Dancing in November

Authors: Ian
Location: New Jersey

"Dancing in November”

Directed by: Sam Mendes
Screenplay by: Alan Ball

Principal Cast:

Kevin Kline – Ronny Samuels
Kevin Spacey – Darren Samuels
Joseph Gordon-Levitt – Matthew Samuels
Idina Menzel – Samantha Reed
Holly Hunter – Annie Samuels
Jennifer Connelly – Emily Tompkins
Phillip Seymour Hoffman – Blake Williams

Tagline: "In this town, the more you open your eyes, the darker it gets"

Synopsis: “November” follows seven people all connected and how each of their final days is shared with each other. Ronny (Kevin Kline) is the owner of the local diner and is in deep debt, so the (seemingly, at least) ruthless Samantha (Idina Menzel) comes along and shuts down his business. Ronny’s son Matthew (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is fighting a torturous battle with cancer. Ronny’s disturbed brother Darren (Kevin Spacey) is stalking Emily (Jennifer Connelly), who is, unknowingly to her, the love of his life. Ronny’s ex-wife Annie (Holly Hunter) and struggling songwriter boyfriend Blake (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) have dangerous drug addictions with crystal meth and cocaine, respectively. And on November 28, all seven will be put out of their misery.

What the press would say:

“Dancing In November” is one of the darkest films I’ve ever seen, and it also happens to be a modern masterpiece. I haven’t watched a movie this brilliant in years, there’s not a less than stellar thing about the whole movie. Alan Ball and Sam Mendes get special kudos for proving that “American Beauty” was not a fluke…at all. Everyone’s very good, but it’s the supporting players that’ll blow you away. Spacey is absolutely horrifying, you can feel Hunter’s performance down your spine, and Menzel is a huge surprise, upstaging everyone with her remarkable portrayal of the deeply troubled Samantha. Though depressing to watch, “November” is also a very important film and I cannot see it getting anything but acceptance when awards season comes around. Beware, Oscar contenders, you’ve got one hell of a powerful film to take down.

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor – Kevin Kline
Best Supporting Actor – Kevin Spacey
Best Supporting Actress – Idina Menzel
Best Supporting Actress – Holly Hunter
Best Film Editing