The Sundance Film Festival kicked off Thursday in Park City, Utah. Here are ten films I wish I was there to check out!
1. The Stanford Prison Experiment - Featuring a huge ensemble cast that includes Ezra Miller, Tye Sheridan, Olivia Thirlby and Michael Angarano, "The Stanford Prison Experiment"is the intense story of a 1971 mock prison experiment that examined psychology and involved twenty-four undergraduate students. Billy Crudup plays Dr. Philip Zimbardo who headed the study. This sounds like an intense viewing experience.
2. Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief - Alex Gibney's new documentary exposes the world of Scientology as he interviews eight former members. From their personal experiences, to the origins of the church and its practices, this sounds like another unforgettable documentary from the filmmaker. Based on the book by Pulitzer Prize winner Lawrence Wright.
3. Lila & Eve - Viola Davis and Jennifer Lopez play Lila and Eve, two grieving mothers whose children were killed on the same night. They join forces to seek justice in what sounds like an emotional thriller.
4. Diary of a Teenage Girl - Based on the reaction coming out of the festival today, this seems like the film to see. Newcomer Bel Powley is getting rave reviews for this coming-of-age story about a girl in 1970's San Francisco who engages in an affair with her mother's boyfriend. Alexander Skarsgârd, Kristen Wiig and Christopher Meloni also star.
5. True Story - James Franco plays Christian Longo who was on the FBI's most wanted list for the murder of his wife and three children and hid under the identity of journalist Michael Finkel. The real Finkel (played by Jonah Hill) goes to interview Longo. Oscar-nominee Felicity Jones plays a supporting role.
6. The End of the Tour - Jason Segal plays author David Foster Wallace on tour after the publication of his novel Infinite Jest. The film details his five-day interview with Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky, played by Jesse Eisenberg. The film debuted yesterday and buzz is high. I'm a big fan of director James Ponsolt ("The Spectacular Now") and this is a film I expect we'll be hearing a lot more about upon release.
7. The Hunting Ground - I recently posted the trailer for this new documentary from Kirby Dick that exposes the horrible pattern of sexual assault taking place on college campuses. Bound to make me angry, I have no doubt it will be an important work, especially for the survivors as they fight for change.
8. The Overnight - A couple moves to Los Angeles from Seattle with their son. Looking to make new friends, they meet up with another family and a gathering exposes various aspects of the group as the night progresses. The film stars Taylor Schilling, Adam Scott, Jason Schwartzman and Judith Godrèche.
9. I Am Michael - The story of gay-rights advocate Michael Glatze who later in life denounces his homosexuality. An intriguing premise to say the least, the film stars James Franco, Zachary Quinto and Emma Roberts.
10. Z for Zachariah - Craig Zobel is a director to follow, especially after his last feature film "Compliance". Chiwetel Ejiofor, Chris Pine and Margot Robbie star in this film about a woman who believes she is the last woman on Earth following a disaster. She then meets a dying scientist who is searching for survivors. This sounds very different for Zobel and I can't wait to catch it.
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