First Looks At Mia Wasikowska In 'Madame Bovary,' Angelina Jolie's 'Unbroken' & Mike Leigh's Next Film

Madame Bovary Mia Wasikowska

The American Film Market kicks off next week, which means there’s going to be a lot of buyers hustling a lot of movies, and distributors and financiers look for product to put their cash into. And that means folks writing the cheques will want to see something first. And since many of these movies are mid-production or just getting started, pictures will have to suffice.

So first up, we have a look at Mia Wasikowska in “Madame Bovary.” This latest iteration of the Gustave Flaubert classic is from director Sophie Barthes (“Cold Souls“), who will once again tell the tale of gorgeous farm girl Emma, who marries up a doctor but seeks out happiness in various extra-marital dalliances. Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Paul Giamatti, Rhys Ifans and Ezra Miller co-star. No date for this one yet.

Meanwhile, the Oscar bona fides are already in play for Angelina Jolie‘s “Unbroken.” WWII story? Check. Script from celebrated writers, i.e. the Coen Brothers? Check. Christmas Day release date next year? Check. And Universal is getting the word out early, showing behind-the-scenes snaps of Jolie hard at work on the movie. What’s it about? Well, it’s an epic drama that follows the incredible life of Olympian and war hero Louis “Louie” Zamperini who, along with two other crewmen, survived in a raft for 47 days after a near-fatal plane crash in WWII—only to be caught by the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp. Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Garrett Hedlund, Finn Wittrock, John Magaro, Alex Russell and Miyavi star.[Entertainment Weekly]

Jolie, UnbrokenJolie, UnbrokenJolie, Unbroken

Next up is “Love Is Strange,” the latest from Ira Sachs, the filmmaker behind “Forty Shades Of Blue” and last year’s acclaimed drama “Keep The Lights On.” The time around he’s bringing together John Lithgow and Alfred Molina for the tale an older gay couple who finally get married after a 28-year-long relationship. When one partner unexpectedly loses his job at a local Catholic school and they are forced to give up their apartment and live separately, that love is tested. Perhaps we’ll see this at Sundance in a couple months? [Out]

Ira Sachs, Molina, Lithgow

Lastly comes Timothy Spall in Brit auteur Mike Leigh‘s still-untitled next effort. The movie will find the actor portraying British artist J.M.W Turner, born in London in 1775, who grew up to be at the forefront of the British Romantic movement until his passing in 1851. No word on exact plot details or even when we’ll see it (Cannes, maybe?) but any Leigh news is good news. [Rope Of Silicon]

Timothy Spall, Mike Leigh film