Early on in Neil Labute’s “Out of the Blue,” a pair of James M. Cain novels get checked out by Diane Kruger’s cool, composed seductress at an elegant old library.
Unfortunately, the writer-director’s bid to evoke the murderous lust of hard-boiled staples “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Double Indemnity” is itself plenty checked out, a zipless exercise about as noirish as a commercial for household cleaning products.
Few careers are as mystifying in their longevity as Labute’s, whose empty misanthropy and gotcha dramatics across theater and movies were once the epitome of soured-soul indie cachet. His film career of late — whether directing his own screenplays or for-hire gigs — has been divorced from any meaningful expectations or promise or acclaim, but it’s still trudging along. “Out of the Blue,” which only ever feels tossed off, conjures the same head-scratching about its existence: If an adulterous...
Unfortunately, the writer-director’s bid to evoke the murderous lust of hard-boiled staples “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Double Indemnity” is itself plenty checked out, a zipless exercise about as noirish as a commercial for household cleaning products.
Few careers are as mystifying in their longevity as Labute’s, whose empty misanthropy and gotcha dramatics across theater and movies were once the epitome of soured-soul indie cachet. His film career of late — whether directing his own screenplays or for-hire gigs — has been divorced from any meaningful expectations or promise or acclaim, but it’s still trudging along. “Out of the Blue,” which only ever feels tossed off, conjures the same head-scratching about its existence: If an adulterous...
- 8/24/2022
- by Robert Abele
- The Wrap
In today’s film news roundup, Paul Feig is honored by exhibitors, the American Film Market unveils its conference schedule, Luke Goss gets cast and “Philophobia: or the Fear of Falling in Love” finds a home.
Awards
The National Association of Theatre Owners has honored filmmaker Paul Feig with its second annual spirit of the industry award.
Feig was presented the honor on Monday night as part of Nato’s annual fall meetings at the Beverly Hilton, attended by more than 200 exhibitors.
“When it comes to believing in the full-on theatrical experience, and the magic that ensues when the lights go down in a darkened auditorium, Paul Feig has no equal,” noted Nato president and CEO John Fithian.
Feig’s new romantic comedy, “Last Christmas,” hits theaters on Nov. 8. The Universal film stars Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh and Emma Thompson, and was written by Thompson and playwright Bryony Kimmings.
Awards
The National Association of Theatre Owners has honored filmmaker Paul Feig with its second annual spirit of the industry award.
Feig was presented the honor on Monday night as part of Nato’s annual fall meetings at the Beverly Hilton, attended by more than 200 exhibitors.
“When it comes to believing in the full-on theatrical experience, and the magic that ensues when the lights go down in a darkened auditorium, Paul Feig has no equal,” noted Nato president and CEO John Fithian.
Feig’s new romantic comedy, “Last Christmas,” hits theaters on Nov. 8. The Universal film stars Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh and Emma Thompson, and was written by Thompson and playwright Bryony Kimmings.
- 9/25/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
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