Tag: Sara Driver

THE DEAD DON’T DIE – Review

Jim Jarmusch lets us know right off the bat that THE DEAD DON’T DIE, his take on the zombie genre is not to be taken seriously. It plays the film’s irreverent title song (by Sturgill Simpson) over the opening credits. Minutes later the song is playing in the squad car of Police Chief Cliff Robertson (Bill Murray), prompting him to wonder why it sounds so familiar. “It’s the film’s theme song,” his deputy Ronnie Peterson (Adam Driver) matter-of-factly replies, in the first of several meta moments (mostly delivered by Driver) that include references to the script and “Jim”, the director. There have been zombie comedies before, but Jarmusch puts the ‘dead’ in ‘deadpan’ with THE DEAD DON’T DIE, a quirky zombie parody featuring what’s justifiably been billed as ‘the greatest cast ever assembled for a zombie film’: Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, Chloë Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, Danny Glover, Caleb Landry Jones, Rosie Perez, Iggy Pop, Sara Driver, RZA, Selena Gomez, Carol Kane, Austin Butler, Luka Sabbat and Tom Waits.

In an environmental twist to the zombie legend, it seems the Earth has spun off its axis by something called “polar fracking” causing the dead to spring to life in the one-stoplight town of Centerville, PA and go on the hunt for blood, brains, coffee, wi-fi, chardonnay, and cable TV, things they desired during their living days. THE DEAD DON’T DIE should be enjoyed by everyone who loves Jarmush’s particular low-key style of comedy, but it probably won’t win many converts. Jarmush’s self-conscious, often silly script and absurdist tone makes it hard to fully indulge in its horrific elements, but as director he shows a surprising eye for foggy graveyard atmosphere. Even if the laughs are muted, the cast makes it worthwhile. Highlights include Tom Waits as a woods-dwelling recluse, Steve Buscemi as a racist blowhard who sports a “Make America White Again” hat, and Chloë Sevigny as the only cop on the small force who seems concerned that the citizenry are dining on each other. Tilda Swinton spoofs the sword-wielding philosophical oracle shtick she’s been doing in films lately. She’s terrific, but the heart of THE DEAD DON’T DIE is the dialog between Murray and Driver. “This isn’t going to end well”  the deputy repeats, in a running joke with a big pay-off. THE DEAD DON’T DIE meanders in its second half, and eventually runs out of steam but its still recommended.

3 1/2 of 5 Stars

Magnolia Pictures Takes North American Rights To Director Sara Driver’s BOOM FOR REAL THE LATE TEENAGE YEARS OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT

Magnolia Pictures announced today that they have acquired North American rights to BOOM FOR REAL THE LATE TEENAGE YEARS OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT, director Sara Driver’s (WHEN PIGS FLY, SLEEPWALK) love letter to New York City’s past through the eyes of people who knew the renowned artist.

The film, which world-premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival to critical acclaim, will next screen at the 55TH New York Film Festival, presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

Magnolia plans a 2018 theatrical release.

BOOM FOR REAL THE LATE TEENAGE YEARS OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT follows Basquiat’s life pre-fame and how New York City, the times, the people and the movements surrounding him formed the artist he became. Using never before seen works, writings and photographs, Driver worked closely and collaboratively with her friends and other artists who emerged from that scene: Nan Goldin, Jim Jarmusch, James Nares, Fred Brathwaite aka Fab Five Freddy, Lee Quiñones, Luc Sante and many others. Providing their thoughts, period film footage, music, images, and anecdotes of their young friend, they helped visually tell the story of Basquiat’s downtown NYC – pre Aids, President Reagan, the real estate and art boom, and before anyone was motivated by money and ambition. The definition of fame, success and power were very different than today – to be a penniless but published poet was the height of success, until everything changed in the early 1980’s. This is New York City’s story before that change.

“Sara has crafted an essential portrait of a boundary-pushing artist at the peak of his creativity,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “This is a wildly entertaining film that gets all the details right.”

“I have always admired Magnolia’s film selections and their attention to their releases over the years,” said Driver. “And now, I am honored and delighted to have our film with such a caring and wonderful company of true cinephiles.”

BOOM FOR REAL THE LATE TEENAGE YEARS OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT was produced by Rachel Dengiz and Sara Driver. Production companies are Hells Kitten Productions, Faliro House, Le Pacte, Leopardo Filmes and Bunny Lake Films. Executive producers are Christos V. Konstantakopoulos, Jean Labadie, and Paulo Branco.

The deal was negotiated by Magnolia co-EVP Dori Begley and Magnolia SVP of Acquisitions John Von Thaden, with ICM Partners on behalf of the filmmakers.