast landscapes and wooded areas the countryside has to offer. There, he places characters that more often than not include young men searching for a role model and the older fellows who either provide guidance or become terrible influences. Most recently, Emile Hirsch's manchild behavior clashed with Paul Rudd's self-absorbed comedic masculinity in Prince Avalanche, a charming and minimalist tale of two men working in the forest.
In his latest work, Joe, this recurring premise takes on greater stylistic proportions and it allows the director to elicit top-notch performances from his two leads. Better than he has been in many years, Nicolas Cage plays the eponymous title role, a rugged anti-hero who will not brag about all the good he does in spite of his violent past. Joe runs a small operation that involves spraying a chemical solution to eradicate unwanted trees in the area. His team, conformed only of African American men, is loyal to the core. They know Joe is a man of his word and values honesty above all else. In this Southern town, it is also well known that, though he doesn’t look for it, Joe is not afraid of getting in trouble should the situation call for it.
Wandering around the broken down road, Gary (Tye Sheridan), a 15-year-old tough boy, soon runs across Joe and his men and immediately asks for a job. Perhaps seeing himself in the boy, or perhaps out of pity, Joe agrees. The kid is a hard worker; he is willing to struggle to earn his pay. The problem is his abusive alcoholic father Wade (Gary Poulter), a selfish parasite whose single priority in life is figure out the source of his next swig. After purposelessly giving the old man a chance and witnessing the vicious treatment the boy must endure, Joe takes him under his wing. Gary looks up to him, and quickly finds a reinvigorating hope simpley from having someone who sincerely cares for him. The generational gap between the two creates a compelling connection, not quiet a father/son dynamic, but a heartfelt friendship.
An alcoholic himself, Joe has issues of his own, which range from selflessly helping everyone around him, to keeping his dog from attacking visitors, and dealing with Willie (Ronnie Gene Blevins), an annoying maniac who has a pending feud with him. Joe’s no-nonsense convictions are undeniably virtuous, but sometimes such degree of righteousness can prove to be a dangerous liability. Cage undoubtedly deserves praise for playing such a silent character with unpretentious honesty.
Drinking beer, smoking cigarets, and beating up cops who, according to him, unjustifiably harass him is what Joe does, but there is kindness underneath the rough skin, and the Hollywood star brings it all out convincingly. This is definitely a redeeming work for an actor who seemed to have lost his way in a senseless pursuit of meaningless roles.
Opposite Cage is the young Tye Sheridan, whose similar role in last year’s Mud placed him under the independent film industry's spotlight. The young actor is even more marvelous here. Seeing the darkness in people from an early age has definitely shaped Gary’s life. Self-sufficient, driven, and brave, he wants nothing more than to have a chance at becoming a good man, and his only shot at it is by Joe’s side. Adding another great performance to his short, but impressive resume, Sheridan is on his way to becoming an important young figure in the medium.
Adapted for the screen by Gary Hawkins from the novel of the same name by Larry Brown, Gordon Green certainly wasn’t able to reinvent the genre or craft a story that shines for its uniqueness, but he is in top form here. At times gritty, others ironically funny, the film works on all levels and even gives the filmmaker a chance to experiment with interesting narrative devices, such as several music and voice over driven expressionist montages.
Yet, if one looks to single out the best quality of this outstandingly entertaining film, it would have to be the naturalistic acting the filmmaker managed to get out of every single person on screen. From the shopkeeper, to Joe’s workers, to the evil Poulter, who is a real life homeless man, and all of the locals, there is not one that feels fabricated. That alone elevates a familiar story to something incredibly memorable. A rebirth for both actor and director, Joe is a powerful slice of Americana painted with sophisticated brush, and it shows that, like Joe himself, Cage and Gordon Green’s talent is a fierce dog with many scars, but at least it’s still alive.
Joe Opens in Select Theaters, VOD and on iTunes Friday, April 11...
In his latest work, Joe, this recurring premise takes on greater stylistic proportions and it allows the director to elicit top-notch performances from his two leads. Better than he has been in many years, Nicolas Cage plays the eponymous title role, a rugged anti-hero who will not brag about all the good he does in spite of his violent past. Joe runs a small operation that involves spraying a chemical solution to eradicate unwanted trees in the area. His team, conformed only of African American men, is loyal to the core. They know Joe is a man of his word and values honesty above all else. In this Southern town, it is also well known that, though he doesn’t look for it, Joe is not afraid of getting in trouble should the situation call for it.
Wandering around the broken down road, Gary (Tye Sheridan), a 15-year-old tough boy, soon runs across Joe and his men and immediately asks for a job. Perhaps seeing himself in the boy, or perhaps out of pity, Joe agrees. The kid is a hard worker; he is willing to struggle to earn his pay. The problem is his abusive alcoholic father Wade (Gary Poulter), a selfish parasite whose single priority in life is figure out the source of his next swig. After purposelessly giving the old man a chance and witnessing the vicious treatment the boy must endure, Joe takes him under his wing. Gary looks up to him, and quickly finds a reinvigorating hope simpley from having someone who sincerely cares for him. The generational gap between the two creates a compelling connection, not quiet a father/son dynamic, but a heartfelt friendship.
An alcoholic himself, Joe has issues of his own, which range from selflessly helping everyone around him, to keeping his dog from attacking visitors, and dealing with Willie (Ronnie Gene Blevins), an annoying maniac who has a pending feud with him. Joe’s no-nonsense convictions are undeniably virtuous, but sometimes such degree of righteousness can prove to be a dangerous liability. Cage undoubtedly deserves praise for playing such a silent character with unpretentious honesty.
Drinking beer, smoking cigarets, and beating up cops who, according to him, unjustifiably harass him is what Joe does, but there is kindness underneath the rough skin, and the Hollywood star brings it all out convincingly. This is definitely a redeeming work for an actor who seemed to have lost his way in a senseless pursuit of meaningless roles.
Opposite Cage is the young Tye Sheridan, whose similar role in last year’s Mud placed him under the independent film industry's spotlight. The young actor is even more marvelous here. Seeing the darkness in people from an early age has definitely shaped Gary’s life. Self-sufficient, driven, and brave, he wants nothing more than to have a chance at becoming a good man, and his only shot at it is by Joe’s side. Adding another great performance to his short, but impressive resume, Sheridan is on his way to becoming an important young figure in the medium.
Adapted for the screen by Gary Hawkins from the novel of the same name by Larry Brown, Gordon Green certainly wasn’t able to reinvent the genre or craft a story that shines for its uniqueness, but he is in top form here. At times gritty, others ironically funny, the film works on all levels and even gives the filmmaker a chance to experiment with interesting narrative devices, such as several music and voice over driven expressionist montages.
Yet, if one looks to single out the best quality of this outstandingly entertaining film, it would have to be the naturalistic acting the filmmaker managed to get out of every single person on screen. From the shopkeeper, to Joe’s workers, to the evil Poulter, who is a real life homeless man, and all of the locals, there is not one that feels fabricated. That alone elevates a familiar story to something incredibly memorable. A rebirth for both actor and director, Joe is a powerful slice of Americana painted with sophisticated brush, and it shows that, like Joe himself, Cage and Gordon Green’s talent is a fierce dog with many scars, but at least it’s still alive.
Joe Opens in Select Theaters, VOD and on iTunes Friday, April 11...
- 4/10/2014
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
Nicolas Cage seems to be on his game with his latest flick, Joe, which comes from director David Gordon Green (Snow Angels, Prince Avalanche). The film was shown at Tiff last year and garnered some great reviews (our's here) and trumpeted Cage's performance as one of the best of his career. Gordon Green also seems to be jumping on the "back to form" bandwagon as he has broken from comedies like Your Highness and Pineapple Express to do smaller indies like Joe and Prince Avalanche,...
- 2/13/2014
- by Paul Shirey
- JoBlo.com
★★★☆☆David Gordon Green returned to his indie roots last year with Prince Avalanche (2013) following a handful of Hollywood comedies. Based on Either Way (2011), an Icelandic film by Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson, it marks a significant departure in both style and substance from the likes of Pineapple Express (2008). Alvin (Paul Rudd) and Lance (Emile Hirsch) are two men whose job it is to paint the lines down the middle of the winding rural roads of Texas after a 1988 forest fire. Alvin is dating Lance's sister Madison (Lynn Shelton), and the two men veer between comfortable companionship and childish spats.
- 2/4/2014
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Trailer Simon Brew 29 Jan 2014 - 06:10
Nicolas Cage stays serious and grows facial hair for David Gordon Green's Joe. Here's the trailer for it...
Last year's The Frozen Ground, whilst it had its problems, nonetheless felt like Nicolas Cage was heading back to some of the better, more serious work that helped make him so interesting in the first place. Well, that and Con Air.
Early signs are too that he might have chosen wisely again. For his next film, he's teamed up with David Gordon Green, who most recently helmed Prince Avalanche, for the upcoming drama Joe.
Cage stars alongside Tye Sheridan in the movie, which arrives in July. And a maiden trailer for it has landed in France. We've got it for you here, too.
Follow our Twitter feed for faster news and bad jokes right here. And be our Facebook chum here.
JoeNicolas CageDavid Gordon Green...
Nicolas Cage stays serious and grows facial hair for David Gordon Green's Joe. Here's the trailer for it...
Last year's The Frozen Ground, whilst it had its problems, nonetheless felt like Nicolas Cage was heading back to some of the better, more serious work that helped make him so interesting in the first place. Well, that and Con Air.
Early signs are too that he might have chosen wisely again. For his next film, he's teamed up with David Gordon Green, who most recently helmed Prince Avalanche, for the upcoming drama Joe.
Cage stars alongside Tye Sheridan in the movie, which arrives in July. And a maiden trailer for it has landed in France. We've got it for you here, too.
Follow our Twitter feed for faster news and bad jokes right here. And be our Facebook chum here.
JoeNicolas CageDavid Gordon Green...
- 1/29/2014
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
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