Limited Releases have Gone Green
April 13, 2007
This week's list of limited releases includes a directorial debut, the latest in a long career, a low-key Canadian indie, as well as a Japanese film that is anything but low-key.
It makes for an interesting week, but one where it is hard to predict which film, if any, can have a break-out success.
Everything's Gone Green - Reviews
The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai - Reviews
Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis - Reviews
Lonely Hearts - Reviews
Private Fears in Public Places - Reviews
Red Road - Reviews
Year of the Dog - Reviews
A Canadian film about a slacker who falls into a money-laundering scheme and his previous low-maintenance lifestyle is replaced with fast cars and leather jackets.
Everything's Gone Green opens tonight at the Landmark Sunshine Cinema before expanding across Los Angeles next weekend.
Political satire that is too absurdist and, "out there," for most people to grasp the deeper meanings.
Or it might be softcore porn disguised as Political satire, the jury still out on this one.
On the one hand, it should be able to draw in curious viewers, but on the other hand, there's not enough substance here for a recommendation.
The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai opens tonight at the Cinema Village in New York City.
A documentary about underground filmmaker, Jack Smith.
An excellent look at a fascinating man, but those unfamiliar with his work might not be enlightened by this movie.
Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis opened on Wednesday at the Film Forum in New York City.
One of the weaker reviewed limited release this week, and personally I blame John Travolta, although James Gandolfini hasn't had much of a movie career either.
Those two play cops on the trail of serial killers played by Jared Leto and Selma Hayek, but only bits and pieces work.
Also, Lonely Hearts is the widest limited release this week, opening in 23 theaters, and that's likely too many too succeed.
The latest from French director, Alain Resnais, who has been making films for 60 years now.
This is a tale of loneliness, and depending on who you talk to, the film is either the best work from the director in several decades, or one of his lesser films.
But it is important to note one of Alain Resnais' lesser films is still one of the best movies in theaters at the moment.
Private Fears in Public Places opens tonight in four theaters, including the IFC Center in New York City.
This bit of experimental filmmaking is the first of three movies featuring the same cast of characters being portrayed by the same group of actors, only the stories will be unrelated.
On its own, it's a great movie about loss and obsession, but it might be better to wait and watch all three in one sitting.
(Although since the other two films have not been made yet, it could be a long wait.)
Red Road opens tonight in two theaters in New York City and one in Los Angeles.
The directorial debut of Mike White, who not only acts, but has written screenplays for many films like School of Rock, Nacho Libre, and others.
This film stars Molly Shannon as a woman trying to the overcome the grief of losing her dog.
Overall the reviews are strong, but its opening theater count of seven might be a little high and that could prevent it from maximizing its potential.
Year of the Dog opens tonight in seven theaters, three in New York City and four in the Los Angeles area.
Filed under: Limited Releases, Year of the Dog, Lonely Hearts, Red Road, Coeurs, Everything's Gone Green, Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis, Hatsujô kateikyôshi: sensei no aijiru