Synecdoche, New York (Charlie Kaufman, 2008)
- Awesome Welles
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Synecdoche, New York (Charlie Kaufman, 2008)
Charlie Kaufman's new project is a decadent, existential story of a theatre director, Caden (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Caden struggles with his life, love, identity, artistic endeavours and this is punctuated by a decadence that enters the script subtly and then becomes part of the fabric of the narrative. Caden's project involves him building a replica of New York in a warehouse. Through this project the characters involved in the production produce simulations of themselves, with a replication and repetition influencing the course of the narrative.
There are flourishes of Fellini's 8 1/2, Woody Allen, Existential philosophy, Philip K. Dick and much more but the script is Kaufman, any influences are only influences. The script is a tough, original, engaging, horrific, endearing work. Typical of Kaufman the script is also quirky, humorous, haunting, intense and charming all at once. The second act is far too long and the third act needs some work (however I have only read the first draft).
Whilst I have only read about Jacques Rivette's Out 1, there is something in this film which made me think of it. I could be completely wrong but I guess I'll have to see both films before I commit to that. Also the script is likely to have considerably changed from the draft that I have read. The script is a difficult piece for a first time director and I hope that Kaufman pulls it off. Hopefully more news on this project as it develops.
Poster:
There are flourishes of Fellini's 8 1/2, Woody Allen, Existential philosophy, Philip K. Dick and much more but the script is Kaufman, any influences are only influences. The script is a tough, original, engaging, horrific, endearing work. Typical of Kaufman the script is also quirky, humorous, haunting, intense and charming all at once. The second act is far too long and the third act needs some work (however I have only read the first draft).
Whilst I have only read about Jacques Rivette's Out 1, there is something in this film which made me think of it. I could be completely wrong but I guess I'll have to see both films before I commit to that. Also the script is likely to have considerably changed from the draft that I have read. The script is a difficult piece for a first time director and I hope that Kaufman pulls it off. Hopefully more news on this project as it develops.
Poster:
Last edited by Awesome Welles on Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
- Awesome Welles
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Found this article from the La Times if anyone is interested (Hoffman mentions Synecdoche in the last two paragraphs).
- Antoine Doinel
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- Awesome Welles
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This article is about script trading and talks about the script for Synechdoche, New York.
I thought Adaptation was pretty good fun. I think this will either be really, really great or just like Adaptation, good fun, but nothing to write home about. What worries me is it's his first movie directing and it's quite ambitious I wonder whether he'll be able to handle the movie visually.
I thought Adaptation was pretty good fun. I think this will either be really, really great or just like Adaptation, good fun, but nothing to write home about. What worries me is it's his first movie directing and it's quite ambitious I wonder whether he'll be able to handle the movie visually.
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It can't be worse than Jonze's work with his scripts.FSimeoni wrote:This article is about script trading and talks about the script for Synechdoche, New York.
I thought Adaptation was pretty good fun. I think this will either be really, really great or just like Adaptation, good fun, but nothing to write home about. What worries me is it's his first movie directing and it's quite ambitious I wonder whether he'll be able to handle the movie visually.
- toiletduck!
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I think what you mean is Jonze can't work with anything worse than his scripts.
And, in the name of actually contributing to society:
Once again, I'm fascinated by a Kaufman premise, and once again, I'll be right there in line for a ticket. Hopefully I won't (once again) be kicking my own ass as I leave the theater for wasting another ten bucks.
-Toilet Dcuk
And, in the name of actually contributing to society:
Once again, I'm fascinated by a Kaufman premise, and once again, I'll be right there in line for a ticket. Hopefully I won't (once again) be kicking my own ass as I leave the theater for wasting another ten bucks.
-Toilet Dcuk
- Antoine Doinel
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- Steven H
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First Showing.net has a "First Look" piece.
- AWA
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Second image leaked finally
Cannes website features two new stills from the film plus more information - including confirmation that Jon Brion, who did an exceptional job with Eternal Sunshine, is back contributing the musical score.
3 clips now online.
Cannes website features two new stills from the film plus more information - including confirmation that Jon Brion, who did an exceptional job with Eternal Sunshine, is back contributing the musical score.
3 clips now online.
- AWA
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New interview with Charlie on Hollywood Reporter website about the film.
The guy obviously doesn't enjoy interviews, as he's a little defensive. But he sounds happy with the film itself and motivated to do more directing.
The guy obviously doesn't enjoy interviews, as he's a little defensive. But he sounds happy with the film itself and motivated to do more directing.
- Antoine Doinel
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New poster.
Distributors are apparently concerned about the film's 124 minute length (WTF) and Kaufman is apparently very open to editing the film further to suit distributors needs. That said, the description of the film sounds amazing.
Distributors are apparently concerned about the film's 124 minute length (WTF) and Kaufman is apparently very open to editing the film further to suit distributors needs. That said, the description of the film sounds amazing.
- AWA
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This film has been neglected in these parts for whatever reason for a while.
It has since been picked up by Sony Pictures Classics and is slated for an October 24th release date - with no additional editing. It is currently slated to be screened in Toronto next week.
Check out the press kit from Sony for the film here.
It has since been picked up by Sony Pictures Classics and is slated for an October 24th release date - with no additional editing. It is currently slated to be screened in Toronto next week.
Check out the press kit from Sony for the film here.
- mfunk9786
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Unfortunately, it would appear the experience of directing a film - specifically being forced to be involved in the business end of things as well as a result of taking that position - has not been a pleasant experience for Charlie.
In this interview, he states his desire to write any future scripts is in doubt now because he plans to continue to direct his own scripts and thus must face the film industry pressures of getting financial backing, planning for financial return, targeting specific "audiences" in order to secure such financial planning, etc etc etc.
He goes on to state that he does not want to include marketable decisions in his creative process.
Which is fine, Charlie, but as much as I love the guy, that whining complaint is pretty disheartening. If he wants out from under the pressures of making such films, start doing them like Woody or Jarmusch does and make your stuff for $10-$15 million with overseas money. I don't know why he thinks he needs to serve Hollywood interests in order to write.
In this interview, he states his desire to write any future scripts is in doubt now because he plans to continue to direct his own scripts and thus must face the film industry pressures of getting financial backing, planning for financial return, targeting specific "audiences" in order to secure such financial planning, etc etc etc.
He goes on to state that he does not want to include marketable decisions in his creative process.
Which is fine, Charlie, but as much as I love the guy, that whining complaint is pretty disheartening. If he wants out from under the pressures of making such films, start doing them like Woody or Jarmusch does and make your stuff for $10-$15 million with overseas money. I don't know why he thinks he needs to serve Hollywood interests in order to write.
- Antoine Doinel
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