Ryan Gosling is fast becoming an actor to watch, and this week he stars in a film called All Good Things (Saturday 4 August, 8.30pm), a murder mystery based on one of New York’s unsolved and most notorious missing person cases. The names of those involved have been changed, in response to objections from the families involved, so alleged serial killer Robert Durst is known as David Marks in this film and is played by Ryan Gosling.
Ryan Gosling is fast becoming an actor to watch, and this week he stars in a film called All Good Things (Saturday 4 August, 8.30pm), a murder mystery based on one of New York’s unsolved and most notorious missing person cases. The names of those involved have been changed, in response to objections from the families involved, so alleged serial killer Robert Durst is known as David Marks in this film and is played by Ryan Gosling.
A troubled young man from a ruthless and very wealthy New York family, Marks marries the girl of his dreams (Kirsten Dunst) and hopes to escape his family’s ambitious expectations. He does, however, get sucked into the family real estate business and as his professional and personal life begin to crumble his beautiful wife goes missing - which sets off an unusual series of events.
Gosling is perhaps one of the most adventurous actor working in Hollywood these days. He has the ability to pull off unusual characters with great conviction (Lars and the Real Girl), isn’t afraid of addiction or being a sleaze (Half Nelson, Crazy Stupid Love) and doesn’t seem worried about being disliked (Blue Valentine). He can also do action (Drive), and has been involved with a Nicholas Sparks adaptation (The Note Book) and retained his credibility. He’s certainly come a long way since the days of Young Hercules.
August is just days away, so let me give you a run-down of what else to expect this month:
Our contemporary British drama series Moving On from the creator of Cracker continues on Monday evenings at 8.30pm.
World Cinema presents the Italian Film Season on Tuesday evenings at 8.30pm. Obviously worth viewing for its eclectic collection of Italian films alone, the bonus is you could also win a VESPA LX50 (we would all look so very good on a VESPA) - you’ll find all the details here on the Rialto Channel website.
Double Exposure continues across Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 8.30pm, screening two complementary documentaries. This week we have documentaries for foodies; El Bulli: Cooking in Progress (Wednesday 1st August) and Jiro Dreams of Sushi (Thursday 2nd August). 2012 is becoming the year of the documentary for me - I just can’t get enough of them - so this is currently one of my favourite series.
And a new director graces our Directors Showcase. This month we’re celebrating the work of 7 times Oscar nominee, Mike Leigh. His films Naked, Secrets and Lies, Career Girls and Topsy-Turvy all feature, along with the television premiere of Another Year (Saturday 25th August, 8.30pm)
Also, I’m curious to know what you thought of the opening night film at the NZIFF? Beasts of the Southern Wild kicked off proceedings both in Auckland and Wellington and reaction has been mixed. In Auckland, I’ve heard comments about the lackluster applause, a few quips from folks who thought it was an “unusual” choice for Opening Night, one punter even made the comment he thought it was a “chick flick”.
Personally, I thought it was a unique and moving debut feature film by a director with an extraordinary point of view. The more I think about it, sure, I can see the flaws, but on the night it took my breath away. I can’t think of a more fitting way to start a film festival.