While there were plenty of large Summer blockbusters to preview this week, they all seemed to fall short on originality and just show us the same overdone action styles that have become popular over the past few years (Conan the Barbarian). Instead, I thought it was the perfect time to do a spotlight on some of the more obscure independent films coming up, right in the middle of this year’s Sundance hits finding distributers and buzz beginning to form around the film showing at Cannes.
This week we have two breakout hits from Sundance, one disturbing foreign thriller premiering at Cannes, and a documentary that is food for your soul.
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Yes! There is a third Olsen sister and she can act! While this is only Elizabeth Olsen’s second feature since appearing that in Mary-Kate & Ashley videos as a kid, this film could definitely be a break-out role for her.
The other performance to watch in this trailer is from John Hawkes, an underrated but diverse actor that always delivers solid work in some great projects. You may know him from his comedic role on HBO’s Eastbound and Down, or from his Oscar nominated role as Teardrop in Winter’s Bone last year. This lesser-known cast could be set to become of the strongest ensemble performances of the year.
This film is going to be a hard one to miss, combining strong storytelling with powerful performances. LA Weekly describes the film as “a triller that shifts nearly imperceptibly between dream, memory, and reality.” The subtle psychological element of this trailer is sure to make for an intriguing film.
Continue Reading →
