Film is inspired by male synchronised swimming doc Men Who Swim; Icon takes UK rights.
HanWay Films has acquired world sales rights for Swimming With Men, which stars Rob Brydon as a man who joins a synchronised swimming team in a bid to win back his estranged wife.
The comedy is based on a screenplay by Aschlin Ditta inspired by the acclaimed documentary Men Who Swim. Oliver Parker (Johnny English Reborn) is directing.
Icon Film Distribution has already snapped up UK and Ireland distribution rights.
“Oliver Parker’s ability to combine laughs and touching performances seamlessly with incredibly funny physical comedy, should mean anyone who enjoyed Johnny English Reborn will love Swimming With Men,” said HanWay managing director Gabrielle Stewart referring to the director’s 2011 picture.
The production is due to start shooting in London in Spring 2017.
Stewart le Maréchal and Anna Mohr-Pietsch of Met Film are lead producing alongside Maggie Monteith of Dignity Film Finance.
“Oliver...
HanWay Films has acquired world sales rights for Swimming With Men, which stars Rob Brydon as a man who joins a synchronised swimming team in a bid to win back his estranged wife.
The comedy is based on a screenplay by Aschlin Ditta inspired by the acclaimed documentary Men Who Swim. Oliver Parker (Johnny English Reborn) is directing.
Icon Film Distribution has already snapped up UK and Ireland distribution rights.
“Oliver Parker’s ability to combine laughs and touching performances seamlessly with incredibly funny physical comedy, should mean anyone who enjoyed Johnny English Reborn will love Swimming With Men,” said HanWay managing director Gabrielle Stewart referring to the director’s 2011 picture.
The production is due to start shooting in London in Spring 2017.
Stewart le Maréchal and Anna Mohr-Pietsch of Met Film are lead producing alongside Maggie Monteith of Dignity Film Finance.
“Oliver...
- 11/3/2016
- ScreenDaily
First images of Jamie Bell and Mark Strong revealed.
6 Days, an action thriller based on the true events of April 1980 when armed gunmen stormed the Iranian Embassy in London and took 26 people hostage, has begun the London portion of its shoot.
The New Zealand-uk co-production recently completed its New Zealand shoot and will continue this month in London.
The action thriller is directed by Toa Fraser (The Dead Lands) and produced by Matthew Metcalfe (The Dead Lands).
The cast is led by Jamie Bell (Fantastic Four), Mark Strong (The Imitation Game) and Abbie Cornish (Limitless).
The film traces the six days of tense stand-off that ensued as a group of highly trained soldiers from Britain’s Special Air Service (Sas) prepared to raid the Iranian Embassy at London’s Princes Gate.
Following their acquisition of Fraser’s The Dead Lands, Xyz Films have again partnered with Metcalfe’s General Film Corporation (Gfc) and will take worldwide sales duties...
6 Days, an action thriller based on the true events of April 1980 when armed gunmen stormed the Iranian Embassy in London and took 26 people hostage, has begun the London portion of its shoot.
The New Zealand-uk co-production recently completed its New Zealand shoot and will continue this month in London.
The action thriller is directed by Toa Fraser (The Dead Lands) and produced by Matthew Metcalfe (The Dead Lands).
The cast is led by Jamie Bell (Fantastic Four), Mark Strong (The Imitation Game) and Abbie Cornish (Limitless).
The film traces the six days of tense stand-off that ensued as a group of highly trained soldiers from Britain’s Special Air Service (Sas) prepared to raid the Iranian Embassy at London’s Princes Gate.
Following their acquisition of Fraser’s The Dead Lands, Xyz Films have again partnered with Metcalfe’s General Film Corporation (Gfc) and will take worldwide sales duties...
- 8/3/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Production commenced in Auckland on Wednesday on the embassy siege action thriller from Toa Fraser that Xyz Films sells internationally.
Jamie Bell, Mark Strong and Abbie Cornish star in 6 Days, which General Film Corporation finances in association with the New Zealand Film Commission, Lip Sync Productions and the Ingenious Senior Film Fund.
The story is set in London in April 1980 as the Sas prepares to rescue 26 hostages during the Iranian Embassy siege.
The New Zealand-uk co-production is scheduled to finish the New Zealand portion of the shoot in late July prior to relocating to London in August.
Producer Matthew Metcalfe of General Film Corporation reunites with Fraser and screenwriter Glenn Standring following their collaboration on the 2015 New Zealand foreign-language Oscar submission The Dead Lands.
The parties also worked with Xyz Films, whose Nate Bolotin and Aram Tertzakian serve as executive producers on 6 Days alongside Gavin Poolman and Andrea Scarso from Ingenious Senior Film Fund, Ian Dawson and [link...
Jamie Bell, Mark Strong and Abbie Cornish star in 6 Days, which General Film Corporation finances in association with the New Zealand Film Commission, Lip Sync Productions and the Ingenious Senior Film Fund.
The story is set in London in April 1980 as the Sas prepares to rescue 26 hostages during the Iranian Embassy siege.
The New Zealand-uk co-production is scheduled to finish the New Zealand portion of the shoot in late July prior to relocating to London in August.
Producer Matthew Metcalfe of General Film Corporation reunites with Fraser and screenwriter Glenn Standring following their collaboration on the 2015 New Zealand foreign-language Oscar submission The Dead Lands.
The parties also worked with Xyz Films, whose Nate Bolotin and Aram Tertzakian serve as executive producers on 6 Days alongside Gavin Poolman and Andrea Scarso from Ingenious Senior Film Fund, Ian Dawson and [link...
- 6/10/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Icon Film Distribution (Ifd) has signed a deal with UK sales and distribution company Park Circus to represent the Ifd library for UK theatrical release.
The Ifd library comprises more than 200 titles including Mel Gibson’s The Passion Of The Christ, Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive, John Hillcoat’s The Road, John Carney’s Once, Emilio Estevez’s The Way, and Tom Ford’s A Single Man.
Park Circus specialises in putting classic films back on the big screen and represents more than 20,000 titles from major studios and independent rights owners. This summer, it will handle the international re-release of Some Like It Hot, The Lady From Shanghai, The Deer Hunter and To Catch A Thief.
Ifd, which re-launched last September backed by New Sparta, recently released animated feature Postman Pat: The Movie, which has generated nearly £3m ($5m) at the UK box office after three weeks on release.
The independent...
The Ifd library comprises more than 200 titles including Mel Gibson’s The Passion Of The Christ, Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive, John Hillcoat’s The Road, John Carney’s Once, Emilio Estevez’s The Way, and Tom Ford’s A Single Man.
Park Circus specialises in putting classic films back on the big screen and represents more than 20,000 titles from major studios and independent rights owners. This summer, it will handle the international re-release of Some Like It Hot, The Lady From Shanghai, The Deer Hunter and To Catch A Thief.
Ifd, which re-launched last September backed by New Sparta, recently released animated feature Postman Pat: The Movie, which has generated nearly £3m ($5m) at the UK box office after three weeks on release.
The independent...
- 6/18/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Former Weinstein Company exec joins recently relaunched distributor.
Ben Friedman, formerly acquisitions vp for The Weinstein Company, has joined Icon Film Distribution (Ifd) as acquisitions manager with immediate effect.
It marks the latest senior hire by Ifd since its backing by New Sparta last autumn and the launch last month of its first slate of films for UK release.
During his time with TWC, Friedman’s acquisitions included Tom Hooper’s Oscar-winning The King’s Speech, Sam Taylor-Wood’s Nowhere Boy and Anton Corbijn’s Control.
In 2010 Friedman left TWC to consult on acquisitions for Newmarket Films and the Exclusive Media Group amongst others. Two years ago he co-founded and became a producer partner in the UK film production venture, Native State Productions.
Icon was re-launched last autumn by CEO Ian Dawson and executive chairman and COO Norman Humphrey.
Dawson said: “[Friedman’s] experience at the sharp-end of international acquisitions, instinct for finding exciting film projects and relationships with filmmaking...
Ben Friedman, formerly acquisitions vp for The Weinstein Company, has joined Icon Film Distribution (Ifd) as acquisitions manager with immediate effect.
It marks the latest senior hire by Ifd since its backing by New Sparta last autumn and the launch last month of its first slate of films for UK release.
During his time with TWC, Friedman’s acquisitions included Tom Hooper’s Oscar-winning The King’s Speech, Sam Taylor-Wood’s Nowhere Boy and Anton Corbijn’s Control.
In 2010 Friedman left TWC to consult on acquisitions for Newmarket Films and the Exclusive Media Group amongst others. Two years ago he co-founded and became a producer partner in the UK film production venture, Native State Productions.
Icon was re-launched last autumn by CEO Ian Dawson and executive chairman and COO Norman Humphrey.
Dawson said: “[Friedman’s] experience at the sharp-end of international acquisitions, instinct for finding exciting film projects and relationships with filmmaking...
- 4/1/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Former Weinstein Company exec joins recently relaunched distributor.
Ben Friedman, formerly acquisitions vp for The Weinstein Company, has joined Icon Film Distribution (Ifd) as acquisitions manager with immediate effect.
It marks the latest senior hire by Ifd since its backing by New Sparta last autumn and the launch last month of its first slate of films for UK release.
During his time with TWC, Friedman’s acquisitions included Tom Hooper’s Oscar-winning The King’s Speech, Sam Taylor-Wood’s Nowhere Boy and Anton Corbijn’s Control.
In 2010 Friedman left TWC to consult on acquisitions for Newmarket Films and the Exclusive Media Group amongst others. Two years ago he co-founded and became a producer partner in the UK film production venture, Native State Productions.
Icon was re-launched last autumn by CEO Ian Dawson and executive chairman and COO Norman Humphrey.
Dawson said: “[Friedman’s] experience at the sharp-end of international acquisitions, instinct for finding exciting film projects and relationships with filmmaking...
Ben Friedman, formerly acquisitions vp for The Weinstein Company, has joined Icon Film Distribution (Ifd) as acquisitions manager with immediate effect.
It marks the latest senior hire by Ifd since its backing by New Sparta last autumn and the launch last month of its first slate of films for UK release.
During his time with TWC, Friedman’s acquisitions included Tom Hooper’s Oscar-winning The King’s Speech, Sam Taylor-Wood’s Nowhere Boy and Anton Corbijn’s Control.
In 2010 Friedman left TWC to consult on acquisitions for Newmarket Films and the Exclusive Media Group amongst others. Two years ago he co-founded and became a producer partner in the UK film production venture, Native State Productions.
Icon was re-launched last autumn by CEO Ian Dawson and executive chairman and COO Norman Humphrey.
Dawson said: “[Friedman’s] experience at the sharp-end of international acquisitions, instinct for finding exciting film projects and relationships with filmmaking...
- 4/1/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Icon Film Distribution adds execs Jeremy Baum and Sophie Wong.
Icon Film Distribution (Ifd) has bolstered its team with the appointments of Sophie Wong as head of TV and digital sales with immediate effect and Jeremy Baum as head of theatrical sales from April.
Baum was formerly senior sales manager, UK and Ireland, at Entertainment One UK, where he worked on campaigns including the Twilight franchise, Looper, Red and 12 Years A Slave.
Baum previously worked at Icon Film Distribution as theatrical sales manager, working on Apocalypto, Once, Bridge to Terabithia, 30 Days of Night and Man on Wire.
Wong joins Ifd from Sony Pictures Entertainment where she was territory digital account manager for the UK and Ireland covering VOD and Est partners including iTunes/Apple, FilmFlex/Virgin Media, Talk Talk, Xbox and Amazon.
Baum and Wong join Icon recent recruits financial controller Allan Jamieson and head of marketing Chris Warrington.
The distributor was re-launched last autumn by CEO...
Icon Film Distribution (Ifd) has bolstered its team with the appointments of Sophie Wong as head of TV and digital sales with immediate effect and Jeremy Baum as head of theatrical sales from April.
Baum was formerly senior sales manager, UK and Ireland, at Entertainment One UK, where he worked on campaigns including the Twilight franchise, Looper, Red and 12 Years A Slave.
Baum previously worked at Icon Film Distribution as theatrical sales manager, working on Apocalypto, Once, Bridge to Terabithia, 30 Days of Night and Man on Wire.
Wong joins Ifd from Sony Pictures Entertainment where she was territory digital account manager for the UK and Ireland covering VOD and Est partners including iTunes/Apple, FilmFlex/Virgin Media, Talk Talk, Xbox and Amazon.
Baum and Wong join Icon recent recruits financial controller Allan Jamieson and head of marketing Chris Warrington.
The distributor was re-launched last autumn by CEO...
- 3/6/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Icon U.K. Group CEO Aviv Giladi and the founder of New Sparta Ltd, Dr Jerome Booth recently announced that New Sparta has acquired Icon Film Distribution (Ifd), the U.K. distribution operation of Icon U.K. Group, in association with a management team led by Ian Dawson, Chief Executive Officer, and Norman Humphrey, Executive Chairman and Chief Operating Officer.This purchase will allow Ifd to once again acquire films for all media, and work with existing and new partners in successful campaigns for their material. Some of the titles include those released by Ifd during its output deal Lionsgate and the U.K. library.
This acquisition deal also includes Icon Home Entertainment (U.K.), and as part of the new management agreement, Ifd will have access to future funding through New Sparta for the acquisition of film distribution rights and P+A finance.
Among the changes taking place through this acquisition Ian Dawson will take up the position of Chief Executive Officer at Ifd and Norman Humphrey is joining Ifd as Executive Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. The existing Ifd team formed by Head of Theatrical Zak Brilliant, Head of Home Entertainment Ray Primett and Operations Manager Sarah Brady will be augmented by a number of key individuals to be announced over the coming months. Finally Dr Booth will join Ian Dawson and Norman Humphrey on the board of Icon Film Distribution
Here is what some of the key executives in the purchase had to say about the new partnership:
Dr Jerome Booth, New Sparta founder adds; “I am delighted that New Sparta is adding Ifd to its growing group of media related companies. Ifd is a successful, well established and respected film distribution company and we very much look forward to working with Ian and Norman to build this business into the U.K.’s premier distribution company of choice for high quality and commercially successful film production companies.”
New Ifd CEO, Ian Dawson adds: "We will re-establish Icon Film Distribution as a truly independent U.K. film company with a talented, passionate team working closely with film makers to bring quality, distinctive material to U.K. audiences. Dr Booth, through New Sparta, is demonstrating a real commitment to the U.K. film industry and this makes them the ideal partner to help us to successfully deliver on our exciting plans."
Aviv Giladi, CEO of Icon U.K. Group, adds: “We are delighted that New Sparta has acquired the Icon UK distribution business to add to its media portfolio whilst we at Icon UK Group continue to focus on our growing film finance and production slate.”
Ifd UK titles, some of which will be, or have recently been released via its Lionsgate output deal, include the big screen debut for Postman Pat in Postman Pat: The Movie featuring the voices of Stephen Mangan, David Tennant and Rupert Grint, Nicolas Winding Refn’s Only God Forgives starring Ryan Gosling and Kristin Scott Thomas, horror sensation You’re Next and the forthcoming thriller from the director of The Conjuring, James Wan, Demonic starring Maria Bello.
Icon UK Group, led by CEO Aviv Giladi, is currently co-financing and co-producing several international features through its production arm, Len Blavatnik’s AI Film. Its first project, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, starring Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey, topped the Us box office for three weeks and has grossed over $100 million to date.
AI Film recently announced the Sherlock Holmes mystery A Slight Trick of the Mind at the Toronto International Film Festival to be directed by Oscar®winner Bill Condon and starring Ian McKellen, Martin Scorsese’s Silence which is set to next year, and Rocketman, the spectacular musical event film chronicling the journey of pop music legend Elton John.
On the transaction, New Sparta was represented by Harbottle and Lewis; Icon UK Group was represented by Olswang; and Ian Dawson and Norman Humphrey were represented by Lee & Thompson.
This acquisition deal also includes Icon Home Entertainment (U.K.), and as part of the new management agreement, Ifd will have access to future funding through New Sparta for the acquisition of film distribution rights and P+A finance.
Among the changes taking place through this acquisition Ian Dawson will take up the position of Chief Executive Officer at Ifd and Norman Humphrey is joining Ifd as Executive Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. The existing Ifd team formed by Head of Theatrical Zak Brilliant, Head of Home Entertainment Ray Primett and Operations Manager Sarah Brady will be augmented by a number of key individuals to be announced over the coming months. Finally Dr Booth will join Ian Dawson and Norman Humphrey on the board of Icon Film Distribution
Here is what some of the key executives in the purchase had to say about the new partnership:
Dr Jerome Booth, New Sparta founder adds; “I am delighted that New Sparta is adding Ifd to its growing group of media related companies. Ifd is a successful, well established and respected film distribution company and we very much look forward to working with Ian and Norman to build this business into the U.K.’s premier distribution company of choice for high quality and commercially successful film production companies.”
New Ifd CEO, Ian Dawson adds: "We will re-establish Icon Film Distribution as a truly independent U.K. film company with a talented, passionate team working closely with film makers to bring quality, distinctive material to U.K. audiences. Dr Booth, through New Sparta, is demonstrating a real commitment to the U.K. film industry and this makes them the ideal partner to help us to successfully deliver on our exciting plans."
Aviv Giladi, CEO of Icon U.K. Group, adds: “We are delighted that New Sparta has acquired the Icon UK distribution business to add to its media portfolio whilst we at Icon UK Group continue to focus on our growing film finance and production slate.”
Ifd UK titles, some of which will be, or have recently been released via its Lionsgate output deal, include the big screen debut for Postman Pat in Postman Pat: The Movie featuring the voices of Stephen Mangan, David Tennant and Rupert Grint, Nicolas Winding Refn’s Only God Forgives starring Ryan Gosling and Kristin Scott Thomas, horror sensation You’re Next and the forthcoming thriller from the director of The Conjuring, James Wan, Demonic starring Maria Bello.
Icon UK Group, led by CEO Aviv Giladi, is currently co-financing and co-producing several international features through its production arm, Len Blavatnik’s AI Film. Its first project, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, starring Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey, topped the Us box office for three weeks and has grossed over $100 million to date.
AI Film recently announced the Sherlock Holmes mystery A Slight Trick of the Mind at the Toronto International Film Festival to be directed by Oscar®winner Bill Condon and starring Ian McKellen, Martin Scorsese’s Silence which is set to next year, and Rocketman, the spectacular musical event film chronicling the journey of pop music legend Elton John.
On the transaction, New Sparta was represented by Harbottle and Lewis; Icon UK Group was represented by Olswang; and Ian Dawson and Norman Humphrey were represented by Lee & Thompson.
- 10/15/2013
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
Jerome Booth of New Sparta buys Icon UK Distribution; Ian Dawson CEO; Norman Humphrey and Zak Brilliant among execs.
Icon Film Distribution (Ifd) is to relaunch in the UK after being acquired by Jerome Booth’s investment group, New Sparta. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, also includes Icon Home Entertainment UK.
Icon ceased distribution in the UK in late 2011 as the company shifted its focus to production. Over the past year, there has been speculation that Ifd may relaunch and rumours circulated about who would back it.
New Sparta’s acquisition follows the emergence of a gap in the market, following a shake-up in the UK distribution landscape in recent years.
Running Ifd as CEO will be long-standing Icon exec Ian Dawson, who has been with the firm since 2006.
News: New CEO reveals Ifd plans
Norman Humphrey, formerly CEO of The Works Media Group, will join the firm as executive chairman and COO. Zak Brilliant...
Icon Film Distribution (Ifd) is to relaunch in the UK after being acquired by Jerome Booth’s investment group, New Sparta. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, also includes Icon Home Entertainment UK.
Icon ceased distribution in the UK in late 2011 as the company shifted its focus to production. Over the past year, there has been speculation that Ifd may relaunch and rumours circulated about who would back it.
New Sparta’s acquisition follows the emergence of a gap in the market, following a shake-up in the UK distribution landscape in recent years.
Running Ifd as CEO will be long-standing Icon exec Ian Dawson, who has been with the firm since 2006.
News: New CEO reveals Ifd plans
Norman Humphrey, formerly CEO of The Works Media Group, will join the firm as executive chairman and COO. Zak Brilliant...
- 9/23/2013
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
London – Private investment group New Sparta has snapped up Icon Film Distribution (Ifd), the U.K. distribution operation owned and operated by Icon U.K. Group. Icon U.K. Group CEO Aviv Giladi and Jerome Booth, the founder of New Sparta said Monday that Booth's investment company has bought the operation in association with a management team led by Ifd CEO Ian Dawson and the distribution label's COO Norman Humphrey. Photos: Top 10 Dramatic Studio Shake-ups The purchase, which includes titles released though Ifd’s output deal with Lionsgate and the U.K. library, will see Ifd once again begin acquiring films
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- 9/23/2013
- by Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- Chris Auty, one of the most recognizable faces on the international film scene, is quitting his post as CEO of the Works Media Group.
Auty will leave after more than five years with the group, which now includes a U.K. distribution operation along with sales arm and film market regular the Works International.
The executive -- who has steered the group alongside group finance director Norman Humphrey through corporate changes including a strategic withdrawal from direct film production and a listing here on the Alternative Investment Market -- will remain a consultant with the group for three months.
Humphrey is stepping into the vacated role. Auty said in an interview that we wants to spend more time with his children. "I'll be 50 in June and want to see more of my two young children," Auty said. "Norman and I have worked really closely together for five years and I know he will take the business on."
Said Humphrey: "This is a step change in Chris' life but it is not a step change for the Works Media Group.
Auty will leave after more than five years with the group, which now includes a U.K. distribution operation along with sales arm and film market regular the Works International.
The executive -- who has steered the group alongside group finance director Norman Humphrey through corporate changes including a strategic withdrawal from direct film production and a listing here on the Alternative Investment Market -- will remain a consultant with the group for three months.
Humphrey is stepping into the vacated role. Auty said in an interview that we wants to spend more time with his children. "I'll be 50 in June and want to see more of my two young children," Auty said. "Norman and I have worked really closely together for five years and I know he will take the business on."
Said Humphrey: "This is a step change in Chris' life but it is not a step change for the Works Media Group.
- 3/13/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TORONTO -- "The Proposition" is a fascinating, mythological western set in the hot, dusty, fly-infested desolation of the Australian Outback of the 1880s. The violence of the landscape reflects the violence of the savage men, who roam this frontier devoid of civilization and of God. The film is the creation of music icon Nick Cape, who wrote the script and composed much of the music, and director John Hillcoat, a top music video director who made his feature debut with "Ghosts...of the Civil Dead" in 1988. The film deals with morally compromised characters, who fight against but finally yield to destinies over which they have no control.
The film's bloodiness, both suggested and depicted, could limit its appeal. But a western, especially an Australian one, may just seem new again to audiences. That and an outstanding cast, which includes Guy Pearce, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Emily Watson and William Hurt could lead to international boxoffice strength.
The story takes place in the aftermath of an outrageous act of violence. The perpetrators are a gang of ruthless bushrangers lead by three Irish brothers named Burns, who see all English and all law officers as their enemy. But the slaughter has so horrified Charlie Burns (Pearce) that he quits the gang in order to protect his mentally fragile and innocent brother Mikey (Richard Wilson) from their psychotic older brother Arthur (Huston).
In a furious gunfight, Capt. Stanley (Winstone), an English policeman brought to the Outback to "civilize this land," captures the two brothers. Knowing he will never be able to track down Arthur in his hiding place in the badlands, the captain makes an despicable proposition to Charlie: To save Mikey from the gallows, he must track down and kill Arthur.
As Charlie heads into the unforgiving desert, the story splits in two to witness what happens to both men. In town, locals are enraged to learn that Stanley released a killer he had in custody. His superior, Fletcher (David Wenham), not only pressures Stanley to do something about the renegade Aborigines, but incites a mob into flogging Mikey nearly to death, which dooms the proposition.
Meanwhile, Stanley struggles to shield his innocent wife Martha Watson) from the harsh realities of this brutal land. Mostly, he wants to keep from her the truth about what happened to her friend during the Burns gang's slaughter.
In the desert, Charlie is attacked and wounded by Aborigines but saved by Arthur, who takes Charlie to his hideout. A bounty hunter (Hurt) nearly captures the entire gang before Arthur again saves his brother. When Charlie finally tells Arthur that Mikey will be hung, the gang rides back to town for a showdown.
Cave's story unfolds with the unmistakable rhythms of a tragedy foretold: Characters advance toward destinies they cannot avoid. Given these people and these circumstances, things are inevitable.
The actors make the most of these juicy roles. Pearce plays things close to his chest, unwilling to show his hand until the last moment, yet grim certitude is writ large on his face. Huston is a larger-than-life figure, a villain of Shakespearian proportions, who glories in blood and needs his enemies as much as his friends. He is a man unhinged long ago by the desert and English oppression.
Winstone unravels shockingly when he comes to realize the untenable nature of this predicament of his own choosing. Long accustomed to separating his humanity, represented by his wife and home, from the authoritarian nature of his job of knocking heads and working with sadists, he falls apart when that division falls apart.
Watson brightens a fairly minor role as a woman who discovers her backbone in this cruel frontier.
Benoit Delhomme's cinematography makes one feel the heat and oppression of the environment. The music by Cave and Warren Ellis has a haunting edge that isn't quite western or blues or period music but a beautiful, original work that supports the action yet stands completely on its own.
THE PROPOSITION
U.K. Film Council presents a Surefire production of an Autonomous and Jackie O Prods. production
Credits:
Director: John Hillcoat
Writer: Nick Cave
Producers: Chiara Menage, Cat Villiers
Executive producers: Sara Giles, Michael Hamlyn, Chris Auty, Norman Humphrey, James Atherton, Michael Henry, Robert Jones
Director of photography: Benoit Delhomme
Production designer: Chris Kennedy
Costumes: Margot Wilson
Music: Nick Cave, Warren Ellis
Editor: Jon Gregory
Cast:
Charlie: Guy Pearce
Captain Stanley: Ray Winstone
Arthur: Danny Huston
Jellon Lamb: John Hurt
Fletcher: David Wenham
Martha: Emily Watson
Stoat: Tom Budge
Mikey: Richard Wilson
Running time -- 104 minutes
No MPAA rating...
The film's bloodiness, both suggested and depicted, could limit its appeal. But a western, especially an Australian one, may just seem new again to audiences. That and an outstanding cast, which includes Guy Pearce, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston, Emily Watson and William Hurt could lead to international boxoffice strength.
The story takes place in the aftermath of an outrageous act of violence. The perpetrators are a gang of ruthless bushrangers lead by three Irish brothers named Burns, who see all English and all law officers as their enemy. But the slaughter has so horrified Charlie Burns (Pearce) that he quits the gang in order to protect his mentally fragile and innocent brother Mikey (Richard Wilson) from their psychotic older brother Arthur (Huston).
In a furious gunfight, Capt. Stanley (Winstone), an English policeman brought to the Outback to "civilize this land," captures the two brothers. Knowing he will never be able to track down Arthur in his hiding place in the badlands, the captain makes an despicable proposition to Charlie: To save Mikey from the gallows, he must track down and kill Arthur.
As Charlie heads into the unforgiving desert, the story splits in two to witness what happens to both men. In town, locals are enraged to learn that Stanley released a killer he had in custody. His superior, Fletcher (David Wenham), not only pressures Stanley to do something about the renegade Aborigines, but incites a mob into flogging Mikey nearly to death, which dooms the proposition.
Meanwhile, Stanley struggles to shield his innocent wife Martha Watson) from the harsh realities of this brutal land. Mostly, he wants to keep from her the truth about what happened to her friend during the Burns gang's slaughter.
In the desert, Charlie is attacked and wounded by Aborigines but saved by Arthur, who takes Charlie to his hideout. A bounty hunter (Hurt) nearly captures the entire gang before Arthur again saves his brother. When Charlie finally tells Arthur that Mikey will be hung, the gang rides back to town for a showdown.
Cave's story unfolds with the unmistakable rhythms of a tragedy foretold: Characters advance toward destinies they cannot avoid. Given these people and these circumstances, things are inevitable.
The actors make the most of these juicy roles. Pearce plays things close to his chest, unwilling to show his hand until the last moment, yet grim certitude is writ large on his face. Huston is a larger-than-life figure, a villain of Shakespearian proportions, who glories in blood and needs his enemies as much as his friends. He is a man unhinged long ago by the desert and English oppression.
Winstone unravels shockingly when he comes to realize the untenable nature of this predicament of his own choosing. Long accustomed to separating his humanity, represented by his wife and home, from the authoritarian nature of his job of knocking heads and working with sadists, he falls apart when that division falls apart.
Watson brightens a fairly minor role as a woman who discovers her backbone in this cruel frontier.
Benoit Delhomme's cinematography makes one feel the heat and oppression of the environment. The music by Cave and Warren Ellis has a haunting edge that isn't quite western or blues or period music but a beautiful, original work that supports the action yet stands completely on its own.
THE PROPOSITION
U.K. Film Council presents a Surefire production of an Autonomous and Jackie O Prods. production
Credits:
Director: John Hillcoat
Writer: Nick Cave
Producers: Chiara Menage, Cat Villiers
Executive producers: Sara Giles, Michael Hamlyn, Chris Auty, Norman Humphrey, James Atherton, Michael Henry, Robert Jones
Director of photography: Benoit Delhomme
Production designer: Chris Kennedy
Costumes: Margot Wilson
Music: Nick Cave, Warren Ellis
Editor: Jon Gregory
Cast:
Charlie: Guy Pearce
Captain Stanley: Ray Winstone
Arthur: Danny Huston
Jellon Lamb: John Hurt
Fletcher: David Wenham
Martha: Emily Watson
Stoat: Tom Budge
Mikey: Richard Wilson
Running time -- 104 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 9/12/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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