The productions of Kenneth Lonergan films are often tortured. 2011’s “Margaret” began shooting in 2005, but Lonergan’s lengthy and over-schedule post-production sparked multiple lawsuits and the film landed in limbo for about five years (its original release date was in 2007). And thus in fifteen years, there’s only been two Lonergan films. Trouble seemed to be on the horizon for his latest, “Manchester By The Sea,” which was supposed to star Matt Damon, but the actor, who only had a short window to shoot the picture, had to bow out when it wasn’t ready go and “The Martian” came next.
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Evidently Damon found a strong solution in recommending his buddy Casey Affleck who stepped into the lead role of an uncle who is forced to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy’s father dies. The drama also stars Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler and Lucas Hedges. Here’s the Sundance synopsis:
Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is a brooding, irritable loner who works as a handyman for a Boston apartment block. One damp winter day he gets a call summoning him to his hometown, north of the city. His brother’s heart has given out suddenly, and he’s been named guardian to his 16-year-old nephew. As if losing his only sibling and doubts about raising a teenager weren’t enough, his return to the past re-opens an unspeakable tragedy.
“Manchester By The Sea” opens on November 18th.
