In your typical crime thriller, activism isn't high on the list of focal plot points. Right off the bat, that's what makes Robert Duvall's latest western, Wild Horses, stand out from the mass of films following relatively similar stories. Writer/director/lead Duvall sets out to show just how hard life can be for someone who can't adapt to modern thinking and how immensely difficult that can make things for those closest to him, especially when they're the cause of his rage and confusion.
Mania Days is an emotional look at mental health, telling the story of two characters who fall in love in an institution and try to maintain that relationship in the outside world. Starring Katie Holmes and Luke Kirby, the film was one of the more memorable dramas of SXSW 2015. Griffin Dunne also has a role in the movie as Luke's character's father.
In Robert Duvall's latest western, Wild Horses, he stars as an old rancher who once kicked his son off his property for being gay and now finds himself at the center of a missing person investigation. In addition to starring, Duvall directed a cast that includes James Franco and Josh Hartnett.
When Adrien Brody finally found his dream home, it was in the form of a run-down castle in upstate New York. Despite the dilapidated appearance, Brody set out to restore the enchantment that he saw the structure held. He decided to team up with filmmaker Kevin Ford to document the seven-year process, and the result is Stone Barn Castle.
Jason Schwartzman had two movies at SXSW 2015: The Overnight and 7 Chinese Brothers. In The Overnight, he stars alongside Adam Scott, Taylor Schilling, and Judith Godrèche for Patrick Brice's tale of a wild dinner party for parents in their thirties. In 7 Chinese Brothers, he plays a loveable loser for director Bob Byington. Schwartzman shines in both of the roles, turning in a pair of diverse and memorable performances.
Jason Schwartzman has managed to play just about every version of a loser over the years, so it's no surprise that when taking on one who has simply lost his job and has no will to seek anything better, he's spot-on. What is a surprise is how he's able to take such a character who hardly does anything and make him feel full and thus enjoyable to watch. That's exactly what he does in Bob Byington's 7 Chinese Brothers.
Son of the Congo tracks Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka as he goes back to the Congo, the African country where he grew up. As Serge visits his family and shows us his childhood home, it's clear just how much he overcame to make it to the NBA. Directed by Adam Hootnick, this is the first feature film produced by Grantland.
Ty Evans is one of the most influential skate filmmakers of all time. Paul Rodriguez is a four-time X Games champ and one of the superstars of the sport. Recently, the two got together and traveled the globe, seeking out skateboarders from all over the world to illustrate the bond the sport provides. The result is We Are Blood, a documentary which comes out in August 2015.
Mania Days is an emotional look at mental health, telling the story of two characters who fall in love in an institution and try to maintain that relationship in the outside world. Starring Katie Holmes and Luke Kirby, the film was one of the more memorable dramas of SXSW 2015.
