🖤 Issue No. 8: Gattaca

Gattaca, Disney Streaming's Big Win, and other industry news.

Movie recommendations + film industry news, delivered daily to your inbox.

Dear friends,

Today, I'm excited to share a film that left a profound impression on me with its haunting and introspective narrative that blends together genres for a transcending tale. Let's dive into Olivier Assayas' Personal Shopper.

FILM RECOMMENDATION

Gattaca (1997)

Rated 7.7 on IMDb

Directed by: Andrew Niccol

Synopsis: Vincent, an "In-Valid", assumes the identity of a member of the genetic elite to pursue his goal of traveling into space with the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation. However, a week before his mission, a murder marks Vincent as a suspect.

Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Country of Origin / Language(s): United States; English, Esperanto

Our Take: Gattaca, directed by Andrew Niccol, stands as a masterful piece of science fiction that eschews heavy special effects for a contemplative narrative on genetic determinism and societal stratification. The film's sleek neo-noir visual aesthetic, combined with Slawomir Idziak's cinematography and Michael Nyman's evocative score, crafts a chillingly sterile future that feels both timeless and hauntingly plausible. Ethan Hawke delivers a compelling performance as Vincent, a character whose indomitable spirit challenges the deterministic chains of his genetically inferior status, offering a nuanced exploration of human resilience against a backdrop of eugenic elitism. This is a film that marries stylistic elegance with profound introspection, ensuring its place in the pantheon of memorable cinematic achievements.

VISUAL INSPIRATION

Our Favorite Frames

The screen grabs and film excerpts in this newsletter are used for educational purposes under fair use. All rights belong to their respective owners. Contact us with any concerns.

CURATED NEWS

What We’re Reading

DEADLINE: Connie Chiume Dies: ‘Black Panther’ Actor Was 72
The acclaimed South African actress, recognized for her roles in Marvel's Black Panther franchise, passed away in Johannesburg, prompting tributes from fans and the South African government for her impactful contributions to the arts.

SCREEN DAILY: Disney Streaming Business Achieves Profitability for the First Time with Significant Growth
Disney's direct-to-consumer sector reported a profit of $47 million in Q3, marking a substantial turnaround from a $512 million loss last year, driven by strong performances from Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.

NYT: How ‘Inside Out’ and Its Sequel Became a Tool for Therapists and Schools
The beloved Pixar films have transformed the way educators and therapists approach emotional understanding, making it easier for children and adults alike to discuss their feelings and navigate the complexities of growing up.

VARIETY: Oscar Predictions Highlight a Promising Year for Animated Films
With a diverse slate of animated features vying for recognition, including DreamWorks' "The Wild Robot" and Pixar's "Inside Out 2," industry experts are questioning when the Academy will fully embrace animation beyond its dedicated category.

DEADLINE: Warner Bros. Discovery Takes Massive $11.2 Billion In Write-Downs & Charges In Q2 After Losing NBA
The company is facing significant financial challenges, including a $9 billion write-down in its networks division due to the loss of a lucrative NBA broadcasting package, prompting concerns from investors as it navigates a rapidly changing media landscape.

SCREEN DAILY: ‘Barbie’, ‘Wonka’ and ‘Dune: Part Two’ among World Soundtrack Award nominees
The World Soundtrack Awards 2024 has announced its first wave of nominees, featuring prominent artists like Hans Zimmer and Billie Eilish, with winners set to be revealed at the ceremony on October 16 during Film Fest Ghent in Belgium.

DEADLINE: Sony Pictures Entertainment Profit Slides Down To $73M In First Quarter
The company reported a significant drop in operating income and revenues, attributing the decline to fewer theatrical releases and new TV launches, despite some successes from recent films and an increase in Crunchyroll subscriptions.

HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: How the Summer Box Office Went From Tragic to Magic
After a slow start to the summer, the box office rebounded dramatically with record-breaking performances from films like Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2, showcasing a resurgence in audience attendance and a strong finish for the season.

SCREEN DAILY: ‘Bookworm’ Takes Home Audience Award for Best International Film at 2024 Fantasia Festival
The New Zealand family film, featuring Elijah Wood, triumphed at the festival, which also recognized other notable works, including 'The Count Of Monte Cristo' and 'A Samurai In Time' among its various award categories.

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