#OnTheBigScreen: A local western, romance, terrorism and monsters

A Quiet Place

In this chilling horror thriller, a family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious creatures that hunt by sound threatens their survival.

When John Krasinski first read an early draft of the script for A Quiet Place by screenwriting duo Bryan Woods and Scott Beck (Nightlight), the terrifying premise hit home especially hard.

Horror is a fresh genre for Krasinski as a writer and director, but from the start, he came at it in his own emotionally invested way. “Really, my favourite movies, horror or otherwise, are those that have a strong, underlying metaphor,” he says. “I hope the movie provides a thrilling, frightening experience but also one that shows you the strength of a family,” Krasinski concludes.

Five Fingers For Marseilles

Directed by Michael Matthews and written by Sean Drummond, Five Fingers for Marseilles is a predominantly Sesotho, Western-inspired tale of an outlaw who returns home after years on the run, and finds a chance for redemption. It tells the story of how, 20 years ago, the young ‘Five Fingers’ fought for the rural town of Marseilles, against brutal police oppression. Now, after fleeing in disgrace, Tau returns seeking peace. Finding the town under a new threat, he must reluctantly fight to free it. Will the Five Fingers stand again?

Five Fingers for Marseilles - A contemporary South African western

Daniel Dercksen  5 Apr 2018

“I’ve long loved the idea of bringing the western into a South African space, but not in a way that risked ‘gimmick’ or stuck to the routine or the expected,” says Drummond. “In the world of Five Fingers for Marseilles, I found a story I was burning to tell, a chance to explore a part of the country little seen, to capture a vivid way of life, explore little known histories and a chance to write complex, compelling characters, with depth and weight, for the best actors in the country. A film that would create heroes, anti-heroes and villains that might even become iconic.”

Vuyo Dabula heads an all-star cast that includes Hamilton Dhlamini, Zethu Dlomo, Kenneth Nkosi, Mduduzi Mabaso, Aubrey Poolo, Lizwi Vilakazi, Warren Masemola, Dean Fourie, Anthony Oseyemi, Brendon Daniels, and Jerry Mofokeng.

Hampstead

Inspired by a true story, Hampstead is a charming and funny life-affirming tale about how love can be found in the most unexpected places and proves once and for all that age is no barrier to second chances.

The story takes place in the picturesque setting of Hampstead Village, a refuge of greenery amidst the hustle and bustle of London. It is famous for its beautiful and much-loved Heath; a piece of quiet countryside in a vast metropolis.

Living on the edge of the Heath is American widow Emily Walters (Diane Keaton), who can’t quite focus on the things that need attention since her husband’s death; like her crumbling old apartment, diminishing finances and even her son, Philip (James Norton).

Donald Horner (Brendan Gleeson) has lived quietly and harmoniously on the edge of the Heath for 17 years but his lifestyle is under threat – his home is the target of property developers who’ve started using heavy-handed tactics to remove him.

Hampstead is the latest film from Bafta-winning director Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey), written by Robert Festinger (In the Bedroom) and produced by Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae of London-based production company Ecosse Films.

Midnight Sun

This epic romantic drama tells the life-affirming story of 17-year-old Katie Price, sheltered since childhood with a rare disease that makes even the smallest amount of sunlight deadly. During the day she is housebound, but after nightfall, Katie’s world opens up, as she is able to venture out to the local train station and play her guitar for travellers. One night, fate intervenes when she meets Charlie, a high school all-star athlete, whom she has secretly admired for years. She hides her condition from him as the two embark on a uniquely powerful romance over one nearly perfect summer.

The film is based on the Japanese film Song to the Sun (Taiyō no Uta). A heartbreaking tale of love, dreams lost and realised, the film is directed by Scott Speer (Step Up Revolution) from the screenplay by Eric Kirsten

7 Days In Entebbe

A shocking act of terrorism leads to one of the most daring hostage rescue missions ever attempted in this riveting thriller inspired by true events. In the summer of 1976, an Air France jet travelling from Tel Aviv to Paris is taken over in midair by four hijackers; two Palestinians and two left-wing German radicals. When the plane is diverted to an abandoned terminal at Entebbe Airport in Uganda, the terrified passengers become bargaining chips in a deadly political standoff. As the likelihood of finding a diplomatic solution fades, the Israeli government sets in motion an extraordinary plan to free the prisoners before time runs out. Combining vivid historical details with pulse-quickening suspense, 7 Days in Entebbe is a powerful depiction of an international crisis that stunned the world.

Directed by José Padilha and written by Gregory Burke, with Rosamund Pike and Daniel Brühl.

Semiramide

Opera lovers can experience Rossini's rarely-performed operatic masterpiece Semiramide on the big screen from 7 April 2018 at Cinema Nouveau theatres. This masterpiece of dazzling vocal fireworks makes a rare Met appearance - its first in nearly 25 years - with Maurizio Benini on the podium. The all-star bel canto cast features Angela Meade in the title role of the murderous Queen of Babylon.

Read more about the latest film releases: www.writingstudio.co.za