6. “Rocketman”
There is a good chance that Dexter Fletcher, director Bryan Singer’s replacement on last year’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” will have had seen more glitz and glam in his editing room than any other filmmaker working in today’s studio era. He was reportedly only brought on board for two weeks of wrap-up filming on the Rami Malek-led, controversial production that earned 4 Oscars including one for its lead actor for his performance as Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury. This time, up and comer Taron Edgerton takes the acting reins of the newest rock musical biopic, as the legendary Elton John. The movie apparently only follows the earlier days of John’s career, from his days as a prodigious student at the Royal Academy of Music to his collaboration with Bernie Taupin (played by Jamie Bell, in the film). We shall see if Fletcher’s second glam picture is similarly successful, hot off the heels of his first. Will we inevitably be getting a sequel to this, if it makes good money; or should we simply ask that these new musical biopics be put behind us, as we say, goodbye yellow brick road? – AB
https://twitter.com/ThePlaylist/status/1109109994098556930
7. “Little Joe”
One of the surprising themes of this year’s Cannes slate is the notable number of selections tapping into prestige horror in competition and the festival sidebars. One English-language acquisition entry that should get distributors attention is Austrian director Jessica Hausner‘s thriller that centers on a single mother (Emily Beecham), who has engineered a flower that has “therapeutic value” if spoken to regularly. However, the plant may not be all that it seems. The film also stars Ben Whishaw and Lindsay Duncan (“Birdman,” “Sherlock“). Hausner is no stranger to Cannes, as her films “Lovely Rita,” “Hotel” and “Amour Fou” all screened in Un Certain Regard. The fact she’s finally made it to the big dance is noteworthy in and of itself. – GE
https://twitter.com/AAMrBenWhishaw/status/1126618493183336448
8. “Frankie”
Ira Sachs may not yet be a household name, but the cast of his latest should hopefully draw new audiences not yet familiar with his work (“Married Life, “Love Is Strange”). The upcoming film from the Memphis born director stars Isabelle Huppert, Greg Kinnear, Marisa Tomei, Brendan Gleeson, and Jérémie Renier (no, not Jeremy Renner), is set across the course of one day of a family’s final vacation to Portugal. At first glance, the film appears like it could be a nice quiet generational drama, but there’s an added mortality component to the story as well, as seen in the trailer. Huppert is simply on a tear right now (she’s also apparently so amazing that her characters always seem to steal the movie title; “Elle,” “Eva,” “Greta,” even “Claire’s Camera”) and her coming to Cannes with Sachs first in the festival’s main competition seems like a solid sign pointing to a strong film. – AB
https://twitter.com/ThePlaylist/status/1127271280888221698
9. “The Young Ahmed”
The Dardenne Brothers are simply two of the festival’s most celebrated filmmakers, having won the Palm d’Or twice (“Rosetta,” “The Child“) as well the Grand Prix (“The Kid with the Bike“). You can almost guarantee that if they have a new film ready for May it will be at Cannes. Their latest is a potential political powder keg, a drama about a young Belgian boy (Idir Ben Addi) who, according to the official synopsis, “plots to murder his teacher in the name of his religion.” How the Dardennes will tackle this difficult subject matter (in their usual 90 minutes or less running time, no less) makes it an absolute must for anyone attending the festival. – AB
https://twitter.com/ThePlaylist/status/1121779100786413568
10. “Too Old To Die Young”
The ever-stylish and always slick, Danish director, Nicholas Winding Refn (“Drive”) comes to Cannes with a new creative project that simply sounds like some incredible crime TV. He’s teaming up with acclaimed comic book writer Ed Brubaker. Refn’s uniquely branded approach to television will soon premiere on Amazon, after it debuts its first two episodes at a little film festival in France. This is auteur TV, if there ever was such a thing. Refn directed all 10 episodes (each is reportedly feature length) and Brubaker scribed the entire series, which stars Miles Teller, John Hawkes, Jena Malone, and Billy Baldwin. If all this, plus the filmmaker’s trademark, glossy cinematography – that bathes its lenses in neon light – isn’t enough to further attract you, synth forward composer Cliff Martinez is providing the score as well. Needless to say, many have been anxiously awaiting the creative pair’s cop show ever since it was first announced, and as have we. – AB
https://twitter.com/ThePlaylist/status/1126906762538340352
