Yep, more acquistions and if these stories seem dry as toast, bear in mind, these are the films that have risen to the top of the Sundance heap and will be trying to take that buzz beyond Park City.
First up, IFC has acquired the thriller “The Ledge.” While early plot details made it seem like a clone of the Sam Worthington thriller “Man On A Ledge,” also playing the fest, it appears there is more than meets the eye. Here’s the official synopsis: In this race-against-time thriller, the opposing philosophies of two men embroiled in a complicated love triangle with a beautiful woman (Liv Tyler) escalate into a lethal battle of wills. Ultimately, the believer (Patrick Wilson) forces the non-believer (Charlie Hunnam) onto the ledge of a tall building. He gives him one hour to make a choice between his own life and someone else’s, while a policeman (Howard) tries to convince him to come down. Without faith of an afterlife, will he be capable of such a sacrifice? THE LEDGE is a nuanced character study of love and conviction that will force you to ask how far you’d be willing to go for what you believe in.” That’s certainly a lot deeper than what were expecting, so consider our curiosity piqued.
Meanwhile, Sundance Selects has acquired director Cindy Meehl’s “Buck.” The film is a portrait of real life horse whisperer Buck Brannaman and promises to be an interesting and possibly touching look into that world. Here’s the official synopsis: “The Horse Whisperer may be the stuff of Hollywood legend but the cowboy who inspired the novel and film is very real. Buck Brannaman – master horseman, raconteur and philosopher – is a no excuses cowboy who travels the world teaching a hard-won wisdom that’s often more about human relationships than about horses. He possesses near magical abilities as he transforms horses – and people – with understanding and respect.”
Finally, Fox Searchlight will put their considerably indie power behind “Homework.” Marking the debut of writer/director Gavin Wiesen, the film stars Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser, Rita Wilson, Sam Robards and Blair Underwood in a coming-of-age story. Here’s the synopsis: “George, a lonely and fatalistic teen who’s made it all the way to his senior year without ever having done a real day of work, is befriended by Sally, a beautiful and complicated girl who recognizes in him a kindred spirit.” The film will hit theaters later this year.
