Variety Screening Series 2012: Movies Listing

Les Miserables

1/8/2013 7:30:00 PM

Set against the backdrop of 19^th-centuryFrance, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean,hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

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The Sessions

12/19/2012 7:30:00 PM

Based on the poignantly optimistic autobiographical writings of California–based journalist and poet Mark O’Brien, THE SESSIONS tells the story of a man who lived
most of his life in an iron lung who is determined - at age 38 - to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapist and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality.

FULL DETAILS (Producers, Directors, Cast)

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

12/18/2012 7:30:00 PM

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL is supposed to be India’s answer for the UK’s most elegant retirees – a place where they can spend their golden years surrounded by lush amenities – that is, until seven retirees who are in need of a transformation find themselves on the front steps of the not-quite-ready resort. Thus begins a comic, romantic and poignant adventure in a land full of unexpected pleasures, brought to life by some of the most honored and accomplished screen actors of our time.

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The Impossible

12/13/2012 7:00:00 PM

A powerful story based on one family's survival of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, The Impossible stars Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor and is directed by J.A. Bayona (THE ORPHANAGE).

Maria (Naomi Watts), Henry (Ewan McGregor) and their three sons begin their winter vacation in Thailand, looking forward to a few days in tropical paradise. But on the morning of December 26th, as the family relaxes around the pool after their Christmas festivities the night before, a terrifying roar rises up from the center of the earth. As Maria freezes in fear, a huge wall of black water races across the hotel grounds toward her.

Based on a true story, The Impossible is the unforgettable account of a family caught, with tens of thousands of strangers, in the mayhem of one of the worst natural catastrophes of our time. But the true-life terror is tempered by the unexpected displays of compassion, courage and simple kindness that Maria and her family encounter during the darkest hours of their lives. Both epic and intimate, devastating and uplifting, The Impossible is a journey to the core of the human heart.

FULL DETAILS (Producers, Directors, Cast)

This is 40

12/11/2012 7:00:00 PM

Writer/director/producer Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Funny People) brings audiences This Is 40, an original comedy that expands upon the story of Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann) from the blockbuster hit Knocked Up as we see first-hand out they are dealing with their current state of life.

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Promised Land

12/10/2012 7:00:00 PM

A salesman for a natural gas company experiences life-changing events after arriving in a small town, where his corporation wants to tap into the available resources.

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Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

12/5/2012 7:30:00 PM

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL is supposed to be India’s answer for the UK’s most elegant retirees – a place where they can spend their golden years surrounded by lush amenities – that is, until seven retirees who are in need of a transformation find themselves on the front steps of the not-quite-ready resort. Thus begins a comic, romantic and poignant adventure in a land full of unexpected pleasures, brought to life by some of the most honored and
accomplished screen actors of our time.

FULL DETAILS (Producers, Directors, Cast)

Bernie

12/4/2012 7:30:00 PM

In the tiny, rural town of Carthage, TX, assistant funeral director Bernie Tiede was one of the town’s most beloved residents. He taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir and was always willing to lend a helping hand.Everyone loved and appreciated Bernie, so it came as no surprise when he befriended Marjorie Nugent, an affluent widow who was as well known for her sour attitude as her fortune. Bernie frequently traveled with Marjorie and even managed her banking affairs. Marjorie quickly became fully dependent on Bernie and his generosity and Bernie struggled to meet her increasing demands. Bernie continued to handle her affairs, and the townspeople went months without seeing Marjorie. The people of Carthage were shocked when it was reported that Marjorie Nugent had been dead for some time, and Bernie Tiede was being charged with the murder.

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Beasts of the Southern Wild

12/3/2012 7:30:00 PM

In a forgotten but defiant bayou community cut off from the rest of the world by a sprawling
levee, a six-year-old girl exists on the brink of orphanhood. Buoyed by her childish optimism and
extraordinary imagination, she believes that the natural order is in balance with the universe until a fierce
storm changes her reality. Desperate to repair the structure of her world in order to save her ailing father
and sinking home, this tiny hero must learn to survive unstoppable catastrophes of epic proportions.

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Promised Land

12/3/2012 7:00:00 PM

A salesman for a natural gas company experiences life-changing events after arriving in a small town, where his corporation wants to tap into the available resources.

FULL DETAILS (Producers, Directors, Cast)

Rust and Bone

11/28/2012 7:30:00 PM

Put in charge of his young son, Ali (Matthias Schoenaerts) leaves Belgium for Antibes to live with his sister and her husband as a family. Ali's bond with Stephanie (Marion Cotillard), a killer whale trainer, grows deeper after Stephanie suffers a horrible accident.

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Silver Linings Playbook

11/27/2012 7:30:00 PM

Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) has lost everything -- his house, his job, and his wife. He now finds himself living back with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert De Niro) after spending 8 months in a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat’s parents want is for him to get back on his feet - and to share their family’s obsession with their favorite Philadelphia football team. When Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he'll do something very important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives.

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Kon-Tiki

11/27/2012 7:30:00 PM

Thor Heyerdahl – a restless spirit. His radical idea kick-starts an impossible mission. Along with five loyal buddies, Thor follows an ancient path4,300 miles across the Pacific on the fragile Kon-Tiki raft. Attacked by tidal waves, sharks and all the dangers the Ocean can muster, it’s six men battling with nature as Kon-Tiki strives to reach land. Having sacrificed everything for his mission, even his marriage, Thor must succeed.

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Any Day Now

11/20/2012 7:30:00 PM

Inspired by a true story from the late 1970s and touching on legal and social issues that are as relevant today as they were 35years ago, ANY DAY NOW is a powerful tale of love, acceptance and family. When a teenager with Down syndrome is abandoned by his mother, a gay couple takes him in and becomes the loving family he's never had. But, when their unconventional living arrangement is discovered by authorities, the men are forced to fight a biased legal system to save the life of the child they have come to love as their own.

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Life of Pi

11/15/2012 7:30:00 PM

The story of an Indian boy named Pi, a zookeeper's son who finds himself in the company of a hyena, zebra, orangutan, and a Bengal tiger after a shipwreck sets them adrift in the Pacific Ocean.

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Hitchcock

11/14/2012 7:30:00 PM

A love story between influential filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock and wife Alma Reville during the filming of Psycho in 1959.

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Life of Pi

11/12/2012 7:00:00 PM

The story of an Indian boy named Pi, a zookeeper's son who finds himself in the company of a hyena, zebra, orangutan, and a Bengal tiger after a shipwreck sets them adrift in the Pacific Ocean.

FULL DETAILS (Producers, Directors, Cast)

Anna Karenina

11/12/2012 7:00:00 PM

The third collaboration of Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley with director Joe Wright, following the award-winning box office successes "Pride & Prejudice" and"Atonement," is the epic love story "Anna Karenina,"adapted from Leo Tolstoy's classic novel by Academy Award winner Tom Stoppard ("Shakespeare in Love"). The story unfolds in its originallate-19th-century Russia high-society setting and powerfully explores the capacity for love that surges through the human heart, from the passion between adulterers to the bond between a mother and her children. As Anna (Ms.Knightley) questions her happiness, change comes to her family, friends, and community.

FULL DETAILS (Producers, Directors, Cast)

ParaNorman

11/8/2012 7:30:00 PM

When a small town comes under siege by zombies, who can it call? “Norman!”

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Anna Karenina

11/7/2012 7:30:00 PM

The third collaboration of Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley with director Joe Wright, following the award-winning box office successes "Pride & Prejudice" and"Atonement," is the epic love story "Anna Karenina,"adapted from Leo Tolstoy's classic novel by Academy Award winner Tom Stoppard ("Shakespeare in Love"). The story unfolds in its originallate-19th-century Russia high-society setting and powerfully explores the capacity for love that surges through the human heart, from the passion between adulterers to the bond between a mother and her children. As Anna (Ms.Knightley) questions her happiness, change comes to her family, friends, and community.

FULL DETAILS (Producers, Directors, Cast)

Rise of the Guardians

11/7/2012 7:00:00 PM

When the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the innocence of children all around the world.

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West of Memphis

11/5/2012 7:30:00 PM

An examination of a failure of justice in the case against the West Memphis Three.

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Samsara

10/29/2012 7:30:00 PM

Filmed over a period of five years in twenty-five countries on five continents, and shot on 70mm film, SAMSARA transports us to the varied worlds of sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes, and natural wonders. By dispensing with dialogue and descriptive text, SAMSARA subverts our expectations of a traditional documentary. It encourages our own interpretations, inspired by breathtaking images and transcendent music that infuses the ancient with the modern. SAMSARA explores the wonders of our world, from the mundane to the miraculous, looking into the unfathomable reaches of man’s spirituality and the human experience and illuminating the links between humanity and the rest of nature.

FULL DETAILS (Producers, Directors, Cast)

The Impossible

10/25/2012 7:30:00 PM

A powerful story based on one family's survival of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, The Impossible stars Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor and is directed by J.A. Bayona (THE ORPHANAGE).

Maria (Naomi Watts), Henry (Ewan McGregor) and their three sons begin their winter vacation in Thailand, looking forward to a few days in tropical paradise. But on the morning of December 26th, as the family relaxes around the pool after their Christmas festivities the night before, a terrifying roar rises up from the center of the earth. As Maria freezes in fear, a huge wall of black water races across the hotel grounds toward her.

Based on a true story, The Impossible is the unforgettable account of a family caught, with tens of thousands of strangers, in the mayhem of one of the worst natural catastrophes of our time. But the true-life terror is tempered by the unexpected displays of compassion, courage and simple kindness that Maria and her family encounter during the darkest hours of their lives. Both epic and intimate, devastating and uplifting, The Impossible is a journey to the core of the human heart.

FULL DETAILS (Producers, Directors, Cast)

The Sessions

10/24/2012 7:30:00 PM

Based on the poignantly optimistic autobiographical writings of California–based journalist and poet Mark O’Brien, THE SESSIONS tells the story of a man who lived
most of his life in an iron lung who is determined - at age 38 - to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapist and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality.

FULL DETAILS (Producers, Directors, Cast)

Hyde Park on Hudson

10/8/2012 7:30:00 PM

In June 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Academy Award nominee Bill Murray) and his wife Eleanor(Olivia Williams) host the King and Queen of England (Samuel West and Olivia Colman) for a weekend at the Roosevelt home at Hyde Park on Hudson, in upstate New York - the first-ever visit of a reigning English monarch to America. With Britain facing imminent war with Germany, the Royals are desperately looking to FDR for support. But international affairs must be juggled with the complexities of FDR's domestic establishment, as wife, mother, and mistresses all conspire to make the royal weekend an unforgettable one. Seen through the eyes of Daisy (Academy Award nominee Laura Linney), Franklin's neighbor and intimate, the weekend will produce not only a special relationship between two great nations, but, for Daisy - and through her, for us all – a deeper understanding of the mysteries of love and friendship.

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Amour

10/2/2012 7:30:00 PM

Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers.Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family. One day, Anne has an attack. The couple's bond of love is severely tested.

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The Artist

1/10/2012 7:30:00 PM

Hollywood 1927.George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent movie superstar. The advent of the talkies will sound the death knell for his career and see him fall into oblivion. For young extra Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), it seems the sky's the limit - major movie stardom awaits. THE ARTIST tells the story of their interlinked destinies.

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A Simple Life

1/5/2012 7:30:00 PM

Based on true characters - CHUNG Chun Tao, or AhTao, has worked as a servant for the Leung family for 4 generations. During the 60 years, some members of the Leung family passed away and some emigrated. Roger is the only family member left in Hong Kong and has been looked after by Ah Tao in the past decade. Working in the film industry, Roger travels very often. One day he comes home and finds Ah Tao unconscious after having a stroke. He rushes her to hospital…..then, Roger comes to realize how much Ah Tao means to him. They are like mother and son.

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