An Interview with the makers of Infinity Baby
2017: The Weinstein’s, Toback’s, Spacey’s, C.K’s, Affleck’s, and Hoffman’s of the film world have, for the first time, been ousted from their Hollywood havens and floated down an assembly line into the best short-term rehab facilities movie money can buy.
The effect is all encompassing, not just for filmmakers & entertainers, but for politicians (George H.W Bush, Al Franken), and the civilians who consume them, too. The influence is so sweeping that, come the 40th Denver Film Festival, a Toback story derailed an interview organized between the cast and crew of the feature film Infinity Baby, that was held in a small corner of the city’s Civic Center.
In attendance: Infinity Baby’s director Bob Byington (7 Chinese Brothers, Harmony & Me), its writer Onur Tukel (Catfight, The Misogynists), and its star Trieste Kelly Dunn (Banshee,...
2017: The Weinstein’s, Toback’s, Spacey’s, C.K’s, Affleck’s, and Hoffman’s of the film world have, for the first time, been ousted from their Hollywood havens and floated down an assembly line into the best short-term rehab facilities movie money can buy.
The effect is all encompassing, not just for filmmakers & entertainers, but for politicians (George H.W Bush, Al Franken), and the civilians who consume them, too. The influence is so sweeping that, come the 40th Denver Film Festival, a Toback story derailed an interview organized between the cast and crew of the feature film Infinity Baby, that was held in a small corner of the city’s Civic Center.
In attendance: Infinity Baby’s director Bob Byington (7 Chinese Brothers, Harmony & Me), its writer Onur Tukel (Catfight, The Misogynists), and its star Trieste Kelly Dunn (Banshee,...
- 11/16/2017
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Aaron Hunt)
- Cinelinx
Brace yourself. The annual multi-pronged South By Southwest Conferences and Festivals — SXSW, of course — is hitting Austin, Texas later this week for days and days of fresh film offerings (and music and interactive stuff, too, but we can only do so much here). With it comes the promise of a brand new season of festival-going, along with a slew of films to get excited about finally checking out (and, because it’s Austin, lots of tasty barbecue to enjoy).
From SXSW regulars like Bob Byington and Joe Swanberg to rising stars like Nanfu Wang and Laura Terruso to marquee names like Terrence Malick and Edgar Wright — and just about everything in between — this year’s SXSW Film Festival is offering up its most robust slate yet. We’ve picked out a baker’s dozen of worthy new features to add to your SXSW schedule.
Check out 13 new films from this...
From SXSW regulars like Bob Byington and Joe Swanberg to rising stars like Nanfu Wang and Laura Terruso to marquee names like Terrence Malick and Edgar Wright — and just about everything in between — this year’s SXSW Film Festival is offering up its most robust slate yet. We’ve picked out a baker’s dozen of worthy new features to add to your SXSW schedule.
Check out 13 new films from this...
- 3/8/2017
- by Chris O'Falt, David Ehrlich, Eric Kohn, Jude Dry, Kate Erbland and Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Read More: SXSW Review: Bob Byington's Moving and Surreal 'Somebody Up There Likes Me' Is His Most Accessible Film to Date If you've ever wanted to watch a movie in which Jason Schwartzman confides in, yells at and gets lost with his dog, "Seven Chinese Brothers" is definitely for you. "Seven Chinese Brothers," set for a SXSW premiere next week, stars Schwartzman as Larry, a down-on-his-luck sad-sack balancing a lot: His affinity for booze, his affection for his boss (Eleanore Pienta), his irritation with his grandmother (Olympia Dukakis) and, most importantly, his dedication to his dog (Arrow, Schwartzman's real-life french bulldog). The loose and funny slice-of-life comes from director Bob Byington, whose recent credits include "Harmony and Me" and "Somebody Up There Likes Me." In the three exclusive clips of the film posted below, Larry gets lost on the road, goes for a walk and admits a...
- 3/11/2015
- by David Canfield
- Indiewire
Austin Film Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, features an eight-day program of panels and films specifically focused on screenwriters. Along with a handful of highly anticipated festival favorites bolstering the lineup (among them 12 Years a Slave and Inside Llewyn Davis), the film schedule contains dozens of features, documentaries and shorts chosen for their original points of view and creative storytelling techniques. Of course several of these have Austin or Texas ties -- they were either made by local filmmakers or were filmed in the state.
Here are a few potential gems found on this year's Aff Features lineup that happen to have strong Texas connections:
All of Me (Documentary Feature Competition) -- This documentary was filmed here in town and features a group of friends who met through Austin's Big Beautiful Women community. The dynamic of their social club begins to change when many of the women choose to undergo weight loss surgery,...
Here are a few potential gems found on this year's Aff Features lineup that happen to have strong Texas connections:
All of Me (Documentary Feature Competition) -- This documentary was filmed here in town and features a group of friends who met through Austin's Big Beautiful Women community. The dynamic of their social club begins to change when many of the women choose to undergo weight loss surgery,...
- 10/8/2013
- by Caitlin Moore
- Slackerwood
Moviefone's Top DVD of the Week
"The Bling Ring"
What's It About? Based on the real-life Bling Ring crew, Sofia Coppola's film tells the story of the Los Angeles teens whose claim to infamy was robbing the homes of celebrities. The teens who used the internet to track the whereabouts of rich celebs are portrayed by Emma Watson, Katie Chang, Taissa Farmiga, Israel Broussard, and Claire Julien.
Watch: Go behind-the-scenes with Taissa Farmiga (Video)
Why We're In: Coppola's approach to the tabloid-heavy story is one of the most compelling aspects of "The Bling Ring"," as she neither praises the characters, criticizes, or satirizes them. We get to watch the teens from an honest perspective and arrive at our own deduction of how technology and youth obsession with fame impact contemporary culture. "The Bling Ring" was also one of Moviefone's Best Movies of 2013 (So Far).
Rt & Follow to win #TheBlingRing...
"The Bling Ring"
What's It About? Based on the real-life Bling Ring crew, Sofia Coppola's film tells the story of the Los Angeles teens whose claim to infamy was robbing the homes of celebrities. The teens who used the internet to track the whereabouts of rich celebs are portrayed by Emma Watson, Katie Chang, Taissa Farmiga, Israel Broussard, and Claire Julien.
Watch: Go behind-the-scenes with Taissa Farmiga (Video)
Why We're In: Coppola's approach to the tabloid-heavy story is one of the most compelling aspects of "The Bling Ring"," as she neither praises the characters, criticizes, or satirizes them. We get to watch the teens from an honest perspective and arrive at our own deduction of how technology and youth obsession with fame impact contemporary culture. "The Bling Ring" was also one of Moviefone's Best Movies of 2013 (So Far).
Rt & Follow to win #TheBlingRing...
- 9/17/2013
- by Erin Whitney
- Moviefone
Thirteen years ago, Louis C.K. was not a name everyone knew. And even fewer people knew Nick Offerman. This provided them an opportunity to star in extremely indie movies like 2000's Tuna. What's Tuna? A movie written by Adam DeCoster (who by day is a successful Foley artist) and directed by Bob Byington (director of Offerman-featuring movies like Harmony and Me and Somebody Up There Likes Me) about people talking in their cars while driving around Los Angeles. DeCoster put the full film up on YouTube earlier this week. Watch a bleached-blond, fresh-faced Offerman, youngish C.K., and a cast that also features Kevin Corrigan, David Krumholtz, Jon Glaser, and a 4-year-old Angus T. Jones. Just to reiterate, before you complain about the production values, the thing is super-extremely indie.
- 4/17/2013
- by Jesse David Fox
- Vulture
It’s rare to come across a film that genuinely feels “different,” but Bob Byington’s Somebody Up There Likes Me is one of those films. Byington is an Austin-based writer/director and has worked (on both sides of the camera) with a number of mumblecore and post-mumblecore figures, directing Justin Rice and Alex Karpovsky in his 2009 feature Harmony and Me while also cameoing in Andrew Bujalski’s Beeswax and Alex Ross Perry’s The Color Wheel. His recent films, the gleefully edgy Rso [Registered Sex Offender] and the charming, sweet Harmony, were quirky indie comedies but definitely felt like they fit within a …...
- 3/29/2013
- by Nick Dawson
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Just as this year's SXSW Film Festival line-up has been officially unveiled, a new trailer for one of last year's films has arrived online. Somebody Up There Likes Me stars Nick Offerman (Parks & Recreation) as a man who is caught in a love triangle of sorts with his best friend Max (Keith Poulson) and their co-worker Lyla (Jess Weixler). While the movie received decent reviews, it seems that Offerman's presence and deadpan delivery are the main selling point. Writer / director Bob Byington (Harmony and Me) isn't particularly well-known, but the opening quote of the trailer does promise "a Todd Solondz film directed by Wes Anderson." How can you resist? Somebody Up There Likes Me hits theatres on March 8th; watch the trailer after the jump and see what you think.
For More Daily Movie Goodness, Visit Filmjunk.Com!
For More Daily Movie Goodness, Visit Filmjunk.Com!
- 2/1/2013
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
Actor Nick Offerman is best known as the mustachioed boss Rick Swanson on "Parks and Recreation," and in the trailer for "Somebody Up There Likes Me" he sticks to the deadpan, situational comedy he does so well. An existential comedy about the small successes and failures that make up our existence, the film also stars Keith Pulson as his best friend and Jess Weixler as the beautiful girl who comes into their lives. Directed by Austin-based filmmaker Bob Byington ("Harmony and Me"), the film was a breakout hit at SXSW last year and is being distributed by Tribeca Films. Read More: 'Toy's House' Lovebirds Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman On Multi-Cam Vs. Single-Cam Sitcoms and How They Met "Somebody" opens theatrically March 8, 2013 and is available nationwide on VOD starting March 12, 2013. Watch the new trailer below:...
- 2/1/2013
- by Zoe Beyer
- Indiewire
Before becoming the iconic, gruff Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, Nick Offerman was in plenty of offbeat indie comedies like Wristcutters: A Love Story and Harmony and Me. Offerman is back working with Harmony writer-director Bob Byington on Somebody Up There Likes Me. The film co-stars Megan Mullally, Kevin Corrigan, Keith Poulson, Jess Weixler, and Friday Night Lights' Stephanie Hunt. It's perfect if you've ever been like, "I wish Ron Swanson were more twee and wore wire-frame glasses."...
- 1/31/2013
- by Jesse David Fox
- Vulture
Welcome to Holiday Favorites, a series in which Slackerwood contributors and our friends talk about the movies we watch during the holiday season, holiday-related or otherwise.
Austin filmmaker Bob Byington brings us today's Holiday Favorites. Byington's unique comedies include Harmony and Me and [Rso] Registered Sex Offender. His most recent film, Somebody Up There Likes Me, premiered at SXSW 2012 (Don's review), will be released in theaters in February 2013 ... we hear it will open in Austin on February 22 at Violet Crown, and will keep you posted. Here's what Byington has to say about his favorite movie at this time of year:
The first time I saw Bad Santa it didn't play for me, and like some of my other favorite movies, the second viewing went really well.
The chemistry between the kid (Brett Kelly) and Billy Bob Thornton is great. And the scene where Billy Bob talks about how hitting a kid...
Austin filmmaker Bob Byington brings us today's Holiday Favorites. Byington's unique comedies include Harmony and Me and [Rso] Registered Sex Offender. His most recent film, Somebody Up There Likes Me, premiered at SXSW 2012 (Don's review), will be released in theaters in February 2013 ... we hear it will open in Austin on February 22 at Violet Crown, and will keep you posted. Here's what Byington has to say about his favorite movie at this time of year:
The first time I saw Bad Santa it didn't play for me, and like some of my other favorite movies, the second viewing went really well.
The chemistry between the kid (Brett Kelly) and Billy Bob Thornton is great. And the scene where Billy Bob talks about how hitting a kid...
- 12/26/2012
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
The indie drama In Our Nature, which premiered at SXSW in March, returns to Austin on Friday for a theatrical run. The movie stars Jena Malone, Gabrielle Union, Zach Gilford and John Slattery.
Look for Don's review this afternoon -- among other things, he's says it's "an astute film with much to say about family dynamics." It's about a father and son spending a weekend with their respective partners at a vacation home in upstate New York.
We have two pairs of tickets to give away to see In Our Nature at Regal Arbor 8. You can use these tickets to attend any screening of the movie at the Arbor from Monday 12/17 through Thursday 12/20. Tickets must be redeemed at the box office and seating is subject to availability.
If you can't wait for Monday and want to see the movie this weekend, I recommend going to the 7:30 pm screenings on...
Look for Don's review this afternoon -- among other things, he's says it's "an astute film with much to say about family dynamics." It's about a father and son spending a weekend with their respective partners at a vacation home in upstate New York.
We have two pairs of tickets to give away to see In Our Nature at Regal Arbor 8. You can use these tickets to attend any screening of the movie at the Arbor from Monday 12/17 through Thursday 12/20. Tickets must be redeemed at the box office and seating is subject to availability.
If you can't wait for Monday and want to see the movie this weekend, I recommend going to the 7:30 pm screenings on...
- 12/13/2012
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
Here's the latest in Austin and Texas film news.
Tribeca Film recently acquired all North American rights to Austin-based director Bob Byington's offbeat indie comedy Somebody Up There Likes Me (Don's review), Indiewire reported. Byington's follow-up to his 2009 film Harmony and Me stars Keith Poulson and Nick Offerman as best friends who are aided through life by a magic suitcase (Jette's interview with Byington and Offerman). The movie, which premiered at SXSW 2012, is scheduled to have a Spring 2013 theatrical release and will be available for rent on various video-on-demand platforms and iTunes. Austin independent film has another reason to rejoice with the recent announcement of part-time Austinite Treva Wurmfeld's appearance as one of 25 new faces of independent film by Filmmaker Magazine, Austin Movie Blog reported. Wurmfeld was chosen to be a part of the 15th annual list, which has included other local filmmakers such as Joe Nicolosi and Andrew Bujalski,...
Tribeca Film recently acquired all North American rights to Austin-based director Bob Byington's offbeat indie comedy Somebody Up There Likes Me (Don's review), Indiewire reported. Byington's follow-up to his 2009 film Harmony and Me stars Keith Poulson and Nick Offerman as best friends who are aided through life by a magic suitcase (Jette's interview with Byington and Offerman). The movie, which premiered at SXSW 2012, is scheduled to have a Spring 2013 theatrical release and will be available for rent on various video-on-demand platforms and iTunes. Austin independent film has another reason to rejoice with the recent announcement of part-time Austinite Treva Wurmfeld's appearance as one of 25 new faces of independent film by Filmmaker Magazine, Austin Movie Blog reported. Wurmfeld was chosen to be a part of the 15th annual list, which has included other local filmmakers such as Joe Nicolosi and Andrew Bujalski,...
- 7/30/2012
- by Jordan Gass-Poore'
- Slackerwood
Today two recent festival favorites, Bob Byington’s Somebody Up There Likes Me and Brian Cassidy and Melanie Shatzky’s Francine, found distribution.
Somebody, which stars Parks and Recreation‘s Nick Offerman and former “25 New Face” Jess Weixler, premiered at SXSW earlier this year and has now been picked up by Tribeca Film, to be released in Spring 2013. The fifth feature from Byington (Harmony and Me, Rso [Registered Sex Offender]), it is about a trio of friends (Offerman, Weixler and regular Byington collaborator Keith Poulson) who waste their lives on meaningless relationships as time ebbs away. Geoff Gilmore, the former Sundance head who is now Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises, said of the movie, “Somebody Up There Likes Me displays all the quirkiness, personality, and distinction that defines independent filmmaking. Infused with a biting, dry sense of humor and filled with wonderful performances from a talented cast, Bob Byington’s latest film...
Somebody, which stars Parks and Recreation‘s Nick Offerman and former “25 New Face” Jess Weixler, premiered at SXSW earlier this year and has now been picked up by Tribeca Film, to be released in Spring 2013. The fifth feature from Byington (Harmony and Me, Rso [Registered Sex Offender]), it is about a trio of friends (Offerman, Weixler and regular Byington collaborator Keith Poulson) who waste their lives on meaningless relationships as time ebbs away. Geoff Gilmore, the former Sundance head who is now Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises, said of the movie, “Somebody Up There Likes Me displays all the quirkiness, personality, and distinction that defines independent filmmaking. Infused with a biting, dry sense of humor and filled with wonderful performances from a talented cast, Bob Byington’s latest film...
- 7/25/2012
- by Nick Dawson
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Tribeca Film has aquired SXSW comedy "Somebody Up There Likes Me," starring Keith Poulson, Nick Offerman ("Parks & Recreation") and Jess Weixler ("Teeth"), and featuring rotoscoped sequences courtesy of Bob Sabiston ("A Scanner Darkly"). Check out the trailer below. In the film, Bob Byington ("Harmony and Me," "Rso [Registered Sex Offender]") mixes actors with non-pros in this fable about a man watching his life pass by. Max (Keith Poulson) and his chum Sal (Nick Offerman) and the woman they love, Lyla (Jess Weixler), stumble through thirty-five years of various unsatisfying relationships. Vampire Weekend’s Chris Baio provides the score for the film, which is produced by Offerman. Tribeca Films plans a spring 2013 theatrical release date, with the usual on-demand platforms of iTunes, Amazon, et al.
- 7/25/2012
- by Beth Hanna
- Thompson on Hollywood
Movie studios, take note. Here’s how you announce a film is being made available to an audience. With today’s announcement that Tribeca Films have picked up Bob Byington’s comedy Somebody Up There Likes Me for a March 2013 video-on-demand and theatrical run, some of the stars of the film (and other acquaintances) got together to celebrate, or something to that effect.
In the below video one can find star Nick Offerman (Parks & Recs‘ Ron Swanson) with wife Megan Mullally and Community‘s Alison Brie (the latter is not involved in the film) partaking in some celebratory festivities and trying to remember details of said film. It’s hilarious and best of all, a bit different from most stale announcements. We quite liked the film, also starring Keith Poulson and Jess Weixler, at SXSW saying, “Byington is fully in control and has crafted the most detached comedy of the year thus far.
In the below video one can find star Nick Offerman (Parks & Recs‘ Ron Swanson) with wife Megan Mullally and Community‘s Alison Brie (the latter is not involved in the film) partaking in some celebratory festivities and trying to remember details of said film. It’s hilarious and best of all, a bit different from most stale announcements. We quite liked the film, also starring Keith Poulson and Jess Weixler, at SXSW saying, “Byington is fully in control and has crafted the most detached comedy of the year thus far.
- 7/25/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Tribeca Film has acquired the North American rights to Somebody Up There Likes Me, the deadpan comedy from indie director Bob Byington that features remarkable performances from Keith Poulson, Nick Offerman and Jess Weixler. The film wowed audiences at this year's South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Byington's home-base, and Tribeca welcomes the chance to make it available to wider audiences. Byington's latest film follows Max (Poulson) and his best friend Sal (Offerman) who, together with Lyla (Weixler), the woman they both adore, stumble through 35 years of seemingly mandatory but unfulfilling entanglements. Somebody Up There Likes Me marks a more scripted approach to filmmaking for Byington, whose signature freeform style previously defined films like Rso [Registered Sex Offender] (2008) and Harmony and Me (2009). Even with this more disciplined process, Byington's wacky sensibilities make this comedic fable - about a man watching his life go by and wanting to do ...
- 7/25/2012
- TribecaFilm.com
Here's the latest in Austin film news.
Austin Film Society recently received a $75,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The nonprofit organization is one of 80 "Our Town" grantees in the nation. The grant will fund community engagement and design for Austin Studios' expansion as the organization incorporates and remodels the neighboring decommissioned National Guard Building into its current site.
Afs will involve the community in the new Austin Studios design, which includes creating affordable space for production and education; programming and design of a new exhibition and visitors center with a plaza/lobby for events; screening rooms for Afs's exhibition programs, artists, festivals and community organizations; and plans for signage, landscaping and other infrastructure that will allow the public to observe and interact with working filmmakers and other artists. The expansion will fulfill four major needs identified by the 2008 CreateAustin Cultural Master Plan commissioned by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division.
Austin Film Society recently received a $75,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The nonprofit organization is one of 80 "Our Town" grantees in the nation. The grant will fund community engagement and design for Austin Studios' expansion as the organization incorporates and remodels the neighboring decommissioned National Guard Building into its current site.
Afs will involve the community in the new Austin Studios design, which includes creating affordable space for production and education; programming and design of a new exhibition and visitors center with a plaza/lobby for events; screening rooms for Afs's exhibition programs, artists, festivals and community organizations; and plans for signage, landscaping and other infrastructure that will allow the public to observe and interact with working filmmakers and other artists. The expansion will fulfill four major needs identified by the 2008 CreateAustin Cultural Master Plan commissioned by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division.
- 7/16/2012
- by Jordan Gass-Poore'
- Slackerwood
Here's the latest Austin film news.
Terrence Malick's new film, starring Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams, has changed names, according to Joe M. O'Connell's blog. Formerly The Burial, the Bartlesville, Oklahoma-shot film about a love triangle is now called To the Wonder. The movie is still seeking U.S. distribution.Robert Rodriguez's movies have been in the news a lot lately. The Machete Kills production is looking for extras for next month's shoot. Distribution rights for the Machete sequel in other countries have been selling well at Cannes. And you can see the first teaser posters for Machete Kills and Sin City: A Dame To Kill For over at Movies.com.Austin-based writer/director Bob Byington's latest comedy Somebody Up There Likes Me (Don's review) will kick off the Cinema East summer film series on June 10, according to The Austin Chronicle. Byington's follow-up to his 2009 film Harmony and Me...
Terrence Malick's new film, starring Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams, has changed names, according to Joe M. O'Connell's blog. Formerly The Burial, the Bartlesville, Oklahoma-shot film about a love triangle is now called To the Wonder. The movie is still seeking U.S. distribution.Robert Rodriguez's movies have been in the news a lot lately. The Machete Kills production is looking for extras for next month's shoot. Distribution rights for the Machete sequel in other countries have been selling well at Cannes. And you can see the first teaser posters for Machete Kills and Sin City: A Dame To Kill For over at Movies.com.Austin-based writer/director Bob Byington's latest comedy Somebody Up There Likes Me (Don's review) will kick off the Cinema East summer film series on June 10, according to The Austin Chronicle. Byington's follow-up to his 2009 film Harmony and Me...
- 5/23/2012
- by Jordan Gass-Poore'
- Slackerwood
Billed as “a deadpan fable about time sneaking up on and swerving right around us” by the SXSW programmers, Bob Byington‘s Somebody Up There Likes Me is boring twaddle masquerading as something more exiciting and more important, thanks to a barely hidden high concept conceit that frequently make the production just look sloppy and inattentive. The film and its often blank-faced lead, Keith Poulson, are without any of the charm and cheekiness of Byington’s previous films, namely the lovely and funny Harmony and Me. Poulson’s Max Youngman is a typical shiftless twentysomething – a waiter, he doesn’t appear to have many life or professional goals and, personally speaking, he’s not doing so hot either. His ex-wife (Kate Lyn Sheil) doesn’t want to get back together, which she proves handily by having sex with another dude within minutes of Max leaving her house. Max’s only friend is his waiter co-worker Sal (Nick Offerman...
- 3/16/2012
- by Kate Erbland
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Bob Byington’s "Somebody Up There Likes Me" is about a guy who doesn’t grow up. In fact, he doesn’t even age over the film’s span of about three decades in his life. It may have something to do with a mysterious briefcase, the origins of which are only ever suggested by animated cloud interludes and the ethereal implications of the title itself. But that hardly matters, so long as Max (Keith Poulson) keeps bumbling through marriage, money and mortality.
Max is, at first, a disgruntled waiter at a generic steakhouse alongside best friend/only friend Sal (Nick Offerman). Over time, each man will have affections for new girl Lyla (Jess Weixler), but the freshly divorced Max gets there first – in fact, he impulsively proposes to the mealy-mouthed breadstick-muncher not long after they meet and she nonchalantly accepts.
Writer-director Byington then takes one of several five-year leaps forward into the narrative.
Max is, at first, a disgruntled waiter at a generic steakhouse alongside best friend/only friend Sal (Nick Offerman). Over time, each man will have affections for new girl Lyla (Jess Weixler), but the freshly divorced Max gets there first – in fact, he impulsively proposes to the mealy-mouthed breadstick-muncher not long after they meet and she nonchalantly accepts.
Writer-director Byington then takes one of several five-year leaps forward into the narrative.
- 3/13/2012
- by William Goss
- The Playlist
A surreal comedy about the cycle of life, Bob Byington's "Somebody Up There Likes Me" is consistently silly and poignant at once. A step up in production values and ambition from Byington's previous efforts "Harmony and Me" and "Rso: Registered Sex Offender," this latest work features a charming existential bent in which everyone is a prisoner of destiny. The story covers 35 years in the life of a man named Max (Byington regular Keith Poulson) as he falls in love with waitress Lyla (Jess Weixler) and starts a family with her. When melodramatic events impact their cozy existence, Max turns to business pursuits, assisted by his devout friend Sal (the hilarious Nick Offerman, best known as Ron Swanson on NBC's "Parks and Recreation") to build an empire of pizza and ice cream. But no matter how many changes impact Max's career and private life, he never ages a day, nor...
- 3/13/2012
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Picking 10 titles from a selection of 132 feature films is a bit of an exercise in absurdity, but for those of you looking to add a few more flicks to your ever-expanding list of “must sees” before you head down to the convention center, here are ten titles I personally am excited to see.
In alphabetical order:
Citadel
First up is Citadel, described by Irish director Ciarán Foy as “a psychological horror about an agoraphobic young father who teams up with a vigilante priest in order to save his daughter from a gang of twisted feral children.” I wasn’t able to find much else on Citadel but the stills are compelling enough and I’ve had a soft spot for any movie involving a vigilante priest since Peter Jackson’s Braindead. Also, keep an ear out for the film’s score, which is composed by the experimental duo tomandandy who...
In alphabetical order:
Citadel
First up is Citadel, described by Irish director Ciarán Foy as “a psychological horror about an agoraphobic young father who teams up with a vigilante priest in order to save his daughter from a gang of twisted feral children.” I wasn’t able to find much else on Citadel but the stills are compelling enough and I’ve had a soft spot for any movie involving a vigilante priest since Peter Jackson’s Braindead. Also, keep an ear out for the film’s score, which is composed by the experimental duo tomandandy who...
- 3/10/2012
- by Scott Colquitt
- SoundOnSight
SXSW is barely 24 hours away from starting (catch up with part one and part two of our preview pieces here), and at this point, it's important to be reminded that one of the things that makes the festival unique is a particular focus on the crossover between music and film, something that's been a special interest of ours since the very earliest days of The Playlist. SXSW doesn't just have a whole sidebar dedicated to music documentaries (with this year's batch including films centered on LCD Soundsystem, Paul Simon and Big Star), and a music festival that runs alongside, but the films screened seem to attract a disproportionate number of scores by indie and rock musicians.
And with more and more names who broke out from the pop and rock world -- from veteran composers like Danny Elfman and Clint Mansell to newbies like Trent Reznor and The Chemical Brothers -- moving into composition,...
And with more and more names who broke out from the pop and rock world -- from veteran composers like Danny Elfman and Clint Mansell to newbies like Trent Reznor and The Chemical Brothers -- moving into composition,...
- 3/8/2012
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
SXSW announced its film lineup today, which is full of all kinds of features and documentaries. The big splashy Hollywood news is that the movie 21 Jump Street, starring Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, will premiere at the fest as its Centerpiece Film. In addition, the closing-night film will be the music documentary Big Easy Express from Emmett Malloy.
One marquee movie with a Texas connection is the Dallas-set Killer Joe, reuniting Bug filmmaker William Friedkin and playwright Tracy Letts, and starring Matthew McConaughey (and that's not the only film he's in that will play SXSW). Other notable movies playing the fest include Bobcat Goldthwait's God Bless America, the Will Ferrell-starring Casa de mi Padre and Guy Maddin's Keyhole ... among many many others announced.
SXSW Film has no Lone Star States category this year, but the overall lineup of narrative and documentary features includes many local and state connections.
One marquee movie with a Texas connection is the Dallas-set Killer Joe, reuniting Bug filmmaker William Friedkin and playwright Tracy Letts, and starring Matthew McConaughey (and that's not the only film he's in that will play SXSW). Other notable movies playing the fest include Bobcat Goldthwait's God Bless America, the Will Ferrell-starring Casa de mi Padre and Guy Maddin's Keyhole ... among many many others announced.
SXSW Film has no Lone Star States category this year, but the overall lineup of narrative and documentary features includes many local and state connections.
- 2/1/2012
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
In celebration of Slacker's 20th anniversary, local filmmakers are re-creating scenes from the Richard Linklater movie for Slacker 2011, a fundraising project benefitting the Texas Filmmakers Production Fund (Tfpf). The trailer is now available. As we await the August 31 premiere, we're chatting with some of the filmmakers participating in one or more of the short films that will comprise the project -- check out our interviews so far.
Today's interview is with Bob Byington, who has been making movies in Austin since the mid-1990s. At the 2009 Traverse City Film Festival, he won the Stanley Kubrick Award for Innovative Filmmaking for Harmony and Me (my review) and Rso [Registered Sex Offender], both of which are available on Netflix Watch Instantly now. He's also acted in other filmmakers' movies, such as Beeswax and The Color Wheel. Byington has received multiple Tfpf awards for various film projects, most recent in 2010 for a new feature film.
Today's interview is with Bob Byington, who has been making movies in Austin since the mid-1990s. At the 2009 Traverse City Film Festival, he won the Stanley Kubrick Award for Innovative Filmmaking for Harmony and Me (my review) and Rso [Registered Sex Offender], both of which are available on Netflix Watch Instantly now. He's also acted in other filmmakers' movies, such as Beeswax and The Color Wheel. Byington has received multiple Tfpf awards for various film projects, most recent in 2010 for a new feature film.
- 8/9/2011
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
Free yourself from the trappings of time and imagine a very young Bud Cort in a coming-of-age movie written by Bill Forsyth (Gregory's Girl) and directed by Bob Byington (Harmony and Me), transport the scenario to Wales, and you have an idea of what you're getting into with Submarine, which opens in Austin this week.
Submarine is one of those movies I feel I really shouldn't like. Too precious. Quirkiness for its own sake. Voiceover narration, and you know how I feel about that unless Billy Wilder is involved. And it's yet another coming-of-age movie, a period piece even, and isn't that done to death?
But somehow, like its main character, Submarine is weirdly likeable. Maybe even lovable in spots. The sense of humor is off-kilter and the movie reminds me quite strongly of my own high-school days, but doesn't resort to nostalgia or anything the least bit sappy. I...
Submarine is one of those movies I feel I really shouldn't like. Too precious. Quirkiness for its own sake. Voiceover narration, and you know how I feel about that unless Billy Wilder is involved. And it's yet another coming-of-age movie, a period piece even, and isn't that done to death?
But somehow, like its main character, Submarine is weirdly likeable. Maybe even lovable in spots. The sense of humor is off-kilter and the movie reminds me quite strongly of my own high-school days, but doesn't resort to nostalgia or anything the least bit sappy. I...
- 6/16/2011
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
As I sat in the Paramount Theatre watching the beautiful Otis Under Sky, as its story slowly unspooled, I thought of ... Roger Ebert. When Mr. Ebert reviewed the Austin-shot Harmony and Me in 2009, he said that "Austin has never looked more unlovely" and that the title character "never visits a part of town that doesn't look like an anonymous suburb." He would love the Austin portrayed in Otis Under Sky, though: lush parks, glittering downtown lights and lots of lakes and streams, contrasted with city bus rides and shabby housing that reveal parts of Austin tourists and many locals rarely see, but that still catch the eye.
Otis Under Sky is very much an Austin-y movie, without the desperate "everyone wear a Longhorn t-shirt and drink Shiner Bock" measures laughably adopted in Whip It. No one goes to Alamo Drafthouse; you wonder if the characters could afford such an outing.
Otis Under Sky is very much an Austin-y movie, without the desperate "everyone wear a Longhorn t-shirt and drink Shiner Bock" measures laughably adopted in Whip It. No one goes to Alamo Drafthouse; you wonder if the characters could afford such an outing.
- 3/23/2011
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
The Texas Filmmakers Production Fund (Tfpf) recipients for 2010 have just been announced, and without even looking anything up, I can spot a number of Austin filmmakers among the lucky winners this year. Twenty-four projects received a total of $104,000 in cash, film stock and services. Selected filmmakers and projects are from all over the state of Texas, but it looks like more than half have ties to Austin this year.
One great benefit about the Tfpf announcement for Austin film lovers is that it's a sneak peek into the projects that some local filmmakers have been working on. Hopefully we'll see some of the following movies in 2011 or beyond ... although one is actually screening in Austin tonight, and another will screen here (at least in part) within the month.
The largest single grant, $9,000, went to Austin artist and photographer Patrick Xavier Bresnan (Otis Ike) for post-production costs on Vietnam Appreciation Day,...
One great benefit about the Tfpf announcement for Austin film lovers is that it's a sneak peek into the projects that some local filmmakers have been working on. Hopefully we'll see some of the following movies in 2011 or beyond ... although one is actually screening in Austin tonight, and another will screen here (at least in part) within the month.
The largest single grant, $9,000, went to Austin artist and photographer Patrick Xavier Bresnan (Otis Ike) for post-production costs on Vietnam Appreciation Day,...
- 8/30/2010
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
Let's catch up on the latest Austin film news, shall we? Here we go:
The Hollywood Reporter has some updates on Robert Rodriguez's upcoming film Spy Kids 4, claiming that Jessica Alba may star in the film as the stepmom of the new spy kids. Whatever happens with casting, the movie may start shooting here in Austin next month. And oh, yeah, it's in 3D (eyeroll).Two features from local filmmaker Bob Byington are now available on Netflix Watch Instantly: Harmony and Me (my review, Don's DVD review) and Rso [Registered Sex Offender]. Rso has also just been released on DVD -- look for our review later this week. On the way home from dinner last night, I heard an ad on local radio station 101X for Fantastic Fest, urging listeners to buy fest badges as well as a special "gala pass" that will supposedly get you into all the big splashy fest...
The Hollywood Reporter has some updates on Robert Rodriguez's upcoming film Spy Kids 4, claiming that Jessica Alba may star in the film as the stepmom of the new spy kids. Whatever happens with casting, the movie may start shooting here in Austin next month. And oh, yeah, it's in 3D (eyeroll).Two features from local filmmaker Bob Byington are now available on Netflix Watch Instantly: Harmony and Me (my review, Don's DVD review) and Rso [Registered Sex Offender]. Rso has also just been released on DVD -- look for our review later this week. On the way home from dinner last night, I heard an ad on local radio station 101X for Fantastic Fest, urging listeners to buy fest badges as well as a special "gala pass" that will supposedly get you into all the big splashy fest...
- 8/24/2010
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
This weekend is a good weekend for Austin film. Austinite Ben Steinbauer’s Winnebago Man is having a limited theatrical run at the South Lamar and Ritz. He’s been getting some great press for his documentary about the most angry viral video in history; Michael Moore calls the film “One of the funniest documentaries ever made,” and Roger Ebert tweeted, “Holy shit, is this a fucking funny documentary.” He and the film’s subject, Jack Rebney, even got on The Tonight Show last month!
We’re very proud to support Austin filmmaking and show this great doc. But there’s also another Austin film we’re excited about presenting this weekend, a film that isn’t getting quite the wide promotion that Winnebago Man is. Bob Byington, the writer/director of last year’s Harmony And Me, is bringing his film [Rso] Registered Sex Offender to the Ritz this Sunday.
We’re very proud to support Austin filmmaking and show this great doc. But there’s also another Austin film we’re excited about presenting this weekend, a film that isn’t getting quite the wide promotion that Winnebago Man is. Bob Byington, the writer/director of last year’s Harmony And Me, is bringing his film [Rso] Registered Sex Offender to the Ritz this Sunday.
- 8/17/2010
- by Daniel Metz
- OriginalAlamo.com
Two movies are out on DVD today that have one thing in common: truly unsympathetic protagonists, people you would not want to spend more than five minutes with if you ran into them in real life. Surprisingly, however, I liked both of these movies very much: Greenberg, in which Ben Stiller is one of the most consistently off-putting characters ever onscreen; and Harmony and Me, in which Justin Rice's whiny, melodramatic title character practically leaks self-pity wherever he goes.
There's something to be said for a great movie with a grating character you want to strangle, who just plain drives you nuts. For one thing, it's a refreshing change from the supposedly unlikeable character who ends up just being a big old softy by the end of the film, and gets all sentimental or changes his/her ways. It's a challenge to have a horrible character that an audience can still somehow sympathize with,...
There's something to be said for a great movie with a grating character you want to strangle, who just plain drives you nuts. For one thing, it's a refreshing change from the supposedly unlikeable character who ends up just being a big old softy by the end of the film, and gets all sentimental or changes his/her ways. It's a challenge to have a horrible character that an audience can still somehow sympathize with,...
- 7/14/2010
- by Jette Kernion
- Cinematical
Here's your weekly dose of Austin film news in easily digestible tidbit form ... plus a couple of rants that I at least tried to keep short. It's been that kind of a week:
Rolling Roadshow has announced its 2010 U.S. tour. The free-movie tour kicks off August 6 in Los Angeles with Jackie Brown -- the only film in the series with a female lead -- and ends August 27 with The Godfather, Part II in the Little Italy section of Manhattan. Levi's is co-sponsoring the tour, which may explain why nearly all this year's films are manly-man gung-ho selections from Dirty Harry to Convoy to On the Waterfront. The theme is "We Are All Workers" but, ahem, women are workers too. Still, I admit I'd love to see The Blues Brothers in Joliet Prison, especially if movie-themed food is available.Okay, filmmakers: Austin Film Festival is giving you one last chance...
Rolling Roadshow has announced its 2010 U.S. tour. The free-movie tour kicks off August 6 in Los Angeles with Jackie Brown -- the only film in the series with a female lead -- and ends August 27 with The Godfather, Part II in the Little Italy section of Manhattan. Levi's is co-sponsoring the tour, which may explain why nearly all this year's films are manly-man gung-ho selections from Dirty Harry to Convoy to On the Waterfront. The theme is "We Are All Workers" but, ahem, women are workers too. Still, I admit I'd love to see The Blues Brothers in Joliet Prison, especially if movie-themed food is available.Okay, filmmakers: Austin Film Festival is giving you one last chance...
- 7/13/2010
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
In the middle of Harmony and Me is a very telling line of dialogue. Harmony (Justin Rice) is struggling through a piano lesson, and his teacher (Jeremy Pollet) aptly sums up Harmony's playing style and personality: "You're entangled in your dedication to precision."
Indeed he is. A quintessential Austin indie, Harmony and Me -- available today on DVD and streaming through the movie's website -- is the story of the title character, a less-than-lovable loser who can't let go of his ex-girlfriend, Jessica (Kristen Tucker). His obsession with her has gone from merely pathetic to thoroughly annoying, as he subjects his family, friends, co-workers and anyone else who will listen to his hopeless pining and incessant analyses of the relationship. Despite everyone's gentle suggestions to get over it already, Harmony isn't about to move on.
Then again, Harmony's fixation on the lovely Jessica is may be understandable (albeit completely irritating...
Indeed he is. A quintessential Austin indie, Harmony and Me -- available today on DVD and streaming through the movie's website -- is the story of the title character, a less-than-lovable loser who can't let go of his ex-girlfriend, Jessica (Kristen Tucker). His obsession with her has gone from merely pathetic to thoroughly annoying, as he subjects his family, friends, co-workers and anyone else who will listen to his hopeless pining and incessant analyses of the relationship. Despite everyone's gentle suggestions to get over it already, Harmony isn't about to move on.
Then again, Harmony's fixation on the lovely Jessica is may be understandable (albeit completely irritating...
- 7/13/2010
- by Don Clinchy
- Slackerwood
Let's see what's afoot in the Austin-related film news this week.
Local filmmaker Bob Byington's film Rso [Registered Sex Offender] is now available online as a "pay what you like" movie. You watch the first "chapter" of the comedy for free, then get access to the rest after you donate some amount of money through PayPal. You also can buy the DVD for $10 (including shipping) at that link. The cast includes Kevin Corrigan (whom I just saw in Please Give), local filmmakers Andrew Bujalski and Richard Linklater, and musician Bob Schneider, who also appeared in Byington's film Harmony and Me. Well, we were slacking a bit (thus the name) and missed the first screening in the new Austin Film Society Essential Cinema series: "A Summer of Restoration: Selections from Milestone Films." However, the series runs through August 7, so there are still plenty of movies to enjoy. The movies are screening on Saturdays at noon at Alamo Ritz.
Local filmmaker Bob Byington's film Rso [Registered Sex Offender] is now available online as a "pay what you like" movie. You watch the first "chapter" of the comedy for free, then get access to the rest after you donate some amount of money through PayPal. You also can buy the DVD for $10 (including shipping) at that link. The cast includes Kevin Corrigan (whom I just saw in Please Give), local filmmakers Andrew Bujalski and Richard Linklater, and musician Bob Schneider, who also appeared in Byington's film Harmony and Me. Well, we were slacking a bit (thus the name) and missed the first screening in the new Austin Film Society Essential Cinema series: "A Summer of Restoration: Selections from Milestone Films." However, the series runs through August 7, so there are still plenty of movies to enjoy. The movies are screening on Saturdays at noon at Alamo Ritz.
- 6/7/2010
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
As if Robert Rodriguez were not busy enough, with Predators being released to theaters in July and Machete in September, he's also directed a music video. The filmmaker helped out another Austinite, musician Bob Schneider, and shot a video in one weekend of "40 Dogs {Like Romeo and Juliet)" from Schneider's latest album, Lovely Creatures. Rodriguez recruited an actress from his recent film Shorts for the video -- Kat Dennings, who has also starred in Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist and Charlie Bartlett. One of Rodriguez's sons also makes his first onscreen appearance.
The video is now available to watch online after the jump (via IFC). In addition, on the same webpage as the video, you can read an interview with Rodriguez and Schneider -- how they ended up collaborating, where they shot the video, and questions about music. For those who prefer to watch music videos on television, IFC will...
The video is now available to watch online after the jump (via IFC). In addition, on the same webpage as the video, you can read an interview with Rodriguez and Schneider -- how they ended up collaborating, where they shot the video, and questions about music. For those who prefer to watch music videos on television, IFC will...
- 5/4/2010
- by Jette Kernion
- Cinematical
Ryan Piers Williams’ “The Dry Land” and Lucy Walker’s “Waste Land” were among the award winners at the Dallas International Film Festival.
The Documentary competition jury also gave a Special Jury Prize to Michael Pertnoy’s and Michael Kleiman’s “The Last Survivor” and a Special Mention for Editing (for Claire Didier’s work on the film) to Mark Landsman’s “Thunder Soul.”
Matt Harlock’s and Paul Thomas’ “American: The Bill Hicks Story” was the recipient of Mps Studios’ Texas Filmmaker Award and $20,000 in cash, goods and services, while Robert Byington’s “Harmony and Me” received a Special Jury Prize.
The Documentary competition jury also gave a Special Jury Prize to Michael Pertnoy’s and Michael Kleiman’s “The Last Survivor” and a Special Mention for Editing (for Claire Didier’s work on the film) to Mark Landsman’s “Thunder Soul.”
Matt Harlock’s and Paul Thomas’ “American: The Bill Hicks Story” was the recipient of Mps Studios’ Texas Filmmaker Award and $20,000 in cash, goods and services, while Robert Byington’s “Harmony and Me” received a Special Jury Prize.
- 4/19/2010
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Rise and shine, and let's see what the Austin film world has brought us this morning!
The Austin-shot, Robert Rodriguez-written and co-directed movie Machete now has a release date: September 3, aka Labor Day weekend. Austin Movie Blog has more details about the movie that had its germination in a fake trailer featured in the movie Grindhouse. We're hoping Machete will fare better in theaters (and get better release treatment) than another Fox film shot in Austin that opened on the same weekend in 2006, Idiocracy.Dallas International Film Festival wrapped this weekend, and several Austin-connected films were included in the festival's awards. American: The Bill Hicks Story, which premiered at SXSW earlier this year, picked up the Texas Filmmaker Award -- the two filmmakers are British, but Hicks was from Houston and many of the interviewees were Texan. Austin filmmaker Amy Grappell picked up yet another award -- Best Short...
The Austin-shot, Robert Rodriguez-written and co-directed movie Machete now has a release date: September 3, aka Labor Day weekend. Austin Movie Blog has more details about the movie that had its germination in a fake trailer featured in the movie Grindhouse. We're hoping Machete will fare better in theaters (and get better release treatment) than another Fox film shot in Austin that opened on the same weekend in 2006, Idiocracy.Dallas International Film Festival wrapped this weekend, and several Austin-connected films were included in the festival's awards. American: The Bill Hicks Story, which premiered at SXSW earlier this year, picked up the Texas Filmmaker Award -- the two filmmakers are British, but Hicks was from Houston and many of the interviewees were Texan. Austin filmmaker Amy Grappell picked up yet another award -- Best Short...
- 4/19/2010
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
By Sean O’Connell
Ryan Piers Williams’ “The Dry Land,” a Sundance Film Festival favorite, took home the top prize at the Dallas International Film Festival Friday evening, earning a $25,000 cash prize for the Target Filmmaker Award for Best Narrative Feature. In addition, Lucy Walker’s “Waste Land” received a $25,000 cash prize for the Target Filmmaker Award for Best Documentary Feature.
“Dry Land” stars America Ferrera and Wilmer Valderrama were on hand during the fest. Their film follows a U.S. soldier as he returns home from Iraq to Texas and tries to assimilate back into society.
The Documentary competition jury also gave a Special Jury Prize to Michael Pertnoy’s and Michael Kleiman’s “The Last Survivor” and a Special Mention for Editing (for Claire Didier’s work on the film) to Mark Landsman’s “Thunder Soul.”
Dallas Star Award recipient John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side) made the...
Ryan Piers Williams’ “The Dry Land,” a Sundance Film Festival favorite, took home the top prize at the Dallas International Film Festival Friday evening, earning a $25,000 cash prize for the Target Filmmaker Award for Best Narrative Feature. In addition, Lucy Walker’s “Waste Land” received a $25,000 cash prize for the Target Filmmaker Award for Best Documentary Feature.
“Dry Land” stars America Ferrera and Wilmer Valderrama were on hand during the fest. Their film follows a U.S. soldier as he returns home from Iraq to Texas and tries to assimilate back into society.
The Documentary competition jury also gave a Special Jury Prize to Michael Pertnoy’s and Michael Kleiman’s “The Last Survivor” and a Special Mention for Editing (for Claire Didier’s work on the film) to Mark Landsman’s “Thunder Soul.”
Dallas Star Award recipient John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side) made the...
- 4/17/2010
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
by Vadim Rizov
Foremost among Audrey the Trainwreck's virtues: the depressive couple that unexpectedly comes together during the film, Atm parts purchaser Ron (Anthony Baker) and delivery girl Stacy (Alexi Wasser). Their jobs make them hate their lives, so even their initial conversations are surprisingly morose. Funny and imaginative in ways their jobs don't require, they've reached functional adulthood coasting on jobs they once thought would be temporary. Their conversations are sometimes playful, but often in a way that's mutually pained. Clearly they're the most adorable screen couple since Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, only way less annoying.
Writer/director/editor Frank V. Ross has worked as an editor for Bob Byington (Harmony and Me) and acted for Joe Swanberg (Alexander the Last), but those names don't begin to indicate the appropriate frame of reference. He hews closer to the jittery cameras of Assayas and Desplechin's flair for the expertly timed,...
Foremost among Audrey the Trainwreck's virtues: the depressive couple that unexpectedly comes together during the film, Atm parts purchaser Ron (Anthony Baker) and delivery girl Stacy (Alexi Wasser). Their jobs make them hate their lives, so even their initial conversations are surprisingly morose. Funny and imaginative in ways their jobs don't require, they've reached functional adulthood coasting on jobs they once thought would be temporary. Their conversations are sometimes playful, but often in a way that's mutually pained. Clearly they're the most adorable screen couple since Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, only way less annoying.
Writer/director/editor Frank V. Ross has worked as an editor for Bob Byington (Harmony and Me) and acted for Joe Swanberg (Alexander the Last), but those names don't begin to indicate the appropriate frame of reference. He hews closer to the jittery cameras of Assayas and Desplechin's flair for the expertly timed,...
- 3/19/2010
- GreenCine Daily
DreamWorks is giving an aspiring young actor the opportunity to star alongside Hugh Jackman in the futuristic robot boxing movie Real Steel, the company's first movie since splitting with Paramount. Jackman and director Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum) announced the open call on Access Hollywood, directing interested actors to check out the role description and conditions.
Jackman will play a former boxer who discovers a junked robot that simply can't be beat in the ring and starts promoting it on the Robot Boxing circuit. The part that DreamWorks is looking to fill is that of Max, the 11-year-old son of Jackman's character, described as a "street-smart, tough, charming kid with a hard, untrusting outer shell which hides a warm enthusiastic spirit."
The script for Real Steel was originally written by Dan Gilroy (Two for the Money), but has been reworked several times, most recently by John Gatins (Harmony and Me...
Jackman will play a former boxer who discovers a junked robot that simply can't be beat in the ring and starts promoting it on the Robot Boxing circuit. The part that DreamWorks is looking to fill is that of Max, the 11-year-old son of Jackman's character, described as a "street-smart, tough, charming kid with a hard, untrusting outer shell which hides a warm enthusiastic spirit."
The script for Real Steel was originally written by Dan Gilroy (Two for the Money), but has been reworked several times, most recently by John Gatins (Harmony and Me...
- 2/13/2010
- by BrentJS Sprecher
- Reelzchannel.com
The latest film from Bob Byington, Harmony and Me, had a five-night run in Austin this week after a very successful tour of film festivals. You may remember Bob Byington won the Stanley Kubrick Award for Bold and Innovative Filmmaking at Traverse City Film Festival last year, where Harmony and Me and his previous film, Rso [Registered Sex Offender] played. Harmony and Me is a very funny movie about a guy (Justin Rice) who is mourning his recent breakup with the fervor of a drama queen, while at the same time learning to integrate music more into his life. The cast also includes Kevin Corrigan, Alex Karpovsky and Nick Offerman.
One of Harmony's piano lessons occurs during his older brother's wedding reception, when the wedding singer teaches him to play one of his songs. The wedding singer is played by Austin musician Bob Schneider, and the song he teaches Harmony is the lovely "Changing Your Mind.
One of Harmony's piano lessons occurs during his older brother's wedding reception, when the wedding singer teaches him to play one of his songs. The wedding singer is played by Austin musician Bob Schneider, and the song he teaches Harmony is the lovely "Changing Your Mind.
- 1/17/2010
- by Jette Kernion
- Cinematical
The Alamo Guide
for January 8th, 2010
Apologies for the late email this week. I was celebrating 2010 out of town, and then when I got home I was distracted by the intensity of the Texas vs. Alabama game. Bummerrrr. Oh well. We can all drown our sorrows in some Alamo fun this weekend! First of all, The Monster Squad screening was so popular that we added a second one later that night so there’s still a chance to see the Cast And Creators In Attendance! Youth In Revolt, The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus, and Crazy Heart all open up this weekend. Girlie Night presents Romy & Michele’S High School Reunion on Tuesday, so get your business women outfits ready (but please have your fake job description ready)! If you’re a foodie and love our Alamo feasts, The Alamo Iron Chef competition returns with a battle between Alamo kitchen and...
for January 8th, 2010
Apologies for the late email this week. I was celebrating 2010 out of town, and then when I got home I was distracted by the intensity of the Texas vs. Alabama game. Bummerrrr. Oh well. We can all drown our sorrows in some Alamo fun this weekend! First of all, The Monster Squad screening was so popular that we added a second one later that night so there’s still a chance to see the Cast And Creators In Attendance! Youth In Revolt, The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus, and Crazy Heart all open up this weekend. Girlie Night presents Romy & Michele’S High School Reunion on Tuesday, so get your business women outfits ready (but please have your fake job description ready)! If you’re a foodie and love our Alamo feasts, The Alamo Iron Chef competition returns with a battle between Alamo kitchen and...
- 1/8/2010
- by caitlin
- OriginalAlamo.com
It's a new year and already the Austin film news is pouring in! This morning we have some news about Austin films, film series and websites as well as a few end-of-decade retrospectives we found and want to share.
Austinites finally have another chance to check out Bob Byington's latest film, Harmony and Me (my review). The locally shot feature played a number of film fests around the country before hitting Austin Film Festival for one showing in October, and now it's back for a five-night run at Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar. Byington will be there on Sunday, Jan. 10, but you can catch the movie nightly through Jan. 14.Good news for another Austin filmmaker: Emily Hagins's new horror movie The Retelling (pictured at right) will have its world premiere in February in Dallas, at the Pretty Scary Blood Bath Film Festival. Hagins, who is in high school...
Austinites finally have another chance to check out Bob Byington's latest film, Harmony and Me (my review). The locally shot feature played a number of film fests around the country before hitting Austin Film Festival for one showing in October, and now it's back for a five-night run at Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar. Byington will be there on Sunday, Jan. 10, but you can catch the movie nightly through Jan. 14.Good news for another Austin filmmaker: Emily Hagins's new horror movie The Retelling (pictured at right) will have its world premiere in February in Dallas, at the Pretty Scary Blood Bath Film Festival. Hagins, who is in high school...
- 1/4/2010
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
As award season rolls around, it's nice to look back at the indie gems released this year that deserve a little spotlight, too. To do just that, indieWire released their list, Best Undistributed Films from their Annual Critics Survey 2009. On that list is GreenCine favorite Harmony and Me, now available on DVD along with writer-director Bob Byington's previous feature, Rso: Registered Sex Offender.
To learn a little more about the film, revisit our podcast interview with Byington and the film's star, indie rocker-turned-actor Justin Rice (of Mutual Appreciation).
Harmony and Me available on DVD >>>...
To learn a little more about the film, revisit our podcast interview with Byington and the film's star, indie rocker-turned-actor Justin Rice (of Mutual Appreciation).
Harmony and Me available on DVD >>>...
- 12/16/2009
- by weezy
- GreenCine
Director: Alex Karpovsky Writer(s): Alex Karpovsky, Jon e. Hyrns Starring: Jon e. Hyrns, Wesley Yang The Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) – the most famous being the cartoon character Woody Woodpecker – ranks among the largest woodpeckers in the world and the largest in the United States. Shiny blue-black with white markings on its neck, back and trailing edges of its wings, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker when perched with the wings folded presents a large triangular patch of white on the lower back. Among North American woodpeckers, the ivory-bill is unique in having a bill whose flat tip is shaped much like a beveled wood chisel. The ivory-billed is sometimes referred to as the Lord God Bird (Sufjan Stevens wrote a song about the ivory-billed titled “The Lord God Bird”), because the sight of one is as awe-inspiring as seeing God. Unfortunately, sightings of the ivory-billed are few and far between. The...
- 12/9/2009
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
The Sundance 2010 lineup was announced over several days last week, and you can find Austin connections everywhere. We may not have had a huge amount of representation in the Spirit Award nominations, but Sundance is almost as Austin-y as SXSW this year. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but it's still exciting.
The biggest Austin-y news is that local filmmaker/Afs staffer Bryan Poyser's feature film Lovers of Hate is one of the films in competition at Sundance this year. If you've been reading Poyser's blog, you know all about it (well, not all, but a lot of interesting stuff). The film is about two brothers attracted to the same woman.
Lovers of Hate was shot in Park City last year after Poyser (pictured above) attended Sundance, and also here in Austin. The cast includes a number of locals, including filmmaker Alex Karpovsky (Trust Me, This is All Made Up; and Poyser...
The biggest Austin-y news is that local filmmaker/Afs staffer Bryan Poyser's feature film Lovers of Hate is one of the films in competition at Sundance this year. If you've been reading Poyser's blog, you know all about it (well, not all, but a lot of interesting stuff). The film is about two brothers attracted to the same woman.
Lovers of Hate was shot in Park City last year after Poyser (pictured above) attended Sundance, and also here in Austin. The cast includes a number of locals, including filmmaker Alex Karpovsky (Trust Me, This is All Made Up; and Poyser...
- 12/8/2009
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
Director: Bob Byington Writer(s): Bob Byington Starring: Justin Rice, Kevin Corrigan, Pat Healy, Kristen Tucker, Alex Karpovsky, Allison Latta, Nick Offerman Harmony (Justin Rice) is not recovering very well from being dumped by Jessica (Kristen Tucker). We find him misanthropically moping through life, hating his job and constantly arguing with his family. Even piano lessons (with an unnamed character played by Jeremy Pollet) can’t clear the foggy haze from around Harmony. This is probably because Harmony is surrounded by depressed and/or mean-spirited personalities, from his friends Mike (Alex Karpovsky) and Carlos (Kevin Corrigan) to his brothers Jim (Bob Byington) and Wes (Keith Poulson). As you can imagine from the premise, there isn’t much happiness to be found within Harmony and Me; in fact, I cannot remember one pleasant or uplifting character in Harmony and Me. Harmony and Me features occasional glimpses of brilliant dialogue, but...
- 11/16/2009
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Justin Rice In Writer-director Bob Byington'S Harmony And Me. Courtesy Harmony And Me, LLC. From Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez to Bryan Poyser and the Zellner brothers, Austin is a hotbed of gifted directors, and Bob Byington now emerges from there as another talent to be reckoned with. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, Byington studied at Uc-Santa Cruz before going to graduate school at the University of Texas, where he used his American Studies major to indulge his newfound love for the movies. In 1995, he cut his teeth as a production assistant on the indie hit The Last Supper, and the next year wrote and directed his feature debut Shameless, about an Austin-set, Generation X love triangle. His next film, Olympia, the story of a...
- 10/5/2009
- by Nick Dawson
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Harmony and Me is one of those off-beat indie comedies I look for in the video store (well used too, theres this thing called Netflix now) and it stars Justin Rice and one of my personal favorites, Kevin Corrigan. From the synopsis and teaser I gather it's about post-breakup misery and shenanigans. It will be premiering in New York on April 3rd with another showing on the 5th, you can buy tickets here.
An innocently depressed lyricist named Harmony clings pretty steadfastly to the heartbreak caused when his girlfriend became his ex. Although his family is well over his ministrations, Harmony’s friends seem perfectly at ease with his cultivation of misery.
Teaser after the break.
Official website...
An innocently depressed lyricist named Harmony clings pretty steadfastly to the heartbreak caused when his girlfriend became his ex. Although his family is well over his ministrations, Harmony’s friends seem perfectly at ease with his cultivation of misery.
Teaser after the break.
Official website...
- 3/23/2009
- QuietEarth.us
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