Carey Mulligan and me at the New York Film Festival's premier of "Inside Llewyn Davis." (Photo by Adrienne Straley) |
The premier came on the heels of a press screening of the film just days earlier during which the Coens revealed that it is "probable" they will make the transition from film to digital shooting for future projects. Two of cinema's remaining traditional auteurs embracing the digital age is sure to stir up some grumbling among film purists, and even Joel himself told media he was not "wildly enthusiastic about the idea," however, talk of the Coens was nothing short of flattery on the red carpet Saturday.
"I would never want to mess with a Coen brother script," said Mulligan ("Never Let Me Go," "An Education," "Shame") when asked if there was any improvisation on the set of the film. "I was just given this gift of a role with these amazing sort of ranting monologues and I was just so lucky."
John Goodman signs autographs for fans at the red carpet premier. (Photo by Michael Iannucci) |
Isaac ("Drive") pointed to the guidance he received from the brothers during shooting (in what was his first lead role) as "more than I could even possibly comprehend" and cast member Garrett Hedlund ("Tron," "Four Brothers") told Hilary Lewis of The Hollywood Reporter that he knew the film was going to be something special as soon as he saw the Coen name attached to it.
Coen brother film regular John Goodman ("The Big Lebowski"), who apparently has some of the more memorable lines in the film, previewed his witty banter on the red carpet. "We are pretty serious about our damn comedy," said Goodman of his relationship with the Coens.
Another aspect of the "Inside Llewyn Davis" earning considerable praise from critics and early audiences alike is its music. The film (about the Greenwich Village folk scene in 1961) features a soundtrack co-produced by T-Bone Burnett and Marcus Mumford of the popular band Mumford & Sons (and husband to Mulligan). Mumford helped write some original music for the movie, including the much-talked about track (featured in some trailers for the film) "Fare Thee Well (Dink's Song)." The film will also feature music performed by cast member Justin Timberlake (though certainly not the type of music you're used to hearing from him). Apparently the pop star isn't half bad as a folk artist.
The New York Film Festival red carpet. (Photo by Adrienne Straley) |
While Oscar nominations for the film are already expected in many of the major categories, the score seems all but a definite lock for one. In fact, Mumford, Mulligan and others from the film performed at a concert celebrating the music of the film just a day after its premier in New York. It is pretty hard to imagine a movie that features such a talented cast and skillful direction yet remains focused around its music not getting at least a nomination for its score.
Also in attendance at the red carpet premier were cast members F. Murray Abraham, Max Casella, Alex Karpovsky, and Jeanine Serralles.
"Inside Llewyn Davis" plays twice more at the New York Film Festival (Oct. 5 and 11) before its wide release Dec. 20. I will be at the Oct. 11 showing so expect a review soon!