Who’s in it and what’s it about?
Casey Affleck was Oscar- and Golden Globe-nominated for his performance in “The Assassination of Jesse James…” and there’s talk that his turn as tight-lipped, grief-stricken janitor Lee Chandler could result in similar recognition in early 2017.
For reasons that become apparent throughout the film, Lee has chosen a lonely, isolated life for himself, cherishing the few connections he has left — to his brother and nephew.
But his brother’s early death results in him being offered guardianship of his now-teenage nephew, a prospect he can hardly turn down but one which moves him back into the epicenter of his own tortured grief.
Three-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams (“Brokeback Mountain,” “Blue Valentine,” “My Week with Marilyn”) plays Randi, Lee’s estranged wife and mother to their three sons; Kyle Chandler of “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “Friday Night Lights” is Joe, “Boardwalk Empire” actress Gretchen Mol is Joe’s divorced wife Elise, and Lucas Hedges from “Moonrise Kingdom” and “Kill the Messenger” makes a breakthrough as their son Patrick, more interested in girls and bands than exploring the emotional impact of his recent loss.
Who’s behind it?
Kenneth Longeran co-wrote the incendiary “Gangs of New York” for Martin Scorsese (after De Niro / Billy Crystal comedy “Analyze This”) and here returns with his third directed feature, bringing Matt Damon of “Margaret” on board as producer and placing Matthew Broderick of that film as well as debut “You Can Count on Me” in front of camera in a supporting role.
Longeran also wrote the film’s treatment, for which he has already won Screenwriter of the Year at the Hollywood Film Awards in early November.
Is it any good?
Thanks to a strong run on the film festival circuit, “Manchester by the Sea” enjoys a pre-release Metacritic average of 91, a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (100% from its selected Top Critics), and an 8.5/10 average from over 1,200 IMDb user scores.
When’s it out?
A November 18 general release date beckons for the R-rated film in the USA, with Canada set for November 25. French audiences are welcomed from December 14 (the same date as Star Wars’ “Rogue One” breaks) while further European dates, including the UK and the Netherlands, are scheduled for mid-January 2017.
-AFP Relaxnews