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Claire Huxtable’s Kid is a Star in Broadway “Stick Fly”

Roger Friedman
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Claire Huxtable’s Kid is a Star in Broadway “Stick Fly”

I’m completely appalled by the glee the New York Post’s theater columnist takes in reporting how badly some shows are doing on Broadway. Enough with the negativity. There are so many terrific plays this season. And two of them, both directed by Kenny Leon, are by African American playwrights with almost all black actors. One, of course, is “The Mountaintop” with Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett.

The other new play opened last night. Lydia Diamond‘s comedy “Stick Fly” premiered at the Cort with five terrific actors: Ruben Santiago Hudson, Tracie Thoms, Mekhi Phifer, Dule Hill, Rosie Benton, and Condola Rashad. If the last name sounds familiar it’s because she’s the daughter of Phylicia Rashad (a great dramatic actress and Mrs. Huxtable from the Cosby Show) and sports announcer Ahmad Rashad. It’s her Broadway debut, and she’s a smash hit out of the gate.

“Stick Fly,” of course, attracted an A list crowd for its premiere, from Condola’s parents to Spike Lee and wife Tonya Lee Lewis, Taraji P. Henson, Malik Yoba, Gayle King. LaTanya Richardson (wife of Samuel L.), Alicia Keys with Swizz Beatz and her mom Terria (Alicia composed incidental music for the play and put her name on the marquee to help sell tickets) and so on.

So we have two original plays on Broadway written by young African American women. This nothing short of amazing and wonderful. And while the plays are not yet at the level of August Wilson or Eugene O’Neill, they are just fine, very entertaining, and extremely worthy of being seen. “The Mountaintop” has big stars. “Stick Fly” boasts five sensational actors all of whom bear seeing. Of course, Ruben Santiago Hudson is a James Earl Jones in the making by now. He’s quirky and and poignant as Dr. LeVay, father of a well to do black clan who’ve gathered on Martha’s Vineyard for a summer weekend of revelations. I’m already a huge fan of Tracie Thoms and Mekhi Phifer. Dule Hill comes from the show “Psych.” He and Phifer have great rapport as brothers, sons of Dr. LeVay. And Rosie Benton is surprisingly snappy as the white girl who’s wandered into the LeVay’s many dysfunctions.

But watch out for Condola Rashad. She’s yet another second generation actress on Broadway right now–just down the street from Lily Rabe in “Seminar”–who’s going to wow crowds. But go see these two plays this holiday season–and prove the negative tonguelashers wrong.

“Gotti” Movie: Ted Field Close to Deal With Summit?

Roger Friedman
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“Gotti” Movie: Ted Field Close to Deal With Summit?

Exclusive: The long-aborning “Gotti” movie — to be directed by Barry Levinson — may have a new life. I am told that new producer Ted Field, who’s come in to save Marco Fiore (aka Marc Fiore), has been negotiating distribution rights with Summit Entertainment. Summit, home to the “Twilight” series, would be a good home for “Gotti.” But Field is still a long way off from pre-production. He still has to raise the money Fiore has squandered, pay all the bills, settle with Joe Pesci on his lawsuit, and get his house in order. At this point, everyone involved with “Gotti” is skeptical. Certainly, there are still issues with Salvatore Carpanzano, the man Fiore announced was executive producer and who was supposed to supply financing. In the meantime, Levinson, stars John Travolta and Al Pacino, and screenwriter James Toback, wait on tenterhooks for Field to save the day.

Music World Mourns Dobie Gray, Howard Tate, Barbara Orbison

Roger Friedman
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Music World Mourns Dobie Gray, Howard Tate, Barbara Orbison

Two greats from the R&B and pop world died on Tuesday. Dobie Gray is probably better known for his record, “Drift Away,” than a lot of bands with more (and blander) hits. “Drift Away” is probably one of the most played records in the world. The 1973 hit just went on and on as a success. In 2003, Uncle Kracker re-recorded it, but it’s Dobie’s original version that remains the classic. A few years earlier, Dobie had another major hit with “The In Crowd.” Dobie, you’re always in the in crowd. Rest in peace.

Howard Tate, another R&B vet, extremely underrated and underappreciated, also passed away on Tuesday. His records are considered R&B classics. I’ve put “Ain’t Nobody Home” in the video player below. Check him out on YouTube, also.

I’ve also put Roy Orbison‘s duet with KD Lang on “Crying” in the fourth box on the video player. This is a tribute to Barbara Orbison, who died tragically on December 6th after a short, fierce bout with pancreatic cancer. Barbara was so devoted to keeping Roy’s flame burning after his untimely death 23 years ago at age 52. And weirdly, Barbara died on the anniversary of Roy’s death. We already miss her so much!

Oscar Last Minute Adds: Rooney Mara, Max von Sydow May Sneak In

Roger Friedman
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Oscar Last Minute Adds: Rooney Mara, Max von Sydow May Sneak In

Oscar voters–and voters for other awards like the Critics Choice Awards–pretty much know the lay of the land by now. There are front runners and obvious choices, especially if you’ve seen most of the movies that are eligible. This week, the Broadcast Critics are voting for the Critics Choice, which will be broadcast live on January 12th on VH-1. But two last minute movies, late to the game, may produce a couple of surprise nominees. They’re each produced by cantankerous Scott Rudin, by the way.

The word is very good on actress Rooney Mara, who plays the extremely wild child Lisabeth Salander in David Fincher’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Mara–known mostly for being a good girl in both “Tanner Hall” and “The Social Network”–apparently explodes on the screen as the tattooed, mohawk sporting, sexy investigator who beds Daniel Craig, but also takes incredible vengeance against her rapist. I predict now that Mara will join Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Viola Davis, and Glenn Close in the top 5 actresses. By the way, she’s the sister of excellent actress Kate Mara and granddaughter of late New York Giants footbal owner Wellington Mara.

At the same time, Rudin has just started screening Stephen Daldry‘s “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.” And while there are surely many fine performances, the one that’s already garnering praise is Max von Sydow as The Renter aka Thomas Schell Sr. The Swedish actor turns 83 next year. His only Oscar nomination was in 1989 for “Pelle the Conqueror.” But his resume is long and deep from Ingmar Bergman’s classics “The Wild Strawberries” and “The Seventh Seal” in the late 1950s through Woody Allen’s “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) to “Shutter Island” (2010).

Von Sydow’s accomplishment in “Extremely Loud” would be all the more astonishing because he utters not one word in the whole movie. But as fans of “The Artist” know, silence is in this year!

Von Sydow would land in a highly competitive category. Best Supporting Actor, discounting Uggie the Dog, already boasts contenders like Jim Broadbent in “The Iron Lady,” Albert Brooks in “Drive,” Corey Stoll in “Midnight in Paris,” Kenneth Branagh in “My Week with Marilyn,” Jeremy Irvine in “War Horse,” Jonah Hill in “Moneyball,” and the extremely popular Christopher Plummer in “Beginners.”

Barbara Orbison, Beloved and Dynamic Widow of Roy, Dies at 60

Roger Friedman
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Barbara Orbison, Beloved and Dynamic Widow of Roy, Dies at 60

Heartbreak: Barbara Orbison passed away yesterday at age 60. I cannot tell you how awful this is. Barbara was the most dynamic, loving, insanely loyal, funny, terrific friend and mother. She was a total gem. Her friends are in shock because no one knew how ill she was. Just terrible. A press release follows below. But the Barbara I knew was so devoted to Roy, to his legacy and memory, and to their kids, Roy Jr. and Alex. It’s almost two years ago that Barbara oversaw Roy’s star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Really, she deserves one, too. I will never forget her keen smile, that accent!, her determination, and wisdom. Also, she made me laugh a lot. Nine years ago, Thanksgiving 2002, Barbara, her kids, Sam Moore and his wife Joyce, my friend Irene and I, and others celebrated Thanksgiving in London with famed composer Michael Kamen and his family. Now Michael and Barbara are each gone. It’s so shocking. We had a lot of fun with the Orbisons that weekend, especially because it was “The Concert for George” celebration at Royal Albert Hall. Roy and George Harrison and their families had all become very close through The Traveling Wilburys. Now, Barbara’s death comes as so tragic. And she died on the 23rd anniversary of Roy’s death. Barbara had worked tirelessly to keep Roy’s music alive, putting out new albums, getting songs into movies, establishing a publishing company. and creating a museum in Nashville. I’m told that her endless efforts to get a U.S. postage stamp in Roy’s memory have paid off, and the stamp will be issued next year. Barbara, today, we’re crying. Over you.

Barbara Orbison, Widow of Rock Legend Roy Orbison, Dies of Pancreatic Cancer. Her Death Falls on 23rd Anniversary of Roy Orbison’s Death

Los Angeles, CA — December 6, 2011: Barbara Orbison, widow of Rock and Roll legend, Roy Orbison, passed away today after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. She was 60 years old. Barbara was diagnosed with the disease on April 20, 2011 at the Mayo Clinic. In May of 2011, she was admitted to USC Medical Center in Los Angeles under the supervision of Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz, Associate Director of the USC/Norris Gastrointestinal Oncology Program. On May 13, Barbara underwent the Whipple surgical procedure, performed by Dr. Yuri Genyk. Following her surgery and chemotherapy, Barbara was optimistic about her recovery, but complications from the cancer ultimately resulted in a final re-admittance to USC Medical Center in mid-November. She died peacefully there today with her sons, Roy Kelton Orbison, Jr. (41) and Alexander Orbison (36) by her side.

Ironically, Barbara was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just days before Roy Orbison’s landmark 75th birthday (April 23rd). Roy and Barbara Orbison had a devoted and enduring love affair, ultimately passing away on the same day, 23 years apart.

For more than two decades Barbara has managed the music empire she built as Roy Orbison’s manager, keeping his legacy alive. Most recently, Barbara was exceedingly proud of the acclaimed box set she produced with Roy Kelton Orbison, Jr, titled “Roy Orbison: The Soul of Rock and Roll” (Sony Legacy 2008). This 4-CD package marked the first all-inclusive body of Roy’s work from his earliest recordings to the Traveling Wilbury’s debut album, “Mystery Girl” (Virgin) and his last live performance. Throughout this time period, Barbara also became a respected businesswoman in her own right, developing a diverse music industry empire in Nashville, Tennessee. Barbara’s Still Working Music publishing company has consistently represented some of the industry’s most successful songwriters and was recently awarded BMI’S 2010 Song of the Year for Taylor Swift’s “You Belong to Me.”

In 2009, Barbara was able to fulfill a lifelong dream with the creation of her own fragrance, Pretty Woman Perfume. She was intimately involved with every step of the development from the blend of scents and the classic design of the bottle to the international marketing sales and promotion of the perfume.

Born Barbara Anne Marie Wellhöner Jakobs in Bielefeld, Germany, Barbara was just 17 when she met Roy Orbison (32) at a nightclub in Leeds, England in 1968. Despite the “British Invasion,” American rocker, Orbison, was topping the charts in the UK as well as the U.S. with such smash hits as “Pretty Woman,” “Running Scared,” and “Crying.” Roy and Barbara married a year later in Henderson, Tennessee. They raised their three sons in Nashville and Malibu, California.

Barbara Orbison will be buried next to her husband at Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles. Following a private graveside service, the family will announce plans for a Celebration of Life reception at the BMI offices in Nashville, Tennessee. Donations in Barbara Orbison’s memory can be made to the Roy Orbison Foundation, c/o Leeann Hard, Forté Management, 725 Arizona Ave., Ste 206, Los Angeles, CA 90401, 310-394-5020, x102, leeann@forte.com).

The family requests that messages be sent to: barbara.orbison@orbison.com

Rock Hall Chooses the Remaining Big Names: Peppers, Guns N Roses, Rod Stewart Group

Roger Friedman
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Rock Hall Chooses the Remaining Big Names: Peppers, Guns N Roses, Rod Stewart Group

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has chosen its five inductees, and they’re the last big names left: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns n Roses, Rod Stewart and Small Faces, Donovan and the late Laura Nyro. The last three have been on and off the ballot for the last several years. They’re finally in because almost no one is left who Jann Wenner will let in, barring Chicago, Hall & Oates, Linda Ronstadt and dozens of other acts who’ve been passed over. The Peppers and GnR are pretty much the last big names left to induct except for Bon Jovi. (I’m told Jon Bon Jovi is pretty furious at this point, and he’s right.) Left off the ballot completely this year, also, was Sting, whose 25 years as a solo act and output, as well as hits, certainly eclipses both GnR and the Peppers.

And so the drama begins: will Slash and Axl Rose make up and appear together? (This is such a pressing matter.) Will Anthony Kiedis of the Peppers wear a shirt? Will Rod Stewart remember the Faces a group he left in 1971? Will Ronnie Wood remember them either? Will Donovan allow his adult children, Donovan Leitch and Ione Skye, to attend despite ignoring them most of their lives? And who will sing for Laura Nyro since her biggest hits were performed by groups the Rock Hall shuns, the Fifth Dimension, Blood Sweat & Tears, and Three Dog Night?

And then what for the Rock Hall? Aside from Sting and Bon Jovi, and maybe Cyndi Lauper, their other choices narrow now. Without going back and correcting their mistakes, there is little to look forward to. The new group eligible in 2012 includes Milli Vanilli, MCHammer, and Sinead O’Connor. Yikes.

Meanwhile, the actual museum in Cleveland continues to do great work quite separate and apart from the New York foundation. They recently honored Aretha Franklin with a big gala that included lots of soul legends including Dennis Edwards of the Temptations and Cissy Houston. You’ll note that no black artists are being inducted in New York this year, however. Shameful.

UPDATE: Don Kirshner is getting a special award. He waited 25 years to be recognized by the RRHOF. The Songwriters Hall of Fame inducted him a couple of years ago. And he died last year. I guess better late than never. Also, producer Tom Dowd, famous for all those recordings on Atlantic. He could have been honored when he was alive. Same deal. Maybe the RRHOF could try and catch some of the people they’ve missed while they’re alive. But I’ll be positive: it’s nice to see some producers getting attention finally.

Samuel L. Jackson, Angela Bassett Get Some “Respect” on “The Mountaintop”

Roger Friedman
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Samuel L. Jackson, Angela Bassett Get Some “Respect” on “The Mountaintop”

Last night, Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett got a nice surprise after their Broadway performance of “The Mountaintop.” The Queen of Soul, Miss Aretha Franklin, brought six friends, paid for the tickets, and then visited them backstage. Franklin — [resplendent in a fake fur trimmed cape– was blown away by the play, which runs until January 22nd. And Aretha should know. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, sang to raise money for him, and has a pretty good handle on the man and his ideas. She told me later she thought Jackson did an excellent job. But Angela Bassett, playing a motel maid who has an interesting other life (I don’t want to give it away), steals the show, Aretha said.

“It’s very deep stuff,” she told the pair. Franklin is in New York for her annual Christmas shopping trip, taking her big tour bus in from Detroit. On Friday she appears on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” where she’ll sing two songs and do a skit with him, too. She’s an avid viewer. “I love Jimmy Fallon,” she said. Tomorrow she hits another Broadway show, “Follies,” to see Bernadette Peters. And sometime over the week she’ll be making her Aretha’s Famous Chili in the kitchen of her five star hotel suite! But Franklin, who’s lost about 80 lbs this year, started the evening with Dover sole and pea soup at La Grenouille, and a bite or two of their famous chocolate-and-orange cake. Long live the Queen of Soul!

PS Don’t miss “The Mountaintop.” It’s extraordinary. And the big show will be on January 15th, when the duo perform on MLK’s birthday. It will an emotional event.

Review: Indie Film “Once” Returns as Off Broadway Gem

Roger Friedman
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Review: Indie Film “Once” Returns as Off Broadway Gem

“Once”–do you remember this fine indie film from 2006? It went on to win the Academy Award for Best Song (“Falling Slowly”). The movie won the Indie Spirit Award for Best Foreign Film. (You know it was good because the Golden Globes ignored it.) Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, wrote the songs and starred in the film as an aspiring Dublin songwriter and a young Czech mother who meet, collaborate and fall in love. Now “Once” debuts on Tuesday night at New York Theater Workshop, the same place that once launched “Rent.” Watch on Wednesday morning, I am not kidding: the show’s stars, Steve Kazee and Cristin Milioti, are about to become overnight sensations. The musical, directed by John Tiffany, is a gem. Every part of it–from the actors and musicians to the tremendous set by Bob Crowley to the lighting, staging — all of it is simply sensation. In particular, Steve Kazee, who’s been in a few Broadway musicals, is on his way to big things.

Now the plan is to move “Once” to Broadway next spring in time for the Tony Awards. There are few new musicals coming, and “Once” will be the odds on Tony favorite. The question facing its creators is how to retain the intimacy of the New York Theater Workshop. Right now, they have a magical piece of theater with one set. So the goal will be to enlarge it but not too much. This is tricky.

Of course, “Once” really relies on the performances of its leads. Milioti is so appealing and cute, spunky even, as Girl. (The leads are just Guy and Girl.) She couldn’t be more winning. But Kazee is a standout. The show really makes him into a rock star. And what’s so overwhelming is that the actor, who comes from Kentucky in real life, has perfect his Irish accent. He reminded me of the great Irish singer songwriter Luka Bloom and was extremely authentic.

“Once” is also aided by its supporting cast of 10, all of whom are required to play instruments and to dance, to some degree. This is quite extraordinary, a la John Doyle‘s stagings of “Sweeney Todd” and “Company.” Bravo to all of them. While Tiffany’s direction is unique and elegant, some kudos must go to Steven Hoggett, who gets a credit for “Movement.” I guess that’s just a shade shy of choreography. But this ensemble does “move” almost like a ballet company. They are just terrific.

Hansard and Irglova’s characters and music from the movie remain intact, and beautifully reproduced. “Falling Slowly” is still the centerpiece number, but several of the other songs emerge here on their own including “When Your Mind’s Made Up” and “Say It to Me Now.”

When you think of all the bloated, overly expensive shows that have forced their way onto Broadway recently (hello “Bonnie and Clyde”), “Once”–like its movie– remains a refreshing, simple, elegant breath of fresh air.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8mtXwtapX4&ob=av3n

Angelina Jolie Accuser Made Previous Claims Against Another Filmmaker

Roger Friedman
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Angelina Jolie Accuser Made Previous Claims Against Another Filmmaker

If Angelina Jolie had a press person or cared about the press she might not be in so much trouble today. She’s being sued by a Croatian named Josip J. Knezevic who claims Jolie made his book into her directing debut, “In the Land of Blood and Honey.” The complaint, filed by a Chicago law firm, claims that Jolie’s Bosnian producer, Edin Sarkic, had meetings and exchanged text messages with Knezevic establishing a chain that led to the alleged plagiarism.

But a Google search of Knezevic turns up an interesting exchange on You Tune from about four years ago. Knezevic got into a pissing match on the YouTube message board with another filmmaker, Robbie Wright. He claimed that Wright had stolen his work for a video about the Bosnian conflict set to Seal’s record, “Crazy.” But people on the board came to Wright’s defense, and Wright sent Knezevic copies of all his press passes from the Bosnian-Serbian war. He and his followers say all the footage from the video was shot by him.

Here’s the link to that page: http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=mUVJU3uWOuo&page=2

Knezevic has his own YouTube videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDSi-sNLvKM

Knezevic’s lawyer tells me he knows about this exchange. “It isn’t material to our case.”

Knezevic has filed his suit under an Americanized name, Joseph J. Braddock, against Jolie, Sarkic, and Graham King’s FilmDistrict.

The lawsuit attempts to establish that contact was made between Braddock and Sarkic, as well as between Sarkic and Brad Pitt’s Make it Right Foundation. Emails and texts could be evidence that Jolie could have been made aware of Braddock’s novel. The suit goes on:

“The similarities between the Subject Work and the Motion Picture are obvious: the Motion Picture copies key plot elements, themes, characters, events, sequences and settings of the Subject Work, including without limitation, the following:
a. The Subject Work illustrates a love story that takes place in war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina in the early 1990’s. The Motion Picture also depicts a love story that takes place in war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina in the early 1990’s.
b. The Subject Work’s main female character is a Croatian (her mother is a Muslim), living near Sarajevo, who is captured and imprisoned in a Serbian-held concentration camp that was located in a village, which was highly unusual since most camps were located in abandoned industrial or agricultural complexes. The Motion Picture’s main female character is also a Muslim who is captured and imprisoned in a Serbian-held camp that was located in a village, not an abandoned complex.
c. The Subject Work’s main female character is subject to continuous abuse and rape by soldiers and officers in the camp. In addition to being raped continuously by soldiers and officers, she is forced to become a servant at the camp headquarters, a duty assumed by very few of the captives. The Motion Picture’s main female character is also subject to continuous rape by soldiers and officers Case: 1:11-cv-08597 Document #: 1 Filed: 12/02/11 Page 6 of 11 PageID #:6
in the camp and subsequently becomes a servant at camp headquarters.
d. The Subject Work’s main male character is the deputy camp commander. His father is a high-ranking “Greater Serbian” nationalist and important officer of the Yugoslav Peoples Army. The Motion Picture’s main male character is also a camp commander whose father is a high-ranking “Greater Serbian” nationalist and important officer of the Yugoslav Peoples Army.
e. In the Subject Work, the main male character struggles with the polarity of his emotions and his military duty; he loves the main female character but is expected to fulfill his duties as a high-ranking member in the army force. Amidst his struggle, he helps her escape from camp. In the Motion Picture, the main male character also struggles with his love for the main female character and his duties as a high-ranking member of the army force. Like in the Subject Work, the main male character in the Motion Picture helps the main female character escape from the camp.”

What’s interesting about this case: usually people who sue over plagiarism wait until a movie or book has made some money, then swoop in. In this case, the complainant isn’t waiting at all.

Meantime, Jolie’s movie has been mostly ignored in this awards season. Jolie hasn’t helped herself so much by banning press from tonight’s premiere and party–much the same way she had photographers tossed from Namibia years ago, and insisted on reporters signing agreements not to ask her certain questions during the release of “A Mighty Heart.” Oh, Angelina. For a woman who claims to be a diplomat, you’re not very diplomatic.

 

Sundance 2012: From Bruce Willis to Chis Rock, Sarandon, Gere, Spike Lee, Paul Simon

Roger Friedman
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Sundance 2012: From Bruce Willis to Chis Rock, Sarandon, Gere, Spike Lee, Paul Simon

The Sundance Film Festival has announced 13 premieres for this year’s festival, which begins January 19, 2012. Big stars like Bruce Willis, Susan Sarandon, Richard Gere. Chris Rock, and Spike Lee all figure prominently. Sundance regular Parker Posey, one of our favorite people is starring in a new film. A couple of films I knew were going–and had to sit on the news. “Arbitrage” is high on the must see list, especially because of director Nick Jarecki. And in documentaries, everyone’s excited to see Joe Berlinger‘s “Graceland” anniversary film with Paul Simon. Berlinger, however, is probably not thrilled to see Amy Berg’s Peter Jackson-funded West Memphis 3 film–and I’m surprised Sundance took it, given that Berlinger has already made three excellent films on the subject. But he’s already moved on to new things. Also Rory Kennedy has made a film about her mother, Ethel Kennedy. I’m sure this will be the topic of discussion at tonight’s Robert F. Kennedy Foundation dinner.

PREMIERES

2 Days in New York (France) – Directed by Julie Delpy, written by Delpy and Alexia Landeau. A Gotham-set sequel of sorts to “2 Days in Paris,” starring Delpy, Chris Rock, Albert Delpy, Alexia Landeau and Alex Nahon.

Arbitrage – Directed, written by Nicholas Jarecki. A hedge-fund magnate, desperately trying to unload his financial empire before his fraud is revealed, makes a fatal mistake. With Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Tim Roth, Brit Marling and Laetitia Casta.

Bachelorette – Directed, written by Leslye Headland. A woman becomes engaged to one of New York’s most eligible bachelors and asks three high-school friends to be her bridesmaids, bringing their issues to the surface. Features Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, James Marsden, Adam Scott, Kyle Bornheimer.

California Solo – Directed by Marshall Lewy. A Britpop ex-rocker now living on a farm outside Los Angeles must deal with personal demons. Stars Robert Carlyle, Alexia Rasmussen, Kathleen Wilhoite, A Martinez and Danny Masterson.

Celeste and Jesse Forever – Directed by Lee Toland Krieger, written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. In which the titular high-school sweethearts decide to get divorced at 30 but remain best friends. Stars Jones, Andy Samberg, Ari Graynor, Chris Messina, Elijah Wood and Emma Roberts.

For a Good Time, Call … – Directed by Jamie Travis, written by Katie Anne Naylon and Lauren Anne Miller. Two new roommates embark on a highly unconventional business venture. With Ari Graynor, Lauren Anne Miller, Justin Long, Mark Webber and James Wolk.

Goats – Directed by Christopher Neil, written by Mark Jude Poirier. In which Ellis leaves his unconventional desert home to attend the rigorous Gates Academy, where he reconnects with his estranged father. Stars David Duchovny, Vera Farmiga, Graham Phillips, Justin Kirk and Ty Burrell.

Lay the Favorite – Directed by Stephen Frears, written by D.V. DeVincentis. A young woman gets involved with a group of geeky older men who have figured out how to get rich in Vegas. With Bruce Willis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rebecca Hall.

Liberal Arts – Directed by Josh Radnor. A thirtysomething guy falls for a 19-year-old student at his old alma mater. Stars Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen, Richard Jenkins, Allison Janney, John Magaro and Elizabeth Reaser.

Price Check – Directed, written by Michael Walker. A happy family man copes with rising debt and a job he hates. Features Parker Posey, Eric Mabius, Annie Parisse, Josh Pais and Cheyenne Jackson.

Red Hook Summer – Directed by Spike Lee, written by James McBride and Lee. A young Atlanta boy spends a summer in Brooklyn with the grandfather he’s never seen before. With Clarke Peters, Jules Brown, Toni Lysaith, James Ransone, Thomas Jefferson Byrd.

Red Lights – Directed by Rodrigo Cortes. A psychologist and her assistant with an interest in paranormal activity find themselves investigating a world-renowned psychic. With Cillian Murphy, Sigourney Weaver, Robert De Niro, Elizabeth Olsen and Toby Jones.

Robot and Frank – Directed by Jake Schreier, written by Christopher Ford. An old curmudgeon gets a robot for a caretaker. Stars Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, Liv Tyler. Salt Lake City gala.

Shadow Dancer (U.K.) – Directed by James Marsh, written by Tom Bradby. Arrested in an aborted bomb plot, a widow must make hard choices to protect her son. With Andrea Riseborough, Aidan Gillen, Domhnall Gleeson, Gillian Anderson and Clive Owen.

The Words – Directed and written by Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal. An aspiring writer claims another man’s literary achievements as his own. Features Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Irons, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde and Zoe Saldana. Closing-night film.

DOCUMENTARY PREMIERES

The eight world premieres in this section are from the U.S. unless otherwise noted.

About Face – Directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. Explores issues of beauty and aging through supermodels’ stories.

Bones Brigade: An Autobiography – Directed by Stacy Peralta. Examines the lives off six teenage boys who formed a skateboarding team in the 1980s.

The D Word: Understanding Dyslexia – Directed by James Redford. Follows a dyslexic high school senior struggling to get into a competitive college.

Ethel – Directed by Rory Kennedy. An intimate portrait of Ethel Kennedy, specifically her years with and later without her husband, Robert F. Kennedy.

A Fierce Green Fire – Directed by Mark Kitchell. Etches a history of the environmental movement from the 1960s to the present.

Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap (U.K.) – Directed by Ice-T, co-directed by Andy Baybutt. Traces the roots and history of rap through interviews with some of its most influential practitioners.

Untitled Paul Simon Project – Directed by Joe Berlinger. Follows Simon back to South Africa to explore the musical and political legacy of his “Graceland” album.

West of Memphis – Directed by Amy Berg. Examines judicial, prosecutorial and jury misconduct in the widely publicized West Memphis Three trials.

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