There are a lot of movies trying to elbow into the awards race, and Sony Pictures Classics is hoping voters will remember “Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool.” While it doesn’t have the same buzz as the studio’s other major contender — “Call Me By Your Name” — it does have a big, secret weapon: the legendary Annette Bening.
The actress leads the movie as Hollywood star Gloria Grahame, in this based on a true story tale about the actresses’ late life relationship and romance with a much younger lover. Here’s the official synopsis:
Based on Peter Turner’s memoir, the film follows the playful but passionate relationship between Turner (Bell) and the eccentric Academy Award®-winning actress Gloria Grahame (Bening) in 1978 Liverpool. What starts as a vibrant affair between a legendary femme fatale and her young lover quickly grows into a deeper relationship, with Turner being the person Gloria turns to for comfort. Their passion and lust for life is tested to the limits by events beyond their control.
Directed by Paul McGuigan, and co-starring Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, and Vanessa Redgrave and featuring an original song by Elvis Costello, “Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool” opens on December 29th.