A Faith of One

Author: zgamer
Location: Unknown

"A Faith of One"

Distributed by: Focus Features
Produced by: Paul Haggis, Cathy Schulman, and Diana Ossana
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Written by: Paul Haggis and Larry McMurty

Principal Cast:

Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Bishop Hal Nelson
Sean Penn as Rabbi Max Cohen
David Strathairn as Allen Samson
Ed Harris as Samuel Rodgers
Catherine Keener as Patricia “Patty” Nelson
Haley Joel Osment as Mark Nelson
Jake Gylllenhaal as Andy Spritz
Laura Linney as Mary Levy
Clive Owen as Jeremy Levy
Keisha Castle-Hughes as Emily Fallon
Heath Ledger as Oliver Fallon
William Hurt as Paul Fallon

Tagline: "Religion is never intimidated"

Release Date: December 12, 2007

Synopsis: In a small Utah town, the people are strictly divided by religion. The largest of these religions are the predominant Latter-Day Saints who are represented by their bishop Hal Nelson (Hoffman). There’s also the Jewish community who are represented by rabbi Max Cohen (Penn), the Baptists who are represented by their pastor Allen Samson (Strathairn), and the Protestants led by their minister Samuel Rodgers (Harris). Though these religions coexist within this town, there is a huge degree of separation among the people. As each religion strays away from those of the other, the rift grows larger.

This is seen the most through the eyes of the many of the members of each faith. There’s Mark Nelson (Osment), the bishop’s son, whose faith is waning due to his alienation by his fellow members. Then there’s the married Jewish couple Mary and Jeremy (Owen and Linney), who are facing the issue of having an increase of Mormon families moving into their neighborhood. Then there’s Emily Fallon (Hughes), a girl adopted to a Baptist family, who is being pressured with the religious beliefs of her demanding Baptist father Paul (Hurt) and her newly converted Mormon brother Oliver (Ledger). It seemed that there could be no way the situation for these people could worse.

Then came a fateful day in late October. That was the day Andy Spritz (Gyllenhaal), a very verbal antichrist, came into town. Knowing of the town’s religious differences, Spritz begins spreading his “teachings” to the populace in hope of causing chaos among the faiths. What follows is a maelstrom of confusion and deceit that threatens all within the town. As members of each faith are tested by Andy’s assault, their leaders begin to stand up for themselves. Forced to tolerate each other, these men set out to defend their members and their faith. But as the months go by, they notice that their defense is causing more confusion and tension. Will they find a way to stop this religious upset together or will Spritz’s anarchy reign supreme?

What the press would say:

“Shocking”. “Controversial”. “Powerful”. “Inspiring”. Just some of the words used to describe this amazing movie from people who know about tensions. Paul Haggis’s deep examination of religion, similar to what he did for Crash, is complemented excellently by Larry McMurty’s sensitive yet powerful dialogue. Sam Mendes is wisely chosen as the director, as he divulges into the touchy subjects of religion and religious tolerance with intelligence and sensitivity. While it’s not a big Hollywood picture, it has an excellent production crew that may convince people the opposite. The great scenery of Utah is beautifully captured by Rodrigo Prieto’s cinematography, with Hughes Winborne’s editing setting the great pace that he used in Crash. The emotions of the town are beautifully expressed by Thomas Newman’s haunting yet wonderful score. However, it is the ensemble cast that makes the movie what it truly is, with each actor playing the amazing characters that are the writers’ signatures with true skill. The lead roles of the religious leaders portrayed in the movie are all played to their best. However, it is the talented Gyllenhaal who lights up the screen as the devilishly manipulative and garrulous antichrist who brings these events into motion. This is defiantly one of the movies that Oscars were made to be given to.

Nominations:
Best Picture: Cathy Schulman, Paul Haggis, Diana Ossana
Best Director: Sam Mendes
Best Actor: Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Best Actor: David Strathairn
Best Actor: Ed Harris
Best Actor: Sean Penn
Best Supporting Actor: Jake Gyllenhaal
Best Supporting Actor: Haley Joel Osment
Best Supporting Actres: Keisha Castle-Hughes
Best Original Screenplay: Paul Haggis and Larry McMurty
Best Cinematography: Rodrigo Prieto
Best Editing: Hughes Winborne
Best Original Music: Thomas Newman
Best Song: Andrew Llyod Webber for “Do You Believe”

A Question of Sanity

Author: Jamie Madden
Location: Melbourne, Australia

"A Question of Sanity"

Director: Spike Jonze
Writer: Charlie Kaufman
Producer: Scott Rudin
Cinematographer: Ellen Kuras
Editor: Eric Zumbrunnen
Production/Art Designer: Dan Leigh
Costumes: Ann Roth
Original Score: Carter Burwell

Principal Cast:

Woody Harrelson as Brian McDougal
Virginia Madsen as Veronica Green-McDougal
Catherine Keener as Trixie
Ed Harris as Randolph (Adolf) Thorn
Kevin Zegers As Chip Huntington

Tagline: "From sluggish to pro-athlete in just one concussion!"

Synopsis: Brian McDougal is an out of shape, lazy, television addict, with a keen interest in sports and a disturbing obsession with scarce bugs. His addiction causes the disintegration of his once hot and passionate marriage to newfound pill popping expert Veronica, and the loss of his mediocre job at a run down computer company, with a totalitarian capitalist boss nicknamed ‘Adolf’. While drunk and depressed, Brian trips on his beloved remote control and falls into a brief coma. Upon waking from a concussion, Brian believes he is Chip Huntington, star quarterback for the hottest football team of the season, and an imposter (the real Chip Huntington) is posing as himself on the field. Brian flees the bug-infested home, with the help of delusional, screwball dominatrix neighbour Trixie, to head off to the football field to take back his position on the team, and kill the imposter who has stolen his identity. Brian sees his actions as heroic. The rest of the world sees Brian as idiotic and demonic. Reality is mixed with the illusory, through a mix up of minds in the latest eccentric comedy from Charlie Kaufman, that sees one ordinary man turned into a deluded, crazed maniac.

What the press would say:

A welcome return for Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman in another brilliant Oscar worthy collaboration. A winning cast delivers spot on performances of a quirky script that subtly and smartly leaves the audience in stitches. Charlie Kaufman cements himself as the screenwriter of the unreal, with the help of a well-recognized cast that includes critical darlings Catherine Keener and Virginia Madsen, Transamerica-rookie Kevin Zegers, veteran Ed Harris and natural born killer Woody Harrelson (in his most successful comic role yet.) Visually stunning, thanks to the technical work of Dan Leigh, and stunning costumes by Ann Roth, woven together by Spike Jonze, who directs his best film yet!

For Your Consideration:

Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor (Woody Harrelson)
Best Supporting Actress (Virginia Madsen, Catherine Keener)
Best Supporting Actor (Ed Harris, Kevin Zegers)
Best Original Screenplay
Best Original Score
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Production/Art direction
Best Costume Design

Beautiful Baby

Author: Pat
Location: New York

"Beautiful Baby"

Directed By Anthony Minghella
Written By Anthony Minghella
Music By John Williams

Principal Cast:

Josh Hartnett-Jon Peters
Kristin Kreuk-Alexis Crane
Paul Giamatti-Dr. Sam Rinatto
Scarlett Johansson-Lydia Peters
Jake Gyllenhaal-Kevin Teague
Dule Hill-Ryan Williams
Viggo Mortensen-Det. Michael Martin
Aidan Quinn-Det. Artie Unger
Anthony Rapp-Hector James
Frances McDormand-Kelly Crane

Tagline: "You can't escape your past"

Synopsis: "Beautiful Baby" stars Josh Hartnett as a young man who impregnates his girlfriend while attending college and wants her to have an abortion so he does not have to deal with the baby. His girlfriend (Kristin Kreuk) refuses to comply and he murders her in a fit of rage and disposes of her body off Long Island. Then ten years later, Jon Peters has married Lydia (Scarlett Johansson) and has a newborn girl and DJ's on a nationwide radio station. But things become unhinged for Jon when he starts having visions of the girl he killed a decade ago while trying to push away two detectives (Viggo Mortensen and Aidan Quinn) who have reopened Alexis's murder case and consider Jon to be the prime suspect. Jon consults a psychiatrist (Paul Giamatti) when the visions start talking to him and causing him to act insane around his family and friends. With the help of Dr. Rinatto, Jon is led through a journey into his conscience that has a life-altering impact on all those close to him. Jake Gyllenhaal, Dule Hill, and Anthony Rapp star as Brian's friends and Frances McDormand plays Alexis's grieving mother.

What the press would say:

Anthony Minghella's latest cinematic venture tackles one of the biggest issues in politics today: abortion. But the film does so much more than make a statement; it is suspenseful, sad, powerful, and moving all at the same time. Josh Hartnett stars as Jon in his best performance as the tortured young man who is forced to deal with a murder he thought he removed from his mind. Paul Giamatti is great as the psychiatrist who is trying to put together the puzzle of Jon's past while keeping a professional distance. Viggo Mortensen and Aidan Quinn have great chemistry as a duo of detectives who are following the murder ten years after the crime was committed. But the best performance of the film comes from Scarlett Johansson as Jon's wife who is affected the most by her husband's increasingly mental instability.

Awards:
Best Picture
Best Director-Anthony Minghella
Best Original Screenplay-Anthony Mingella
Best Actor-Josh Hartnett
Best Supporting Actor-Paul Giamatti
Best Supporting Actor-Viggo Mortensen
Best Supporting Actress-Scarlett Johanssen
Best Supporting Actress-Kristin Kreuk
Best Supporting Actress-Frances McDormand
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score

BTK

Author: Qasim Asif
Location: England

"BTK"

Directed by Patty Jenkins
Produced by Stephen Daldry
Written by Patty Jenkins

Principal Cast:

Jack Nicholson – The BTK killer / Dennis L. Rader
Jane Fonda – Delores Davis
Judi Dench – Marine Hedge
Ali Larter - Kathryn Bright
Liza Minelli – Nancy Fox
Penelope Cruz – Josephine Otera
Nicholas Cage – Joseph Otera
Anne Hathaway – Julie Otera
Rosie O’Donald – Shirley Vian
Julia Stiles – Vicki Wegerie

Tagline: "Go to this address, You will find a homicide. That’s correct"

Synopsis: A disturbing biopic into the life of Dennis L. Rader formally known as the BTK killer, the film explores the mind of Dennis and the last days of his victims and the forensic search for the most notorious killer in Wichita.

What the press would say:

Oscar Predictions:

Best Picture
Best Director – Patty Jenkins
Best Leading Actor – Jack Nicholson
Best Supporting Actress - Jane Fonda, Judi Dench, Liza Minelli, Julia
Stiles, Ali Larter
Best Supporting Actor – Nicholas Cage
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Best Cinematography
Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
Best Sound
Best Editing
Best Sound Editing
Best Makeup
Best Music, Original Score

Columbia

Author: Craig
Location: CA

"Columbia"

Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu
Written by Guillermo Arriaga
Music by Alexandre Desplat

Principal Cast:

Emmy Rossum (Jennifer Freeman)
Shawn Ashmore (Patrick)
Evan Rachel Wood (Danielle)
Johnny Depp (Mark Huthrow)
Scott Mechlowicz (Kyle)
Thora Birch (Chloe)
Renee Zellweger (Amelia Huthrow)
Julianne Moore (Cathy Freeman)
Haley Joel Osment (Todd)

Tagline: "It really happened"

Synopsis: In the tradition of 21 Grams and Babel, director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu presents a new three person drama but this time, it contains an all-star supporting cast as well. It is the story of a young girl (Rossum) who avoids a train accident and becomes connected with two others who are somehow involved.

Ashmore is the only survivor of the accident who is visited by Jennifer in the hospital, and finds himself falling in love with her. Wood is a teenager who was orphaned by the accident, and turns to drugs to escape her grief. Mechlowicz is the typical sports star boyfriend of Jennifer, who becomes suspicious of her frequent trips to the hospital. Depp plays a teacher who is deeply concerned by the lead’s behavior. Birch plays a teenage girl who befriends Jennifer during her personal crisis. Zellweger plays Depp’s wife who wonders why he is becoming more distant and why his thoughts are always somewhere else. Moore is the mother who becomes frightened by her daughter’s new aggressive behavior. And Osment is a friend of Danielle who realizes that she does not belong with drugs. The three stories soon become linked and things become even more complicated.

What the press would say:

Emmy Rossum turns in another amazing performance as a young girl who begins to unravel after she witnesses the accident. Her performance is awe-inspiring, but the best performance is Wood’s. Similar and different at the same time to her role in Thirteen, Wood portrays a troubled girl with flying stars. She completely dissolves into her character and steals the show. Depp gives another Oscar-caliber performance as the teacher, but Zellweger surpasses even him as his wife, who beings to believe that he is having affair. Renee is fabulous in one of her first gritty roles, and this will certainly change her career for the better. Birch is fantastic as the mature but troubled girl, and while her role is not very demanding, she draws all attention to her when she is onscreen. Moore again displays her talent as the frightened moth er who is too afraid to do anything to help her daughter. While not a particularly caring mother, her maternal instincts kick in when she realizes her daughter may be a danger to herself and others. Great directing and another superb script make this a surefire Academy Award winning project. The potential awards are:

Best Picture
Best Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu
Best Original Screenplay: Guillermo Arriaga
Best Actress: Emmy Rossum
Best Actress: Evan Rachel Wood
Best Supporting Actor: Haley Joel Osment
Best Supporting Actor: Johnny Depp
Best Supporting Actress: Renee Zellweger
Best Supporting Actress: Julianne Moore
Best Special Effects

Deception

Author: Josh P.
Location: Chicago, IL

"Deception"

Directed by Woody Allen
Produced by Woody Allen and Mike Nichols
Written by Woody Allen and Tony Kushner
Music by Gustavo Santaolalla

Principal Cast:

Nicole Kidman (Angie Howard)
Clive Owen (Phil Howard)
Eric Szmanda (Jim Gravers)
Marcia Gay Harden (Margaret Banker)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (Craig Luxford)

Tagline: "Love can be as violent as hate"

Synopsis: The movie tells the story of a lonely woman (Kidman) who is stuck within a violent and abusive marriage with her professor husband (Owen). She feels miserable as she has no family to return to as well as no money to pay for a divorce or lawyer. She one day goes out to a department store and meets a sales clerk there (CSI’s Eric Szmanda). She is intrigued by this handsome young man and he is fascinated by this slightly older woman. The two begin having an intense and lustrous affair that is kept in dark corners. Angie doesn’t know what to do: she loves Jim but cannot make herself leave her husband. Even the advice of Angie’s best friend (Harden), as well as Jim’s (Hoffman), doesn’t seem to work out. What results is a secret love that lasts through turmoil, deceit and ultimate tragedy.

What the press would say:

Allen has provided another flawless piece of art with intense drama and stellar performances. The intimate setting and small cast allow for the actors to shine through. Kidman is wonderful in a magnificent role and Owen truly allows himself to go free with his character. Harden is a pleasant sight once again and the movie also includes a breakthrough performance for Szmanda, better known for his Greg Sanders persona from television’s CSI. Even Mike Nichols gives an unusual touch as producer and the writing combination team of Woody Allen and Tony Kushner could not be better. The awards consideration campaign:

Best Picture
Best Director: Woody Allen
Best Actor: Clive Owen
Best Actress: Nicole Kidman
Best Supporting Actor: Eric Szmanda
Best Supporting Actress: Marcia Gay Harden
Best Original Screenplay: Woody Allen and Tony Kushner
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score

Each Six Years

Author: Harry
Location: Unknown

"Each Six Years"

Directed by Roman Polanski
Screenplay by M. Night Shyalaman
Music by Howard Shore
Cinematography by Dion Beebe
Editing by Hughes Winborne

Principal Cast:

Ralph Fiennes … Oscar Harrison
Naomi Watts … Mary Harrison
Dakota Fanning … Samantha Harrison
Bruce Willis … Michael Jenkins

Tagline: "An object will curse a girl’s life November 2006"

Synopsis: The married couple Oscar (Ralph Fiennes) and Mary Harrison (Naomi Watts) want to adopt a child because Mary can’t have children. They adopt a six year old girl called Samantha. Nobody knew what became of the real parents of Samantha but there were rumors that they had died in a car accident.

Six years later, Samantha is a twelve year old girl without friend. At school, her classmates considered her weird.

One day, at the house garden, Samantha finds a mysterious book written by “Anonymous” and called “Each Six Years”. At night, Samantha reads the book and the only thing written in every page was “At Six People Will Lie, And Six Years Later She Will Be Visiting after She Dies”.

As the movie goes on, Samantha tells her father she meet a strange woman (Never showed in the film) that told her she was her mother…

What the press would say:

You may forget “Rosemary’s Baby”. Polanski’s new horror thriller is “An Amazing Achievement in Movie History”- Sigh & Sound Magazine. “Six thumbs way up”- Roger Elbert. “The horror film of the decade!”- Rolling Stone.

All the critic’s agree. EACH SIX YEARS is one of the best thrills of the decade and the best movie of the year. It has already won millions of awards. 6 Golden Globes! (Best Picture Drama, Directing, Actor Drama, Actress Drama, Supporting Actress, Screenplay) Roman Polanski is at his glorious days and the academy will recognize it with tons of nominations (10)

PICTURE
DIRECTING
ACTOR- Fiennes
ACTRESS- Watts
SUP. ACTOR- Willis
SUP. ACTRESS- Fanning
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
SCORE
CINEMATOGRAPHY
EDITING