Sneak Peek At Oliver Stone’s ‘The Untold History of the United States’ + Anniversary Screenings Of ‘Spirited Away,’ ‘Exterminating Angel’ & More
The constant debate between diehard Wes Anderson fans usually comes do which film is the director’s best: “Rushmore” or “The Royal Tenenbaums” (with another, minority contingent usually backing “Bottle Rocket“). And while it usually comes down to personal preferences and attachments (this writer sides with ‘Tenenbaums’) it’s undeniable that for Wes Anderson, “The Royal Tenenbaums” was his breakthrough work. Building on the cult and critical acclaim for his first two films, ‘Tenenbaums’ still remains his biggest box office hit to date, taking in over $70 million worldwide, spawning a hit soundtrack, an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay and a seal of approval from The Criterion Collection. It has been a decade since the film first opened and the New York Film Festival is ready to take you on a trip down memory lane.
Organizers have announced this morning that Wes Anderson and other members of the cast will reunite for a 10th anniversary screening. The New York Film Festival hosted the world premiere of the film in 2001, and this high profile reunion is sure to be one of the biggest draws outside of the main lineup. And it will definitely be a rare opportunity to see Anderson’s carefully lensed picture and the intricate set designs and costumes all up on the big screen. But it’s not the only film getting an anniversary honor. Hayao Miyazaki‘s “Spirited Away” and “Castle In The Sky” will get special presentations as part of their respective 10th and 25th birthdays, while Sony Pictures Classics will commemorate twenty years in the biz with a showing of “Howard’s End” with Luis Buñuel’s “The Exterminating Angel” celebrating fifty years. But if you have no need to take a trip down Nostalgia Lane, there are a couple more treats in store.
Oliver Stone will surely provoke when he presents a sneak preview of his forthcoming Showtime mini-documentary series “The Untold History of the United States.” If you got a problem with his take on things, you can ask him about after in a post-screening Q&A. And in case you missed it, “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory” may be premiering at TIFF but New York will be the first place you can see it with a brand new ending that will tie in the recent release of the West Memphis Three.
So lots to consider. The New York Film Festival runs from September 30-October 16. Full details on the official site.