Westerns, ballerinas, virtual reality top this season's most anticipated offerings
After indulging their esoteric sensibilities in last year's oddball drama "A Serious Man" and 2008's "Burn After Reading," it's time for Joel and Ethan Coen to hop back into the proverbial saddle of more traditional cinema with "True Grit." The 1800s-era Western follows a 14-year-old girl named Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) as she recruits a one-eyed marshal named "Rooster" Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to hunt down and kill the man who murdered her father. The trailer showcases breathtaking cinematography and the actors' uncanny ability to fire off the Coen brothers' witty dialogue. Look for "True Grit" to be an intense, smart and well-acted tale of revenge.
"Black Swan"
At first glance, a film starring Natalie Portman as a ballerina in New York doesn't seem too intriguing. But throw in the darkly surreal qualities of director Darren Aronofsky ("Requiem for a Dream," "The Wrestler") and the result is a psychological thriller filled with disturbing sexual imagery and body horror. Portman's performance already appears to have some of the largest range of any film this winter and Aronofsky's direction promises to be spastic in its attempts to keep up with her character's decaying life. Master composer Clint Mansell also lends a chillingly beautiful score inspired by ballet music. Those without an interest in unconventional horror might want to avoid this one, but it is certain to impress and unsettle.
"TRON: Legacy"
In a time where virtually all major Hollywood releases contain millions of dollars in computer generated imagery, for Disney to create a sequel to one of the first films to ever feature said technology is a bit strange. Even so, "TRON: Legacy" is finally set to drop in all its 3D IMAX glory. Although the acting and plot both seem a bit mediocre, the visuals and fast-paced camera work promise a great action blockbuster. Virtual reality has never looked quite so cool as it does in "TRON: Legacy" (or sounded as cool, if Daft Punk's score has anything to say about it).
"The Fighter"
Not since the low-budget thriller "The Machinist" has Christian Bale so dramatically altered his physical appearance for a role. This time, he plays the drug-addicted brother of real life boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg), as the film follows Ward's struggles in the ring and in his family life. The film looks like a very commercial true story, but the excellent cast, as well as David O. Russell's direction, will likely embrace that style of film rather than pander to its cliches. And it has director Spike Jonze's seal of approval, if that means anything to you.
"127 Hours"
This film won acclaim when it opened several weeks ago in a limited engagement in New York and Los Angeles, and it is now slowly expanding its way across the U.S. Director Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire") recounts the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston (James Franco), who had his arm trapped under a boulder in a canyon for days before amputating the arm to free himself. Despite its seemingly morbid plot, the film is said to attain a surprising emotional range by continually flashing back to tell about the main character's life. The camera work features all the style and lush color that Boyle is known for. "127 Hours" has been the talk of just about every film festival it's been presented at. If it reaches a theater near you over the break, don't hesitate to see it.